The priority of the Western USA mining industry can be summarized in one word: reshoring. The recent shift in government will only reinforce this focus. While Democrats emphasized ‘friend-shoring’ and ‘near-shoring’ in their minerals agenda, President Donald Trump has pledged to bring domestic mineral production home.

However, achieving this goal is far from simple. The US mineral supply chain remains fragile, with critical mineral imports hitting record highs. The nation relies entirely on foreign sources for 15 critical minerals and has the second longest mine development timeline in the world—averaging 29 years. Government pledges for net-zero emissions by 2050 and 50% electric vehicles by 2030 remain aspirational at best. China, which controls global metals production, holds aces in its pocket and will play its hand at a time of its choosing.

Despite these challenges, industry momentum is accelerating. September 2024 saw Las Vegas host the quadrennial MINExpo, the world’s largest mining event, with record-breaking attendance. The Western US remains a hotbed for mineral discoveries, from copper to lithium to rare earths. Companies are leveraging cutting-edge technologies—including AI-driven resource exploration and advanced recycling techniques—to foster a more self-reliant future.

The road ahead is complex, requiring innovation, technology, policy support, and collaboration between industry, government and academia. Over 100 executives across the mining value chain shared their perspectives with GBR, underscoring that while the stakes are high, so is the potential for the Western US to reclaim its former production strength and reignite a new era of manifest destiny.