USGS Expands Critical Minerals List to 60 Materials

The U.S. Geological Survey has broadened its critical minerals list to 60 materials, covering roughly 80% of mined commodities and underscoring how modern technology depends on a wide spectrum of metals.

The update highlights familiar base metals such as copper, nickel and zinc alongside lesser‑known rare earths-gadolinium, ytterbium and praseodymium-and ‘‘spice’’ elements used in tiny amounts but with outsized effects. Semiconductors, for example, still rely on silicon wafers but increasingly incorporate gallium and germanium for performance gains, and use palladium, iridium, titanium, copper and cobalt in plating, wiring and doping.

Decarbonization drives demand for ‘‘power’’ metals: lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese figure prominently in modern cathode chemistries, while permanent‑magnet motors depend on rare earths. Long‑standing materials such as copper and tin have been reborn as essential for soldering, wiring and electrification.

The militarily and economically sensitive supply picture is acute: many of these elements are concentrated in China, and analyses show thousands of U.S. weapon system parts rely on a handful of critical minerals. Washington is pursuing diplomatic and investment measures to diversify sources, targeting resource‑rich countries and strategic partnerships to bolster supply‑chain resilience.

Expect greater policy focus and market volatility for obscure elements like indium, niobium and scandium as demand grows.