“America Throws Away Trillions in Critical Minerals”: US Mines Discard Cobalt and Lithium While Begging China for Battery Materials

The United States is sitting on a wealth of critical minerals that are currently being discarded, according to a recent study published in the journal Science. These minerals, essential for energy, defense, and technology sectors, are present in existing mines but are not being effectively recovered. Researchers, led by Elizabeth Holley from the Colorado School of Mines, highlight that small-scale recovery efforts could satisfy domestic demand and significantly reduce waste. This revelation opens up new avenues for economic growth and environmental sustainability, provided the right policies and technological advancements are implemented to facilitate mineral recovery.

Understanding the Current Waste of Critical Minerals

The United States has the capability to produce all the critical minerals it needs, but the challenge lies in recovery. As Elizabeth Holley, an associate professor at the Colorado School of Mines, explains, these resources are often discarded as waste in the mining processes for other materials like gold and zinc. The study emphasizes the importance of recovering minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements, which are currently lost in waste streams.

Holley likens the recovery process to extracting salt from bread dough, illustrating the complexity involved. She stresses the need for more research, development, and appropriate policy measures to make this recovery economically viable. Without these steps, the U.S. will continue to lose valuable resources that could otherwise be used to bolster its technological and defense capabilities.

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Revealing New Opportunities Through Data Analysis

The research team conducted an extensive analysis of U.S. mines, creating a comprehensive database of annual outputs from federally permitted metal mines. By combining this data with geochemical measurements from various geological surveys, they estimated the quantity of critical minerals produced but not recovered. This information sheds light on the potential for small-scale recovery to meet domestic needs.

Holley and her colleagues point out that even a modest recovery rate of 1 percent of certain minerals could significantly impact the U.S. market. This approach not only highlights untapped resources but also underscores the potential to reduce reliance on imports. The study’s findings present a strategic opportunity to enhance the U.S.’s self-sufficiency in critical minerals, which are vital for numerous industries.

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Potential Impacts of Recovering Critical Minerals

The study identifies 70 elements used in a variety of applications, from consumer electronics to defense systems. Among these, cobalt and germanium stand out as critical for the production of batteries and infrared optics, respectively. The research reveals that recovering even a small fraction of these elements could fulfill U.S. demand without imports.

For instance, less than 10 percent recovery of cobalt could meet the entire U.S. battery industry’s needs. Similarly, reclaiming under 1 percent of germanium could satisfy domestic demand for this element, used in defense technologies. The study’s insights highlight the significant impact that improved recovery processes could have on the nation’s economy and technological advancement.

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Environmental Benefits and Policy Recommendations

Enhanced recovery of critical minerals offers not only economic and geopolitical advantages but also environmental benefits. By reducing the volume of mine waste, the environmental impact of mining operations can be minimized. Furthermore, these recovered minerals can be repurposed in construction and other industries, promoting sustainability.

Holley emphasizes the need for policies that incentivize mine operators to adopt additional processing infrastructure. While the market value of these elements may not alone drive investment in new technologies, appropriate policy measures could encourage operators to integrate recovery processes. This approach would align economic incentives with environmental sustainability goals, fostering a more resilient mining sector.

The findings of this study present an opportunity to reassess the United States’ approach to mineral resource management. With the right combination of technology, policy, and industry cooperation, the country can tap into its vast reserves of critical minerals and reduce dependency on imports. As the world faces increasing demand for these resources, how will the U.S. position itself to lead in innovation and sustainable practices in the mining industry?

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