Will the US be left vulnerable if a resource war breaks out
Concerns that the Soviet Union will take advantage of US materials shortages by cutting off access to resources in Africa and Asia led to the Administration's effort to stockpile $100 million in strategic materials, a review of the Law of the Sea Treaty, and a proposal to expand mineral exploration on public lands. Another suggested initiative is a government-guaranteed price floor for strategic minerals. US mineral vulnerability is comparable to its oil dependency, although cartel development is considered unlikely. Critics of the views of the Administration doubt that a Buy America strategy will yield critical minerals, but it will have a high economic and environmental cost. A chart comparing US and Soviet metal and mineral imports shows the US is a net exporter of only iron and steel scrap and an importer of 35 items, while the Soviets are net exporters of 19 strategic minerals and importers of only seven. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 6590757
- Journal Information:
- Natl. J.; (United States), Vol. 13:16
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
MINERAL RESOURCES
AVAILABILITY
USA
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
NATIONAL SECURITY
STOCKPILES
USSR
ASIA
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
SECURITY
290400* - Energy Planning & Policy- Energy Resources
290200 - Energy Planning & Policy- Economics & Sociology