“Critical minerals should not be used as a tool of blackmail,” Sikorski said during a press conference after participating in a conference organized by the US State Department on Wednesday.
“Their production must be more geographically diversified, as this is part of our economic and supply chain security," he added.
The initiative, aimed at countering supply threats and price manipulation, comes in response to export controls announced by China last year on rare earth elements and other metals vital to global industries, Polish state news agency PAP reported.
Though China was not explicitly named, US officials have pointed to the need to reduce dependency on a single dominant supplier.
Sikorski praised the new US proposal as “fresh” and said negotiations with European allies would intensify in the coming weeks.
“When the United States proposes something reasonable … we should support it,” he said, adding that the European Union already shares the initiative’s goals.
US Vice President J.D. Vance said Washington plans to create a trade bloc to shield critical mineral supply chains, including the introduction of minimum prices to support new mining projects and prevent undercutting by low-cost producers.
Sikorski held bilateral talks on the sidelines of the conference, including with US Secretary of State Mark Rubio.
He said the two discussed critical minerals, as well as global issues including Venezuela, Iran, Cuba and the war in Ukraine.
“We share most views and actions,” Sikorski said.
The Polish foreign minister is scheduled to meet members of the US Congress on Thursday before traveling to Chicago for talks with local officials and members of the Polish diaspora.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP