Minerals Help Us Meet Our Energy Needs

Minerals are vital to the energy industry and provide critical resources for emerging energy technologies like wind, solar and nuclear. Did you know that a single wind turbine contains 335 tons of steel, 4.7 tons of copper and three tons of aluminum—and most wind farms contain multiple turbines? And this is only one example of how minerals make energy. Did you also know that uranium—a homegrown mineral resource—is a key mineral used to generate nuclear energy, which generates 12 percent of the world’s electricity?

Global energy demands will only continue to grow. In fact, the Institute for Energy Research projects that global energy demand will nearly double in less than 25 years. Recognizing the essential role minerals play in meeting our nation’s energy needs, Sen. Lisa Murkowski’s (R-Alaska) included her bill, the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015,” in the Senate’s broader energy package.

And fortunately, the “Energy Policy Modernization Act of 2015” is moving in the U.S. Senate this week. This bill will not only help the nation secure its energy future, but it will also unlock U.S. mineral resources by modernizing the mine permitting process. To meet our nation’s growing energy needs, the U.S. must act now to enable better access to its mineral resource supply.

For more information on how minerals make our energy future, see our new infographic here and take action to support Sen. Murkowski’s minerals legislation here.