Tech 101: Critical Minerals

Technologies like electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and drones require minerals like lithium and silicon. As of today, USGS has designated 60 minerals as critical to the U.S. economy and national security. Most are imported, and China, in particular, controls much of the supply chain for minerals like gallium, graphite, and aluminum.

This talk will discuss the current demand for critical minerals, the effects on the defense industry and national security, and potential pathways to address critical mineral supply. In particular, I will discuss GAO’s recent work on how substitution and recycling technologies might reduce critical mineral import reliance.