A quiet but well-funded federal program to locate underground stores of key minerals needed for energy and national security gained support from both Presidents Trump and Biden, even as their broader climate policies diverged.
Maddie Stone reports for Grist.
In short:
- The U.S. Geological Survey’s Earth MRI program is mapping mineral-rich regions across the country, using airborne surveys and satellite imaging to find metals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths.
- Originally launched under Trump in 2019 and expanded by the 2021 infrastructure law, Earth MRI continues under renewed Trump leadership with bipartisan support, reflecting both climate and military priorities.
- The program has surveyed nearly 25% of the U.S. and begun assessing old mine waste for valuable minerals, but future funding past 2026 remains uncertain without new congressional support.
Key quote:
“If we want to have more mineral exploration, more secure domestic supply chains of metals and minerals, then we need to have these data.”
— Simon Jowitt, director of the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology
Why this matters:
As the U.S. accelerates its transition to clean energy, the demand for critical minerals like lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements is surging — driven by the rise of electric vehicles, solar farms, and wind power infrastructure. But expanding mining operations on U.S. soil brings its own set of tradeoffs. Communities near potential mining sites are concerned about water contamination, destruction of habitats, and the long-term health risks associated with heavy metal exposure. Environmental groups argue that without stricter oversight and community input, a push for domestic sourcing could undermine the very sustainability goals the clean energy transition is meant to achieve. Whether Earth MRI’s maps lead to more responsible mining or renewed grassroots resistance remains an open question.
Learn more: Recycling old batteries could ease pressure on mining for clean energy minerals
