2025 List of Critical Minerals Methodology Infographic

Infographic flowchart summarizing the USGS methodology for technical input to the 2025 List of Critical Minerals. The full methodology is found here: Methodology and technical input for the 2025 U.S. List of Critical Minerals—Assessing the potential effects of mineral commodity supply chain disruptions on the U.S. economy | U.S. Geological Survey

• Step 1: 84 mineral commodities are grouped into supply chains.
• Step 2: Are the impacts of trade disruptions on the US economy significant?
  • Economic effects assessment included 400+ industries
  • Scenario probabilities assessment included 1200+ trade disruption scenarios
• Step 3: Risk Categorization
  • Likelihood of a scenario occuring times the impact of the scenario equals the risk probability rating
  • If the risk was categorized as high, elevated or moderate, the mineral was recommended to be listed
  • If the risk was limited, neglible or negative, it was not recommended for inclusion on the list
• Step 4: Is there a single domestic producer for that mineral?
  • If so, the mineral was recommended to be listed