Groundbreaking America: The New Quest For Mineral Independence

For centuries, the United States has relied heavily on other countries for its mineral needs. However, a new era is beginning to take shape as America embarks on a groundbreaking quest for mineral independence. With advancements in technology, increasing demand for minerals, and a desire to secure domestic supply chains, the U.S. is determined to step up its efforts and reduce its dependence on foreign sources.

The Importance of Minerals

Minerals play a vital role in various industries, including technology, energy, defense, and manufacturing. They are essential for producing everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to wind turbines and advanced military equipment. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected and reliant on technology, the demand for minerals continues to grow.

Traditionally, the U.S. has relied on imports to meet a substantial portion of its mineral demands. However, as geopolitical tensions rise and potential disruptions in supply chains become a concern, it has become apparent that attaining mineral independence is crucial for the country's future economic and national security.

Groundbreaking! America's New Quest for Mineral Independence

by Ned Mamula (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7302 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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The Technological Advancements

Technology is a driving force behind America's newfound quest for mineral independence. Advancements in mining techniques, such as automated drilling and robotic mining, are making it possible to extract minerals efficiently and safely. Similarly, improved processing techniques are enabling the extraction of minerals from previously untapped reserves.

Moreover, advancements in renewable energy technologies, including solar panels and rechargeable batteries, have increased the demand for specific minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These resources are vital for the production of high-performance batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

By investing in research and development, the U.S. is not only gaining a competitive edge but also reducing its reliance on foreign suppliers. This focus on technology is driving innovation in the mining industry and transforming the way minerals are extracted, processed, and utilized.

Securing Domestic Supply Chains

An important aspect of achieving mineral independence is the establishment and strengthening of domestic supply chains. The U.S. is taking steps to ensure that it can produce and process minerals within its borders, reducing the need for relying on imports.

One such initiative is the processing of rare earth elements. These elements are crucial for the production of electronics, magnets, and defense systems. Historically, China has dominated the global rare earth market, accounting for the majority of production and processing. However, the U.S. is actively working towards developing its own rare earth supply chain to reduce dependence on Chinese imports.

Additionally, efforts are being made to identify and develop domestic mineral resources through exploration and mining. This includes projects focused on extracting critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, graphite, and platinum group metals, which are all vital for advancing America's technological capabilities.

The Environmental Concerns

While the quest for mineral independence is crucial, it must be balanced with environmental considerations. Mining and mineral processing operations have the potential to impact ecosystems, water quality, and local communities. Therefore, it is essential to adopt sustainable practices that minimize these negative impacts.

The U.S. is placing greater emphasis on responsible mining practices, including adopting stricter regulations and encouraging the use of environmentally friendly technologies. This approach ensures that the mining industry operates in an environmentally conscious manner, mitigating any harm caused to the environment.

The Economic and National Security Benefits

The pursuit of mineral independence offers significant economic and national security benefits. By reducing reliance on imports, the U.S. can create jobs and stimulate economic growth within the mining and manufacturing sectors. It also safeguards against potential supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations that could arise from political or economic conflicts with foreign suppliers.

Furthermore, achieving mineral independence allows the U.S. to have greater control and influence over its own mineral resources. This not only strengthens national security but also provides an opportunity for technological advancement and innovation.

The quest for mineral independence marks a groundbreaking chapter in America's history. With advancements in technology and a growing demand for minerals, the U.S. is determined to reduce its dependence on foreign sources and establish a secure domestic supply chain. By embracing sustainable practices and investing in research and development, the nation is not only ensuring economic growth but also guaranteeing national security for generations to come.

Groundbreaking! America's New Quest for Mineral Independence

by Ned Mamula (Kindle Edition)

4.8 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7302 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	296 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

LOOK FOR PRINT COPY AVAILABLE 12/1/18:

Is America in jeopardy?

Any day, America could be held hostage over critical minerals used in all advanced technologies due to the decades-long shunning of domestic mining. Groundbreaking! describes the all-too-real consequences of misguided policy decisions and environmental alarmism, and recommends 21st-century solutions to sustainable self-reliance by leveraging the wealth right under our feet.

By importing 100% of key minerals from China, Russia, and third world dictatorships, we face an ongoing risk of losing the technology behind everything from smartphones to “green” technology. The recent requirements put into place by our legislators and regulators literally require tons of minerals for batteries and magnets to run electric cars and trucks; to support advancements in medical equipment such as dental drills and MRIs; and to manufacture solar panels and wind turbines for alternative energy sources. Additionally, the advanced weaponry and defensive equipment for our troops requires critical minerals, too, yet we are reliant on getting that gear from countries who at best could be called allies, and at worst are outright hostile to America’s values.

Our policies must acknowledge the reality that critical minerals, or more accurately the lack thereof, often play a key role in dictating foreign policy and national security decisions.

Planning to adapt before a problem occurs must become a national goal. This means reversing dangerous import trends and exploring for domestic minerals—the two major policy goals explained in this book.

Foreword by Paul Driessen, Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow:
“EVERYONE in government & industry should endorse this PLAN”

ENDORSEMENTS:
Ned Mamula has unearthed a stunning find: America is sitting on a multi-trillion dollar treasure chest of minerals and valuable resources. Why aren’t we benefiting from these riches buried right below our feet? Why are we depending on Russia, China and the Middle East for rare minerals that are abundant here at home? This is a groundbreaking opportunity for America.-- Steve Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow - Institute for Economic Freedom, The Heritage Foundation

This was a fascinating read, and compelling . . . [T]his should serve as a wake-up call to legislators and the general public. Our exposure to seriously restrictive policies by China could be the Sputnik Moment of our generation.--John Keating, Venture Advisor, Silicon Valley - Former VP Government Programs and Discoveries Business Unit, Intermolecular, Inc.

Groundbreaking! is a book that all Americans who care about our national security should read. It is a call to action to restore our mineral independence, lost over the past three decades by weak policy-makers’ complacence, combined with venal exploitation of that complacence by domestic and foreign actors who mortgage the nation’s long-term survival. Groundbreaking! makes sound policy recommendations to address real risks to our national security. Mamula and Bridges’ book is both a readable narrative and a skilled study by two expert authorities on our mineral resources.--John Adams, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Retired) - President, Guardian Six LLC

Groundbreaking! is of massive scope and substance, detailing how years of unwise domestic policies have made it virtually impossible to mine for critical industrial minerals and rare earths that are essential building blocks for modern communication technology and infrastructure.. If you care about technological vulnerability in an interdependent world—and you should—Groundbreaking! needs to be front and center on your bookshelf.--Patrick J. Michaels, author of Lukewarming: The New Climate Science that Changes Everything