St. Paul, MN—State Representative Spencer Igo, R-Grand Rapids, is calling on President Biden to include Minnesota mines if the Administration invokes the Defense Production Act to spur domestic production of critical minerals needed to manufacture batteries for electric vehicles and other needs. According to news reports, any such declaration would cover the mining of minerals such as lithium, nickel, graphite, cobalt and manganese.
“We are blessed to have some of the most abundant deposits of critical minerals anywhere in the world with 95% of America’s nickel reserves located in Northeast Minnesota,” said Rep. Igo. “That’s why I am calling on President Biden to include Minnesota in any future Defense Production Act declaration so that the hardworking men and women of the Iron Range can provide the resources needed to build the world of tomorrow.”
According to the Defense Department, The Defense Production Act gives the president authority to “create, expand or preserve” manufacturing capabilities for the industrial resources, technologies, and materials needed to meet national security requirements.
Igo continued, "Rangers step up in times of crisis, like when our mines helped fuel the American war effort during World War II—becoming the single largest supplier of raw material to the military. While today’s crisis looks different, Minnesota stands ready to marshal the full might of the Range in helping end America’s dependence on foreign energy and minerals. Now is the time to move forward and bring our best days to reality.”
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