America's First Cobalt Mine In Decades Opens In Idaho

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NPR: In Idaho, America's first, and only, cobalt mine in decades is opening

SALMON, Idaho — The first — and only — cobalt mine in America in decades opened Friday in Idaho amid rising demand for the unique metal, a key component in electric vehicle batteries and battery storage.

The opening of Australia-based Jervois Global's Idaho facility, near the site of a defunct cobalt open pit mine, is being hailed by state and federal officials pushing to fast track development of minerals that support domestic and national security.

"We're talking about building a world class clean energy economy, and this mine, this project ... is key to that vision," the U.S. Department of Energy's Geri Richmond told workers and dignitaries gathered at the remote mine site.

Not far from the famed Salmon River, the mine is the latest reminder of the environmental quandary for the United States and world as economies shift away from fossil fuels and toward greener energy. Electrifying transportation will require massive amounts of new mining.

-Read more: https://www.npr.org/2022/10/08/1127...st-and-only-cobalt-mine-in-decades-is-opening