The United States has significantly expanded its critical minerals list to 60 commodities, adding key industrial metals copper and silver, along with uranium, metallurgical coal and potash, in the most substantial update since the list's inception in 2018.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) confirmed 10 new additions following a comprehensive risk assessment spanning 402 industries and over 1,200 potential disruption scenarios. Minerals-based industries contributed over US$4 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2024.
"We can pinpoint which industries may feel the greatest impacts of supply disruptions and understand where strategic domestic investments or international trade relationships may help mitigate risk," USGS Acting Director Sarah Ryker said.
Strategic additions
The inclusion of these minerals unlocks access to federal funding, streamlined mine permitting and tax incentives.
Uranium has been returned to the list, reflecting Washington's renewed focus on nuclear energy as a secure, carbon-free baseload power source. Its addition highlights growing concerns over U.S. reliance on imported enriched uranium from geopolitical rivals, including Russia.
Metallurgical coal also joins the roster. Distinct from thermal coal used for electricity, 'met coal' is an essential, non-substitutable ingredient in primary steelmaking, deemed vital for national infrastructure and defence manufacturing.
Silver's debut recognises its indispensable role in the green energy transition. It is a crucial component in solar photovoltaic cells and advanced electronics, sectors where demand is rapidly outpacing global mine supply.
Copper and the permitting battle
Copper's long-awaited designation as critical comes as demand surges for electric vehicles and renewable energy infrastructure. This status could be pivotal for stalled domestic projects, most notably the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona.
The Rio Tinto and BHP joint venture could satisfy up to 25% of U.S. copper demand but has been mired in a decade-long approvals process due to fierce opposition from Native American groups, who consider the Oak Flat site sacred. Industry advocates hope the 'critical' label will accelerate federal permitting for such diverse deposits.
Freeport-McMoRan, which already operates seven U.S. copper mines, noted it could generate over $500 million annually in tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act with this new designation.
Big wins for agriculture
The addition of potash and phosphate marks a major victory for the fertiliser industry and farm lobby groups. Potash, omitted in 2022, is essential for crop production and faces highly volatile supply chains dominantly controlled by Canada, Russia and Belarus.
This move arrives as U.S. fertiliser consumption has dropped nearly 10% annually since 2021.
Phosphate prices leaped 36% from January to August 2025, with Gulf diammonium phosphate climbing from approximately $583/t to nearly $800/t. Global potash prices averaged around $360/t, up 21% from 2024.
"Fertiliser is one of the ag industry's biggest inputs and family farmers across the nation are severely hurting right now due to its high cost," said Senator Chuck Grassley, who is examining competition issues within the sector.
