The United States plans to add copper and potash to its list of critical minerals

On August 26th, the US Geological Survey added copper and potash (key crop fertilizers) to its draft list of critical minerals. According to the Federal Register, the two commodities are among 54 minerals to be included in the 2025 list of critical minerals. The US copper industry has been pushing hard to include copper in critical minerals to reflect its importance to the economy and national security. If formally included, the list would provide financial incentives and streamline the approval process for exploration, mining and processing projects. The Trump administration has made it a priority to revitalize US metals and mineral production, with a particular focus on copper, a metal used in housing, power grids and transportation. Meanwhile, the US relies on Canada for most of its potash imports, which are not currently subject to tariffs due to exemptions under the North American Free Trade Agreement.