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US Interior Department adds copper to Critical Minerals List

US Interior Department adds copper to Critical Minerals List

Copper and potash, among other minerals, were added to the list of critical minerals for 2025 by the U.S. because they are important to national security and the economy.

The Geological Survey (a branch of the U.S. Department of Interior) released the draft list to the Federal Register for public comments for 30 days.

According to the Bipartisan policy center, inclusion on the list can make projects more eligible for federal funding or subject to a simplified permitting process. It may also make them more competitive because of fees placed on imported goods.

Copper is used widely in transportation, defence, and in the U.S. Power Grid, which requires a revamp as the demand for electricity has increased due to the growth of data centers and artificial Intelligence. Potash, a potassium-rich sodium salt, is used primarily to make fertilizer. Silver, lead and silicon have also been added to the list.

The draft list is a roadmap for reducing U.S. dependency on imports, and expanding domestic production. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said.

The Interior Department was directed by the executive orders signed this year by President Donald Trump to determine whether met coal (coal used to make steel), also known as coal for making steel, and uranium - the fuel in nuclear power plants - should be included on the list. Interior Department said that met coal and nuclear fuel uranium were not included in the draft list but welcomed public comments on their inclusion on the final one.

(source: Reuters)