32 NOVEMBER 2023 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Copper Deemed Critical for Clean Energy Technology Compiled by Bonnie Love, Editor, WorldWide Drilling Resource® Every three years, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) evaluates minerals and materials to assess which of them are critical to the country. The assessment is used to prioritize research activities. The 2023 Critical Materials Assesment officially added copper to the list for the first time. Other countries, including the European Union, Japan, India, Canada, and China already consider copper a critical material. This year’s list also includes aluminum, cobalt, dysprosium, electrical steel (grainoriented steel, nongrain-oriented steel, and amorphous steel), fluorine, gallium, iridium, lithium, magnesium, natural graphite, neodymium, nickel, platinum, praseodymium, terbium, silicon, and silicon carbide. “As our nation continues the transition to a clean energy economy, it is our responsibility to anticipate critical material supply chains needed to manufacture our most promising clean energy generation, transmission, storage, and end-use technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, power electronics, lighting, and electric vehicles,” said Alejandro Moreno, acting assistant secretary for DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. “Ultimately, identifying and mitigating material criticality now will ensure that a clean energy future is possible for decades to come.” Since the material and technology markets are global, this assessment also features a global scope, placing U.S. domestic interests within context. For each of the critical materials identified in the Assessment, the DOE will develop an integrated strategy to address material-specific risks. The Copper Development Association (CDA) was pleased with copper being included on the list. According to Andrew G. Kireta, Jr., CDA’s president and CEO, “Copper is a major contributor to U.S. economic and national security, and with copper demand projections doubling by 2035, primarily due to plans for the clean energy transition, electrification, and clean water infrastructure. The nation would be defenseless without electricity and copper’s vital role in its generation, transmission, and distribution. The U.S. should do all it can to protect and promote our domestic copper industry.” Inclusion on the Critical Materials list reflects the reality of copper demand projections, which will require an increase in domestic production. In fact, the Department of the Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service, in partnership with DOE, announced up to $4 billion in a first round of tax credits, for projects expanding clean energy manufacturing and recycling; critical materials refining, processing, and recycling; and for projects used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at industrial facilities. MIN WOW, IT WORKED! NOW, DON’T BUY OUR NEW SHARK REAMER 618-439-4042 infinitytoolmfg.com Rio Tinto is investing in its Kennecott Copper mine near Salt Lake City, Utah, to strengthen the supply of copper in the country by increasing production. Last year, the company added underground operations to the site. WWDR photo. Have you said to a veteran, “Thank-you for your service”, today? If it weren’t for them and those before them, you wouldn’t be allowed to read this magazine. Saturday, November 11th is VETERANS’ DAY!
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