With the US on a mission to increase critical minerals production and decrease its reliance on foreign imports, an executive order signed by President Trump on Thursday taps the Defense Production Act as part of an effort to provide financing, loans and other investment support to domestically process critical minerals.
The move came the same day copper prices scored another high on Thursday, surpassing the $11,000-a-tonne mark in New York amid global trade disruptions.
For the US to increase its competitive advantage on critical minerals and reduce supply chain vulnerabilities, it’s clear that advancing domestic mining requires innovative solutions at the regional level.
Arizona is the most copper-rich state in the US, accounting for approximately 70% of domestic copper production. An initiative at the University of Arizona has positioned it as a lead on an National Science Foundation (NSF) engine.
As a finalist in the NSF Regional Innovation Engine Program, the University of Arizona’s Sustainable Mining Innovation and Lifestyle Enhancement Regional Innovation Engine (SMILE) proposal would secure up to $160 million over 10 years to advance environmentally responsible mining and manufacturing in Arizona.
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