DOE Adds Copper To Critical Materials List

It was recently learned that metals or minerals included in the US Department of Energy's list of critical materials will receive tax breaks in accordance with the "Inflation Reduction Act".

The final list includes electrical steel, copper, aluminum, magnesium, nickel, cobalt, lithium, praseodymium, neodymium, dysprosium, terbium, gallium, platinum, iridium, fluorine, natural graphite, silicon, and silicon carbide.

Alejandro Moreno, executive director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said, "As our country continues its transition to a clean energy economy, it is our responsibility to secure critical material supply chains that support clean energy. The development of energy production, transmission, storage, and end-use technologies, including solar panels, wind turbines, power electronics, lighting, and electric vehicles".

Identifying and reducing the risk of materials could secure clean energy "for decades to come," Moreno said.

Andrew G. Kireta, Jr. (Andrew G. Kireta, Jr.), president of the Copper Development Association (CDA, Copper Development Association), said, "CDA congratulates the Department of Energy for its in-depth and forward-looking analysis and finally listed copper into the key material catalog".

"Copper is important to the U.S. economy and national security, and demand for copper is expected to double by 2035, driven by the green energy transition, electrification, and clean water infrastructure. Copper is extremely important in power generation, transmission, and distribution, and electricity is scarce would put the country at great risk."

The CDA noted that the inclusion of copper in the list of critical materials shows that more domestic production is needed to meet demand growth.