In this exclusive op-ed, Reliable Controls CEO Ed Macha asks the industry to think outside of the box – and the port – with a look into how critical minerals will be crucial to success on the home front.
As we delve into the future of energy, the following article will explore the paradox of renewable energy and its heavy reliance on critical minerals like copper. We will uncover the environmental challenges and the essential yet temporary role of fossil fuels in this transition. Join us as we navigate the intricate balance between sustainable energy goals and mining realities.
Metal: The backbone of defense, heart of energy’s evolution
In the critical areas of national defense and the growing energy revolution, metal is more than just a material – it is the backbone of our strength and resilience. The urgent need for metals may not always be evident to those in power. Still, it is a call to action that policymakers focused on national security and economic strength cannot ignore.
As President John F. Kennedy said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Today’s leaders must realize that the strength and defense of nations are built on the metals we produce, especially crucial copper. Ignoring the need for strategic metal mining and supply is a risk we cannot afford in a competitive and changing world.
THE ROLE OF METALS IN MILITARY INFRASTRUCTURE
“We shape our buildings; after that, they shape us,” said Winston Churchill. This idea is accurate today when we consider the critical role of metals like copper in our defense systems. These metals are the foundation of our military infrastructure, providing strength and the ability to conduct electricity in the systems that run modern defense technology. Without a steady and reliable supply of these metals, our nation’s defense capabilities would be at serious risk.
In 2021, the U.S. Department of Defense highlighted the vulnerability of the defense supply chain to disruptions in the availability of critical minerals. The Pentagon’s concerns underline the importance of metals like copper in modern warfare, where advanced technology such as radar systems, communications equipment, and weaponry are essential.
Copper: A crucial resource in World War II
Copper played a pivotal role in World War II, significantly influencing the outcome and effectiveness of military operations. As Dwight D. Eisenhower noted: “The history of free men is never really written by chance but by choice; their choice!” The Allied forces’ strategic choice to secure and utilize vast amounts of copper was critical to their success. Copper’s conductive properties made it indispensable for electrical wiring, communication systems, and military equipment manufacturing.
- Communication systems. Copper was essential for the extensive communication networks required during the war. Telephone lines, radio transmitters, and telegraph systems relied on copper wiring to ensure reliable communication between units and command centers. Effective communication was crucial for coordinating operations, gathering intelligence, and executing strategies.
- Military equipment. Copper produced military hardware, including tanks, airplanes, and naval vessels. It was also used in the electrical systems of tanks and aircraft, manufacturing ammunition casings, and constructing ships’ engines and navigation systems. Without copper, the production and maintenance of these critical assets would have been severely hindered.
- Radar systems. The development and deployment of radar technology, which played a crucial role in detecting enemy aircraft and ships, relied on copper components. Copper’s ability to conduct electricity with minimal resistance made it ideal for radar systems, which needed reliable and efficient components to operate effectively.
- Electrical infrastructure. The overall electrical infrastructure of military bases and forward operating locations required large amounts of copper. From power generation to distribution, copper ensured that the electrical systems powering essential operations were reliable and efficient.
During the war, the demand for copper surged, leading to increased mining and production efforts. Countries like the United States ramped up their domestic mining operations to secure a steady supply of this critical metal. Copper shortages could have crippled the war effort, highlighting its strategic importance.
INCREASED NEED FOR COPPER IN MODERN WARFARE
The demand for copper would be even more significant in a modern war than during World War II due to the advanced technology and sophisticated systems that now form the backbone of military operations. Ronald Reagan once said, “Peace is not the absence of conflict; it is the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means.” In today’s context, handling conflict effectively requires superior technology, which relies heavily on copper.
- Advanced communication systems. Modern military operations depend on highly sophisticated communication networks, including secure satellite communications, encrypted data transmissions, and real-time battlefield communication systems. Copper is critical for these systems,
ensuring high-speed, reliable data transfer and connectivity. - Smart weapons and defense systems. Today’s warfare includes intelligent weapons such as guided missiles, drones, and autonomous systems. These weapons require complex electronic systems and extensive wiring, which copper makes possible. The precision and effectiveness of these weapons depend on copper’s excellent electrical conductivity.
- Cyber defense and electronic warfare. Modern conflicts increasingly involve cyber warfare and electronic warfare, where the ability to protect and disrupt electronic communications and infrastructure is crucial. Copper is essential in the hardware of servers, data centers, and electronic warfare equipment, providing the necessary reliability and performance.
- Energy weapons and advanced radar. Copper is used to develop energy weapons like laser systems and advanced radar technologies, which require immense electrical power and sophisticated electronic components. These technologies can provide a significant tactical advantage but require a substantial supply of copper to manufacture and maintain.
- Infrastructure and power supply. Modern military bases, both permanent and temporary, require extensive electrical infrastructure to support operations. This includes everything from power generation and distribution to lighting, heating, and cooling systems – all of which depend on copper wiring.
- Electric and hybrid military vehicles. As military forces move towards more sustainable practices, the use of electric and hybrid vehicles is increasing. Due to their electrical systems and batteries, these vehicles require significantly more copper than traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.
The increased complexity and technological advancement of modern military equipment and infrastructure mean copper is more critical than ever. However, U.S. mining and production capabilities are insufficient to meet this heightened demand. Our reliance on foreign sources of copper and other critical minerals exposes us to significant risks. A disruption in the supply chain, whether due to geopolitical tensions or other factors, could severely impact our national defense capabilities.
STRENGTHEN COPPER, STRENGTHEN DEFENSE
Copper is critical to national defense and crucial to military technology and infrastructure. Historical and modern applications demonstrate the vulnerabilities of relying on foreign sources for this essential metal. Strengthening domestic mining capabilities is imperative for maintaining national security and technological superiority, ensuring that our defense systems remain robust and reliable.
About the author: Ed Macha, CEO of Reliable Controls, has for over 25 years held a strategic foresight and a steadfast commitment to operational excellence. Under his leadership, the company has reached new heights, prioritizing sustainability and technological modernization in industrial environments.