The Strategic Minerals Problem: Our Domestic Options
Abstract
As we progress into the 1980s and beyond, increasing world demand for high-grade mineral deposits, and their corresponding depletion, can be expected to intensify competition for the world's strategic materials. A growing militance among the less-developed supplier nations in their quest for a new world economic order, and the simultaneous exercise of Soviet power and influence in the continuing East-West struggle, will further disturb the increasingly competitive environment and heighten its potential for generating international conflict. The precise effect of these developments on US national security interests is difficult to foretell; the continuing high level of US dependence on certain foreign mineral supplies is, however, a cause for concern. Today critical materials availability poses no significant problems for Army readiness and combat effectiveness. The best time to develop an awareness of potential problems, however, is before they become crises. Timely planning and appropriate action are essential for all elements of the Department of Defense, as well as other government agencies, if problems related to strategic minerals availability are going to be controlled and a strong US strategic minerals position is going to be regained and maintained.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1982
- Accession Number
- ADA518291
Entities
People
- Alwyn H. King
Organizations
- United States Army War College