Critical Minerals
RFF’s work on critical minerals focuses on addressing near-term supply bottlenecks, strengthening US mineral security, and building a transparent and sustainable market for critical minerals to support the deployment of technologies needed for EV batteries.
Highlights
Topics
Industry and Fuels
Solutions to decarbonize industry and transition away from fossil fuels
The Critical Minerals Research Lab
An interdisciplinary hub to help PhD students develop, improve, and disseminate policy-relevant research on critical minerals for the clean energy transition.
Transportation
Understanding the costs, benefits, and consequences of transportation policies
Featured Content
- Highlights
- Publications
- Events
- Editorial
- News
Issue Brief — Jan 17, 2025
Digging Deep: Critical Mineral Supply Chains, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Technological Innovation
Digging Deep: Critical Mineral Supply Chains, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Technological Innovation
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 7, 2024
Elections Matter. So Does Policy Research.
As the presidential election nears, and regardless of outcome, researchers at Resources for the Future continue to pursue work that will inspire interest, bipartisan coalitions, and progress on policy issues, given the political resilience of the topics.
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 7, 2024
From 1959 Through Today: 65 Years of Resources Magazine
The past 65 years of Resources—the full archive of articles dating back to the start of the magazine in 1959—are now freely available online to anyone who’s looking for accurate, trustworthy information about environmental economics.
Working Paper — Sep 16, 2024
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
Issue Brief — Jan 17, 2025
Digging Deep: Critical Mineral Supply Chains, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Technological Innovation
Digging Deep: Critical Mineral Supply Chains, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Technological Innovation
Working Paper — Sep 16, 2024
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
What Is “Mineral Security” and What Policies Are Needed to Achieve It? Lessons from Oil Security
Report — Dec 7, 2023
Policy Challenges for Accessing Critical Minerals to Electrify Vehicle Transport
This report explores challenges to accessing the supply of critical minerals necessary for widespread vehicle electrification in the United States.
Environmental Justice Series — Jun 6, 2024
Critical Minerals, Critical Stakeholders: Engaging Local Communities in Mineral Resource Collaboration
A webinar featuring industry experts exploring the impacts of mineral extraction efforts on local communities.
RFF Live — Mar 12, 2024
Digging Deep: Critical Minerals, Electric Vehicles, and the Role of Innovation
An RFF Live event exploring critical mineral markets, increased electric vehicle demand, and technological innovation
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 7, 2024
Elections Matter. So Does Policy Research.
As the presidential election nears, and regardless of outcome, researchers at Resources for the Future continue to pursue work that will inspire interest, bipartisan coalitions, and progress on policy issues, given the political resilience of the topics.
Resources Magazine Articles — Oct 7, 2024
From 1959 Through Today: 65 Years of Resources Magazine
The past 65 years of Resources—the full archive of articles dating back to the start of the magazine in 1959—are now freely available online to anyone who’s looking for accurate, trustworthy information about environmental economics.
On the Issues — Jul 5, 2024
On the Issues: Critical Minerals in Policy, Projecting US Emissions, and More
A biweekly newsletter connecting global current events, pressing climate and energy policy news, and economics research from RFF scholars. This week: critical minerals in policy, projecting US emissions, and more.
Common Resources — Jun 12, 2024
A New Interdisciplinary Critical Minerals Research Lab for PhD Students
Announcement of new Critical Minerals Research Lab: application submissions are welcome from PhD students who are conducting interdisciplinary, policy-relevant research on critical minerals for the clean energy transition.
Press Release — Sep 11, 2024
Fourteen PhD Students Chosen for New Critical Minerals Research Lab
The lab is pleased to announce that it has now selected the first class of scholars.
Press Release — Jun 12, 2024
RFF Launches Lab to Support New Critical Mineral Scholars
Resources for the Future is pleased to announce the launch of the Critical Minerals Research Lab, a virtual hub to help PhD students develop, improve, and disseminate policy-relevant research on critical minerals.
Media Highlight — Jan 1, 2024
Scientific American: “There’s a Better Way to Mine for Electric Vehicle Batteries”
RFF Fellow Beia Spiller and former RFF intern Sangita Kannan share their thoughts on improving critical mineral mining practices in their coauthored op-ed.
Press Release — Dec 12, 2023
Reliability of the Critical Minerals Supply Chain is Dependent on International Cooperation
A new report lays out the challenges and policy options associated with sourcing and processing these critical minerals.
