USGS Critical Strategic Mineral List for US Economy and National Security 2022

The 2022 list of critical minerals was determined using the most up-to-date scientific methods to evaluate mineral criticality. The new list contains 15 more commodities compared to the nations first list of critical minerals created in 2018. Much of the increase in the new list is the result of splitting the rare earth elements and platinum group elements into individual entries rather than including them as mineral groups. In addition, the 2022 list of critical minerals adds nickel and zinc to the list while removing helium, potash, rhenium and strontium. Critical minerals play a significant role in our national security, economy, renewable energy development and infrastructure, said Tanya Trujillo, Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Water and Science. USGS data collection and analysis scans the horizon for emerging issues in crucial supply chains, and every three years identifies the nations current vulnerabilities to potential disruptions."