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Exploring public opinions on mining governance and preferences for interventions to enhance battery mineral access

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  • Fikru, Mahelet G.
  • Koppera, Sreeja
  • Nguyen, Nhien

Abstract

Based on an online survey of 1200 individuals, we examine support for new mining projects in the United States, opinions on mining governance, and preferences for various strategies to access battery minerals. We find support for domestic mining more so at the national (54 % support) than local level (32 % support), with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and multi-level governance. Respondents generally support government intervention to secure access to battery minerals, with over half agreeing with subsidizing electric vehicle (EV) producers and consumers to prioritize the use of domestic minerals in EV batteries. However, there is measurable opposition to mandates requiring prioritizing domestic minerals. Analysis based on regression models reveals that (1) respondents who support more new mining at the national or state levels are more likely to support them within a 25-mile radius of their home than the average respondent, reflecting consistency in support across levels, and (2) preferences for a variety of policy interventions to access battery minerals are shaped by support for new mining and mining governance opinions.

Suggested Citation

  • Fikru, Mahelet G. & Koppera, Sreeja & Nguyen, Nhien, 2026. "Exploring public opinions on mining governance and preferences for interventions to enhance battery mineral access," Resource and Energy Economics, Elsevier, vol. 85(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:resene:v:85:y:2026:i:c:s0928765526000035
    DOI: 10.1016/j.reseneeco.2026.101554
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    JEL classification:

    • Q32 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Exhaustible Resources and Economic Development
    • Q34 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Natural Resources and Domestic and International Conflicts
    • Q38 - Agricultural and Natural Resource Economics; Environmental and Ecological Economics - - Nonrenewable Resources and Conservation - - - Government Policy (includes OPEC Policy)

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