The panelists considered the implications of current trends in global supply of critical minerals, including U.S. efforts at home and abroad. Levenbach emphasized the importance of capital investment in reaching independence from foreign suppliers, noting that China’s ability to flood the U.S. market, if needed, making domestic production less competitive. He suggested that the U.S. government erect barriers to Chinese dominance and promote a company-centered approach. Burcuhan echoed this sentiment, stating, “We don’t have a capital problem, but a capital flow problem.” She stressed the need for the U.S. to offer more incentives and policy support, particularly in markets where China holds overwhelming control, such as in the case of cobalt, where China controls about 80 percent of the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s output. Burcuhan also acknowledged that while progress is being made, human and environmental costs must not be overlooked.

Filmmaker Samuel George highlighted some of the central, ethical tensions presented in the documentary, including the need to balance state power and security concerns in the race for critical minerals and environmental and human rights considerations. Audience members raised additional questions about U.S. capacity in critical minerals industries, regarding both local talent and infrastructure. Some also stressed the importance of transparency and meaningful inclusion of Indigenous communities in the decision-making process.