Google is making another major move in carbon removal by participating in Frontier’s $33 million offtake agreement with Eion Carbon. This deal plans to cut about 79,000 tons of CO₂ by 2030. It uses enhanced rock weathering (ERW), a natural way to boost carbon absorption in rocks.

Reilly O’Hara, Program Manager, Carbon Removal at Google, remarked on this deal, noting:

“This deal isn’t just about removing CO2 – it’s also about building a robust, transparent understanding of enhanced weathering’s potential. By integrating with existing agricultural systems and prioritizing data sharing, Eion will help pave the way for scalable, impactful climate solutions.” 

What is Enhanced Rock Weathering?

Eion deploys olivine, a fast-weathering rock, on Southern and Midwestern United States farmlands. This method permanently captures CO₂ while improving soil health and crop yields.

ERW stands out from traditional carbon capture methods. It fits easily into current farming practices, making it a cost-effective and scalable solution.

ERW involves spreading crushed silicate rocks, like olivine, onto farmland. When these rocks interact with rainwater, they absorb CO₂ from the air, converting it into a stable form stored in the soil or washed into the ocean.

• Research shows that spreading crushed silicate rocks on U.S. farms could capture 0.16 to 0.30 gigatons of CO₂ each year by 2050.

Atmospheric CDR by Enhanced Weathering with US Agriculture

Eion’s research extends beyond carbon capture. The company is conducting deep soil core measurements to better understand how rock-soil interactions influence carbon storage. This data will be made public, advancing the entire field of enhanced weathering.

Visit the company’s website here to learn about its step-by-step ERW processes and how they ensure each carbon credit represents real reductions.

• RELATED: Microsoft and UNDO Partner for 15,000 Tons of Carbon Removal Using Enhanced Rock Weathering!

Farming Meets Climate Tech: The Unexpected Perks for Agriculture

Agriculture plays a significant role in both emitting and removing carbon. Soil carbon sequestration, biochar, and enhanced rock weathering are emerging as promising techniques to make farming better for the climate.

• Soil Carbon Sequestration. Certain farming practices, like no-till farming and cover cropping, can store carbon in the soil for decades. These methods can absorb up to 5 gigatons of CO₂ annually, according to the IPCC.
• Biochar. This charcoal-like substance, made from plant waste, locks carbon into the soil while improving fertility.
• Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW). By applying reactive minerals like olivine to farmland, ERW offers a dual benefit—capturing CO₂ while enhancing soil productivity.

Benefits for Farmers

Farmers in the Southern and Midwestern U.S. are choosing Eion’s olivine-based product over traditional agricultural lime. This substitution offers several advantages:

• Cost-Effective: Revenue from selling carbon removal credits allows Eion to offer its product at a lower price than conventional lime.
• Soil Improvement: Olivine helps neutralize acidic soils, enhancing plant growth and increasing crop yields.
• Environmental Impact: By integrating ERW into their practices, farmers contribute to reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels, playing a direct role in combating climate change.

The Role of Frontier

Frontier is a group that includes Google, Stripe, and Shopify. It helps invest in carbon removal technologies. Frontier pools resources to back innovative solutions, such as Eion’s ERW. This helps speed up their development and deployment. This collaborative effort underscores the importance of joint action in addressing climate change.

Google’s investment in ERW through Eion supports the transition toward carbon-smart agriculture. This approach could transform the agricultural sector into a major carbon sink, helping offset emissions from other industries.

Beyond Offsets: Google’s History of Carbon Removal Efforts 

Google has long been a leader in sustainability and carbon reduction. Since 2007, the company has been carbon-neutral, meaning it offsets all of its emissions by purchasing carbon credits. Here are its major carbon removal deals:

In 2020, Google promised to run on 100% carbon-free energy by 2030. This goal aims to cut emissions from its data centers and offices completely. Past and ongoing initiatives include:

• Investment in Renewable Energy – Google has signed power purchase agreements (PPAs) to build solar and wind farms worldwide.
• Direct Air Capture (DAC) – Google has previously supported carbon removal technologies like DAC, which captures CO₂ directly from the atmosphere.
• Forest Conservation Projects – The company has funded reforestation efforts to absorb CO₂ and restore ecosystems.
• Carbon Removal Credits – Google has backed early-stage carbon credit markets, supporting projects that remove CO₂ from the atmosphere.

The Frontier-Eion deal is part of Google’s broader commitment to carbon removal. This initiative removes CO₂ permanently, unlike traditional offsets. It fits well with Google’s long-term climate strategy.

Google’s Climate Strategy

Google aims to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations and supply chain by 2030. Now, it aims to eliminate emissions completely instead of just offsetting them.

A key goal is running on 100% carbon-free energy (CFE) 24/7 by 2030. Currently, 64% of Google’s energy use is matched with clean sources, with some regions exceeding 90%. The tech giant has also signed 80+ renewable energy deals, totaling over 9 GW of clean energy capacity.

Google has invested $200 million in early-stage carbon removal projects. The company is pushing suppliers to adopt clean energy. It is also using AI to boost energy efficiency in its data centers.

These efforts position Google as a leader in corporate climate action, setting a standard for net-zero goals worldwide.

• READ MORE: Google’s Q4 Financial Success vs. Net-Zero Pledge: Can It Balance AI Growth with Sustainability?

Carbon Capture at Scale: The Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

While ERW presents a promising avenue for carbon removal, several challenges remain. Using ERW on a large scale needs careful planning. This includes sourcing, transporting, and applying large amounts of crushed rock.

Also, accurately quantifying the amount of CO₂ removed through ERW is complex. Ongoing research aims to develop robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) frameworks to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Lastly, reducing the costs associated with ERW is essential for widespread adoption. New methods in mining, grinding, and application can boost economic viability. 

As climate issues increase, big tech firms like Google are stepping up to manage their emissions. Its partnership with Eion through Frontier’s $33 million offtake deal marks a major advancement in carbon removal. This deal highlights the importance of high-quality, verifiable carbon removal solutions. It also underscores the potential for agriculture to play a key role in climate action. 

With Google’s leadership, enhanced weathering and other carbon removal technologies could scale up to remove millions of tons of CO₂ in the coming years. As the voluntary carbon market grows, initiatives like this will be crucial in the fight against climate change and the journey toward a net-zero future.

• FURTHER READING: Google, Meta, Microsoft, and Salesforce Launch “Symbiosis”, Pledging for 20M Tons of Nature-Based CDR Credits

The post Google’s Carbon Credit Expansion with Frontier’s $33M Bet on Rock Weathering appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Copper prices surged on Monday as traders anticipated the outcome of potentially high U.S. import tariffs. The three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) climbed to $9,925 per metric ton, building on last week’s gains after reaching a five-month high.

As per Bloomberg, Mercuria revealed that around 500,000 tons of copper are now headed to U.S. ports—much higher than the usual 70,000 tons per month. This spike is directly linked to expectations of new tariffs.

Bloomberg: Copper Prices Soar on Trump Tariff Speculation

Bloomberg said that copper futures on the London Metal Exchange jumped 1.9%, crossing $10,000 per ton. In New York, copper prices on Comex climbed 1.4% close to a record high before dropping back.

Since January, Comex prices have surged past international benchmarks as traders bet on U.S. import tariffs. On Monday, the price gap hit a new record of over $1,400 per ton, surpassing February’s peak after Trump announced a Commerce Department investigation into possible tariffs.

Explaining further, this investigation into copper imports is fueling market uncertainty. With new tariffs expected on April 2, traders are remaining cautious. This shift in supply could push prices to record highs while creating shortages in China and other markets.

Reuters highlighted Kostas Bintas, former co-head of metals at Trafigura Group, predictions on copper. He warned that global supplies could tighten sharply. Similarly, Goldman Sachs predicts that U.S. copper imports could rise by 50% to 100% in the coming months as buyers rush to secure material before tariffs hit.

Impact on the Economy

The rush of copper imports and looming tariffs could reshape industries worldwide. Here’s what industry pundits are expecting:

• Record Prices: With 500,000 tons of copper flooding the U.S., prices could surpass $10,000 per ton. This would raise costs for construction, electronics, and electric vehicles.
• U.S. Economic Shift: The government aims to boost domestic copper production, reducing reliance on foreign metals. This could help U.S. mining and manufacturing but also raise domestic costs.
• Higher Inflation: Rising copper prices would increase production costs, leading to inflation across multiple sectors. Consumers already facing high living costs may feel the strain.
• Global Supply Chain Issues: With more copper heading to the U.S., shortages could hit China, the world’s largest copper consumer. This could disrupt industries reliant on steady copper supplies.
• Investment Changes: Companies might stock up on extra copper or look for other materials to avoid the impact of price changes. This uncertainty could lead to more investment in U.S. copper production and new alternatives.

What’s Behind the Copper Crunch?

Experts predict a 320,000-ton copper supply deficit in 2025 as demand outpaces supply. A sharp drop in U.S. copper scrap exports—crucial for a third of global production—is worsening the shortfall.

The U.S. is increasingly relying on imports to sustain the production of copper which is a highly critical metal for EVs, military tech, semiconductors, and consumer goods. Meanwhile, demand is soaring due to the rise of EVs, AI advancements, and renewable energy expansion.

Furthermore, China, setting a 5% GDP growth target, is rolling out stimulus measures to boost domestic consumption, further intensifying copper demand. Copper futures surged 12% as traders speculated that the U.S. might impose tariffs on base metal imports. In response, suppliers rushed shipments to America while tightening supply at other places.

RioTimes revealed an interesting point made by Nick Snowdon, head of metals research at Mercuria. He called this trend an “under-appreciated shock” to global markets.

• READ MORE: Copper Prices Swing as China’s Stimulus Sends Mixed Signals—What’s Next for 2025?

Amid all these developments, WSJ reported that Rio Tinto plans to expand its copper investments in the U.S. It operates the Kennecott copper mine in Utah and owns a majority stake in the Resolution Copper project in Arizona.

The company sees new opportunities after President Trump signed the executive order to speed up permitting and boost government funding for mineral projects.

Katie Jackson head of the company’s copper business confirmed this news by noting,

“We have a strong desire to invest more in the U.S., particularly in copper,” 

Copper Demand and Supply Forecast

Copper demand is set to rise sharply due to the clean energy transition.

IEA projects, cleantech applications, such as EVs and renewable energy, will drive demand from 5,380 kt in 2021 to 16,343 kt in 2040. Meanwhile, traditional uses like construction and electrical wiring will remain stable, reaching 20,036 kt by 2040.

Recycled copper supply will exceed double, from 4,123 kt in 2021 to 10,006 kt in 2040. Despite this growth, mining will still play a key role, with primary supply requirements peaking at 25,249 kt in 2030 before stabilizing.

The rising demand and supply chain concentration, primarily from China, might push for diversified sources and expanded recycling efforts.

BHP, the largest mining company, predicts that copper demand from the energy transition sector will rise from 7% to 23% by 2050, according to a Kitco report.

• Copper demand from the digital sector, including data centers, 5G, and AI, is also set to grow from 1% (current) to 6% by 2050.
• Copper use in transportation will increase from 11% in 2021 to 20% by 2040. This rise is due to more electric vehicles on the road.

On the supply side, BHP highlighted a major challenge. The average copper ore grade has dropped by about 40% since 1991. In the next ten years, half of the world’s copper supply will face problems. Aging mines and lower ore quality will be major issues.

• More significantly, the mining giant estimates that the industry will need $250 billion in new investments to close the growing gap between supply and demand.

BHP’s chief commercial officer Rag Udd.

“As we look towards 2050, we foresee global copper demand increasing by 70% to reach 50 million tonnes annually. This will be driven by copper’s role in both current and emerging technologies, as well as the world’s decarbonization goals.”

The U.S. is rushing to import copper ahead of possible tariffs, but the impact goes beyond supply relief. Higher prices, global supply chain disruptions, and shifting economic strategies could follow. Businesses and investors must stay ready for what’s next.

• MUST READ: U.S. Copper Crisis: Can Freeport-McMoRan Secure ‘Critical’ Status for the Energy Metal? 

The post U.S. Copper Rush: Imports Flood in and Prices Soar as Trump Tariff Looms appeared first on Carbon Credits.

Recycling helps recover valuable materials, cut waste, and support clean energy. With stricter sustainability rules, governments are pushing for greener solutions. EV companies are also focusing on battery recycling. This helps lower supply chain emissions and cut their carbon footprint.

Thus, battery recycling has become essential for a greener future. We have studied the Lithium-ion battery recycling report by the Chemical Abstracts Service aka CAS (a division of the American Chemical Society) and Deloitte. It provides insights into key growth drivers, emissions impact, and the current and future outlook of the market. Let’s dive in!

What’s Driving the EV Battery Recycling Market?

EV batteries have valuable metals, such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel. However, getting rid of them is difficult and this is where recycling comes in use. Thus, the rising need for these energy metals is the key driver for the EV battery recycling market.

This approach reduces waste, conserves resources, and supports a more sustainable supply chain. As demand for EVs grows, so does the need for efficient battery recycling to lessen reliance on mining.

Notably, strict environmental rules are also driving manufacturers to adopt greener practices. Advancements in recycling technology are helping recover more metal. This makes the process cheaper and better for businesses. On a global scale, many countries are promoting a circular economy.

                        Supply and demand gap for critical minerals

Asia-Pacific Leads in Battery Recycling

In 2023, Asia-Pacific led the battery recycling market. High EV adoption in China, Japan, and South Korea increased demand for recycling. The region produces many end-of-life batteries as a major EV and battery manufacturer.

Strong government support, incentives, and environmental awareness are driving growth. Investments in recycling technology and infrastructure further strengthen the region’s lead. This is evident from more patents than research papers.

Geographical distribution of publications in the field of lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling

The Top Player: Brunp Recycling Technology

China’s Brunp Recycling Technology, a subsidiary of CATL, is a top player in battery recycling. The company focuses on four major areas of battery material development:

• Ultra-High Nickel: Increases nickel content while reducing cobalt to boost battery capacity.

• High Voltage: Raises the charging voltage limit while maintaining safety and performance.

• Intelligent Management: Uses digital tools and smart systems for efficient operations.

• Emerging Materials: Develop new materials for various applications, continuously improving energy density.

These advancements help improve battery performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Notably, Japan’s Sumitomo Metal Mining follows as another key company in this field.

• READ MORE: Top 5 Lithium Producers Powering the Battery Market in 2025 

Global Regulations Powering Battery Recycling

Governments are tightening laws to improve battery recycling. Policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) require manufacturers to handle waste management. EPR makes producers responsible for collecting and recycling their lithium-ion batteries. This encourages sustainable manufacturing and proper disposal.

New rules in the EU, U.S., and Asia are shaping the industry:

China’s Leadership

China introduced key recycling laws as early as 2016. In 2018, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) set strict rules for battery handling, recycling traceability, and technical standards. The 2020 Solid Waste Pollution Law stopped waste imports and boosted recycling. Also, the Circular Economy Development Plan (2021-2025) prioritizes battery reuse. In 2024, MIIT suggested new standards for recycling waste batteries. They are now being reviewed.

EU Regulations

In 2023, the EU launched New Battery Regulations. These rules address the whole lifecycle of batteries, from design to end-of-life. By 2027, manufacturers must recover 50% of lithium from old batteries and 80% by 2031. Companies need to track their batteries’ carbon footprint and meet recycling content targets by 2025. Additionally, by 2027, a digital battery passport will improve transparency and traceability.

U.S. Policies

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates lithium-ion battery (LIB) recycling under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). In 2023, the U.S. issued federal guidelines clarifying how hazardous waste laws apply to LIBs. The EPA plans to introduce a dedicated LIB recycling policy by mid-2025.

India and South Korea are working on policies to support LIB recycling.

Making EVs Greener: Decarbonizing the Battery Supply Chains

The report has highlighted the most critical information on EVs. EVs have no tailpipe emissions. However, making their batteries does create a lot of carbon emissions.

• Lithium-ion battery production accounts for 40-60% of an EV’s total emissions. 

Top automakers are now focusing on sustainable sourcing and recycling. As EV demand rises, battery recycling will be crucial for cutting carbon footprints and securing raw materials. And this is why regulators and investors are also pushing for cleaner supply chains.

Slashing Emissions and Saving Resources

Recycling lithium-ion batteries is much better for the environment than mining new metals. A study from Stanford University, published in Nature Communications, found that recycling creates less than half the emissions of traditional mining. It also uses only one-fourth of the water and energy.

The benefits are even bigger when recycling scrap from manufacturing. Scrap-based recycling created just 19% of the emissions, used 12% of the water, and needed only 11% of the energy compared to mining. Using less energy also means fewer air pollutants. So, battery recycling is a cleaner and smarter choice.

• The study concluded that recycling reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 58–81% and cuts water use by 72–88%.

The CAS report also published a 2023 study by Fraunhofer IWKS that evaluated the life-cycle environmental impact of three major battery recycling methods- Pyrometallurgy, Hydrometallurgy, and Direct recycling. The two significant deductions are:

• Recycling 1 kg of lithium batteries can reduce carbon emissions by 2.7 to 4.6 kg CO₂ equivalent.
• Direct recycling is the most effective method for the environment.

      Life-cycle environmental impacts of different recycling routes of LIBs

Making Battery Recycling Profitable

Battery recycling has three phases: high-cost investment, break-even, and strong profits. Initially, recyclers invest heavily to set up facilities and meet regulations.

They can start making money by cutting costs, recovering valuable metals, and reducing waste. Costs depend on transport, labor, battery design, and recycling methods. Recyclers can stay profitable by automating tasks, lowering transport costs, and using advanced technology.

Batteries with valuable metals like cobalt and copper, such as NMC and NCA, offer quick returns. In contrast, LFP batteries provide better long-term benefits when reused before recycling.

Choosing the right recycling method—pyrometallurgy, hydrometallurgy, or direct recycling—can boost efficiency. Studies show recycling offers environmental benefits worth $3 to $11 per kWh. However, this also depends on carbon pricing and market trends.

                              Net recycling profit comparison

Subsequently, recyclers should focus on improving their processes. They also need to form partnerships to strengthen their business.

The Future of Battery Recycling: Turning Challenges into Opportunities

Battery recycling faces hurdles like high costs, complex processes, and inefficient collection. Various battery designs and hazardous materials add further challenges. New technology, digital tools, and teamwork in the industry are making recycling cheaper and easier.

Polaris Market Research reports the EV battery recycling market was $8.89 billion in 2023. It is set to grow from $11.09 billion in 2024 to $65.71 billion by 2032, with a 24.9% annual growth rate.

Digital Tools Improve Efficiency

Traditional recycling relies on slow, expensive, and unsafe manual processes. Digital tools are transforming this by tracking materials, automating sorting, and improving disassembly. These innovations enhance efficiency and help companies comply with strict regulations, reducing legal risks.

For example, digital twins optimize processes, blockchain ensures traceability and cloud platforms enable real-time tracking. Umicore uses AI and cloud solutions. CATL, on the other hand, uses blockchain to track materials.

Similarly, companies like Redwood Materials, BYD, and Toyota use AI to predict optimal recycling timelines.

The Power of Industry Collaboration

The disrupted supply chain remains a major challenge. In China, only 25% of retired EV batteries go through formal recycling channels. Companies are making batteries easier to recycle. They are also working together in the supply chain to solve this issue.

In October 2023, Stellantis and Orano teamed up to recycle EV batteries and factory scrap in Europe and North America. Such collaborations are driving a more sustainable and scalable battery recycling industry.

Similarly, last December Li-Cycle Holdings Corp. resumed its collaboration with Glencore International AG, (a subsidiary of Glencore plc). Both companies will evaluate the feasibility of building a new Hub facility in Portovesme, Italy that could potentially produce critical battery materials such as lithium, nickel, and cobalt from recycled battery content.

• FURTHER READING: Lithium’s Essential Role in EV Battery Chemistry and Global Supply Dynamics 

The post Are EVs Truly Green? How Battery Recycling is Powering a Cleaner Future appeared first on Carbon Credits.

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to ramp up U.S. production of critical minerals. The order uses emergency powers under the Defense Production Act to increase financing, streamline permits, and encourage domestic mining and processing of minerals vital for national security and economic growth. 

The goal is to cut down on dependence on foreign suppliers, especially China. China leads the global supply chain for key minerals. The order has raised worries about its effect on the environment and how it matches climate goals.

What Are The Key Aspects of the Executive Order?

• Defense Production Act for Critical Minerals

The executive order authorizes the use of the Defense Production Act (DPA) to provide financial support to U.S. mining and mineral processing projects. This includes loans and investments from the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and the Department of Defense. The goal is to speed up the production of key minerals. This includes lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and maybe coal.

• Faster Permitting for Mining Projects

Trump’s order directs federal agencies to speed up the permitting process for new mining and processing facilities. The Department of the Interior has been tasked with prioritizing critical mineral production on federal lands. The administration wants to cut red tape. This will help private companies invest more in domestic mineral production.

• Expanding the Scope of Critical Minerals

The order lets the National Energy Dominance Council add uranium, copper, potash, and gold to the list of critical minerals. Additionally, there is speculation that coal could be included. This can potentially lead to increased production of fossil fuels under the guise of national security.

Why Is the U.S. Expanding Mineral Production?

The U.S. gets 70% of its rare earth minerals from China. This makes the supply chain weak for important industries like defense, electronics, and renewable energy. China has also imposed export controls on key materials like gallium and germanium. This further increases the urgency for the U.S. to secure its own resources.

Critical minerals are key for military use, particularly antimony. They support missile systems, fighter jets, and advanced communications technology. By expanding domestic production, the U.S. aims to strengthen its defense capabilities and reduce the risk of supply chain disruptions.

Lastly, lithium, cobalt, and nickel are crucial for battery storage, electric vehicles (EVs), and renewable energy infrastructure. Boosting local production of these materials can speed up the clean energy shift and cut down on fossil fuel use.

Global Market Trends and U.S. Critical Mineral Production and Consumption

The global demand for critical minerals has been on the rise, driven by the transition to clean energy technologies. In 2023, lithium demand surged by 30%, while nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earth elements also saw significant increases. 

Investment in critical mineral mining grew by 10% in 2023; however, this was a slowdown compared to the 30% growth observed in 2022. This is partly due to declining prices putting pressure on producers.

The United States has significant mineral resources but remains heavily dependent on imports for many critical minerals. According to the U.S. Geological Survey’s 2024 Mineral Commodity Summaries, the U.S. was 100% import-dependent for 15 nonfuel mineral commodities and over 50% import-dependent for 49 such commodities. 

For instance, aluminum consumption in 2024 reached 4.3 million metric tons, underscoring the nation’s reliance on external sources. For other minerals, refer to the following table for US 2023 consumption and production per USGS report. 

Trump’s recent executive order targets several critical minerals, including:​

• Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Essential for electronics, defense systems, and renewable energy technologies.
• Lithium: Vital for battery production in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.​
• Nickel: Used in stainless steel and battery manufacturing.​
• Cobalt: Important for battery electrodes.
• Graphite: Used in batteries and fuel cells.

Economic, Environmental, and Climate Implications

The EO has a significant impact on mining companies. Shares of U.S. mining companies surged following the announcement. 

MP Materials, a rare earth miner, saw its stock rise by 4.6%, while coal producer Peabody Energy gained more than 2%. However, Australian and Chinese mining companies experienced stock declines, reflecting concerns over reduced demand for imported minerals. 

The decision also has the potential to spur international trade conflicts. China and other major mineral-exporting nations may view this policy shift as a direct threat to their economic interests. This could lead to trade tensions and potential retaliatory measures, further complicating global supply chains.

• RELATED: US-China Trade War: Can the US Beat China’s Critical Minerals Grip?

Environmental Concerns and Climate Impacts

Mining and processing critical minerals contribute about 8% of global carbon emissions. Copper production emits 4.6 tonnes of CO₂ per tonne, while nickel ranges between 12 and 78 tonnes per tonne. However, these emissions do not negate clean energy benefits—EVs still produce half the lifecycle emissions of gasoline cars. Using low-carbon electricity can further lower these emissions. ​

Coal’s potential inclusion as a critical mineral raises concerns. Fossil fuels from federal lands accounted for nearly 25% of U.S. CO₂ emissions over a decade. Expanding mining on public lands risks habitat destruction and toxic contamination, with 22,500 abandoned mine sites already leaking harmful chemicals.

Securing critical minerals is key for national security and clean energy. Yet, experts also stress the need for sustainable practices. This includes recycling, improved mining tech, and carbon-cutting ideas. For example, using CO₂ to weaken rocks could make mining carbon-negative.

The Biden administration used the Defense Production Act before. This was to boost the production of battery materials in the U.S. The goal is to cut emissions and support renewable energy. In contrast, Trump’s order may list coal and other fossil fuels as critical minerals. This could slow down efforts for net-zero emissions and hurt global climate leadership. 

Expanding fossil fuel extraction on federal lands may worsen climate change, undermining progress toward emission reduction targets. ​

Conclusion: A Double-Edged Sword?

Trump’s executive order to boost critical mineral production is a significant policy shift that aims to reduce dependence on foreign sources, enhance national security, and support key industries. However, the inclusion of coal and the potential rollback of environmental safeguards raises concerns about its impact on climate goals.

As the U.S. moves forward with this strategy, it must find a balance between securing essential minerals and ensuring sustainable, environmentally responsible development. The outcome of this policy will shape not only the country’s economic future but also its role in global efforts to combat climate change.

• MUST READ: Trump’s EPA Cancels $20 Billion in Climate Funding: What It Means for Clean Energy

The post Donald Trump Uses Emergency Powers to Boost U.S. Critical Mineral (and Coal?) Production appeared first on Carbon Credits.