Congressman Pete Stauber on Critical Minerals, American Mining, and the Path to Energy Security

STRENGTHENING AMERICA’S MINING INDUSTRY AND NATIONAL SECURITY

The America First Policy Institute hosted a conversation with Congressman Pete Stauber of Minnesota’s 8th Congressional District to discuss the future of domestic mining, critical minerals, and economic growth for working Americans. Speaking with AFPI Chief Government Affairs Officer Matthew Henderson, Stauber highlighted the importance of rebuilding America’s mining capacity and reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for essential resources.

Representing northeastern Minnesota along Lake Superior, Stauber’s district sits at the heart of America’s historic iron mining region. Now in his fourth term, he continues to champion policies that protect mining jobs, strengthen national security, and unlock America’s vast natural resources.

KEY SPEAKERS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Stauber opened the discussion by describing the economic backbone of his district and the proud mining heritage of Minnesota’s Iron Range:

“We’ve mined iron ore for 145 years in northeastern Minnesota. Eighty percent of U.S. steel comes from the iron ore mined there.”

He emphasized that America’s demand for critical minerals—essential for modern technologies, energy systems, and defense capabilities—is rapidly increasing. The key question, Stauber argued, is whether the United States will produce those minerals responsibly at home or outsource production to countries with poor labor and environmental standards.

“These minerals will be mined somewhere. The question is: do we mine them here with our standards, or rely on countries that use child labor and have no environmental protections?”

CRITICAL MINERALS AND AMERICAN RESOURCE INDEPENDENCE

Stauber has been a leading advocate for strengthening America’s domestic mining sector through legislation such as the Critical Minerals Dominance Act, which codifies several executive orders aimed at reducing regulatory barriers and improving supply chain security.

The legislation seeks to highlight the national costs of relying on foreign adversaries for key resources while promoting responsible mining and mineral development within the United States.

One example is the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota, which Stauber described as one of the largest untapped deposits of copper and nickel in the world.

However, federal restrictions imposed under the previous administration placed a mineral withdrawal on more than 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest, blocking development of these critical resources.

Stauber and his colleagues have worked to reverse these policies through the Congressional Review Act, restoring opportunities for responsible mining while still maintaining rigorous federal and state permitting requirements.

“All it did was reverse the mineral withdrawal. Any project still has to go through the full federal and state permitting process.”

JOBS, WAGES, AND OPPORTUNITY FOR WORKING FAMILIES

Domestic mining development represents a major economic opportunity for Minnesota and the nation. Stauber pointed out that a single proposed mine in his district could generate thousands of high-paying jobs.

“One project alone could create about 2,200 jobs. In Minnesota, the average miner makes about $135,000 a year.”

These jobs are particularly meaningful in Stauber’s district, which he described as both the oldest and poorest congressional district in Minnesota. Expanding mining and energy production, he argued, provides stable careers and economic growth for working families.

Stauber also highlighted the importance of processing and refining minerals within the United States—not just extracting them—to strengthen supply chains and protect national security.

“If we’re going to mine these minerals here, we should also process and refine them here. That takes leadership and the political will to do it.”

LOWER ENERGY COSTS AND TAX RELIEF FOR AMERICANS

The conversation also touched on the broader economic impact of policies aimed at boosting domestic energy production and reducing regulatory burdens.

Stauber noted that falling gasoline prices and tax relief measures are already making a difference for working families, particularly in rural areas.

“Saving fifty cents or a dollar on gasoline—that’s real money for families in my district.”

He also highlighted provisions that provide tax relief for seniors and working Americans, including a new $6,000 senior tax credit expected to benefit a large majority of retirees.

“Eighty-one percent of seniors in this country will benefit from that deduction.”

POLICY PRIORITIES AND PROGRESS

Key policy priorities discussed during the conversation include:

• Expanding domestic mining of critical minerals to strengthen national security
• Reducing reliance on foreign adversaries for essential resources
• Codifying executive actions through the Critical Minerals Dominance Act
• Reversing restrictive federal mineral withdrawals through the Congressional Review Act
• Creating thousands of high-paying mining jobs in Minnesota and across the country
• Encouraging domestic processing and refining of minerals
• Supporting lower energy costs and tax relief for working families and seniors

THE VERDICT: AMERICA MUST LEAD IN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Stauber concluded by emphasizing that rebuilding America’s mining and energy industries is essential not only for economic prosperity but for national security.

With growing global demand for critical minerals, he believes the United States has both the resources and the responsibility to lead.

“We can do this here in America—and we can do it better than anyone else.”

Through policies that encourage responsible development, reduce regulatory barriers, and strengthen domestic supply chains, Stauber and his allies aim to ensure the United States remains a global leader in energy, industry, and innovation.