Critical Minerals: Reducing U.S. Import Reliance with Substitution and Recycling

The U.S. relies heavily on imports of critical minerals like lithium and gallium for batteries and semiconductors, creating supply chain vulnerabilities. Battery recycling and substitution technologies could reduce import dependence within 2-3 years if infrastructure is developed, but semiconductor substitution and recycling solutions remain years away from commercial maturity due to performance and technical challenges.