CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program

Awesome opportunity to speak with Cadets, industry experts, and foreign policy professionals about the impact of critical minerals on military operations and strategy. Thanks to Gracelin Baskaran, PhD and the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program for letting me speak about how our military needs to innovate in response to our critical mineral deficiency and vulnerability.

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Copper is a vital input for many of the technologies required for the modern economy. While Latin America mines 46% of global copper, China has secured most of this critical offtake. In this interactive CSIS report, authors Gracelin Baskaran, PhD, Christopher Hernandez-Roy, Henry Suckow Ziemer, and Fabio Murgia examine how China gained the upper hand in Latin American copper exports and how existing U.S. policy frameworks and financial instruments can be leveraged to strengthen hemispheric mineral partnerships and secure copper supply chains closer to home. Check out the new report here: https://lnkd.in/eYKJTzfm

The U.S. Department of Treasury recently released its final rules for the advanced manufacturing production credit under Section 45X of the Internal Revenue Code, enacted as part of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) of 2022. U.S. mineral processors with accompanying mining operations at home or abroad are now well-positioned to benefit from previously inaccessible Section 45X credits. The credit comes at an opportune time, as mineral projects face challenging market conditions and intense Chinese competition threatening projects’ economic viability and American jobs. Catch up on our analysis of the final ruling here: https://lnkd.in/eQSyrp6g

With a new Administration and Congress set to take office in January 2025, securing critical minerals supply chains to reduce reliance on China remains a top challenge and bipartisan priority for incoming policymakers. As China continues to tighten the screws on key mineral supplies, the policy decisions made today will determine the security of critical minerals supply chains for years to come. In this new commentary, Gracelin Baskaran, PhD lays out seven actionable recommendations for building minerals security and safeguarding vital U.S. national, economic, and energy security interests. Read here: https://lnkd.in/eJDuNx4W

We're hiring! The CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program is currently seeking a motivated intern for a full-time, in-person, paid position for Spring 2025. If you're interested in critical minerals and want to work with a fast-paced, dynamic team, we encourage you to apply. Ideal candidates will have a demonstrated interest in critical minerals, strong research skills, and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively on projects related to critical minerals supply chains and policy at the intersection of economic, national, and energy security. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g6rk4pAC

Last week, the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program launched a new copper initiative to support policymakers in Washington DC with the analysis and conversations on how to leverage policy tools to help meet future copper demand. We brought together 8 of the world's largest copper mining companies & ambassadors and high-ranking officials from 9 of the world's most copper rich countries in North and South America, Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Europe. Big thanks to BHP, Anglo American, Newmont Corporation, Freeport-McMoRan, Rio Tinto, Ma'aden, Glencore, South32, and the International Copper Association for joining.

In our second session of the day, General Paul J. Kern joined Frank Fannon, Inaugural Assistant Secretary for Energy Resources at the U.S. State Department (2018-2021), for a fireside conversation on the minerals-defense nexus moderated by Gracelin Baskaran, PhD. Key takeaways from the discussion: 1. The United States needs a comprehensive strategy for obtaining the minerals needed for the defense industrial base. The urgency of this imperative is underscored by China’s recent export restrictions on antimony. 2. This strategy should include smart stockpiling, new financing options, and forward-looking thinking about which materials will be vital for future technologies and which partners will be most crucial.

Today’s opening panel, “Saudi Arabia’s Position in the Global Mining Order,” addressed the importance of strengthening cooperation in the Middle East for minerals security. In a conversation moderated by Gracelin Baskaran, PhD, Ma’aden CEO Bob Wilt ??? ???? and former U.S. Ambassador to Saudi Arabia General John Abizaid discussed the role that new players like Saudi Arabia will play in the race to secure minerals supply chains. Key takeaways from the discussion: 1. Saudi Arabia will be an important strategic partner to secure mineral resources, expand production in the region, and counter China’s influence in the Middle East. 2. As Saudi Arabia continues to develop its economy and progress its institutions, U.S.-Saudi relations and cooperation are pivotal to peacekeeping and economic development efforts in the region.

It’s a beautiful day at the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point for our inaugural Future of Critical Minerals and National Security Conference! Today’s sessions will explore the role of minerals diplomacy in meeting national security needs in an era of rising global tension. We’ll cover topics including the importance of minerals to national defense, the changing dynamics of U.S.-Middle East relations, the need to engage with emerging markets, and more. Thank you to Lt. General Steven gilland, Superintendent of USMA and our keynote speaker, for kicking us off this morning! Stay tuned for more updates from the conference.