MINERALS CAN’T BE MANAGED THROUGH DIPLOMACY ALONE
When supply disruptions occur, manufacturers face higher costs, delayed production and increased uncer- tainty. Defense supply chains become more exposed. Energy infrastructure projects become more expensive. Companies considering investments in advanced manu- facturing or data infrastructure must account for growing supply risk in materials essential to their operations. Mineral security should be treated as a long-term eco- nomic and national security strategic imperative rather than a short-term diplomatic exercise. Diplomacy surely matters. Stable trade relationships matter. Open communication between major economies matter. But our reliance on mineral supplies under Beijing’s thumb is untenable, regardless of a potential détente. This is a challenge we must solve. The answer, should we choose to forcefully pursue it, is largely here at home. The United States needs a durable strategy built around domestic production, processing capacity and supply chain resilience. America possesses abundant mineral resources, a highly skilled workforce and world-class mining expertise. Geology is not the barrier holding us back. It is whether our country is willing to develop the policies necessary to support long-term investment and turn our vast mineral potential into robust, secure production. Doing so begins with per- mitting reform. It should not take a decade or longer to approve mining projects that are essential to economic security and national defense. Nor should it be so challenging to stand up domestic processing capacity, so minerals mined in North America are not sent over- seas before returning to American manufacturers. The debate has moved beyond whether minerals matter and toward what concrete steps are needed to secure reliable access. The next test is whether the United States will act with enough urgency to match the scale of the risk. America cannot negotiate its way out of mineral dependence one summit at a time. A stronger domestic mining and processing sector will not elimi- nate every supply risk or end the need for international partnerships. But it will give the United States greater economic stability, stronger industrial capacity and more strategic flexibility in an increasingly competitive world. This is not just mining policy. It is economic policy, industrial policy and national security policy all at once.
BY RICH NOLAN, PRESIDENT & CEO, NATIONAL MINING ASSOCIATION Mineral import challenges carry enormous consequenc- es for the United States economy and our national security. Minerals are not a niche input. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, minerals industries contributed more than $4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2025, while the value of U.S. nonfuel mineral production rose to $112 billion. Yet the same data show we remain 100% import reliant for 15 minerals and more than one-half import reliant for 46 non-fuel minerals. That is not just a supply chain concern. It is a direct economic vulnerability. Minerals support every modern industry. Copper, lithium, graphite, silver, rare earths and many other minerals are essential to electricity infrastructure, artificial intelli- gence, semiconductors, aerospace systems, vehicles, defense technologies and advanced manufacturing. Yet, the United States remains dangerously dependent on foreign sources — notably China — for many of them.
Stronger Together: Amplify Your Voice with AMA
AMA advocates to the public and policy makers on behalf of Alaska’s mineral industry. AMA also pro- vides a wealth of institutional knowledge to assist members in mining activities. AMA fights for our members to ensure that restric- tions on land and water use are economically real- istic and provide a balance between environmental protection and resource utilization. Through our activities in communities around Alaska, AMA works hard to increase public awareness of the mineral industry and its economic implications to the State and to the nation. A membership to AMA amplifies your voice on regulation and legislative issues, and helps fund continued outreach and education efforts by the association to Alaskans, while granting you access to industry experts who can assist you. In addition, eight local chapters of AMA meet every week or month, depending on the season, to stay up to date on key issues and provide teamwork for our fellow members.
AMA members also receive: • This quarterly Alaska Miner Magazine • Regular issues of the Alaska Miner Journal association newsletter • Annual Alaska Miners Handbook and Service Directory • Weekly Email - AMA Executive Director Update • Political representation for mining issues by the • AMA lobbyists in Juneau • Access to branch breakfasts • Opportunity to serve on a number of oversight and special interest committees • Affiliation with other trade associations interested in reasonable and responsible resource development • Promotion of legislation favorable to mineral development • AMA voting rights • Discounted registration to the Annual Convention • Special discounts on event registrations
Advancing a High-Grade Resource and District-Scale Discoveries in Southeast Alaska COPPER ZINC SILVER GOLD palmerprojectak.com
JOIN TODAY!
AlaskaMiners.org/membership or contact Jennifer Luiten at 907-270-9232 or by email Jennifer@AlaskaMiners.org.
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THE ALASKA MINER - THE MAGAZINE OF THE ALASKA MINERS ASSOCIATION
SUMMER 2026 | ALASKAMINERS.ORG
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