The USGS on Friday released its annual Mineral Commodity Summaries report, which shows that, when it comes to reducing China's hold on our mineral supply chains, it's harder than you might think. The numbers showed our import dependence—the amount of minerals we need to import to meet the country's mineral needs—worsened last year. The U.S. is now 100 percent import reliant for 16 minerals—that's up from 15 the year prior—and is reliant on imports for more than one-half of our consumption for 54 nonfuel mineral commodities, that number is up from 46 the year prior. The number show the urgent need to do more to support domestic mining projects.

And speaking of the people who can do more to support domestic mining, on Capitol Hill there will be a range of mining-related matters up for consideration this week. In the Senate, Representative Stauber's Congressional Review Act resolution aimed at overturning the Biden administration's Minnesota Mining ban could get a vote. And, in the House, we should see a vote on legislation focused on energy supply chains. The "Securing America's Critical Minerals Supply Act," directs the Department of Energy to conduct an ongoing assessment of the resources required for our energy sector.