Critical minerals used in ASU research: Frequently asked questions

The United States considers certain minerals critical for research and technological development. These minerals are essential for advancing technologies in energy, electronics, defense and materials science.

What are critical minerals?

Critical minerals are considered essential for the U.S. economy or national security and have supply chains vulnerable to disruption.

Do critical minerals differ by country?

Yes, several countries and regions have their own lists based on their levels of access, uses, economic values and supply risks.

What does the United States consider as critical minerals?

The U.S. Critical Mineral List managed by the Department of Interior is updated frequently with what the U.S. considers a critical mineral.

What federal agencies fund critical minerals research?

Federal agencies include the U.S. Department of Energy, National Science Foundation, U.S. Geological Survey and federally funded national laboratories. These agencies provide funding to study minerals that support emerging technologies and strengthen supply-chain security.

What research areas do critical minerals get included in?

Critical minerals research areas include:

• Battery and energy storage
• Semiconductor and electronics
• Rare earth elements for advanced materials
• Clean energy
• Aerospace
• Defense
• High-temperature materials

What critical minerals does the state of Arizona have?

• Copper
• Molybdenum
• Rhenium

Which agencies regulate critical minerals research?

Several federal agencies regulate critical mineral research.

• The U.S. Department of Energy focuses on energy technology and mineral processing research.
• The  U.S. Geological Survey focuses on mapping resources.
• The U.S. Department of the Interior oversees mineral policy, manages federal lands and maintains the critical minerals list.
• The Environmental Protection Agency focuses on mineral extraction and how to comply with environmental regulations.
• The U.S. Department of War focuses on defense-related mineral technologies.

What policies and resources does ASU have?

ASU does not have any specific policies related to critical minerals; however, ASU does have several research centers and/or institutes who focus on critical minerals research.

• Navrotsky Eyring Center for Materials of the Universe
  • Studies materials and minerals relevant to clean energy and planetary science
  • Studies to increase domestic supplies of critical minerals
• School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE)
  • Conducts research on geological processes that form critical mineral deposits
  • Develops models to help identify new mineral resources
• Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering (IAFSE)
  • Researches mineral processing, materials engineering and extraction technologies

Are there federal research funding programs that support critical minerals research?

Yes, there are several programs:

• ARPA-E MINER
• National Science Foundation Geosciences Division
• Energy Frontier Research Centers
• Critical Minerals Institute
• BLM Energy and Minerals

Does industry support critical minerals research?

Yes, local and U.S.-based mining companies support critical minerals research.

Are there dual-use concerns with critical minerals research?

Yes, critical minerals have a dual-use potential, meaning they are essential for both civilian technologies (e.g., batteries, wind turbines, electronics) and military applications (e.g., missiles, radar systems, armored vehicles). Research with critical minerals often includes ITAR and EAR restrictions to prevent bad actors’ access. 

Are there export control concerns with critical minerals research?

Yes, the U.S. regulates exports to prevent sensitive minerals from strengthening foreign competitors or adversaries. There will be export rules and licensing requirements when sharing data, technology or materials internationally. The ITAR governs the export of defense-related critical minerals listed on the U.S. Munitions List to protect national security. The EAR governs the export of certain critical minerals, particularly those considered dual-use (commercial and military application) or processed materials.

Are there common terms and conditions that apply to critical minerals awards?

Yes, there are common terms and conditions. These include:

1. Security and export compliance: ITAR/EAR rules limit sharing (export) of sensitive data or materials with foreign nationals both within and outside the U.S., and sometimes obtain security clearances.
2. Funding: Awards from DOE, NSF, DOW or USGS require proper acknowledgment, regular technical and financial reports, and adherence to approved budgets.
3. Environmental and safety regulations: EPA/DOI standards, including safe handling, storage and disposal of minerals and chemicals.
4. Intellectual property: ASU and federal policies on patents, inventions and sharing technology must be followed.
5. Foreign collaboration rules: Restrictions with whom ASU can work with at the entity and individual level and reporting obligations.

Who do I contact at ASU?

Contact Research Compliance at [email protected].