Critical mineral supply concerns the identification, extraction, processing, and recycling of materials essential for energy, defense, and high‑technology systems, with particular emphasis on rare earth elements, uranium, lithium, graphite, and related metals. The field examines geological resources, waste and urban mining pathways, nuclear fuel cycle by‑products, and advanced materials development alongside geopolitical dependencies, trade controls, and national strategies. It also addresses supply‑chain vulnerabilities and sustainability constraints that influence low‑carbon energy transitions and long‑term resource security.
Energy & Green Tech
Taiwan will turn off its last nuclear reactor on Saturday, fueling concerns over the self-ruled island's reliance on imported energy and vulnerability to a Chinese blockade.
May 15, 2025
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36
Engineering
As demand for rare earth elements increases, the United States is strengthening its domestic supply chain. Ana Inés Torres is working to identify economical processes that will minimize environmental impacts.
May 13, 2025
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31
Other
Every time you use your phone, open your computer or listen to your favorite music on AirPods, you are relying on critical minerals.
May 6, 2025
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65
Business
Silicon microchips underpin our modern lives. They are at the heart of our smartphones and laptops. They also play critical roles in electric vehicles and renewable energy technology.
Apr 30, 2025
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44
Business
Nevada is home to the largest known lithium deposit in the United States and one of the largest in the world. Radical greens would prefer the mineral remains buried in the Nevada outback. Thankfully, more rational voices ...
Apr 23, 2025
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24
Energy & Green Tech
America's only rare earths mine heard from anxious companies soon after China responded to President Donald Trump's tariffs this month by limiting exports of those minerals used for military applications and in many high-tech ...
Apr 18, 2025
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46
Energy & Green Tech
High temperatures and ionizing radiation create extremely corrosive environments inside a nuclear reactor. To design long-lasting reactors, scientists must understand how radiation-induced chemical reactions impact structural ...
Apr 2, 2025
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42
Energy & Green Tech
The EU unveiled dozens of projects Tuesday to ramp up extraction of critical raw materials in Europe as the bloc seeks to reduce its over-reliance on China.
Mar 25, 2025
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27
Energy & Green Tech
Lithium-6 is essential for producing nuclear fusion fuel, but isolating it from the much more common isotope, lithium-7, usually requires liquid mercury, which is extremely toxic. Now, researchers have developed a mercury-free ...
Mar 20, 2025
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