critical mineral

American  

[krit-i-kuhl min-er-uhl, min-ruhl] / ˈkrɪt ɪ kəl ˈmɪn ər əl, ˈmɪn rəl /

noun

1. a mineral or element, such as aluminum, cobalt, lithium, or nickel, that is declared by the U.S. government to be necessary for the production of nationally important technologies and is difficult to source, especially because of its rarity or location.

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Etymology

Origin of critical mineral

First recorded in 2005–10

Example Sentences

In August 2024, the port delivered its first critical mineral shipment ever to Belgium.

From BBC • Apr. 29, 2026

Last Thursday the Senate voted, 50-49, to reverse restrictions on critical mineral mining in Minnesota’s Iron Range.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

This is important because the government enlists businesses during war and peacetime for assistance, including with immigration enforcement, cyber-security and critical mineral mining.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 17, 2026

The water, super-heated by rocks, will help drive turbines to generate electricity for 10,000 homes, but will also provide the UK's first domestic supply of lithium - a critical mineral used in green technology.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

Carney's hopes for trade growth with Australia and Japan are more modest, but his office said cooperation over critical mineral supply chains will be a priority.

From Barron's • Feb. 26, 2026