Minerals are part of virtually all the products we use every day, acting as the raw materials for manufacturing processes or as the end products themselves. Not surprisingly, minerals also are used in the energy generation that we rely on every day. Emerging energy technologies like wind, solar and nuclear heavily rely on minerals to produce energy for our society.
The quality of life that Americans enjoy today depends largely upon an abundant supply of affordable energy. Minerals play a central role in the production of energy resources which power our society. From oil and gas drilling equipment, to wind turbines, minerals are there.
The Institute for Energy Research projects that global energy demand will nearly double in less than 25 years. This growing demand for energy underscores the importance developing a stable and reliable supply chain of minerals for the continued growth and success of our economy.
In 2010 and 2011, the Department of Energy (“DOE”) issued two Critical Materials Strategy reports that examined the importance of minerals to energy development. This year, DOE is planning an update to its previous analysis. In an effort to learn more about the importance of minerals to energy development, the DOE has released a Request for Information soliciting information on minerals used in energy technologies. Responses are due by April 11, 2016.
For more information on how minerals shape our energy future, see the new infographic from Minerals Make Life.