Colombia and US sign nuclear and minerals deals as Rubio visits region
On September 8, the United States and Colombia signed two memorandums of understanding in Barranquilla covering civil nuclear cooperation and the mining of critical minerals and rare earths. The signing was attended by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, President Abelardo De La Espriella and Foreign Minister Omar Bula Escobar. Officials said implementation would begin within six months.
Why it matters: The agreements advance the critical minerals theme by positioning Colombia in US supply chains for batteries and clean-technology industries.