The US government is prioritising the recovery of uranium and other critical minerals from abandoned mines to bolster economic strength, national defence, and energy security.
The Department of the Interior (DOI), led by Secretary Doug Burgum, has taken “decisive” steps to streamline regulations and enhance the extraction of essential minerals from mine waste, coal refuse, tailings, and defunct uranium mines.
This initiative supports President Trump’s executive order aimed at increasing domestic mineral production, securing supply chains, and reducing dependence on foreign sources.
The new directive instructs the US Geological Survey (USGS) to map and inventory federal mine waste sites, focusing on recovering uranium and other minerals from abandoned mines.
It also updates guidelines to make mine waste recovery projects eligible for federal funding and expedites the review of proposed operations under relevant mining laws.
Acting Assistant Secretary of Lands and Minerals Adam Suess emphasised the broader implications of the effort, stating: “By streamlining regulations for extracting critical minerals from mine waste, we are unleashing the full potential of America’s mineral resources to bolster national security and economic growth.
“This proactive approach will attract private investment, support environmental reclamation and pave the way for mineral independence.”
Recent research conducted by the USGS and partner state geological surveys has identified significant deposits of strategic minerals hidden in legacy and ongoing mining operations.
For example, waste from historic lead and zinc mining at Tar Creek near Picher, Oklahoma, is rich in zinc and germanium — minerals that the United States typically imports.
In Utah’s Bingham Canyon, copper mining tailings contain substantial tellurium, a critical mineral for defence technologies.
The Coeur d’Alene silver mining site in Idaho harbours approximately US$2.5 billion worth of precious minerals, including antimony and arsenic.
Additionally, rare earth elements, vital for advanced technologies used in electronics and military equipment, have been found in clay within coal deposits across the Appalachian and Illinois basins.
Acting Assistant Secretary for Water and Science Scott Cameron highlighted the synergy between science and industry in advancing this initiative, stating: “Recovering critical minerals from mine waste is integral to strengthening America’s mineral independence while promoting economic growth and national security.
“The collaboration between USGS and state geological surveys exemplifies how science-driven innovation can transform environmental challenges into strategic resources that bolster our industries and defense capabilities.”
This comprehensive effort reflects a forward-looking strategy to turn environmental liabilities into economic assets, accelerate mineral independence, and ensure the United States leads in critical mineral supply essential for future technologies and national security.
