INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
economic resilience.The U.S
imports 70% of its rare earths and 50% of critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, vital for defense systems, electronics, and
Self-sufficiency remains a distant but urgent priority.Today, America operates one rare earth mine, Mountain Pass in California, producing
15% of global output but shipping most concentrates abroad for processing
Domestic processing lags, with only MP Materials and Lynas developing small facilities.The U.S
holds 13 million metric tons of rare earth reserves and 31% of global copper deposits, yet extracts less than 10% due to regulatory
The Resolution Copper Mine in Arizona, stalled for 30 years, could supply 25% of U.S
(Photo Internet reproduction)Burgum noted Trump revived it in three months, prioritizing it under the FAST-41 program, which accelerates
Energy Emergency Act Sparks MiningOn January 20, 2025, Trump invoked the Energy Emergency Act, designating critical minerals as national
This unlocked emergency powers to expedite mining and processing.The National Energy Dominance Council, coordinating across Interior,
Energy, and Agriculture, drives projects like Michigan Potash and South West Arkansas.Burgum highlighted $439 million in Defense Production
Act funds supporting processing plants, aiming to keep minerals stateside
On inauguration day, the D.C.-New York grid relied on fossil fuels for 70% of power, with renewables contributing just 2% during peak
demand.Coal, both thermal for electricity and metallurgical for steelmaking, remains critical, with U.S
plants among the cleanest globally
Significant hurdles persist.Building refineries takes 7-10 years, requiring billions in investment, skilled workers, and robust energy
faces workforce shortages and environmental lawsuits, which Burgum acknowledged as threats to progress.To counter inefficiency, he
streamlines the Interior Department, cutting overhead to fund 5,000 field jobs, including park rangers and wildfire fighters, ensuring
effective land management across 500 million acres.Looking ahead, the U.S
Projects like Resolution Copper could create 3,700 jobs, boosting local economies.However, decades of foreign reliance and logistical
complexities mean full independence remains elusive
but long permitting timelines and infrastructure gaps demand persistent effort
