Critical Minerals

A Dept. of Energy update on the latest minerals and materials

With bismuth as its recent headliner, the Energy Department issued a friendly reminder of the usefulness of critical minerals and materials August 17, a list which it updates regularly.

"Critical Mineral Monday" has become a theme for the DOE's Facebook page--most recently featuring some of the following:

"From atomic research to thermoelectric cooling and fire safety systems, bismuth is a highly versatile, highly valued mineral," the DOE added in its post. "Its demand has continued to grow due in part to consumer lead-free regulations. As a non-toxic alternative for lead, bismuth is used in ceramic glazes, iridescent cosmetics, and medicines for indigestion."

In 2023, the Department of Energy (DOE) published a comprehensive assessment of various materials for energy.

The Energy Act of 2020 defines a “critical mineral” as:

• Any mineral, element, substance, or material designated as critical by the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the director of the U.S. Geological Survey.

The Energy Act of 2020 defines a “critical material” as:

• Any non-fuel mineral, element, substance, or material that the Secretary of Energy determines:

  • (i) has a high risk of supply chain disruption;

  • and (ii) serves an essential function in one or more energy technologies, including technologies that produce, transmit, store, and conserve energy; or

• A critical mineral, as defined by the Secretary of the Interior.

Learn more about critical minerals here.