The holiday season is a time of togetherness and celebration. From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, we look forward to moments with loved ones, comforting meals, and exchanging gifts. While these traditions are motivated by holiday spirit, many overlook the fact that they are made possible by dozens of industries, including mining. Whether it’s the technology that keeps us connected or the energy that warms our homes, mining is essential to the fabric of our holiday celebrations while also being the promise of a bright future.
Securing the Minerals Behind Your Gifts
This holiday season, tech gifts remain some of the most sought-after items, from smartphones to gaming consoles. Each of these devices requires dozens of unique minerals to function. A typical smartphone requires approximately 60 different metals to construct and operate, including many rare-earth elements. Gold, cobalt and rare earth elements are critical for producing semiconductors, batteries and screens, which go into your tablets, televisions, home security systems and beyond. As the demand for technology grows, so does the need for a secure, reliable supply of these materials.
The United States possesses vast mineral reserves critical for its manufacturing, energy and national security future, yet its mining sector is stifled by inefficiencies in the permitting process, with an average lead time of 29 years to bring new mines online — the world’s second-longest. Bipartisan permitting reform can lead to essential changes, including streamlined processes for review, transparency into where applications stand in the process and setting timelines for litigation challenges. Alongside permitting reform, the establishment of a centralized government office to coordinate minerals policy, enhance research and support workforce development could ensure the U.S. meets its mineral potential.
Mining-Powered Gatherings
As over 25 million Americans take to the roads and skies for holiday travel, they rely on the products of mining to reach their destinations safely and efficiently. From the copper, lithium, cobalt and nickel used in electric vehicles to the aluminum and titanium that lighten aircraft and improve fuel efficiency, mined materials play a pivotal role in modern travel. In fact, the aviation industry uses 60% of the world’s titanium production for building aircraft that will take us to loved ones this season.
Mining also makes possible the little things that make holidays special. The stove that cooks the turkey, the refrigerator that keeps our ingredients fresh, the kettles and coffeemakers for hot drinks — mining is behind the tools that help create these culinary moments. This year, Americans saw the rising costs of energy and goods and have been reminded of the importance of affordable, reliable resources. Mining is central to ensuring we have the materials needed to produce these everyday appliances, keeping the holiday spirit alive in every home.
Keeping the Lights on During Winter
Holiday lights that brighten our homes and streets are a hallmark of the season. But behind every strand of lights is a network of mined materials that make them possible, not least of which is copper wiring — there’s over 400 pounds of copper wiring and piping in the average American home. Additionally, the power that illuminates our decorations often comes from coal and other mined resources.
In 2024, grid reliability was a key concern, with demand growing even as there has been pressure to close fossil fuel powered plants. We’re going to see increased energy demand in 2025 and beyond, with states like Virginia predicting the highest spike in energy demand in the state’s history since WWII by 2029. Whether it’s hot summers or cold winters, baseload power comes from coal and uranium-powered plants. As energy demand increases, the value of these plants increases.
Mining Success in 2025
As we gather to celebrate the holidays, the importance of mining extends far beyond the season. Mining is the bedrock of technological innovation, energy security and economic growth, and we look forward to an exciting year in 2025.
The NMA is grateful for its members, whose work keeps America strong and innovative. As we close out 2024, we reaffirm our commitment to advocating for policies that support a robust domestic mining industry.
From all of us at the National Mining Association, we wish you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year in 2025!