Washington needs to move faster on critical minerals projects to challenge China’s control of key resources, three U.S. mining and refining executives warned Thursday.

The push underscores how Washington’s support for the sector — including taking stakes in mining companies and guaranteeing a price floor for the only U.S. rare earths mine — is falling short of what industry leaders say is needed amid Chinese competition.

Executives from Perpetua Resources, American Rare Earths and Westwin Elements told the Reuters NEXT conference that the U.S. government should release a comprehensive minerals plan, pressure Indonesia to trim nickel production, and speed approval times for U.S. Export-Import Bank loans.

KaLeigh Long, CEO of Westwin, which is building the only U.S. nickel refinery, is

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