President and CEO of the National Mining Association (NMA), Rich Nolan, has criticized China's recent restrictions on the export of graphite, a critical mineral used in the production of batteries for electric vehicles. In a statement issued by the NMA, Nolan called for U.S. mineral security in response to China's actions.
According to the press release from NMA issued Oct. 20, 2023, "For the second time in just four months, China is weaponizing the minerals supply chain while the U.S. domestic arsenal is virtually nonexistent. By curbing the export of graphite – a mineral the U.S. is not producing at home – Beijing has expertly demonstrated the reality of U.S. mineral insecurity."
China's Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs recently announced plans to restrict graphite exports on national security grounds. These restrictions, effective from December, will require export permits for synthetic graphite material, including high-purity, high-strength, and high-density versions, as well as for natural flake graphite, as reported by CNN.
Per the press release from NMA, "Graphite is one of 51 minerals for which more than half of U.S. consumption is imported, when many of these minerals could be produced at home with more support for domestic mining, processing and innovation."
In addition to criticizing China's actions, Nolan also expressed his concerns about the Biden administration's stance on domestic mineral production. He stated that instead of bolstering U.S. mineral security, the administration has taken actions to withdraw mineral-rich acreage and preemptively block projects. The administration has also proposed new regulations that would create obstacles for miners.
Nolan emphasized that mineral insecurity poses a serious threat to the United States, not only due to a few specific metals but a variety of crucial minerals. "It's well past time for the U.S. to lean into our vast mineral resources and build the secure, responsible mineral supply chains we so urgently need," he concluded in the statement.
China's decision to restrict graphite exports comes in response to the United States' move to impose additional limits on the types of semiconductors that American companies can sell to Chinese firms, according to CNN.
The NMA is urging immediate action to address the vulnerability of the United States in mineral supply chains. They are calling for more support for domestic mining, processing, and innovation to enhance national security.
