critical minerals
Newsletter
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Biden administration considers price support for US minerals to counter China
The Biden administration is contemplating federal price supports for U.S. critical minerals projects to counter the impact of cheap Chinese imports that threaten domestic production.
In short:
- The Energy Department may establish a price floor for U.S.-produced critical minerals to secure domestic supply chains.
- Chinese oversupply has caused mineral prices to plummet, endangering U.S. projects that received Biden administration grants.
- The proposal seeks to protect U.S. projects from foreign market manipulation, potentially requiring Congressional approval.
Key quote:
“If we move forward on anything like this, the intent would be to give the nudge that is needed to set off the flywheel, versus create a permanent subsidy or cushion for a particular sector or company going forward.”
— Anonymous Energy Department official
Why this matters:
China’s dominance in the critical minerals market threatens the U.S.’s ability to produce essential materials for clean energy technologies. Ensuring a stable domestic supply chain is vital for national security and the clean energy transition.
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Credit: JamesDeMers/Pixabay
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.
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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Credit: Ken Lund/Flickr
Biden’s EV agenda hits mining world’s boom-and-bust cycle
With a dramatic decline in lithium prices over the last year, companies are putting projects on hold, even as the Biden administration is trying to juice domestic mining and processing sector for critical minerals.
Credit: Roy/Flickr
Extraction of raw materials to rise by 60% by 2060, says UN report
Exclusive: Report proposes action to reduce overall demand rather than simply increasing ‘green’ production.
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Photo by Jonny Caspari on Unsplash
Ontario First Nations call for pause on mining claims
Thousands of online mining claims are being made on the territories of First Nations without their consent — and often they aren’t even told about it.
Credit: EARTHWORKS/Flickr
Oil companies used to run this town. Now they’re back — to mine for lithium.
Fossil fuel companies like ExxonMobil are looking at rural communities to mine for critical minerals, raising familiar hopes and fears.
Newsletter
Photo by Andreas Gücklhorn on Unsplash
Has solar energy been deployed to the point of no return? Some researchers think so
Solar energy may see widespread adoption even without additional policies supporting renewable energy, says a recent study.
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