The horror in Ukraine is stark proof that relying on foreign adversaries for energy threatens world peace. Europe’s dependency on Russian oil and gas has dangerously weakened many European countries, limiting their collective ability to impose harsh economic sanctions that might help deter Vladimir Putin’s aggression.

Relying on imported minerals creates similar jeopardy. At a recent U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing, Chairman Joe Manchin said Russia has weaponized oil and gas and warned Russia and China could use critical minerals to threaten U.S. national security and hamper our climate goals.