Mining Engineering’s Weekly Rundown: Episode 29

First, China has suspended its ban on exports of gallium, germanium and antimony to the United States, though strict controls remain in place. Beijing’s Commerce Ministry announced Sunday that exporters can once again ship the three metals to U.S. buyers, but only with special licenses. These metals, which are key ingredients in semiconductors, fiber-optic cables, and even ammunition, were banned from U.S. export last December as a retaliatory move after Washington tightened restrictions on China’s chip sector. The suspension follows a recent meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping in South Korea. The new policy will remain in effect until November 2026. Still, exporters must navigate China’s dual-use export control system, meaning shipments to U.S. military users remain strictly off-limits. 

Next, the U.S. Geological Survey has added ten new minerals to its 2025 Critical Minerals List, expanding Washington’s strategic focus on resource security. The updated list includes copper, metallurgical coal, uranium, boron, lead, phosphate, potash, rhenium, silicon and silver. The additions come from a revamped assessment model that measures economic risks and supply chain vulnerability. The move signals a broader effort by the Trump administration to boost domestic mining and reduce dependence on imports, especially from China, which still dominates global refining of many key minerals. Federal officials say the list will guide investment, permitting and research priorities in everything from defense to clean energy. For industry players, the implications are significant. Copper’s inclusion could unlock millions in tax credits for producers like Freeport-McMoRan, which has pushed for recognition amid lower ore grades at U.S. mines. Meanwhile, adding metallurgical coal aligns with the administration’s ongoing support for steel manufacturing in the U.S.

Finally, a new U.S. House report is accusing China of manipulating global critical minerals prices to extend its geopolitical influence. The 50-page report from the bipartisan House Select Committee on China alleges that Beijing has deliberately used its control of mineral supply chains to distort pricing , and in some cases, drive U.S. producers out of business. The report highlights China’s dominance in processing rare earths and lithium, and claims that Beijing has repeatedly altered prices to strengthen its own manufacturing sector. It also raises concerns about the London Metal Exchange, which is owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing, suggesting that Chinese oversight could influence global price benchmarks. The committee is now urging Congress to codify several executive measures into law, including expanded oversight of price reporting and the establishment of a national minerals stockpile. While Beijing has denied allegations of interference, the report underscores growing consensus in Washington that critical minerals are not just commodities, but strategic assets central to economic and national security.

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