Controlling supply chain key to US future: DOE
The many new investments from the US Department of Energy have one simple objective: securing the supply chain.
The United States must secure control over its critical-minerals supply chains to safeguard energy, economic, and national security, according to Audrey Robertson, Assistant Secretary of Energy for Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation at the Department of Energy (DOE). In a recent interview with Adrian Pocobelli on The Northern Miner Podcast, Robertson emphasized the department's commitment to investing in mining, processing, technology, and workforce development to rebuild domestic capabilities that have shifted overseas over the past three decades.
Robertson stressed that without controlling the supply chain, the US cannot secure its energy, national, and economic security, stating, "If we do not control our supply chain, we do not control our destiny." The strategy extends beyond the development of new mines; the DOE aims to accelerate existing projects, enhance processing technology, and create an environment that allows US heavy industry to compete profitably domestically.
The department seeks to bring American companies that have outsourced their operations back to the US, ensuring the return of heavy industry to a favorable operating environment. Robertson added that the DOE aims to showcase the industry's advancements and demonstrate that new technologies can enable production to return to the US while preserving the surrounding environment.
The DOE's investments in mining focus not only on production but also on developing a new generation of the workforce. Robertson noted that only about 160 mining engineers graduated in the US last year, compared to approximately 3,000 in China, underscoring the severe skills gap the department faces in expanding domestic mining and processing.
With the US needing around 6,000 new mining engineers over the next decade to support supply chain development, Robertson expressed hope that aggressive measures and opportunities will catalyze growth. North America is currently building rare earth plants faster than it is producing rare earth engineers, highlighting the urgent need for talent.
Robertson concluded by stating that the DOE hopes communities will embrace the idea that to lead the world and provide a future for their children, the processing technology must no longer be sent overseas.
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