Global Mining Review: Senate energy package recognises importance of American mining
The National Mining Association (NMA) has applauded the Senate’s ‘American Energy Innovation Act,’ which includes important steps to address the nation’s alarming mineral import reliance and to increase the nation’s development and deployment of essential carbon capture technologies.
“Mining has never been more important to energy needs,” said Rich Nolan, NMA President and CEO. “From the fuels that provide the foundation for the nation’s electricity grid, to the materials essential to future technologies and transportation systems, mining is the often overlooked but essential and irreplaceable part of the US’ energy story.”
Minerals Security
The package includes reforms long-championed by Senator Lisa Murkowski that would modernise federal permitting systems to improve access to minerals critical for energy and technological innovation.
“The World Bank projects that demand for the key minerals needed for future technologies could jump 1000% in the coming years. Without action, as demand increases permitting hurdles will continue to obstruct our domestic supply, causing alarming overreliance on foreign imports for the minerals we need and weakening the competitiveness of critical industries,” said Nolan. “This legislation will better-position the US to achieve lasting minerals security while securing the essential supply chains of tomorrow from within its own borders.”
Carbon Capture
Also included are important measures to make the US the world leader in the development and deployment of carbon capture technologies.
“The answer to the US’ energy and emissions challenges – as well as the world’s – is innovation, and it is encouraging to see next generation coal technology and carbon capture being made a priority,” Nolan continued.
“Additions of alternative energy sources are coming largely on top of existing energy demand, not in place of it, with coal meeting 38% of global electricity demand. Common sense policy can help support a solution to the emissions challenge both at home and abroad, allowing for the utilisation of the ingenuity and capacity of the nation’s coal workforce and capture a market for advanced energy technology that is only growing.”
By: Jessica Casey
Source: Global Mining Review
