Strategic materials: Government's role

Journal Article · · Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/B0-12-227410-5/00873-5· OSTI ID:5892594

Morgan, J D ^[1]

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1. Bureau of Mines, Washington, DC (United States)

Civilization passes through the stone, bronze, and iron ages on its climb up the evolutionary ladder and, in the process, gave recognition to the vital role that the Earth's mineral resources play in human progress. From the days of sailing ships when tall, straight trees were needed for masts, governments have been concerned with identifying and reserving strategic materials they consider critical to national needs. John D. Morgan of the US Bureau of Mines recalls efforts beginning in the 1850s to create national reserves of [open quotes]strategic[close quotes] and [open quotes]critical[close quotes] materials-mostly metals and minerals. World Wars I and II gave the greatest momentum to the efforts, but the Cold War and the subsequent domination of petroleum supplies by unstable Middle East nations have kept the concept alive. Today, government, industry, and universities are involved in the search for improved technologies to locate, extract, and process these vital materials for both national defense and domestic economic development, Morgan says. Success of these efforts will play a large role in determining the nation's place in world affairs over the next century, he adds.

• OSTI ID: 5892594
• Journal Information: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States), Journal Name: Forum for Applied Research and Public Policy; (United States) Vol. 8:3; ISSN FARPEL; ISSN 0887-8218
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
293000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Policy
Legislation
& Regulation
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
INDUSTRY
MANAGEMENT
MATERIALS
METALS
MINERAL RESOURCES
MINERALS
MINES
NATIONAL DEFENSE
NATIONAL GOVERNMENT
PETROLEUM
RAW MATERIALS
RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
RESOURCES
UNDERGROUND FACILITIES