On Tuesday, The Washington Free Beacon posted an article about China’s halting shipments of critical minerals to America.
The article reports:
The Chinese government in recent weeks expanded its ban on exports of a handful of minerals found in critical military and energy technologies in America. The move puts a spotlight on America’s domestic mineral supplies, many of which are locked in years-long federal permitting and regulatory reviews.
This emphasizes the need for America to be self-sufficient in many areas–energy, pharmaceuticals, and minerals. We are not self-sufficient due to years of over-regulation.
The article notes:
“We must confront Chinese mineral extortion and recognize that U.S. mining policy is the foundation of our nation’s economic, energy, and national security,” Nolan continued. “We can and should be producing gallium, geranium, and antimony right here at home. Our challenge is not geology—the U.S possesses vast mineral resources—but the lack of comprehensive, urgent policy to turn those resources into the secure supply chains we so desperately need.”
Antimony, like the other minerals targeted by China, has significant defense and energy applications—it is a key component of munitions, night-vision goggles, and military uniforms and is required for both utility-scale and electric vehicle batteries.
The United States, though, imports 100 percent of its antimony supplies, 63 percent of which comes from China. China supplies the international market with about half of its antimony.
According to Perpetua, the Stibnite mine—which contains roughly 67,000 metric tons of antimony—could account for 35 percent of the nation’s antimony demand in its first six years of production and fulfill long-term defense needs.
“China is putting an exclamation point on its control over our essential needs by weaponizing access to defense and technology minerals,” Perpetua president and CEO Jon Cherry said in a statement. “It’s time to get serious about American mineral sources and end our reliance on China.”
Perpetua spokeswoman Marty Boughton told the Free Beacon in an interview that the company is expecting a favorable record of decision from the U.S. Forest Service before the end of the year. That would put it on track to begin production in 2028—18 years after its initial work at the site.
“Waiting 18 years isn’t a good model,” said Boughton. “We are not at all in favor of relaxing environmental standards, but there are ways to make this an efficient process. I don’t think you can really overstate the importance of strong coordination and communication between permitting agencies.”
Self-sufficiency is the answer to a lot of America’s economic woes and trade woes.