The demand for energy minerals is predicted to continue to grow exponentially over the next decade. For example, lithium, a key battery metal, saw demand increase by 27% from 2022 to 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), with rapid uptake of electric vehicles the main driver of that demand. And on the current supply trajectory, copper, a key component of every form of electrical energy system, is predicted to fall 30% short of the amount required by 2035, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

The U.S. is aiming to meet this demand for energy minerals by accelerating domestic production of energy minerals and, to date, those efforts have centered on deregulation, tariff protectionism, the fast-tracking of mine permits and, in a few cases, equity investment in mining companies. However, increased mine development cannot come at the expense of responsible production. In addition to negative impacts on the environment and human well-being, sustainability risk is business risk, and the impacts of environmental pollution or community unrest can run into the billions of dollars.

This webinar will explore how policymakers can ensure the U.S. can grow its critical mineral industry sustainably and responsibly.

Proposed speakers and moderator:

  1. Steve Feldgus, Former U.S. Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Land and Minerals Management, Department of Interior
  2. Andrew Bogrand, Senior Policy Advisor, Natural Resource Justice, Oxfam America
  3. Richard Luarkie, Program Director, Colorado School of Mines, Former Governor of the Pueblo of Laguna Tribe
  4. Luke Balleny, Manager, U.S. Energy Minerals and Circularity, WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition
  5. Lori Bird, U.S. Energy Director, WRI Polsky Center for the Global Energy Transition (moderator)