In a period of rapid transformation and geopolitical competition, confidence in market operations has become a shared priority for business, government, and civil society. As global trade patterns shift and demand for critical minerals accelerates, cooperation across value chains is essential for growth and stability. Strengthened integrity in investment, procurement, and partnerships promotes fair competition and builds resilience across mineral-linked industries.
Introducing CIPE PROTECT
CIPE implements the U.S. Department of State’s Promoting Responsible Ownership and Transparency in Critical Minerals (PROTECT) initiative. CIPE PROTECT mobilizes business, government, and civil society to strengthen market trust, reduce risks in critical-mineral supply chains, and reinforce resilience across sectors that depend on them – from mining and processing to technology, transport, defense, and logistics.
PROTECT serves as a platform for U.S. and partner countries to operate with greater confidence in complex markets. It generates the insights, tools, and partnerships that advance responsible engagement, expand market access, and support transparent, rules-based trade. Beginning in 2025, PROTECT maps governance and political risks across priority mineral supply chains and deploys targeted solutions in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
Program Objectives
1. Strengthened Policy and Market Alignment
Governments and partners design and implement regulatory and investment approaches that support responsible sourcing, open markets, and resilient supply chains.
2. Enhanced Business Integrity and Resilience
Organizations – from multinationals to SMEs – operate with transparent, risk-based integrity systems that meet international expectations and reduce exposure to operational risks and political interference.
3. Advanced Technological Solutions and Innovation
Value chain actors use new tools that improve market access, traceability, and investment readiness in critical mineral sectors.
Program Activities
Minerals Integrity & Resilience Alliance (MIRA)
PROTECT will establish MIRA as a global collective-action platform that unites private-sector supply-chain partners to identify risks and co-create integrity solutions powered by technology and innovation. Through aligned incentives and reduced uncertainty, MIRA expands operating confidence for U.S. and partner companies in complex environments.
Interested in joining MIRA? Apply here.
Strategic Knowledge on Critical Minerals
In partnership with Rovjok, PROTECT develops governance risk-mapping system that integrates critical minerals value-chain mapping with good governance and market-risk analysis. This delivers clear visibility of integrity risks and actionable recommendations from mine to market.
Stakeholder Dialogues
PROTECT creates structured forums where industry, government, and civil society discuss investment risks, align standards, and strengthen conditions for responsible minerals development.
Critical Minerals Hackathons
Across Africa, Latin America, and Asia, PROTECT convenes industry, technologists, and policymakers through innovation challenges to co-design digital tools enhancing transparency, traceability, and due diligence.
Get Involved
For information on how to contribute to PROTECT please contact CIPE at PROTECT@cipe.org
In collaboration with the U.S. Department of State.