Phenom Resources: Capitalizing on Trump’s Mineral Production Revival

The U.S. mineral landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, driven by President Trump’s Executive Order on Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, signed on March 20, 2025. This landmark policy aims to reduce reliance on foreign mineral imports—particularly from China—and position the U.S. as a self-sufficient leader in critical resource production. Among the companies at the forefront of this transformation is Phenom Resources Corp. (TSXV: PHNM), whose projects are strategically aligned with the administration’s priorities.

The Executive Order’s Game-Changing Provisions

The Executive Order targets critical minerals—including vanadium, copper, gold, and rare earth elements—deemed vital for national security, infrastructure, and defense. Key mechanisms include:
1. Expedited Permitting: Federal agencies must fast-track approvals for projects with submitted permits, with timelines shortened to as little as 30 days for priority projects.
2. Federal Land Reallocation: Mining is now prioritized over other uses on federal lands with mineral deposits.
3. Defense Production Act (DPA) Financing: The DPA grants the Department of Defense and U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) authority to offer loans, equity, and political risk insurance for mineral ventures.

This framework directly addresses China’s dominance, which supplies 80% of U.S. rare earth imports and 95% of gallium (critical for semiconductors). The Order’s Permitting Dashboard, launched April 18, 2025, publicly tracks 10 initial projects, including those tied to Phenom.

Phenom’s Strategic Projects: Aligning with Policy Objectives

Phenom’s portfolio positions it as a prime beneficiary of the Order’s reforms:

1. Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project

Phenom holds 100% of this Nevada-based project, which hosts North America’s largest high-grade primary vanadium resource. Vanadium is a critical mineral used in:
- Steel alloys (hardening infrastructure components).
- Flow batteries (grid-scale energy storage for renewables).

Vanadium demand is projected to grow at 6.5% annually, driven by renewable energy adoption and defense applications.

The project already has a plan of operation permit, placing it ahead of competitors. Under the Order’s reforms, Phenom could leverage the DPA to secure financing for scaling production.

2. Dobbin and King Solomon Gold Projects

These Alaska-based projects have active drill permit applications, which now benefit from the Order’s expedited review process. Gold’s role as a strategic hedge against inflation and geopolitical instability adds to their appeal.

3. Policy Synergy

Phenom’s projects align with the Order’s focus on:
- Critical minerals: Vanadium and gold are explicitly listed as priorities.
- Federal land use: Both projects operate on federally managed lands, now prioritized for mineral development.
- Permitting transparency: The Carlin Project is among the first listed on the Permitting Dashboard, signaling regulatory favor.

The Permitting Dashboard: A Catalyst for Efficiency

The Dashboard, mandated under the Order, requires agencies to publish review schedules and authorization timelines for priority projects. For Phenom, this transparency could accelerate its drill permits for Dobbin and King Solomon.

PHNM’s stock surged 18% in April 2025 following the Dashboard’s launch, reflecting investor optimism.

The administration’s focus on reducing regulatory bottlenecks has already spurred momentum. For example, the Pebble Project—a copper deposit in Alaska—saw its stock rise 30% as the Order revived stalled permitting. While Phenom and Pebble are independent, both benefit from the same policy tailwinds.

Risks and Considerations

Despite the tailwinds, challenges remain:
- Legal hurdles: Environmental groups may challenge fast-tracked permits, risking delays.
- Market conditions: Vanadium prices remain volatile; demand depends on renewables adoption and geopolitical tensions.
- Policy execution: Congress must approve funding for DPA programs, though the Order relies on existing authorities to avoid legislative bottlenecks.

Phenom’s forward-looking statements acknowledge these risks but emphasize the long-term strategic advantage of the Order’s reforms.

Conclusion: A Strategic Opportunity in a Critical Sector

Phenom Resources is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the U.S. mineral revival. Its Carlin Gold-Vanadium Project—a crown jewel in North America’s critical minerals landscape—coupled with the administration’s policy push, creates a compelling investment thesis.

Key data points reinforce this outlook:
- Vanadium demand: Expected to hit 240,000 metric tons by 2030, up from 120,000 in 2020 (per Roskill).
- U.S.-China trade imbalance: The U.S. imports 75% of its barite and 60% of its graphite from China, underscoring reliance the Order aims to dismantle.
- Policy momentum: The Permitting Dashboard’s first wave of projects—already 10 strong—signals rapid execution.

For investors, Phenom offers exposure to a sector with strategic, geopolitical, and energy transition tailwinds. While risks persist, the confluence of policy support, critical mineral demand, and Phenom’s operational readiness positions it as a standout play in the U.S. mineral renaissance.

The U.S. imported $24B in critical minerals from China in 2024—a gap the Order aims to close.

In sum, Phenom Resources is not just a mining play—it’s a bet on America’s mineral sovereignty.

Disclaimer: This analysis is based on hypothetical future policy and market conditions as detailed in the provided research. Past performance does not guarantee future results.