The Department of the Interior proposal, made through the US Geological Survey (USGS), was announced on August 25.

The new draft 2025 list of critical minerals aims to guide federal strategy, investment, and permitting decisions to boost the economy and protect national security.

A total of more than 50 mineral commodities are included in the draft list — also including silicon and copper — which was posted in the government’s official journal, the Federal Register, on August 26 for a 30-day public comment period.

USGS acting director Sarah Ryker said minerals-based industries contributed over $4 trillion to the US economy in 2024.

Battery Council International said it strongly supported the proposal to designate lead as a critical mineral.

“Lead batteries play a critical role in the US economy by starting cars and trucks, power forklifts, providing critical telecom backups, and supporting our power grid,” said BCI president and executive director Roger Miksad.

“Meeting consumers’ needs requires manufacturers to have reliable access to raw materials, and in particular lead metal, which has been under growing pressure for more than 20 years, with domestic metal demand outstripping supply.

“Designating lead as a critical mineral will help ensure the battery industry has the raw materials it needs to keep America running.”

According to the BCI, the US lead battery industry employs more than 106,000 workers across manufacturing, recycling, transportation and distribution, and other fields.