Weaponizing Rocks: The Geopolitics of Critical Minerals & U.S. Resilience
This week's long-form interview features Matthew Zolnowski, an expert in critical minerals and national security, Matthew delves into the evolving landscape of critical mineral supply chains and their strategic importance. Zolnowski highlights the cyclical nature of interest in these materials, noting that attention often peaks when prices skyrocket due to disruptions like export controls or environmental crackdowns, only to wane when prices are low. He meticulously traces the U.S. government's increasing involvement, particularly the Department of Defense, from initial small-scale investments to significant Defense Production Act awards, emphasizing that this is a long-term, "oil tanker" effort rather than a quick fix. A central theme in the discussion is the distinction between military and broader civilian critical mineral needs and the varying financial commitments required to secure each, alongside a critical examination of the government's role in private markets, particularly through equity investments and the controversial "Without Regard Clause" of the Defense Production Act.
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Revival Gold is one of the largest pure gold mine developer operating in the United States. The Company is advancing the Mercur Gold Project in Utah and mine permitting preparations and ongoing exploration at the Beartrack-Arnett Gold Project located in Idaho. Revival Gold is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker symbol “RVG” and trades on the OTCQX Market under the ticker symbol “RVLGF”. Learn more about the company at revival-dash-gold.com
Vizsla Silver is focused on becoming one of the world’s largest single-asset silver producers through the exploration and development of the 100% owned Panuco-Copala silver-gold district in Sinaloa, Mexico. The company consolidated this historic district in 2019 and has now completed over 325,000 meters of drilling. The company has the world's largest, undeveloped high-grade silver resource. Learn more at https://vizslasilvercorp.com/
Equinox has recently completed the business combination with Calibre Mining to create an Americas-focused diversified gold producer with a portfolio of mines in five countries, anchored by two high-profile, long-life Canadian gold mines, Greenstone and Valentine. Learn more about the business and its operations at equinoxgold.com
Integra is a growing precious metals producer in the Great Basin of the Western United States. Integra is focused on demonstrating profitability and operational excellence at its principal operating asset, the Florida Canyon Mine, located in Nevada. In addition, Integra is committed to advancing its flagship development-stage heap leach projects: the past producing DeLamar Project located in southwestern Idaho, and the Nevada North Project located in western Nevada. Learn more about the business and their high industry standards over at integraresources.com
