Demand for the minerals needed to supply the defense, advanced energy, high-tech electronics, medical and transportation industries is rising globally, particularly in the U.S. However, Mark Fellows, director of consulting at SNL Metals & Mining, explains that of all the developed nations, the U.S. is afflicted most severely by protracted delays in obtaining mining permits, impairing and discouraging investments in mineral development projects.

These delays cause manufacturers to become overly reliant on minerals imports, despite a wealth of resources in the U.S. Lawmakers must implement policies that guarantee manufacturers access to the raw materials needed to succeed.