(This article was provided courtesy of MissouriNet.)
Mineral-rich Missouri could be in a good spot amid concerns about over-reliance on China, the main supplier of minerals. Missouri Department of Natural Resources Director Kurt Schaefer told Missourinet the state has 30 of the nation’s 50 critical minerals, including cobalt, nickel, antimony germanium, and lead.
“We’re one of the top states in the country for the number of critical minerals that we have,” said Schaefer.
Critical minerals used in cell phones, computers, cars, and lighting and other electronics are in high demand. The U.S. government has been looking at other domestic and international mineral sources.
According to Schaefer, a mining resurgence could present a tremendous economic opportunity if the industry moves forward.
“Some of these spaces in the state of Missouri, especially in Southeast Missouri, that have these materials that can be developed are some of the poorest counties actually in the state of Missouri,” he told Missourinet.
Schaefer says it also could mean increased demand for mining engineers, miners, geologists, and truck drivers.
Missouri mining dates back 200 years and has left contamination in parts of southeast and southwest Missouri. Schaefer says talks continue with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency about current restrictions and ways to mine minerals without causing harmful effects to health and the environment.
