The United States is in a mineral supply chain crisis. We need taconite, copper, nickel, cobalt, platinum-group elements, and many more for our national security, modern energy technology, and virtually every part of our modern world.

Finding a mentor to support you is essential on your path to a new career, but like any relationship, it takes work to get the most out of it. MRC and the American Exploration & Mining Association (AEMA) Society work to identify talented individuals, match them with mentors, provide cross-disciplinary skills and establish professional standards.

For years now, the United States has led the way in combating climate change. The administration of President Joe Biden has pushed for the widespread adoption of green technologies as a key part of that effort.

Kicking off the COP26 climate conference, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres claimed, “We are digging our own graves,” through a number of actions, including drilling and mining. What Guterres and others willfully omit is the fact that we need mining in order to tackle our climate challenges. Mining is not simply a tool to help achieve climate goals — it is a requirement.

From where does milk come? Regrettably, for too many, the answer is, “From the grocery store, of course!” It seems the cow’s vital role in the supply chain is often overlooked. As a society, we don’t give much thought to the origins of the products we depend on every day. We may notice if something is made in America or abroad, but even if it is manufactured here, from where did the raw materials — the minerals and metals — come?