Mining companies seek Washington insiders to navigate regulatory challenges

Mining companies are turning to former government officials and lobbyists to secure critical minerals and compete with China.

Hannah Northey reports for E&E News.

In short:

Mining firms are enlisting former officials to navigate regulatory hurdles and leverage tax incentives from the Inflation Reduction Act.
There’s an increase in advocacy efforts focused on accelerating federal and state mining approvals for essential minerals like lithium and cobalt.
Despite efforts, a cohesive U.S. strategy for critical minerals is still lacking, raising concerns about China's dominance in the supply chain.

Key quote:

“We’re at a pivotal point … if we don’t come up with a strategy by 2025, I think it’s game over.”

— Peter Bryant, strategist at Clareo

Why this matters:

Critical minerals are essential for technologies like electric vehicles and renewable energy. Without a clear strategy, the U.S. risks dependency on China, affecting economic and national security.

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Mining companies seek Washington insiders to navigate regulatory challenges

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