Ernest Scheyder is a Journalist and Author focused on the sourcing and sustainability of rare earths, lithium, and other critical minerals. His book, "The War Below: Lithium, Copper, and the Global Battle to Power Our Lives," was longlisted for the National Book Award for Nonfiction and the Financial Times/Schroders Business Book of the Year in 2024. It was also named the American Energy Society’s Energy Book of the Year. He is a frequent conference speaker, moderator, and panelist. In his work, Scheyder explores the battle for control of the resources that power our economies; the environmental and financial effects of this conflict; and the profound ramifications for citizens. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and Columbia Journalism School.