The United States Geological Survey has released a new list of critical metals. The list has added nickel and zinc, while removing helium, potash, rhenium and strontium.
Nickel and zinc are not yet included in the EU critical raw materials list. The next updated list for Europe is expected by 2023.
The Energy Act of 2020 defines a “critical mineral” as a non-fuel mineral or mineral material essential to the economic or national security of the U.S. and which has a supply chain vulnerable to disruption. Critical minerals are also characterized as serving an essential function in the manufacturing of a product, the absence of which would have significant consequences for the economy or national security.
As a remark, copper and uranium are not included in the list.
Today we see critical metals generating tensions in the world and fueling new conflicts. The importance of mineral resources for development in the energy transition, defense and aerospace represent elements of pressure in the game of balances of international policies.
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