Critical Minerals Analysis Tools

Welcome to the Payne Institute/Colorado School of Mines Economics Department Critical Minerals Analysis Tools page. This site accesses interactive tools, built based on Mines’ proprietary data sets, to deepen understanding of the global supply/availability and demand outlook for individual critical minerals.

Minerals Reserves and Production Costs

Critical Minerals Demand from Power Model (Under Construction)

Other Critical Minerals Research

THE STATE OF CRITICAL MINERALS REPORT 2024

The Payne Institute for Public Policy and the Colorado School of Mines has released its second annual State of Critical Minerals Report. Building on last year’s report, which provided a comprehensive overview of the supply, demand, technical and political landscape for critical minerals globally, this year’s edition targets the U.S. federal response, while also examining dynamics that will impact the mining industry’s ability to meet the needs for critical minerals that are presented by the global energy transition. Highlights include the vast potential from mining tailings, the steep cost curve for Nickel, new legislation focused on increasing the domestic mining of critical minerals and the U.S. government’s recent $4.9 billion of investments in mining and processing. October 10, 2024.

Jihye Kim wins Scialog Award for funding of research in sustainable energy systems 11/20/2024

Jihye Kim wins Scialog Award for funding of research in sustainable energy systems

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Jihye Kim, assistant professor of metallurgical and materials engineering, won the award as part of a multi-university team working on electrodeposition of nickel, cobalt.  Kim is part of a project titled “AI/ML-assisted Separation and Programmable Electrodeposition of Ni and Co.”  November 20, 2024.

Five Bipartisan Actions to Protect America’s Mineral Supply Chains 11/18/2024

Five Bipartisan Actions to Protect America’s Mineral Supply Chains

Payne Institute Communications Associate Gregory Wischer and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how the U.S. Congress needs to make sure critical resources are protected.  Five bipartisan actions that Congress could take are increasing mineral stockpiling, streamlining the permitting process, increasing funding for mineral projects and education, enhancing mineral supply chain transparency in government procurement, and reviving the U.S. Bureau of Mines.   November 18, 2024.

Mines faculty examine the integration of mining, refining for domestic critical mineral production 11/18/2024

Mines faculty examine the integration of mining, refining for domestic critical mineral production

Payne Institute Faculty Fellows Nicole Smith, Elizabeth Holley, Jihye Kim, and Payne Institute Researcher Aaron Malone are featured in this article about how mining research will focus on both the environmental and community impacts of vertically integrated mining operations.  If the U.S. wants to stay competitive in the clean energy market, behind China, domestic production is crucial, which means the country needs more mines. November 18, 2024. 

What could the Trump administration’s mineral policy look like? 11/12/2024

What could the Trump administration’s mineral policy look like?

Payne Institute Communications Associate Gregory Wischer and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how the incoming administration would likely implement a mineral policy to increase US mineral production—especially extraction—while supporting American workers and companies. Specifically, this mineral policy could include imposing tariffs, streamlining permitting, and financially incentivising domestic mineral projects.  November 12, 2024.  

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