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U.S. Declares Copper and Silver as Critical Minerals – USGS Expands List to 60 Raw Materials

US Declares Copper and Silver as Critical Minerals

US Expands Critical Minerals List to 60, Highlighting Copper and Silver

The United States recently designated copper and silver as “critical minerals,” bringing the total on the US Geological Survey’s updated list to 60 raw materials—up from 50 last year. This move underlines the increasing strategic importance of these metals due to their essential roles in technology, energy, and national security.

Economic and Investment Implications

Copper’s growing demand is closely tied to the energy transition, powering everything from renewable grids to electric vehicles, while silver's applications span photovoltaics, electronics, and healthcare technologies. The U.S. government is now prioritizing supply chain security for both metals, aiming to address vulnerabilities caused by global trade disruptions.

Policy Measures and Market Impact

This designation enables the government to consider trade policies like tariffs, tax incentives, and streamlined permitting processes to boost domestic mining, recycling, and processing activities. Copper already faces a trade review under Section 232, and silver may soon follow, potentially reshaping import-export dynamics.

Opportunities for Investors

For investors, this signals growing government support and possible financial incentives for North American projects involved in copper and silver production and refinement. Enhanced policies could accelerate project approvals and funding, benefiting exploration companies, producers, and recyclers.

Global Strategic Context and Supply Chain Resilience

The list’s expansion aligns with recent US-China dialogues on rare earth minerals and reflects a broader focus beyond high-tech materials to include base metals and industrial minerals. This comprehensive approach could increase transparency and encourage long-term supply contracts and stockpiling strategies.

Looking Ahead

From an investment perspective, the critical minerals status is likely to prompt more resilient sourcing strategies emphasizing ESG standards and traceability. While short-term price impacts depend on forthcoming policy actions, the firm governmental commitment indicates a lasting shift. Copper and silver are now front and center in the US raw materials strategy, presenting meaningful opportunities linked to the energy transition and infrastructure modernization.

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