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US can cut critical mineral import reliance through substitution and recycling, GAO finds

A US Government Accountability Office (GAO) report concludes that the United States can reduce its heavy reliance on imported critical minerals — including lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements — by investing in recycling programmes and developing material substitutes. These minerals are essential for batteries, electronics and defence systems. The GAO recommends specific policy steps to diversify supply chains and reduce strategic vulnerabilities.