United States USGS Critical Minerals

Overview of the U.S. Critical Minerals Program

The United States' approach to critical minerals has its roots in strategic stockpiling programs that date back to World War II, but the modern critical minerals framework took shape with Executive Order 13817 in December 2017 and was subsequently codified through the Energy Act of 2020. Under this legislation, the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), is required to publish and periodically update a list of minerals considered critical to the nation's economic and national security.

The USGS critical minerals list serves as a cornerstone of American industrial and defense policy. Minerals that appear on the list become eligible for expedited permitting under the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council, qualify for funding under the Defense Production Act Title III program, and receive prioritized attention in bilateral and multilateral trade agreements. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 further amplified the importance of the list by tying electric vehicle tax credits to the sourcing of critical minerals from the United States or free trade agreement partners.

The USGS employs a rigorous, data-driven methodology to assess supply risk and the potential impact of supply disruption on the U.S. economy. This approach draws on trade data, production statistics, recycling rates, substitutability indices, and geopolitical risk assessments to produce a quantitative ranking of mineral criticality. The resulting list is published in the Federal Register and is subject to public comment before finalization.

Since the first modern list was published in 2018, the U.S. critical minerals designation has expanded in scope and policy significance. The 2022 update added nickel and zinc for the first time, recognizing their essential roles in battery manufacturing and galvanized steel production. The 2025 list represents the most comprehensive assessment to date, reflecting the rapidly evolving demands of the energy transition, semiconductor manufacturing, and advanced defense systems.

Understanding the U.S. critical minerals list is essential for mining companies exploring North American deposits, investors evaluating resource projects, manufacturers seeking to qualify products for federal incentives, and policymakers working to secure resilient supply chains for allied nations.