US House Passes Critical Mineral Consistency Act to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

US Congress. Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The US House of Representatives has passed the Critical Mineral Consistency Act of 2024 with overwhelming bipartisan support. This legislation seeks to expand the definition of critical minerals under the Energy Act of 2020 to include materials designated by the Department of Energy (DOE), marking a significant step in addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.

Key Provisions of the Act  

The bill requires the US Geological Survey (USGS) to update its critical minerals list to include any materials added to the DOE’s critical materials list. These materials, essential for energy production and national security, often face a high risk of supply chain disruptions. The legislation mandates that USGS update its list within 45 days of any new additions by the DOE, ensuring consistency between the two critical materials databases.

The revised list will now include vital materials such as copper, electrical steel, silicon, and silicon carbide, all of which are crucial for clean energy technologies and advanced manufacturing.

Promoting Domestic Mineral Development

The Act aims to bolster domestic mining, refining, and recycling efforts to reduce reliance on foreign imports. It also ensures that critical mineral projects, including copper mining initiatives, qualify for the FAST-41 permitting process, which streamlines federal environmental reviews and sets two-year completion goals.  

Arizona Congressman Juan Ciscomani, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the importance of critical minerals to the US economy, national security, and clean energy goals. “As demand for these strategic resources continues to increase, the United States must ensure access to a reliable supply,” he stated.

Industry and Policy Impacts

The legislation has received strong support from industry leaders. Adam Estelle, CEO of the Copper Development Association, emphasized the essential role of copper in powering the nation’s energy future, from electrifying transportation to creating jobs and strengthening infrastructure. 

The National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) praised the Act for its potential to make the permitting process more predictable and efficient, a critical factor in advancing clean energy projects.

Next Steps

The bill now moves to the Senate for approval. If enacted, it will provide a unified framework for identifying critical minerals, address supply chain vulnerabilities, and accelerate domestic production.