Chris Smith, chief of government affairs, noted it takes up to 10 years to complete the current permitting requirements for critical mineral mining in the US. In Canada and Australia, similar processes take two to three years “while maintaining stringent environmental standards,” he wrote, according to Automotive News.
The federal government should limit permitting to a similar timeline in the US and expand implementation of the Defense Production Act to expedite battery mineral projects on federal lands, Smith said.
The company also asked the agency to fund research and mapping of critical mineral deposits in the US, increase transparency in the permitting process and include emissions assessments in permitting evaluations.
The comment was in response to the Interior Department’s request for input as it develops recommendations related to mining laws.
Ford has inked a flurry of supply deals in recent months to…
