USGS Adds Copper to Critical Minerals List for 2025

Copper Gains “Critical Mineral” Status Amid U.S. Supply Chain Concerns

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has officially added copper to its 2025 List of Critical Minerals, marking a pivotal recognition of the metal’s strategic importance. The revised list now includes 60 minerals, with copper among 10 new additions driven by supply chain vulnerabilities and economic importance.

The Critical Minerals List, first created in 2018, identifies materials vital to U.S. national security and industrial resilience. The 2025 update reflects data from multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Energy and the Department of Defense. The inclusion of copper follows growing concern over import dependency and supply disruptions in a rapidly electrifying economy.

According to the Copper Development Association (CDA), the U.S. now relies on imports for over 40% of its copper needs—up from 33% in 2018. The CDA praised the USGS decision, noting that copper’s role in power grids, renewable energy, and defense systems makes it indispensable for America’s Net Zero, re-industrialization, and energy security goals.

Why Copper’s Inclusion on the Critical Minerals List Matters

Copper’s new designation carries significant policy and industrial implications. It enables the U.S. government to streamline project permitting, expand domestic mining, and attract investment in refining and recycling. The CDA argues that critical status will accelerate production, helping to meet the projected doubling of copper demand by 2035.

The association also warns that current permitting delays and trade distortions from nonmarket economies like China hinder U.S. competitiveness. To counter this, the CDA advocates an “all-of-the-above” sourcing strategy that strengthens domestic production while maintaining trade with trusted partners.

Meanwhile, a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump seeks to expedite mineral production under the National Energy Dominance Council (NEDC). The initiative aims to restore U.S. mineral independence by cutting federal red tape and incentivizing investment across the supply chain.

SuperMetalPrice Commentary:

Copper’s addition to the USGS Critical Minerals List signals a major policy shift that could redefine U.S. industrial strategy. As global electrification accelerates, copper’s dual role in renewable energy and national defense cements its status as a cornerstone of the modern economy. By securing copper supply through domestic mining, recycling, and trade diversification, the United States positions itself to compete in the next era of resource-driven innovation.