by Michael Bastasch President Donald Trump’s administration’s release of a list of 35 critical minerals highlights just how reliant the U.S. is on foreign imports, according to mining advocates. “What we see is the degree of U.S. dependency — the US is 100 percent import-dependent for 14 of the 35 minerals and more than 50 percent dependent for another 16,” said Daniel McGroarty, a principal at the American Resources Policy Network, which advocates for domestic mining. “That’s more than 50 percent dependent for 30 of the 35 minerals on the list — materials that are critical for the national economy, for high-tech, for alternative energy applications, for national security,” McGroarty added in a statement issued Friday. Republicans and mining advocates have warned for years the U.S. was too dependent on foreign countries — especially China and Russia. The U.S. also imports large amounts of critical minerals from Canada, a staunch ally. Trump’s administration has called for boosting domestic critical mineral production for months. The department’s finalized list of critical minerals also contains Secretary Ryan Zinke’s call to “expedite access” for miners. [ RELATED: Coal State Lawmakers Fighting For Retired Miners ] “The Critical Minerals List is a great starting point,” McGroarty said. “The question now…
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