America should seek continually to bolster protection and development of its mineral sources and resources lest a growing “mineral crisis” become increasingly acute. Currently the nation depends heavily on imports for 23 of 36 materials “from asbestos to zinc” which it classifies as “strategic.” The potential for scarcity largely is attributed to; – The fact many vital minerals come from countries (mainly in Africa) viewed as unstable or unfriendly. – A decline in domestic mining because, in part at least, of environmental laws. Newsweek magazine reports that because of such laws, “deposits of cobalt in Idaho, platinum metals in Montana, and chronium in Alaska are no longer mined.” Congressional passage of the Alaska Lands Bill which sets aside more than 100 million acres for parks, wildlife refuges and wildemess – adds to apprehensions or confidence depending on whose views you accept. President Carter said the bill protects development of oil, gas, mineral and timber resources. But Reps. Don Young, RAlaska, and Steve Symms, R-Idaho say the act “locks up” vitally – needed resources. Rep. Jim Santini, DNev., chairman of the House Subcommittee on Mining, has called for a cabinet-level Department of Mineral and Material Affairs, revision of public lands policy to encourage domestic mining, and tax incentives to upgrade mining capacity. With our dependence on imports, the necessity for effective foreign diplomacy cannot be overstated. Alexander Haig, former NATO commander now president of United Technologies, recently cautioned that if Africa’s mineral-rich countries ever allied themselves with the Soviet Union, the USSR would control 90 percent of the world’s key metals. A careful study of the entire situation should be a high priority for the new Reagan administration. Wise and effective stewardship in the minerals program is essential, both for present and future.