Top 15 of 2015

It has been a great year for minerals mining. Take a look at what we’ve accomplished by reviewing the top blog posts of 2015.

1. New Study Finds U.S. Mine Permitting Delays Hinder U.S. Economy

“New research from SNL Metals & Mining quantifies how much mine permitting delays impair and discourage investments in new mines here in the U.S. The study found that U.S. mine permitting delays can cut a mine project’s value by as much as 50 percent, harming investment in future mining projects and ultimately weakening the U.S.’ minerals supply chain.”

2. SNL Metals & Mining Sheds Light on the Link between U.S. Minerals Mining & Global Competitiveness

“SNL Metals & Mining’s director of consulting, Mark Fellows, explains in a new video the crucial link between U.S. minerals mining and America’s competitiveness in global manufacturing, namely how more mining in the U.S. can build a stronger economy here at home.”

3. NMA Applauds House for Passing Legislation that will Unlock U.S. Mineral Potential

“Rep. Mark Amodei’s (R-Nev.) bill, ‘The National Strategic and Critical Minerals Production Act of 2015’ passed in the House last week. In his recent statement, National Mining Association (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn states that ‘NMA applauds the House for passing this bi-partisan legislation that carefully addresses the inefficiencies of our underperforming permitting system.’”

4. Reshoring Initiative’s Harry Moser Urges the U.S. to Solve the Mining Permitting Problem

“The U.S is lagging behind in its mineral production, and we continue to increase our dependence on mineral imports because of the lengthy and redundant permitting policies presently in place. The connection between American manufacturing and minerals is simple: If we want more ‘Made in America,’ we must support ‘Mined in America.’”

5. Uranium: Abundant Source of Concentrated Energy

“Uranium is a naturally radioactive chemical element that is essential for our energy, medical and defense sectors. You may know it’s used to produce nuclear energy, but did you also know it is used to manufacture medical equipment like x-rays and MRI technology.”

6. How Molybdenum Strengthens America’s Industries

“From the construction of the world’s longest bridges and tallest skyscrapers to the ultra-thin design of today’s high-tech electronics, molybdenum is one of the irreplaceable elements central to the strength and durability of America’s industries.”

7. Why Silver is Manufacturers’ Material of Choice

“Silver is one of the most indispensable elements on Earth and plays a major role in the technologies we use every day. From supporting the world’s strongest defense systems to eradicating the most deadly bacteria, the infographic below shows how integrated silver is in our daily lives.”

8. Hal Quinn on U.S. Military’s Need for Minerals and Metals

“In a piece that appeared in The Hill this week, National Mining Association’s (NMA) President and CEO Hal Quinn highlighted the important contributions U.S. minerals and metals make to the our military and national defense. In particular, he explained how advanced military technologies keep Americans safe and our troops properly equipped.”

9. NMA’s President and CEO: “Move Our Nation’s Mineral Policy into the 21st Century”

“This week, National Mining Association’s president and CEO, Hal Quinn, is featured in The Hill commenting on SNL Metals & Mining’s pivotal new study, ‘Permitting, Economic Value and Mining in the United States.’ As Quinn explains, the study quantifies how delays in U.S. mine permitting negatively impact the U.S. mining industry and our economy.”

10. Alaska’s Sen. Lisa Murkowski: “The U.S. Digs Itself Into a Hole on Vital Minerals”

“This week, The Wall Street Journal featured a piece by Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) in which she emphasizes the deep need for the U.S. to open access to its valuable domestic mineral resources. The current U.S. minerals mining policy has impaired domestic manufacturing and endangered the U.S.’ stance as the top manufacturing country in the world.”

11. New Study Shows the Economic Effects of Permitting Delays on the U.S. Mining Industry

“An eye-opening analysis by SNL Metals & Mining released today shows how delays in the U.S. mine permitting process diminish the value of a minerals project—underscoring the urgent need for a streamlined permitting process.”

12. Mining & Manufacturing Experts Testify on the Merits of “The American Mineral Security Act of 2015”

“Yesterday, Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) led a hearing, complete with expert testimony, on the ‘American Mineral Security Act of 2015.’ This bill would reduce inefficiencies in the process of permitting new mines in order to secure necessary minerals to support the American economy.”

13. 2015 Mineral Commodity Summaries: Key Highlights

“The 2015 Mineral Commodity Summaries, an annual report from the U.S. Geological Survey, shares information about domestic minerals and their importance to the U.S. economy.”

14. Minerals Make Life Celebrates National Miners Day

“Minerals Make Life is celebrating this year’s National Miners Day on Sunday, December 6. Our country and day-to-day lives rely on miners’ dedication and expertise.”

15. The Importance of Nickel in Everyday Life

“Known for its use in the five cent coin, nickel is one of the most versatile metals found on earth and is one of many resources that allows us to live and prosper in a the modern world. A new nickel infographic from Mining Global highlights the many uses and benefits of this metal, including its use in coins and stainless steel.”