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Untapped Auto Revolution: US Goldmine

Tuesday, August 26, 2025 | 12:00 PM WIB | 0 Views Last Updated 2025-08-27T10:06:42Z
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Untapped Mineral Wealth: US Mines Discarding Resources Critical for Electric Vehicles and More

A groundbreaking study has revealed that American mining operations are discarding vast quantities of valuable minerals essential for the production of electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, electronics, and military equipment. This overlooked resource, currently dismissed as waste, could potentially reshape the US economy and diminish the nation's reliance on foreign mineral suppliers.

Researchers at the Colorado School of Mines have identified significant amounts of cobalt, lithium, gallium, and other rare earth elements being discarded as mining byproducts, known as tailings. These tailings are the leftover rock and material remaining after miners extract the primary target material, such as gold, copper, or zinc. The practice of discarding these mineral-rich tailings is driven by the historical focus of US mines on extracting specific high-value materials, leading to the neglect of other potentially valuable resources.

Potential Economic Transformation

The implications of recovering these discarded minerals are substantial. The study estimates that the amount of lithium wasted annually by US mines could power as many as 10 million electric vehicle batteries. Similarly, the wasted manganese, another key component in EV batteries, could contribute to the production of an estimated 99 million electric vehicles.

By tapping into this hidden mineral wealth, the US could transition from being a major importer of these resources, spending billions of dollars annually, to becoming a significant exporter, potentially generating billions in revenue and creating numerous new jobs. This shift would strengthen the US economy and enhance its position in the global market.

Environmental Considerations and Valuable Elements

While the accumulation of tailings can pose environmental risks if not managed properly, the study emphasizes the potential benefits of re-evaluating these waste piles. Researchers have discovered that these tailings contain valuable elements such as neodymium and yttrium, which are crucial for manufacturing electric vehicles, wind turbines, radar systems, laser targeting systems, and missiles.

Reducing Import Dependence

Elizabeth Holley, the lead author of the study, emphasized the potential for reducing or even eliminating the need to import certain critical minerals. The study highlights that recovering just 10 percent of the cobalt currently wasted in US mines could satisfy the entire domestic demand for electric vehicle batteries. Furthermore, extracting less than one percent of the germanium from mining waste could completely eliminate US dependence on imports of this mineral.

Given that approximately 15 million cars are sold in the US each year, the recovered minerals could provide batteries for a substantial portion of the electric vehicle market, both domestically and internationally.

Specific Mines and Resource Potential

The research identified 54 active mines across the US with significant potential for mineral recovery. These include the Red Dog mine in Alaska, known for its large quantities of germanium, and the Stillwater and East Boulder mines in Montana, which could provide substantial supplies of nickel for batteries.

Methodology and Data Analysis

The researchers compiled a comprehensive database of annual material production from US metal mines. This data was combined with information from the US Geological Survey (USGS) and other sources that track the amounts of critical minerals present in the mined rocks. Using a mathematical model, the researchers estimated the quantity of valuable minerals being mined and subsequently discarded as waste each year.

Challenges and Future Steps

While the potential benefits of mineral recovery are clear, the study acknowledges the challenges involved in extracting these minerals from the rock in which they are embedded. Holley emphasizes that developing a cost-effective process for extracting all the valuable minerals from the leftover rocks will require significant research, development, and policy support.

Job Creation and Economic Benefits

Once a viable extraction process is established, domestic mineral recovery could stimulate job creation in mining, processing, and related industries, such as electric vehicle production. Furthermore, it could lower costs for US manufacturers by providing access to cheaper, locally sourced critical minerals.

Current Import Reliance

The US currently relies heavily on imports from countries such as China, Australia, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo for its supply of lithium, cobalt, and other essential minerals.

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