The United States must regain control over critical-minerals supply chains to protect its energy, economic and national security, according to Audrey Robertson, US Assistant Secretary of Energy for Critical Minerals and Innovation at the Department of Energy. Robertson outlined the DOE's strategy during an appearance on The Northern Miner Podcast on October 2, 2026. She emphasized that the focus is investing across mining, processing, technology and workforce development as the department seeks to rebuild domestic capabilities that have shifted overseas during the past three decades.
"If we do not control our supply chain, we do not control our destiny. And that's energy, national and economic security," Robertson stated. The strategy extends beyond developing new mines.
Robertson said the department wants to accelerate existing projects, improve processing technology and create conditions that allow US heavy industry to compete profitably at home. She highlighted the importance of innovation in existing feedstocks rather than focusing solely on new operations. A key element of the initiative involves bringing American companies that have outsourced their operations elsewhere back to the US.
Robertson acknowledged that the country has the most stringent operating environment for heavy industry in the world, which has driven operations overseas. The DOE aims to allow these businesses to operate profitably domestically while maintaining environmental protections. Robertson emphasized the need to communicate to communities how the industry has changed and how new technologies can bring production back to the US while protecting the environment.
"We hope that communities across the nation embrace the idea that to lead the world and to have a future for our kids here, we cannot send overseas all of the processing technology," she said. A significant challenge facing the sector is a severe shortage of skilled workers. Robertson pointed to a major skills gap between the US and China, noting that approximately 160 mining engineers graduated in the US over the past year compared with about 3,000 in China.
She attributed this gap to three decades of supply chain outsourcing that has depleted the talent pool and educational infrastructure. "For the last 30 years we have outsourced our supply chain and with it we've lost a generation of talent and education along the way," Robertson explained. The DOE estimates the US will need approximately 6,000 new mining engineers over the next decade to support the development and establishment of a robust domestic supply chain.
The department is partnering with universities across the country to develop the workforce needed to meet this demand and rapidly close the skills gap. Source: Mining.com, October 2, 2026
Source: mining.com