Silver and copper are the new rare earths for the US

The US has added copper, silver, and uranium to its official list of critical minerals, expanding the Trump administration’s definition of resources considered essential to the nation’s economy and security.

According to a Bloomberg report, citing a US government website, the revised US Geological Survey list now includes 60 minerals in total — 10 more than before — with new additions such as metallurgical coal, potash, rhenium, silicon, and lead.

The list also encompasses 15 rare earth elements and replaces the previous version published in 2022.

The US Geological Survey’s updated list determines which commodities fall under the Trump administration’s Section 232 investigation into processed critical minerals and related products, launched in mid-April — a probe that could result in new tariffs or trade restrictions.

President Donald Trump has made strengthening the domestic supply of these resources a key priority, arguing that dependence on foreign sources poses risks to national security, infrastructure, and technological advancement.

Rare earth elements — essential for magnets used in everything from vehicles to fighter jets — have become a major point of contention in US–China trade relations. Trump has sought to boost US production of these materials after Chinese President Xi Jinping threatened to limit exports.

The list also guides federal decisions on direct investments in mining and resource recovery from waste and stockpiles, as well as tax incentives for domestic mineral processing and faster permitting for mining projects.

The resource industry had long advocated for the inclusion of certain materials such as copper and potash.

The US currently sources about 80% of its potash imports from Canada, while copper imports — primarily from Chile, Peru, and Canada — make up nearly half of total US consumption. Most global copper refining, however, takes place in China.

Silver’s addition to the list has raised concerns among precious metals traders and manufacturers, as any potential tariffs could disrupt markets.

The US depends heavily on imported silver, which is widely used in electronics, solar panels, and medical equipment.

With inputs from agencies