Local View: Look to recycling, not mining, to meet demand for minerals

Local View: Look to recycling, not mining, to meet demand for minerals

In discussions related to mining in Minnesota, many ask, “Don’t we need critical minerals?” In a very real sense, this is the wrong question. Of course we need minerals. The real question is, “What is the best way to acquire the minerals we need?” Mining is, of course, the first thought that comes to mind. However, according to data from the Environmental Protection Agency, the hardrock and metal mining industry consistently ranks as the largest…