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.
