This article is sponsored by 47G.
The race to secure critical materials has become a defining challenge of the modern economy, shaping the future of our nation’s security, technology and industrial innovation. On March 13, 2025, industry leaders, policymakers and investors will gather at Rice-Eccles Stadium for the Strategic Materials Summit. To register for the event, visit: https://7498187.hs-sites.com/strategic-materials-summit-2025.
The Summit is a special event designed to shape the future of the critical materials sector in Utah. Hosted by 47G in close collaboration with the U.S. Economic Development Administration Tech Hubs, the University of Utah, the Idaho National Laboratory, the Utah Mining Association and the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, this premier, one-day event will provide a platform for expert discussions, cutting-edge insights and high-impact networking opportunities.
The Strategic Materials Summit will convene national leaders, industry pioneers, and top researchers to drive the future of critical minerals—a sector vital to U.S. economic independence, national security and next-generation energy technologies.
A defining moment for strategic materials
As the U.S. strives for greater self-reliance in critical supply chains, critical materials have emerged as a national priority because they help to shape everything from clean energy to defense technology and semiconductor manufacturing. Critical materials are the backbone of modern innovation— powering electric vehicles, aerospace advancements and next-generation battery storage. Yet, the U.S. remains heavily dependent on foreign sources, particularly for lithium, graphite and rare earth elements—a vulnerability that poses serious economic and security risks. This need has taken on even greater urgency with the Trump Administration recently declaring a National Energy Emergency. Without swift action, U.S. reliance on foreign sources will only deepen as demand for strategic materials grows.
“With growing global competition and increasing threats to our energy security, we cannot afford to remain dependent on foreign supply chains,” said Dr. Tom Lograsso, director of the Critical Materials Innovation Hub, Ames National Laboratory. “Our ability to lead in advanced manufacturing, defense and energy technologies depends on securing a resilient, homegrown supply of critical minerals and materials.”
The Strategic Materials Summit directly aligns with national priorities to secure America’s access to critical minerals. With new federal initiatives aimed at strengthening domestic supply chains—including the Defense Production Act and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)-backed investments in mining and processing infrastructure—the time for action is now. As U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) organizations explore additional strategic investments in Utah,
the Summit provides an opportunity to solidify the state’s role as a leader in critical materials innovation and production.
The Beehive State’s buzzing future
Utah is uniquely positioned to lead the nation in critical minerals not only due to its rich geological resources, but also its business-friendly policies and highly collaborative research ecosystem. The state was recently ranked the #1 jurisdiction in North America for mining investment by the Fraser Institute, reinforcing its status as a premier hub for responsible and innovative mineral development.
Utah’s natural geology makes it a natural leader in critical minerals production. The state has access to 40 of the 50 minerals deemed essential by the U.S. Geological Survey to the economic health and national security of the United States. The Great Salt Lake and Paradox Basin, in particular, hold significant lithium reserves, positioning Utah at the forefront of efforts to secure a domestic supply of this vital battery material. Additionally, Utah’s established mining infrastructure and history of responsible resource development provide a strong foundation for scaling up critical mineral production in a sustainable way.
In addition to our natural resources, the ability to collaborate is at the heart of Utah’s identity. This collaboration is reflected in the strong partnerships between policymakers, research institutions and private industry, driving advancements in responsible mining and mineral processing. Leading institutions such as the University of Utah, Utah State University and Idaho National Laboratory are working alongside government agencies and industry giants like Rio Tinto and Energy Fuels to pioneer cutting-edge technologies that ensure sustainable and efficient mineral development.
With these unmatched advantages and a deeply ingrained spirit of collaboration, Utah has the potential to become a cornerstone of the U.S. critical minerals industry—bringing together researchers, industry leaders and policymakers to drive innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains and ensure long-term economic and national security.
A gathering of industry experts
The Summit will feature nationally recognized speakers like Dr. Brian Steed, Executive Director at the Janet Quinney Lawson Institute for Land, Air, and Water at Utah State University, Tom Lograsso of the Ames National Laboratory and Dr. Travis McLing of Idaho National Laboratory, focusing on policy, innovation and domestic supply chain security.
Attendees will be able to explore specialized breakout tracks, including cutting-edge lithium extraction by Lilac Solutions and University of Utah researchers, and insights from Energy Fuels on securing materials for electric vehicles and renewable energy. The event will conclude with a national outlook on critical materials from Widad Whitman, Acting Deputy Director for Battery and Critical Minerals at the DOE.
“The Strategic Materials Summit is a vital opportunity to bring together the brightest minds and most influential leaders in the field,” said Guy Letendre, Vice President of Manufacturing & Materials at 47G. “By fostering dialogue and collaboration, we can drive forward sustainable, secure and innovative solutions in strategic materials.”
Join the conversation
With increasing global competition and geopolitical pressures, securing a domestic supply of strategic materials is no longer optional—it is imperative. The Strategic Materials Summit represents a crucial step toward achieving economic independence and reinforcing national defense through innovation and collaboration.
Join the conversation on March 13 to engage with industry leaders, explore transformative initiatives and be part of the movement shaping the future of strategic materials. For more information and to register, visit https://7498187.hs-sites.com/strategic-materials-summit-2025.