NatSec Matters Securing Critical Mineral Supplies: Christine Michienzi
8 snips
Oct 30, 2024 Christine Michienzi, a former Senior Technology Advisor at the Pentagon, shares her expertise on critical minerals vital for national security. She highlights vulnerabilities in U.S. supply chains for essential minerals like lithium and rare earth elements, noting China's dominance. The discussion includes strategies to enhance domestic production and international partnerships to counter geopolitical challenges. Michienzi emphasizes the urgent need for coordinated efforts to ensure a stable supply chain and safeguard national defense.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Defining Critical Minerals
- Critical minerals, essential for various technologies, are vulnerable to supply chain disruptions.
- These minerals, including lithium, nickel, and cobalt, are vital for defense and commercial applications.
Critical Mineral Determination
- The Energy Act of 2020 defines critical minerals as essential but vulnerable resources.
- The U.S. Geological Survey maintains a list of 50 critical minerals, updated every three years.
Rare Earth Usage Examples
- A Virginia-class submarine requires 9,200 pounds of rare earth materials.
- An F-35 fighter jet needs 900 pounds, highlighting the defense sector's reliance on these minerals.