Why We Should Be Mining in the United States

As highlighted in our previous article in a straightforward summary, we need mining and there is really no way around it. We need the mining industry in order to progress further as a society.

Now that we established that we need to mine in order to progress, the question becomes where is the best place to mine the necessary minerals. Some minerals are constrained by geology or geography, meaning that a mineral that makes sense to mine is found only in certain areas. Just because there is copper or lithium found in some areas, doesn’t mean that it makes sense to mine that mineral. For example, copper and gold are primarily found in the western United States, such as in the Copper State of Arizona or the Silver State of Nevada, but not in the eastern side of the US.

On the other hand, states on the eastern side of the United States like Pennsylvania, Kentucky, and West Virginia are recognized for their coal mining industry, unlike the western side of the US.  

When it comes to the mining industry, a lot of people adopt the “not in my backyard” attitude and are completely opposed to the industry operating anywhere in the country. They perceive only the negative aspects of mining, which is unsurprising given that the media often reports solely on mining disasters. Additionally, many people also dislike the sight of an open pit mine, which is understandable if those people do not understand what is happening in the area and judging based on preconceived conceptions.

So why in the world would we want mining in the US when a lot of people do not understand it.

There are three reasons:

1) Safety

2) Security

3) Stability

Let's begin with safety. The United States upholds some of the most stringent environmental and worker safety standards globally. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) governs worker safety in the mining industry, enforcing specific regulations and standards that US mines must adhere to. Additionally, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sets forth regulations and standards that operating mines in the US are required to follow. Along with these, numerous other environmental and regulatory requirements, such as The Wilderness Act, the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, the Bureau of Land Management Surface Management Standards, and U.S. Forest Service Surface Management Standards, are criteria that US mines must comply with when extracting the critical minerals essential for our standard of living, as mentioned in the previous article. When compared to other countries with significant mining activities like China, Chile, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, the US sets environmental and worker standards that are significantly higher. My preference is to safeguard human life and the environment by conducting mining activities in the US, where some of the highest environmental and worker standards in the world are observed, instead of depending on other countries with lower labor and environmental standards.

Secondly, let's discuss security. As mentioned earlier, minerals are integral to everything we use daily, including defense technologies like fighter jets, missiles, and satellites. Relying on foreign sources for these essential components compromises our national security. Countries such as China could halt the export of certain minerals to the United States for various reasons. This was evident when China restricted the sale of gallium, germanium, antimony, and super-hard materials (diamonds and other synthetic compounds) after former President Biden blocked the sale of advanced semiconductors to China. When this involves other commonly used minerals, finding alternative sources is challenging. Currently, opening a mine and beginning production takes 12-18 years, so we can't simply start mining our own minerals immediately. The current Trump administration is addressing this by negotiating a deal with Ukraine for a stake in the Ukraine’s minerals, which is the next best option after domestic mining. However, these mines are still vulnerable to occupation by foreign adversaries or reclamation by the host country's government. The only way to ensure the security of critical minerals is to mine them domestically within the United States. This way, we can control our own destiny. 

Finally, let's discuss stability. Mines established in communities often serve as the primary economic engine. Many workers commute from nearby towns because the mine provides the highest-paying jobs in the area. These mines offer well-paying employment that supports livelihoods, boosts small businesses, and transforms towns into cities. The local communities also benefit economically as workers travel for business or leisure. When the mine expands, the community grows as well, accommodating the additional personnel required. Many families become generational miners, establishing roots in these communities where they live and work while supplying the US with essential minerals. Numerous mines providing these vital minerals are situated away from major cities, in financially struggling areas, and these mines serve as the economic beacon for the region. Most workers and community members are deeply connected to these areas and mines, taking responsibility for the surrounding environment. Those living near and working at the mine also consume the local water and enjoy activities like hunting and hiking. Many individuals working in or around the mine do not wish to drink contaminated water, consume tainted meat, or hunt in polluted areas. Therefore, mining not only ensures stability for the country by securing critical minerals but also benefits local communities, workers, and the environment.

In conclusion, there are three reasons why mining is necessary in the United States:

1. The US has some of the safest and strongest regulations in the world when it comes to mining.

2. The US needs to secure stable sources of critical minerals in order to progress and protect.

3. The US has the ability to ensure stability for its citizens, communities, economy and environment.