Supply Chain Transparency

Understanding how the future energy system will impact the global supply chain and associated effects on markets, communities and the environment

Understanding how the future energy system will impact the global supply chain and associated effects on markets, communities and the environment

The global supply chain continues to grow at an incredible rate, but within that growth, a lack of transparency undermines many industries and consumers as they struggle to understand the effects of the supply chain on the markets, communities and the environment.

Payne Supply Chain Transparency works with the Critical Materials Institute, the U.S. government, and policy other stakeholders to better understand the challenges and opportunities related to growing critical mineral demand.

Low-carbon scenarios often have—implicitly or explicitly—high and diverse material needs, depending on what assumptions are made about the nature of future energy systems. As certain technologies become more prominent, it becomes easier to identify what materials will be needed in the near term.

It is important to acknowledge the inherent tensions that exist between building a sustainable future and not managing or understanding the sources and materials with which it is built.

For more information about the Supply Chain Transparency Initiative at the Payne Institute for Public Policy, please contact our Deputy Director, Gregory Clough, at gclough@mines.edu.

NEWS

Future-Proofing U.S. Technology: Strategic Priorities Amid Chinese Tech Advancement 4/6/2025

Future-Proofing U.S. Technology: Strategic Priorities Amid Chinese Tech Advancement

Payne Institute Fellow Jahara “Franky” Matisek, Director Morgan Bazilian, and others write about how the technological rivalry between the United States and China transcends traditional geopolitical competition. It represents a systemic challenge that cuts across economic, security, and diplomacy domains.  The reports presented here examine critical technological domains where targeted policy action is needed to maintain U.S. strategic advantage.  April 6, 2025.

Commodity prices drop in response to tariffs 4/4/2025

Commodity prices drop in response to tariffs

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Ian Lange is featured on this podcast discussing the prices of commodities like crude oil, copper and soybeans have dropped in response to President Donald Trump’s tariff announcements, indicating pessimism about where the global economy may be headed. Even though many commodities, like oil, were exempt from tariffs, the broader economic effects of tariffs are likely to take a toll if they continue.  April 4, 2025.

The Functioning and Trade of Minerals and Metals on Exchanges vs. Chemical Markets 4/2/2025

The Functioning and Trade of Minerals and Metals on Exchanges vs. Chemical Markets

Payne Institute student researcher Sravan Lavudya, Grad Student, Mineral and Energy Economics, writes about how the future outlook for the metal and mineral market is positive, with continued growth expected, though challenges such as geopolitical risks and supply chain disruptions remain.  April 2, 2025.

The mining executive order needs creative financial support to achieve its goals 3/31/2025

The mining executive order needs creative financial support to achieve its goals

Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian and Payne Institute Energy Finance Lab Program Director Brad Handler write about how the Trump Administration’s recently released executive order to speed up and support new mining and processing development projects would benefit from sourcing funds from private lenders and investors instead of public funding alone. March 31, 2025.

U.S. Delegation Visits Greenland Amid Trump Pressure Campaign 3/28/2025

U.S. Delegation Visits Greenland Amid Trump Pressure Campaign

Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributed to this article about how U.S. President Donald Trump’s yearslong obsession with acquiring Greenland sparked fresh and intense backlash this week as he sent a high-profile delegation of top U.S. officials to the island—even as Greenland made clear they weren’t welcome.  Vice President J.D. Vance is the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever travel to the island.  March 28, 2025.

Trade-offs of the green transition: Is mining critical minerals better than extracting fossil fuels? 3/26/2025

Trade-offs of the green transition: Is mining critical minerals better than extracting fossil fuels? 

Payne Institute Faculty Fellow Raphael Deberdt contributed to this article about how extracting resources from the Earth always comes with costs. As we race toward a cleaner, greener future, there is a risk of repeating the abuses of mining for coal and other fossil fuels. March 26, 2025.

Greenland’s Minerals Won’t Secure the U.S. Supply Chain 3/26/2025

Greenland’s Minerals Won’t Secure the U.S. Supply Chain

Emily J. Holland, Payne Institute Fellow Joshua Busby, and Director Morgan Bazilian write about how Greenland’s minerals are drawing renewed U.S. interest, but Arctic conditions, local opposition, and processing and refining challenges make near-term gains unlikely. March 26, 2025.

Hill looks to bolster Trump on minerals executive order 3/26/2025

Hill looks to bolster Trump on minerals executive order

Payne Institute Director Morgan Bazilian contributes to this article about how President Trump’s executive order last week – citing the national energy emergency – directs agencies to submit mineral projects that could get priority for accelerated permitting. It authorizes the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. – created to fund projects abroad – and other agencies to finance mineral developments using the Defense Production Act. March 26, 2025.

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