Critical Minerals And Materials Legislation

We are here this afternoon to discuss the issue of critical minerals and materials which are essential components of many of the technologies that are part of our modern economy. We must not lose sight of the fact that our energy economy also depends on a stable, reliable, materials supply chain. When it comes to cleaner, alternative energy sources rare Earth elements and key mineral resources are essential ingredients in technologies as diverse as solar cells, wind turbines, energy storage technologies, efficient LED lighting and SMART grid electronics.

This report examines the role of rare earth metals and other materials in the clean energy economy. It was prepared by the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) based on data collected and research performed during 2010. In the report, DoE describes plans to: (1) develop its first integrated research agenda addressing critical materials, building on three technical workshops convened by the DoE during November and December 2010; (2) strengthen its capacity for information-gathering on this topic; and (3) work closely with international partners, including Japan and Europe, to reduce vulnerability to supply disruptions and address critical material needs. Charts and tables. This is a print on demand report.