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20. November 2025
Us Boosts Critical Minerals List With Groundbreaking Expansion To Secure National Supply
The US has taken a significant step in bolstering its critical minerals list, expanding it to include copper and metallurgical coal, marking a key move in the government’s efforts to secure domestic supply chains for materials crucial to the economy and national security. The Department of the Interior’s (DoI) updated list will have far-reaching implications, influencing federal investment and permitting decisions, guiding broader minerals strategy, and reducing reliance on imports, particularly from China.
Copper, a vital material for electric vehicles, power grids, and data centers, is widely used in power generation, electronics, and construction. Its value extends beyond its use in these sectors, with applications in renewable energy technologies and emerging fields like 5G networks. The average copper grade in US mines is lower than in other regions, resulting in higher costs and making the US its least profitable region.
Freeport-McMoRan, one of the leading US copper producers, operates seven mines and controls one of the country’s two smelters. The company has stated it could generate more than $500 million a year in tax credits under the 2022 US Inflation Reduction Act if copper were declared a critical mineral. This strategic importance was underscored by President Donald Trump’s support for fossil fuels, which led to its inclusion in the list.
The expansion of the critical minerals list will help protect the US from potential supply disruptions or export restrictions imposed by competitors like China, which currently dominates the global refining of many critical minerals. The updated list also includes potash, rhenium, silicon, and lead, highlighting the breadth of materials deemed critical by the government.
These elements underpin key industries, drive technological innovation, and support critical infrastructure essential for a modern US economy. The DoI emphasizes that critical minerals are vital to the country’s economic and national security. The inclusion of copper and metallurgical coal in the critical minerals list reflects the government’s recognition of their importance to various industries.
The National Mining Association president and CEO Rich Nolan stated that his association will continue to advocate for further expansion of the list “to ensure that the US has the abundant domestic resources it needs, when it needs them.” The expanded critical minerals list serves as a blueprint for Washington’s efforts to secure materials essential for defense, manufacturing, and clean energy technologies.
The growth of renewable energy technologies has led to an increased demand for clean energy-related metals like copper and lithium. As the US strives to maintain its position as a leader in these sectors, securing domestic supplies of critical minerals will be essential. In recent years, several US metallurgical coal mines have shut down due to oversupply and reduced exports to China, which imposed an additional 15% tariff on US coal imports this year.
This has highlighted the need for a more diversified approach to minerals production, one that prioritizes domestic supply and reduces reliance on foreign markets. The expanded critical minerals list reflects the DoI’s commitment to supporting industries essential to the US economy and national security.
By bolstering domestic production and promoting investment in critical minerals, the government aims to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation. As the country continues to navigate the complexities of global supply chains, this move marks an important step towards building resilience and promoting economic growth.
The inclusion of copper and metallurgical coal in the critical minerals list represents a significant development in the government’s efforts to bolster domestic supply chains for materials crucial to the economy and national security. By prioritizing domestic production and promoting investment in critical minerals, the US aims to create new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation.