PUBLICATION

Global Business Reports

AUTHORS

Lucrezia Falcidia, Maya Ordoñez

Western USA Mining 2025 - Digital Interactive

February 25, 2025

The priority of the Western USA mining industry can be summarized in one word: reshoring. The recent shift in government will only reinforce this focus. While Democrats emphasized ‘friend-shoring’ and ‘near-shoring’ in their minerals agenda, President Donald Trump has pledged to bring domestic mineral production home.

However, achieving this goal is far from simple. The US mineral supply chain remains fragile, with critical mineral imports hitting record highs. The nation relies entirely on foreign sources for 15 critical minerals and has the second longest mine development timeline in the world—averaging 29 years. Government pledges for net-zero emissions by 2050 and 50% electric vehicles by 2030 remain aspirational at best. China, which controls global metals production, holds aces in its pocket and will play its hand at a time of its choosing.

Despite these challenges, industry momentum is accelerating. September 2024 saw Las Vegas host the quadrennial MINExpo, the world’s largest mining event, with record-breaking attendance. The Western US remains a hotbed for mineral discoveries, from copper to lithium to rare earths. Companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies—including AI-driven resource exploration and advanced recycling techniques—to foster a more self-reliant future.

The road ahead is complex, requiring innovation, technology, policy support, and collaboration between industry, government and academia. Over 100 executives across the mining value chain shared their perspectives with GBR, underscoring that while the stakes are high, so is the potential for the Western US to reclaim its former production strength and reignite a new era of manifest destiny.

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"Our permitted status positions us favorably to capitalize on these market conditions, with the lower cost CK project production being attractive, particularly as established gold producers struggle to maintain production levels."
"Experienced drillers who understand the local terrain are crucial for success."
"The mining industry needs all types of engineers, so we are reaching out to mechanical, electrical, environmental, and computer science students as well to introduce them to career opportunities in mining."
"We are optimistic about long-term opportunities in both Ontario and the Western US. Our strategy centers around developing and maintaining capacity and preparing for when projects start flowing in."

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