The aim of the group is to challenge China’s stronghold on the globe’s rare earth mining.

Trump's move is aimed at cutting America's dependence on China for materials essential to electric vehicles, defense systems and advanced technology.

Other countries are expected to join Project Vault, which US president said would ensure that US businesses are ‘never harmed by any shortage’

The moves come shortly after President Donald Trump announced the establishment of a U.S. critical mineral reserve.

More than 50 countries are represented at the Critical Minerals Ministerial to discuss how to reduce reliance on China.

The Trump administration has put critical minerals at the heart of its trade and industrial policies in an effort to reduce dependence on China.

The aim of the group is to challenge China’s stronghold on the globe’s rare earth mining.

An event was attended by representatives of at least 50 countries, the White House said.

The U.S. is mobilizing allies into a preferential trade bloc for critical minerals as part of efforts to counter China's dominance in the market.