U.S. Hits New Obstacle on Critical Mineral Security Course
The race for critical metals and minerals has been heating up since President Trump took office, pitting the U.S. against many of its international allies. Yet while the federal government spends billions to build a position in critical minerals and challenge China’s dominance, there have been setbacks—even at home. Earlier this week, the Financial Times reported that a company had made the…
The United States has encountered a new hurdle in its efforts to secure critical minerals, following the discovery of a massive tungsten deposit in Nevada. Tungsten, a vital metal used across electronics, defense, and aviation sectors, has seen a sharp price increase due to a shortage caused by China's export restrictions and rising military demand.
The company responsible for the discovery, 3 Proton Lithium, however, faces opposition from NASA, which has blocked any further exploration and mining in the area. This is because a substantial portion of the Nevada desert is designated for satellite signal tracking, and NASA insists that mining activities could interfere with these signals.
Over the past five years, the U.S. has spent approximately $46 billion to establish a domestic critical mineral supply chain, reducing its dependence on China. Despite this investment, securing a commercially viable tungsten source remains a challenge for the nation. The newly found deposit, estimated at 1.78 million tons, could be worth $152 billion, but its commercial viability and operational status are yet to be determined.
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