Public perceptions of mineral criticality and preferences for energy transition strategies in the United States

Abstract

Critical minerals are essential for advancing the energy transition. However, the public’s perception of these minerals and their application is still not well understood. Here, we investigate public awareness and perceptions of critical minerals in the United States, based on a nationally representative survey of 1200 online respondents. While only 38% of respondents stated familiarity with critical minerals, over 80% recognized the importance of minerals in the energy transition. Participants were most supportive of strategies focused on mineral research and improving the environmental impacts of mining, while domestic mining received less support. Regression analysis shows that individuals who perceive mineral criticality based on their importance to clean energy support multiple mineral policies, whereas those concerned about import dependency or shortages prefer domestic mining. Individuals who believe environmental impacts should govern criticality designation oppose domestic mining and support mineral recycling and improving mining’s environmental impacts. These findings highlight the role of differing perceptions of mineral criticality in shaping policy preferences, emphasizing the need for public awareness to foster sustainable mineral strategies for the energy transition. In the United States, the different perceptions about critical minerals influence preferences for mineral use in energy transition strategies, according to a survey-based assessment of the public awareness of critical minerals with 1,200 respondents.