Feds Add 10 “Critical” Minerals — and Wyoming’s Watching the Ripple Effects

The original story by Kolby Fedore for K2 Radio.

The Trump administration just expanded the federal “critical minerals” list, and it’s a who’s-who of stuff Wyoming either mines now or could ramp up soon: copper, metallurgical coal, uranium, boron, lead, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon and silver. The Interior Department says the goal is simple — shore up domestic supply chains, cut dependence on foreign imports, and lock down materials key to the economy, clean energy and national defense. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum called it a “data-driven road map” to boost US production and innovation.

Wyoming already punches above its weight in minerals (coal, uranium, trona, bentonite). Slapping “critical” on met coal and uranium could breathe new life into long-standing sectors and send new money toward rural mining towns. The label isn’t just symbolic — it can influence permitting, tax credits and federal incentives, which in turn makes investors pay attention.

“Federal recognition matters,” a Wyoming industry watcher said. “It signals DC is willing to help get projects off the ground.”

Uranium & met coal back in the spotlight

• Uranium: Wyoming holds major reserves. With nuclear power back in the mix, mothballed projects in places like the Powder River Basin and Converse County could get a second look.

• Metallurgical coal: Used for steelmaking, not power plants. The designation could offer policy tailwinds as producers navigate tough global markets.

Critical status often unlocks funding for research in extraction, refining and reclamation. That positions the University of Wyoming and regional labs to chase grants for cleaner, more efficient tech. If projects scale, expect talk of rail, power and processing upgrades to follow.

More mining means familiar debates: land use, wildlife, water and the tourism economy. Wyoming will be juggling streamlined approvals against environmental safeguards — especially on public lands.

Bottom line: By redefining what’s “critical,” Washington may be redrawing the US mining map. Wyoming sits near the center. If incentives line up with markets, the state could see a new wave of development — jobs and investment included — while the US tightens its mineral supply chains for the long haul.