There’s a good reason that America’s technology hub in California is nicknamed Silicon Valley. Silicon is indispensable to modern life and the American economy. Silicon alloy, a byproduct of silicon, is a crucial raw material in, among other things, microelectronics, computer chips, automotive parts, building materials, and chemicals. That makes it integral to housing, transportation, consumer electronics, defense production, space exploration, and renewable energy.
The European Union recognized the importance of silicon alloy to the European economy when it added silicon metal to its list of critical raw materials in 2014. The designation was an important step toward ensuring reliable and unhindered access to this vital product. The E.U. then went a step further by supporting local production of silicon metal and protecting European producers from unfair foreign competition to strengthen domestic sources.
In 2018, the U.S. Department of Interior published its own list of critical minerals comprised of 35 mineral commodities considered important to the economic and national security of the U.S. Unfortunately, this list does not include or recognize the importance to the U.S. economy of certain elements — like silicon-based alloys — that must be produced instead of extracted directly from the ground. This is shortsighted.
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