US Government Adds Copper, Potash, and Silicon to Critical Minerals List in Major 2025 Update
The US government has proposed adding copper, potash, and silicon to its critical minerals list, marking the most significant revision since the list’s inception in 2018.
The update, conducted every three years under the Energy Act of 2020, now includes 54 minerals. Six minerals—copper, silicon, potash, silver, lead, and rhenium—were proposed for addition, while two, tellurium and arsenic, were removed.
Copper and silicon were added due to the severe economic risks posed by potential supply disruptions in their refined forms, according to Kendra Russell, chief of staff at the US Geological Survey (USGS).
Lead and rhenium, which narrowly missed inclusion in 2022, were added under a new assessment methodology.
Potash was included following updated modeling that identified risks from potential trade barriers, especially with Canada, while silver was added as a precaution against high-impact disruptions in Mexico.
Tellurium was removed because the US has shifted from net importer to exporter due to increased domestic production.
Arsenic was dropped after revised data showed Peru—not China—is the leading producer, reducing the risk of supply disruption.
For the first time, critical minerals are categorized into three risk levels: high, elevated, and moderate.
The methodology now evaluates the economic fallout from supply shocks and identifies “single points of failure,” where reliance is concentrated on a single domestic producer.
The assessment covers 84 mineral commodities, 402 industries, and over 1,200 scenarios, providing policymakers with a more actionable framework for addressing supply chain vulnerabilities.
“Minerals-based industries contributed over $4 trillion to the US economy in 2024,” said USGS acting director Sarah Ryke.
“This methodology allows us to identify which industries may be most affected by supply disruptions and where strategic domestic investments or international trade relationships can mitigate risk.”
The 2025 draft reflects evolving market conditions and updated data, underscoring how Washington is reassessing supply vulnerabilities. The final list will be published after a 30-day public comment period.
About the Author
