Source link : https://bq3anews.com/how-the-us-can-mine-its-own-critical-minerals-%E2%88%92-without-digging-new-holes/
Every time you use your phone, open your computer or listen to your favorite music on AirPods, you are relying on critical minerals.
These materials are the tiny building blocks powering modern life. From lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite in batteries to gallium in telecommunication systems that enable constant connectivity, critical minerals act as the essential vitamins of modern technology: small in volume but vital to function.
Yet the U.S. depends heavily on imports for most critical materials. In 2024 the U.S. imported 80% of rare earth elements it used, 100% of gallium and natural graphite, and 48% to 76% of lithium, nickel and cobalt, to name a few.
Rising global demand, high import dependency and growing geopolitical tensions have made critical mineral supply an increasing national security concern − and one of the most urgent supply chain challenges of our time.
That raises a question: Could the U.S. mine and process more critical minerals at home?
As a geochemist who leads Georgia Tech’s Center for Critical Mineral Solutions and an engineer focused on energy innovation, we have been exploring the options and barriers for U.S. critical mineral production.
What’s stopping critical minerals from being produced domestically?
Let’s take a look at rare earth elements.
These elements are essential to modern technology, electric vehicles, energy systems and military applications. For example, neodymium is critical for making the strong magnets used in…
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Author : bq3anews
Publish date : 2025-05-06 14:26:00
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