SE Valley Times

Sen. Martha McSally traveled to Mesa last week to tour a graphite-processing company in the quest to bring the critical minerals supply chain back to the United States.

Urbix Resources started with technology researched at the University of Arizona, according to a press release on McSally's website. They have hopes of reducing foreign dependence through the development of graphite processing and energy storage technologies.

“America should not be relying on China for critical minerals that are key to national and energy security,” McSally said. “Arizona companies like Urbix Resources in Mesa are leading the way with graphite purification technology that is cleaner and cheaper than its competitors. I am proud of Urbix’s innovation and commitment to American jobs and our national security. I will keep advocating for our country to lead the way by incentivizing bringing these jobs and key processes home.”

That reduction in foreign dependence circles around China.

In June, McSally co-authored an op-ed in the Washington Times, saying “China will stop at nothing for world dominance. From here on out, rare-earth minerals and other essential materials must be domestically sourced or supplied by our allies.”