Leah Germain
A clear coordinated critical minerals strategy is needed if the US is to compete in global markets for clean energy and technology, warn key industry figures.
In the State of the Union address on 24 January, President Barack Obama emphasised the importance of developing energy sources that prevent the US from being dependent on foreign resources. Alternative energy and transport technology requires a range of industrial minerals, including rare earths, lithium and graphite.
Yet critical minerals experts warn that any potential strategies in this area are bound to fail unless the US government comes up with a proactive plan to drastically expand the country’s rare earth mining and technology sector.
Michael Silver, CEO of global manufacturer and supplier of advanced materials, American Elements, said that the development of a rare earth mining programme in the US was of the utmost importance.
“[In his speech, President Obama] talks...