Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth fund ADQ will contribute US$600 million to a US$1.8 billion initiative supported by the US and UAE governments.
The project, which also includes a US$600 million investment from Orion Resource Partners, a private equity firm, seeks to strengthen access to lithium, rare earths, and other essential minerals.
This announcement comes amid growing global concerns over supply chain security following China’s restrictions on critical mineral exports, a sector it has long dominated. The demand for these resources continues to rise due to their significance in renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and semiconductor production.
The new platform, titled the Orion Critical Mineral Consortium (Orion CMC), will focus on investing in strategic mineral projects within DFC-eligible markets.
Orion CMC represents one of the largest collaborative efforts to establish secure and sustainable critical mineral supply chains for the United States and its allies. The platform also opens opportunities for additional investors to participate alongside the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) in funding such projects.
Earlier this year, ADQ and Orion Resource Partners formed a 50-50 joint venture based in Abu Dhabi to invest strategically in the metals and mining industry. The venture aimed to strengthen supply chain resilience globally, with US$1.2 billion committed over its first four years.
UAE-US Fund Addresses Critical Mineral Security
The newly launched Orion CMC, now joined by the DFC with a US$600 million contribution, underscores both nations’ commitment to securing critical resources.
Ben Black, CEO of DFC, stated: “Securing critical minerals is a paramount matter of US strategic interest and economic prosperity. Orion CMC was created to establish a robust pipeline of secure critical mineral investments vital to advancing American economic prosperity. I’m proud of the incredible work by DFC and its partners to secure these vital resources, which will safeguard America’s leadership in advanced technologies.”
Oskar Lewnowski, Founder and CEO of Orion Resource Partners LP, added: “We are delighted to partner with DFC in establishing this mission-driven consortium to help bridge the substantial funding gap needed to accelerate investment in the critical minerals supply chain and drive US economic growth. Orion CMC brings together experienced operators with the expertise to build a diversified portfolio of critical minerals across multiple jurisdictions. With DFC’s strong support, we look forward to delivering on this opportunity.”
At the formation of the Abu Dhabi-based joint venture, Hamad Al Hammadi, Deputy Group CEO at ADQ, remarked: “As a long-term investor, we are committed to ensuring that our portfolio companies are set up for success in an ever-changing operating environment. The establishment of Orion Abu Dhabi allows our companies to pursue ambitious growth plans while securing a stable supply of essential resources. Orion’s expertise and global network will be invaluable to this partnership.”
The consortium aims to expand its fund to US$5 billion through contributions from additional global investors. It plans to accelerate mineral availability to markets while avoiding early-stage exploration projects.
This announcement follows a similar move by Appian Capital Advisory and the International Finance Corporation, which recently launched a US$1 billion fund focused on mineral investments across Africa and Latin America.
