Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and graphite are essential in modern technology and industries. The US has large deposits of many critical minerals but lacks a strong mining sector to extract and process them, in part because getting permits is so difficult here.  

Lawmakers in both parties agree that our critical mineral dependence on other countries threatens the economy, national security, and clean energy ambitions. We import 100% of 12 critical minerals and rely on foreign sources for the majority of our supply for 31 of the 50 critical minerals. China’s dominance is especially alarming. As of 2023, China is the largest producer of 30 out of 50 critical minerals. China also controls approximately 90% of the processing capacity for rare earth elements.   

Proposals include:  

• Increase Responsible US Mining—Speed up federal permitting of mines and processing facilities while maintaining strong environmental standards
• Increase Recycling—Increase supply by reusing minerals already in technologies like batteries
• Secure Supply Chains—Forge partnerships with allies to collaborate on mining and processing