Refining the Future: How processing and recovery can strengthen U.S. mineral security

Payne 2025 State of Critical Minerals Report highlights the potential of recycling and the mining of byproducts

GOLDEN, Colo., Sept. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Payne Institute for Public Policy at Colorado School of Mines today released its 2025 State of Critical Minerals Report, underscoring opportunities to strengthen U.S. mineral security through smarter investment in refining, processing, byproduct recovery, and recycling.

The demand for critical minerals is only expected to grow as the U.S. increasingly relies on minerals for high-tech weaponry, artificial intelligence and data centers, electric vehicles and a diverse mix of power generation technologies. The report notes that some of the best opportunities come not from developing new mines alone, but from extracting more from current mining operations and expanding processing capacity in the U.S.

“There are relatively small volumes of material with outsized importance,” said Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute. “That means targeted action—on workforce, investment, and markets—can deliver supply quickly, affordably, and with big security benefits.”

The report highlights how strategic regulation and investment can help accelerate these solutions. In addition to supporting specific projects, government action can foster the creation of transparent marketplaces for critical minerals—improving price discovery, reducing transaction costs, and helping attract private capital into the sector.

“This year’s State of Critical Minerals report considers the potential offered across these themes. And, as always, we are proud to showcase the leading research and workforce development being done by the extraordinary, interdisciplinary teams at Colorado School of Mines,” said Bazilian.

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

No Minerals, No Megawatts. Shortages in just 13 minerals could force a swing in deployment of power generation technologies by 25 percent or more.
Byproduct Recovery. The U.S. could cease importing 27 critical minerals altogether if 10 percent or less of the estimated available resources of those minerals could be recovered (and processed) from ongoing U.S. mining operations.
Recycling Potential. The U.S. exports one-third of its copper demand in the form of scrap. Retaining and recycling that copper could cut import dependence from nearly half of supply to less than 15 percent.
Smaller Volumes, Lower Costs. U.S. annual gallium needs could be met with less than $15 million in federal support—illustrating how small investments can yield significant security benefits.
Government-Supported Marketplaces. Of the 50 minerals on the U.S. Geological Survey’s critical list, 42 are not traded on exchanges. Creating marketplaces could improve transparency and reduce risk, making it easier for buyers and sellers to transact.

About the Payne Institute for Public Policy

The mission of the Payne Institute is to provide world-class scientific insights, helping to inform and shape public policy on earth resources, energy, and environment. The Institute seeks to link the strong scientific and engineering research and expertise at Colorado School of Mines with issues related to public policy and national security. For more, visit payneinstitute.mines.edu.

About Colorado School of Mines

Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future. Learn more at mines.edu.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ef8d5c20-84f8-4b41-9050-9a47f9896e1c

MEDIA CONTACT:
Erich Kirshner, Mines Media Relations
303.921.6733/erich.kirshner@mines.edu

Payne Institute for Public Policy Issues a New Report on the State of Critical Minerals

Morgan Bazilian, director of the Payne Institute for Public Policy, discusses his organization's newly issued State of Critical Minerals Report 2025.

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