Enhancing National Security

In uncertain times, U.S. mining provides essential elements for safeguarding our nation.

Despite being home to one of the world’s leading minerals reserves, cumbersome permitting processes contribute to the U.S. remaining import-dependent for 46 key metals and minerals –100 percent import-dependent for 17 of those. Import reliance subjects our supply chains to geopolitical instability and supply disruption.

Our Armed Forces rely on domestic metals and minerals for sophisticated weapons systems and safe transport of our troops. Our abundant supplies of metals and minerals minimize our reliance on foreign countries for these vital resources used in tanks, aircraft carriers, jets and submarines.

For example, beryllium is used to reduce weight and improve guidance performance in fighter jets and NASA technologies such as the mirrors on the James Webb Space Telescope. And metals such as copper, lead and nickel are used in military gear, weapons systems and other defense technologies.

America’s security depends on our ability to access and utilize the domestic energy and minerals resources that are abundant in the U.S.

    Member Feature Story

    Cobalt and Nickel to Support Defense

    The Doe Run Company has announced a $7 million award from the Department of Defense to construct and commission a plant for cobalt and nickel products. The facility is planned to be constructed in Missouri. Cobalt and nickel are essential to national security, and sourcing materials within the U.S. is... Read More

    March 19, 2024

    Enhancing National Security

    Electronics for a Modern Military

    In the first nine months of 2021, global consumption of gold in electronics increased by about 13 percent. Gold is essential in electronics – and ideal for small components – due to its high electrical conductivity and its resistance to tarnishing. On average, a computer contains 0.2 grams of gold. And... Read More

    December 19, 2022

    Antimony to Ammunition

    The U.S. military needs to know its supplies are reliably sourced and available when needed. That’s why the Defense Logistics Agency at the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded two grants to Perpetua Resources for the study of domestic production of antimony trisulfide. Antimony is an essential... Read More

    October 20, 2022

    Supporting the Reserves

    The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. Employers can participate in the Statement of Support Program to show and maintain their support of... Read More

    August 24, 2022

    Supplying for Our National Defense

    Antimony is a critical component of national defense preparedness, and we have a supply ready to be mined in the U.S.. Antimony is necessary to produce everything from armor-piercing bullets and explosives to nuclear weapons and night vision goggles. That’s why H.R. 7900, the National Defense Authorization... Read More

    July 08, 2022

    Honoring Our Veterans

    On December 17, it’s the mission of Wreaths Across America to remember and honor U.S. veterans by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in cemeteries across the U.S., at sea and abroad. By taking time during the holiday season, we can best show our appreciation for the veterans from the Revolutionary... Read More

    February 22, 2022