Critical minerals are the backbone of modern technology, clean energy, and national security. They are essential for producing batteries, semiconductors, renewable energy systems, and defense applications like antimony. As such, they are indispensable for a sustainable future, powering clean technologies.
The United States, like many countries, is working to secure its supply of these materials amid growing geopolitical challenges and rising demand. This effort is underlined by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) recent funding announcement. The agency revealed a $45 million investment to develop regional consortia for critical minerals and materials.
America’s Growing Need for Critical Minerals
The U.S. is heavily reliant on imports from various countries for most of its critical minerals as shown below. The country relies on imports for 95% or more of 13 critical minerals, with China supplying more than half of these, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Thus, the government is working hard to address this reliance, with the DOE’s recent investment.
The funding supports six projects aimed at extracting minerals from unconventional and secondary sources like coal by-products, petroleum industry waste, and acid mine drainage. These innovative approaches not only reduce reliance on imports but also create high-wage jobs and environmental benefits.
For example, the University of Texas at Austin is exploring resources from the Gulf Coast and Permian Basin, while Virginia Polytechnic Institute is evaluating critical minerals in the Appalachian Mountains. These initiatives align with the DOE’s Carbon Ore, Rare Earth, and Critical Minerals (CORE-CM) Initiative, expanding its scope to cover eight regions across the U.S.
The U.S. DOE’s CORE-CM Initiative is a multi-year effort aimed at promoting regional economic growth and job creation. It focuses on accelerating the development of upstream and midstream critical mineral supply chains, essential for clean energy technologies and national security.
Brad Crabtree, Assistant Secretary of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management, emphasized the dual benefits of these efforts, saying:
“Rebuilding a domestic supply chain for critical minerals and materials here at home will both safeguard our national security and support the continued development of a clean energy and industrial economy.”
Trump’s Approach to Critical Minerals: A Mixed Outlook
The incoming President Donald Trump has criticized Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), labeling it a “green scam” and pledging to repeal it if re-elected. This raises concerns for renewable energy initiatives like EVs and wind power. Yet, his past policies suggest a strong focus on critical mineral self-sufficiency.
In 2020, Trump declared foreign dependence on critical minerals a national emergency, advocating for the domestic production of these resources. Though he opposes the IRA’s renewable energy spending, his administration supported industrial revitalization, including $75 million to upgrade Constellium’s aluminum mill, ensuring critical minerals remain a priority.
Trump’s “America First” stance focuses on reducing U.S. dependency on China for critical minerals. The DOE and DOD are investing in domestic metal production, targeting materials like lithium and antimony.
Antimony: A Critical Mineral of Strategic Importance
Among the critical minerals, antimony is a key player. It is used in applications such as battery technology, solar panels, flame retardants, and even ammunition. However, the U.S. currently relies heavily on imports, primarily from China, for its antimony supply.
This dependency highlights the importance of the Stibnite Gold-Antimony Project in Idaho. Perpetua Resources Corp., the company behind the project, recently received approval from the U.S. Forest Service to begin development. The decision followed eight years of environmental studies, tribal consultations, and regulatory reviews.
The project stands out for several reasons:
- Domestic Supply: With 148 million pounds of antimony reserves, it is the only domestic source of this mineral in the U.S.
- Reducing Foreign Reliance: The project could meet 35% of the total U.S. antimony demand in its first six years, lessening dependence on Chinese exports.
- National Security: Antimony is vital for defense applications like bullet manufacturing, making its domestic availability a strategic priority.
The Forest Service’s decision comes at a critical time, as China recently banned antimony exports to the U.S. This restriction resulted in soaring prices for this mineral as shown in the chart.
Jon Cherry, President and CEO of Perpetua Resources, described their project as transformative:
“The Stibnite Gold Project delivers wins for communities, the environment, the economy, and our national security.”
Another key player in securing a stable antimony supply is Military Metals Corp. (MILI.V) With strategic assets in Slovakia and Canada, the company is revitalizing historical mining sites. In Trojarova, Slovakia, and West Gore, Nova Scotia, Military Metals plans to unlock significant antimony resources for defense and renewable energy needs.
Sustainable Solutions For a Path Toward Critical Minerals Independence
The focus on critical minerals extends beyond mining. The DOE and private companies are exploring innovative ways to recover these materials sustainably. Secondary and unconventional feedstocks, such as coal waste and acid mine drainage, offer untapped opportunities.
For instance, the University of Alaska Fairbanks is investigating underexplored mineral deposits in the Northwest, while the University of Wyoming is assessing critical minerals across ten states in the Great Plains and Interior Highlands. These projects demonstrate the potential of leveraging local resources to build a resilient supply chain.
The U.S. government’s investments and private sector initiatives are paving the way for a future where critical minerals are sourced sustainably and domestically. Antimony’s role in this landscape underscores its strategic importance. Through innovative projects and partnerships, the U.S. is positioning itself to lead in the global race for these essential resources.
- READ MORE: Trump’s Tactic to Make America Great Again: Expanding Domestic Oil, Gas, and Critical Minerals
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