GOV MIKE DUNLEAVY: China is holding critical minerals hostage. Alaska can help end the threat
U.S. Faces Critical‑Mineral Challenge: Alaska’s Untapped Graphite Reserve Holds the Key
The United States is increasingly looking toward domestic sources of critical minerals to support its technology and defense industries. A new assessment of Alaska’s graphite resources highlights the potential for the state to become a major supplier of a mineral that underpins everything from smartphones to electric‑vehicle batteries.
A Vast Reserve in Alaska
Geological studies estimate that a single deposit in Alaska’s “Graphite Creek” area could supply enough graphite to meet the entire U.S. demand for the next century. Graphite is classified as a critical mineral under the Defense Production Act, meaning it is essential for national‑security‑related manufacturing. The reserve, which is one of the world’s largest known, has attracted the attention of federal policymakers and state officials alike.
Federal Investment and International Competition
In recent years, the U.S. government has invested in overseas graphite projects. A $150 million loan was provided to a facility in Mozambique, a country that later closed the operation amid security concerns. The closure has been cited by critics as evidence of misallocation of taxpayer money and a missed opportunity to develop domestic resources.
The situation has raised concerns about dependence on foreign suppliers, particularly in light of reports that China has used control over rare‑earth and other critical‑mineral exports as leverage in trade disputes. The Biden administration’s decision to fund overseas projects has been met with calls for a shift toward U.S. production.
Executive Action to Unlock Alaska’s Potential
In January 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order aimed at “unleashing Alaska’s extraordinary resource potential.” The order cites the state’s “abundant and largely untapped supply of natural resources” and states that developing them would “raise the prosperity of our citizens while helping to enhance our Nation’s economic and national security for generations to come.”
The order follows a broader federal push to secure critical‑mineral supply chains. It encourages state governments to pursue responsible extraction practices and to collaborate with private industry on projects like Graphite Creek.
Economic and Job‑Creation Benefits
Proponents of the Graphite Creek Project argue that development would bring high‑paying jobs to Alaska. “Developing the Graphite Creek Project will create quality, high‑paying jobs right here in Alaska,” a spokesperson for the project said. The economic argument is coupled with a security rationale: domestic production could reduce the United States’ reliance on foreign supply chains that might be subject to political or military risk.
State Leadership and Public Opinion
Alaska’s governor, Mike Dunleavy, has publicly supported the project. He has highlighted the state’s strategic importance in national security and its potential to become a leader in critical‑mineral production. Meanwhile, local communities and environmental groups have urged that development proceed responsibly, noting the importance of balancing economic benefits with environmental stewardship.
Looking Ahead
The U.S. faces a strategic decision: continue investing in foreign graphite projects and risk supply vulnerabilities, or accelerate domestic development of reserves such as Graphite Creek. The executive order and the state’s support signal a shift toward prioritizing homegrown resources. Whether the federal government will follow through with the necessary infrastructure investment remains to be seen.
As the United States navigates its position in a rapidly evolving global mineral market, Alaska’s graphite reserve could become a pivotal asset in securing the nation’s technological and defense future.