U.S. Geological Survey publishes annual Mineral Commodity Summaries.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has published its latest Mineral Commodity Summaries, highlighting strong growth in the U.S. raw materials sector in 2025, driven primarily by metals mining and higher commodity prices. Total nonfuel mineral production reached an estimated $112 billion, up from $106 billion in 2024. Metal production value rose by 13 percent to $38.1 billion, while industrial minerals increased modestly to $73.7 billion.
Battery and technology metals were among the most dynamic segments. U.S. production quantities for cobalt and nickel increased significantly. In contrast, lithium production volumes remained stable, but declining prices led to a drop in production value. Precious metals also contributed to growth: gold and silver prices climbed sharply, boosting production values despite only moderate changes in output.
Commodity price trends were mixed overall. Global prices surged for specialty metals such as bismuth, antimony, and germanium, while lithium, manganese, and nickel prices declined. Domestic production volumes fell for several traditional metals, including palladium, platinum, iron ore, lead, and zinc, indicating ongoing structural adjustments within the mining sector.
The year also saw renewed investment in strategic mineral supply chains. Antimony mining resumed in the United States for the first time in decades, and rare earth processing capacity expanded across several states. Meanwhile, the iron and steel sector underwent restructuring, including mine idlings and new investment projects aimed at modernizing production.
The USGS also highlighted its recently updated 2025 Critical Minerals List, which now includes 60 commodities, underscoring the growing strategic importance of metals mining for U.S. industrial policy and supply security.
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