It’s a critical moment for critical minerals.
In the U.S., some resources have been declared “supply-critical.” This is attributed to limited supply chains, and there are obstacles to opening or reopening mines for these minerals.
However, the biggest state in the U.S. could end up being the nation’s savior.
A mine has a substantial critical mineral deposit to meet demands and strengthen local supply chains. But will the state’s local communities play along?
A big state with even bigger reserves and deposits
Alaska has certainly earned the name “The Last Frontier.”
It is the biggest state in the U.S. To help put its size into context, when California, Montana, and Texas are combined, Alaska is still bigger.
This makes the state inevitably vastly unexplored and “untamed.” In the nineteenth century, the land was seen as a “frozen wasteland.” This is why Russia so easily agreed to sell Alaska to the United States in 1867.
The U.S. certainly had the last laugh. Alaska was purchased for two cents an acre, and not long after, gold was discovered.
Abundant reserves of crude oil also became the backbone of the state’s economy. The state is home to 49 of the 50 critical minerals the U.S. now needs.
While the role of these minerals in the U.S. is undeniably crucial, there is resistance from Alaskan local communities.
Will they stand in the U.S.’s way?
The role of critical minerals in the U.S.
The world is actively transitioning to clean energies. To complete the transition, renewable energy capacity must grow significantly.
This is where the catch comes in.
Renewable energy technologies require certain critical minerals for production and storage. Unfortunately, in the U.S., critical mineral mines take exceptionally long to reach production.
The U.S. ranked second-to-last in the development of these mines.
The U.S. is now taking great measures to secure independence from countries such as China for critical mineral imports.
One particular deposit in Alaska has great potential to reshape the U.S.’s energy transition. However, local communities do not support the development of the mine.
The law also states that tribal consultation has to occur with nearby communities before such projects can move forward.
Locals are concerned that, should the development proceed, it could affect the Imuruk Basin. The basin is crucial for food security and holds traditional ties to the land.
The mine that could reshape American energy transition
The critical mineral the U.S. is seeking is graphite.
Graphite One Inc. has proposed the Graphite Creek Project on Alaska’s Seward Peninsula. Graphite plays a vital role in the energy transition. It is the main material in batteries for EVs and renewable energy storage systems. It is also vital for solar panel manufacturing.
At present, China has a monopoly over global graphite production and supply.
A feasibility study of the graphite deposit in Alaska was conducted in 2025. The study indicated that it has a lifespan of 20 years and can produce 175,000 tons annually. It has a total measured deposit size of 104.7 million tons.
The Graphite Creek project presently has the biggest high-grade deposit in the U.S.
Seeing as America plans to construct a “doomsday vault” for critical minerals, it is no wonder the project qualified for the FAST-41 process. This significantly lowers the time for environmental reviews.
Local communities are becoming increasingly concerned, and with very good reason. The site is extremely remote, and salmon streams and archaeological sites will have to make way for new roads.
However, the project has already received significant funding despite resistance and environmental concerns.
While critical mineral mining is key to the energy transition, it raises the question: Is fast-tracking critical mineral projects’ development truly worth the environmental risks and impacts?
