USGS Science⌕ Search
Home/Archive/USGS

USGS · 70220887

USGS 2020 critical minerals review

Steven M. Fortier·Nedal T. Nassar·Karen D. Kelley·Graham W. Lederer·Jeffrey L. Mauk·Jane M. Hammarstrom·Warren C. Day·Robert R. Seal,
View original source ↗Export metadata ↓

Abstract

Concerns about the lack of domestic production and availability of essential mineral raw materials were a recurring theme throughout the 20th century, particularly in the periods around armed conflicts (Congressional Research Service, 2019). These concerns resulted in the designation of particular minerals as “strategic” or “critical,” terms that commonly depend on the perspective of the user, but which are generally understood to relate to mineral commodities with uses in essential applications, and which are exposed to risk of supply disruptions, with attendant implications for economic and national security interests.

Explore related subjects

Mining EngineeringArticle

Keep this discovery

Explore connections, maps & timelines

BibTeXRIS

Steven M. Fortier, Nedal T. Nassar, Karen D. Kelley, Graham W. Lederer, Jeffrey L. Mauk, Jane M. Hammarstrom, Warren C. Day, Robert R. Seal,. 2021. USGS 2020 critical minerals review. https://pubs.usgs.gov/publication/70220887

Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.

KEEP EXPLORING

Related USGS reports

USGS2026

USGS 2025 critical minerals review

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) provides scientific information for the Department of Interior and the nation, consistent with its original mission expressed in the Organic Act of 1879 (43 U.S.C. 31): “the classification of the public lands and examination of the geological structure, mineral resources, and products within and outside the national domain.” Legislation such as the Energy Act of 2020 and the 2022 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (43 USC 31l) and recent executive actions (Executive Orders 14154 , 14153, 14241 Secretary’s Orders 3417, 3418, 3422, 3436) underscore the importance of mineral resources and focus USGS activities on mapping and assessing mineral resources, with a particular focus on those presently identified as critical, both in ground and above ground in mine wastes. This article reviews selected activities and accomplishments by the USGS Mineral Resources Program related to critical minerals in 2025. Highlights include a new List of Critical Minerals, a first-ever national mine waste inventory, international minerals partnerships, mineral resource assessment advancements, and national data collection activities and outcomes of the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative (Earth MRI). The selected contributions are not comprehensive but are intended to demonstrate USGS leadership in critical mineral mapping and assessment, the importance of domestic and global partnerships, and the breadth of research activities that are responsive to national needs and priorities.

Mining Engineering↗