Public Perceptions of Mineral Criticality and Preferences for Energy Transition Strategies in the US

Abstract

This study investigates public awareness and perceptions of critical minerals in the United States, using a nationally representative survey of 1,200 respondents. Results reveal that while familiarity with the term 'critical minerals' is relatively low (38%), there is a high level of awareness (over 80%) regarding the importance of minerals in clean energy technologies and the broader energy transition. When asked to provide an example of a mineral that needs attention at the national level, over one-fourth (N = 325) named lithium. Furthermore, survey respondents agreed with the need to give more attention to minerals used in high-tech and clean energy industries. When presented with alternative mineral strategies to shift from fossil to renewable energy sources successfully, the topmost preferred approaches were investing in mineral research and improving mining’s environmental impact, while domestic mining was the least preferred. Further analysis of survey responses using regressions reveals that people who perceive mineral criticality based on their importance for clean energy are likely to agree with multiple strategies while those who perceive criticality due to import dependency tend to agree with encouraging domestic mining. Meanwhile, individuals who believe that environmental impacts should govern criticality generally oppose domestic mining and support mineral recycling and improving mining’s environmental impacts. These results highlight how different perceptions of criticality can influence preferences for mineral strategies. The findings underscore the necessity of bridging any knowledge gaps and fostering public support for sustainable mineral extraction policies.