Volato, M2i Global announce initiative to develop Strategic Minerals Reserve

Volato Group (SOAR) and M2i Global (MTwo) announced a public-private initiative to develop and operate the United States’ first Strategic Minerals Reserve, which will secure the nation’s supply of critical minerals and metals essential to defense, clean energy, and industrial leadership. The SMR will be headquartered at the Hawthorne Army Depot in Mineral County, Nevada and is designed to store, refine, and distribute critical minerals like gallium, graphite, and copper, all of which are essential for everything from defense systems and semiconductors to electric vehicles and battery technology. The SMR is a platform-based approach to securing the nation’s mineral and metal needs, combining: Secure Storage & Logistics at a federally controlled site with access to rail and intermodal infrastructure. Refining & Recycling capabilities to close the domestic processing gap. Ethical Sourcing & Traceability from U.S.-allied nations and verified partners. AI Forecasting Tools to predict future material needs and optimize inventory. Workforce Development through partnerships with Nevada universities, training centers, and technical institutes. The project will revitalize the Hawthorne region, create high-quality jobs, and bring federal investment to support national security through a localized, efficient supply chain.