Research Professor and Director of the Intelligence and Security Research Center
George Mason University
Dr. Robert H. Latiff retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Major General in 2006. He is Research Professor and Director of the Intelligence and Security Research Center at George Mason University. His consulting firm, RLatiff Associates, provides consulting on advanced technology matters to corporate and government clients and to universities. Most recently, Dr. Latiff was Vice President and Chief Technology Officer of Science Applications International Corporation’s space and geospatial intelligence business. Dr. Latiff is Chairman of the National Materials and Manufacturing Board of the National Academies. He has led and participated in numerous studies, and writes and speaks frequently, about critical materials and processes. Dr. Latiff is also an active member of the Intelligence Committee of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA). Major General Latiff’s last active duty assignment was at the National Reconnaissance Office where he served as Deputy Director for Systems Engineering and Director, Advanced Systems and Technology. He has served as Vice Commander, USAF Electronic Systems Center and as Commander of the NORAD Cheyenne Mountain Operations Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. General Latiff received his commission from the Army ROTC program at the University of Notre Dame. He entered active service in the U.S. Army and later transferred to the U.S. Air Force. General Latiff has served on the staffs of Headquarters U.S. Air Force and the Secretary of the Air Force. He received his Ph.D. and his M.S. in materials science and his B.S. in Physics from the University of Notre Dame, where he now also holds an appointment as a Visiting Scholar in the Reilly Center for Science, Technology, and Values. General Latiff is a graduate of the National Security Fellows Program at Harvard’s JFK School of Government and is currently enrolled at Georgetown University, pursuing a masters degree in the Humanities. He is a recipient of the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal and the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal.
ARTICLE: Bipartisan support strong for critical minerals reform
Major Uses: domestic consumption, transportation, building, electrical
Import Dependency for U.S.: 38%
Major Importers: Canada, Russia, China, Mexico
Major Uses: construction, transportation (predominantly automotive), cans and containers
Import Dependency for U.S.: 7%
Major Importers: Canada, European Union, China, Mexico
Major Uses: aircraft gas turbine engines, cemented carbides for cutting, wear-resistant applications
Import Dependency for U.S.: 81%
Major Importers: Norway, Russia, China, Canada
Major Uses: building construction, electric and electronic products, and transportation equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 30%
Major Importers: Chile, Canada, Peru, Mexico
Major Uses: catalysts to decrease harmful emissions in light- and heavy-duty vehicles, also used in chemical and petroleum refining sector, and fabrication of laboratory equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 94%
Major Importers: South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada
Major Uses: coins and medals, industrial applications, jewelry and silverware, and photography
Import Dependency for U.S.: 65%
Major Importers: Mexico, Canada, Peru, Chile
Major Uses: automotive electronics, pagers, personal computers, and portable telephones
Import Dependency for U.S.: 100%
Major Importers: Australia, China, Kazakhstan, Germany
Major Uses: petroleum-reforming catalysts, superalloys used in turbine engine components
Import Dependency for U.S.: 86%
Major Importers: Chile, Netherlands
Major Uses: catalysts to decrease harmful emissions in light- and heavy-duty vehicles, also used in chemical and petroleum refining sector, and fabrication of laboratory equipment
Import Dependency for U.S.: 94%
Major Importers: South Africa, Germany, United Kingdom, Canada
Major Uses: Jewelry and arts, electrical and electronics, dental and other
Import Dependency for U.S.: 33%
Major Importers: Canada, Mexico, Peru, Chile
