• U.S. adds uranium to critical minerals list, now totaling 60 substances
• Move reflects rising nuclear fuel demand and supply chain concerns
• U.S. pursuing uranium deals abroad, including Mauritania supply agreement
  

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) on Thursday, November 6, 2025, released an updated list of minerals considered “critical” to the United States. The new list brings the total number of substances in this category to 60. Notably, uranium has been reinstated after being excluded from the 2022 version.

The move highlights growing concern over global supply security, as worldwide demand for nuclear fuel is expected to surge with the energy transition. The World Nuclear Association (WNA) projects that uranium demand, particularly for nuclear reactors, could exceed 150,000 tons by 2040.

Earlier this year, the WNA also warned that global uranium production, which totaled 60,213 tons in 2024, could be cut in half after 2030. Uranium’s return to the list reflects Washington’s increasing focus on securing domestic supply chains.

The USGS critical minerals list, updated at least once every three years, helps identify national security risks and guide U.S. policy on resource resilience. According to the agency, uranium’s addition was required under a presidential executive order issued this year, directing that the raw material be included in the 2025 update.

While the White House has not detailed the reasons for the decision, it follows the U.S. pledge at COP28 to help triple global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. How this commitment will translate into concrete measures remains uncertain, especially given that U.S. uranium demand is still largely met through imports.

Meanwhile, the United States is pursuing several initiatives to secure future uranium supplies, including new partnerships in Africa. In August 2025, Aura Energy, operator of the Tiris uranium project in Mauritania, announced an agreement with an unnamed U.S. utility company to supply 10% of the mine’s planned production between 2028 and 2031.

Aurel Sèdjro Houenou