Research is to show that aligning power consumption with renewable power availability reduces the environmental impact of power generation and also improves the bottom line for mining companies. 

The US is 100% reliant on imports for at least 12 key minerals deemed critical by the government.

The company also maintained its full-year production outlook for gold and copper.

Barrick considers the mine one of the world's largest underdeveloped copper-gold areas.

The move will likely restrict new mining activity in the uranium-rich area.

Is gold an inflation hedge?

The United States is keen to secure sources beyond its main global rival, China, which last year accounted for more than 70% of world rare earth production.