Pub. 3 2013 Issue 2

21 MINING FOCUS Copper is a critically important metal, not only in the vehicles we drive, but also in the healthcare industry, the production of electronics, machinery, renewable energy technologies and a host of other applications. It is concerning that the U.S. is 35% import reliant for our copper needs, even when we have abundant resources right here at home. Unfortunately, the import reliance problem is not unique to copper. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. is more than 50% import reliant for 41 critical minerals and 100% import reliant for 17 critical and strategic minerals despite our wealth of minerals. Strategicandcriticalmineralsareessential to our economy, livelihood, standard of living and national security. Renewable energy, national defense equipment, agriculture and everyday items such as televisions, telephones, computers and light bulbs are all dependent on minerals. It is time for the U.S. to more efficiently develop domestic sources of the minerals and mineral materials critical to our economic and national security and manufacturing competitiveness.  As demand for copper increases in today’s ever-evolving and advancing society, copper mining in conjunction with recycling can help meet that growing demand . DANI GORDEN Advertising Sales 855.747.4003 dani@thenewslinkgroup.com