Critical Mineral Resources in Alabama
There are 35 critical and strategic nonfuel minerals (click here for the full list) deemed vital to the security and economic prosperity of the United States. Alabama has documented deposits, prospects, and occurrences of at least 13 of these, including aluminum (bauxite), arsenic, barite, beryllium, chromium, cobalt, fluorite, graphite (figure), magnesium, manganese, tin, titanium, and zirconium; but may have as many as 23, including germanium, hafnium, indium, niobium, rhenium, selenium, tantalum, vanadium, and rare earth elements. Significant amounts of these 13 resources are found across Alabama; however, the highest concentrations are in the Piedmont and Valley and Ridge physiographic regions. Although none of these commodities have been produced in Alabama for several years, many have been mined in the past, and new technological advancements have increased interest in some of the state’s formerly productive regions, including Alabama’s graphite belt, tin belt, and mineral belt. As many of these commodities often occur in conjunction with other minerals or base- and precious-metals, the occurrence and distribution of Alabama’s critical minerals offers a unique exploration and investment opportunity for researchers, prospectors, and producers