Will the US be left vulnerable if a resource war breaks out

Journal Article · Sat Apr 18 04:00:00 EST 1981 · Natl. J.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6590757

Gordon, M R

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), Journal Name: Natl. J.; (United States) Vol. 13:16; ISSN NAJOD
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

29 ENERGY PLANNING, POLICY, AND ECONOMY
290200 -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Economics & Sociology
290400* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Energy Resources
ASIA
AVAILABILITY
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EASTERN EUROPE
EUROPE
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATIONAL SECURITY
NORTH AMERICA
RESOURCES
SECURITY
STOCKPILES
USA
USSR