North America: Powering the Future
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition in North America
In forging a path toward developing a sustainable Future, North America is at the forefront of integrating critical minerals with renewable energy technologies, embodying a strategic shift towards sustainability, innovation, and energy security. This vision unites the extraction of essential minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt and rare earth elements with the advancement of solar, wind, and nuclear power, signifying more than an industrial evolution—it's a profound commitment to environmental stewardship and economic resilience. This journey from the ground to the grid encapsulates a holistic realignment of energy production and consumption, underpinned by a resolve to harmonize ecological balance with technological progress. By marrying the potential of the earth's resources with renewable ambitions, North America is not just navigating the complexities of mining and environmental ethics but is also lighting the way toward a prosperous, sustainable future for generations to come.
Latest news and insights
Stay ahead in the energy transition with SFA (Oxford)’s cutting-edge insights into how critical minerals, geopolitics, ESG, and supply chain risks are reshaping global growth and redefining US strategic priorities.
China Imposes Export Controls on Rare Earths
5 April 2025 | Jamie Underwood
China imposes sweeping export controls on critical medium and heavy rare earths, escalating strategic competition over high-tech and defence supply chains.
Declaring a US Trade Emergency
3 April 2025 | Jamie Underwood
The US declared a trade emergency, imposing sweeping tariffs, rare exemptions, and bold legal moves. What triggered it, and what will happen next?
Annex-I: Adjusted US Reciprocal Tariffs Country List
2 April 2025 | White House
Annex-II: US Tariff Exemptions [Critical Commodities and Industrial Inputs]
2 April 2025 | White House
Gold rally stalls despite US approaching the debt ceiling
29 May 2023 | SFA (Oxford) & Heraeus
The journey of North America's critical minerals
The path North America is taking towards renewable energy is closely linked with the strategic extraction and processing of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, essential for fueling innovations in the energy sector. These minerals are key to the operational efficiency of solar panels and wind turbines, evident in the expanding renewable energy projects across the continent. Their role is also critical in the nuclear sector, influencing reactor construction and functionality. This transition is not just technological but is also guided by policy frameworks that promote sustainable mining practices and research, aimed at enhancing the use and impact of critical minerals. By weaving together policy, technological innovation, and environmental stewardship, this strategy not only underscores the pivotal role of critical minerals in the renewable energy landscape but also propels North America toward a future where sustainability and energy security converge.
We invite you to delve deeper into this transformative journey, exploring how these essential elements are charting North America's course towards a more sustainable and secure energy future.
Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead
Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies
How can we help you?
SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.