Critical Minerals from Seawater
Critical Minerals from Seawater, GAO-25-108484, July 2025
Important technologies, including electric vehicle batteries, smartphones, and solar panels, require “critical” minerals such as magnesium and lithium. But the U.S. obtains most of these minerals from foreign countries, including some adversaries. Wars, trade embargoes, or other supply disruptions could seriously affect U.S. manufacturing, energy production, the defense industrial base, and other industries. Developing domestic sources could help mitigate these risks.
Publication type:
policy brief
Publication language:
English
Publication date:
2025
Publication URL:
https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-25-108484
Institute:
Science, Technology Assessment, and Analytics team of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) (STAA)
Country:
United States of America
Project:
Science & Tech Spotlight: Critical Minerals from Seawater (STAA)

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