In 2025, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Critical Minerals list has grown to 60 minerals, now including copper. The list is based on perceived risk to mineral supply chains which support the US economy. Each mineral risk is assessed by drawing on experts across government, in specialist industry organisations and the academic world. The base process for developing the list can be read in the US Energy Act of 2020. Amongst other data, the USGS draws on international and domestic production data, mineral imports and exports and industry end use figures.
Public and private organisations use the list and analysis to inform strategic planning and investment decisions. For private organisations, and in particular those in the CRM field, the list points to where market opportunities may exist for their products in the US – many CRMs and rare earths are produced in volume outside of the US. CRMs are also used in larger quantities in specific geographies, creating competition for the available material tonnage. This has underpinned interest in CRM recycling https://mm-markets.com/critical-raw-materials-recycling/. To produce the USGS list, an extensive process is undertaken, more details here: https://www.usgs.gov/programs/mineral-resources-program/science/what-are-critical-minerals-0
MM Markets (mm-markets.com) works with government data, import and export figures, specialist industry data, and importantly, a wide range of industry contacts, to focus in on issues of concern to you. We are able to answer specific questions through our research which provide you with specific answers for your organisation/audience.
