How To Climb a Critical Mineral Mountain? Come Together, Right Now

Critical-minerals supply chains are becoming a central policy and industrial priority, as highlighted during the U.S. Department of Energy’s 2026 Partner Forum. In Golden, Colorado, from May 4 to 6, industry, academia, government and researchers met under the theme “From Mine to Market: Critical Minerals and Supply Chains for Energy Systems.” Greg Bowman, chief global policy officer and head of external affairs for USA Rare Earth Inc., discussed U.S. reliance on imports, noting that more than 80% of the country’s critical minerals come from foreign sources that influence supply and prices. He pointed to Round Top Mountain in West Texas, where USA Rare Earth recently bought an 80% stake in the property that includes what he described as the largest known U.S. deposit of rare earth elements. Bowman said cross-sector coordination is required to connect geoscience, mining, refining, manufacturing and recycling. The forum focused on narrowing supply “strangleholds” through collaboration.