The U.S. Geological Survey is proposing to add copper, potash and other materials to the national list of critical minerals, a move that was immediately welcomed by the industry while drawing fire from environmental groups.
The draft critical minerals list released Monday outlines more than 50 minerals deemed integral to national defense and economic security and that face potential supply disruptions.
The agency is proposing to add six minerals: potash, silicon, copper, silver, rhenium and lead. Two materials — tellurium and arsenic — would be removed. The proposal is open to public comment for 30 days.
The list, which the USGS updates every three years under the Energy Act of 2020, affects the flow of millions of dollars in federal funding and the pace at which regulators sign off on projects.
