Mining provides the raw materials required for nearly every industry and consumer product, feeding our manufacturing, technology, transportation, medical, defense and energy supply chains. From foundations to roofs, power plants to wind farms, roads and bridges to communications grids and data storage centers — America’s energy and infrastructure projects begin with mining.
In fact, minerals such as copper, lithium, silver, nickel and aluminum are critical inputs to infrastructure, renewable energy, electric vehicles and digital technology. As these sectors of the economy grow, mineral demands will increase exponentially. To ensure our economic recovery, we must address our mineral import reliance and the vulnerabilities that exist in our mineral supply chains. Securing U.S. supply chains can boost the U.S. economy and create high-paying jobs. And coal provides both affordable and reliable energy Americans need as they get back to work, and supports steelmaking to boost infrastructure projects.
As the United States works to rebuild in the wake of economic turmoil spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, here are three steps policymakers can take to jumpstart the economy and secure our supply chains:
- Streamline the permitting process to avoid duplication among federal and state agencies, set and adhere to timelines and schedules for completion of the permitting process, and track progress to provide accountability.
- Maintain mining’s inclusion as Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST-41) covered sector.
- As part of “Buy American” efforts, require federal agencies to acquire minerals first from within the U.S.
Read More:
U.S. Minerals Mining: THE HEART OF OUR ECONOMIC RECOVERY AND A PROSPEROUS FUTURE
Our Medical Supply Chain Needs a Strong Domestic Mining Industry
Copper, Gold & Silver: Keys to an Advanced Tech Future
Minerals: The Bedrock of Supply Chain Security
Securing Our Supply Chains
Strengthening America’s Infrastructure: Met Coal
Biden Must Focus on Affordable, Reliable Energy