Is America in jeopardy?Any day, America could be held hostage over critical minerals used in all advanced technologies due to the decades-long shunning of domestic mining. Groundbreaking! describes the all-too-real consequences of misguided policy decisions and environmental alarmism, and recommends 21st-century solutions to sustainable self-reliance by leveraging the wealth right under our feet.By importing 100% of key minerals from China, Russia, and third world dictatorships, we face an ongoing risk of losing the technology behind everything from smartphones to "green" technology. The recent requirements put into place by our legislators and regulators literally require tons of minerals for batteries and magnets to run electric cars and trucks; to support advancements in medical equipment such as dental drills and MRIs; and to manufacture solar panels and wind turbines for alternative energy sources. Advanced weaponry and defensive equipment for our troops requires critical minerals, too, yet we are reliant on getting that gear from countries who at best could be called allies, and at worst are outright hostile to America's values.Our policies must acknowledge the reality that critical minerals, or more accurately the lack thereof, often play a key role in dictating foreign policy and national security decisions.Planning to adapt before a problem occurs must become a national goal. This means reversing dangerous import trends and exploring for domestic minerals-the two major policy goals explained in this book.With a Foreword by Paul Driessen, Senior Policy Advisor, Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow"EVERYONE in government & industry should endorse this PLAN"ENDORSEMENTS: Groundbreaking! is the culmination of sharp-eyed insight into the decades-long erosion of U.S. mining and the need to reverse this self-imposed economic and national security vulnerability...Mamula and Bridges have woven together myriad threads to give us the startling implications of our failed minerals policies. National Mining AssociationAmerica is sitting on a multi-trillion dollar treasure chest of minerals and valuable resources... Why aren't we benefiting from these riches buried right below our feet?Steve Moore, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Institute for Economic Freedom, The Heritage FoundationMamula and Bridges have succeeded in delivering a very complete narrative of where we are, how we got there, and what to do about fixing it. This book should reside in the library of every national security professional and be used as a major reference work.Dean Popps, Former US Army Acquisition Executive & Acting Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition Logistics and TechnologyThis was a fascinating read, and compelling... [T]his should serve as a wake-up call to legislators and the general public. Our exposure to seriously restrictive policies by China could be the Sputnik Moment of our generation.John Keating, Venture Advisor, Silicon Valley, Former VP Government Programs & Discoveries Business Unit, Intermolecular, Inc.Groundbreaking! is a book that all Americans who care about our national security should read. It is a call to action to restore our mineral independence. Mamula and Bridges' book is both a readable narrative and a skilled study by two expert authorities on our mineral resources.John Adams, Brigadier General, U.S. Army (Ret.), President, Guardian Six LLCIf you care about technological vulnerability in an interdependent world-and you should-Groundbreaking needs to be front and center on your bookshelf.Patrick J. Michaels, author of Lukewarming: The New Climate Science that Changes EverythingCongressman Jim Santini (R-NV) and Governor and later President Ronald Reagan knew all this and much, much more but few listened to them back then. Perhaps they will listen today.William Perry Pendley, Esq., President, Mountain States Legal Foundation, Author, Sagebrush Rebel
About the Author: Geologist Ned Mamula is a senior geoscientist with over 30-years' experience in research and policy development of oil and gas, critical minerals, international supply chain vulnerabilities, and the geopolitics of energy and minerals. A native of Pittsburgh, he has spearheaded resource development investigations with leading scientific and intelligence agencies, including the U.S. Geological Survey, and several Washington think tanks, such as the American Resources Policy Network. His writings have appeared in top scientific journals and media including National Review, Forbes, U.S. News, American Spectator, Washington Times, The Hill Newspaper, C-SPAN, and have been incorporated into the Congressional Record. Dr. Mamula served on the Trump Transition Team as an advisor and subject matter expert for the Department of the Interior on geoscience issues including energy, minerals, and federal lands. Dr. Mamula received his Bachelor's Degree in Geology from Slippery Rock University, Master's Degree in Geoscience from Penn State University, his Ph.D. in Geology and Geophysics from Texas A&M University, and a Master's Degree in Strategic Studies from Johns Hopkins University, School of Advanced International Studies. Silicon Valley author Ann Bridges is a native of Chicago and graduate of Stanford University. Settling in San Jose, she embarked on a challenging career spanning operations, finance, and marketing executive positions in the exploding convergence of the technology, communications, and entertainment industries. As a published author of both acclaimed fiction and non-fiction with a style that appeals to both genders, her debut Silicon Valley novel Private Offerings won 2015 Best Business Fiction; its sequel, Rare Mettle, has proven its relevancy. A new series of Daring California novels begins with another mining and freedom theme with National Pen Women's Award winning, Kit's Mine, designed as a sweeping pioneer romance to attract more women to the significance of gold rushes then and now. Ann Bridges is a featured speaker at leading business conferences and universities, talking about the impact of technology and the emerging role of China. She is also a frequent guest on nationally syndicated radio shows sharing insights on today's Silicon Valley and the issues affecting consumers, investors, and writers. She recently joined ranks with creative organization Taliesin Nexus and Heartland Institute to promote freedom of ideas and marketplaces.