USGS Designation Ignores Law, Groups Say Coal for Steel is Not Critical - CleanTechnica

The US Geological Survey (USGS) recently designated metallurgical coal (met coal) as a "critical mineral," a move that has drawn strong criticism from environmental and clean energy groups. These groups argue that met coal does not meet the legal criteria for critical mineral status under the Energy Act, particularly because it is primarily used as a fuel rather than a mineral essential to national security or the economy. They contend that this designation serves as a subsidy to coal executives and foreign steelmakers, undermining American manufacturing competitiveness and innovation by propping up an outdated, polluting steelmaking method rather than supporting cleaner, modern technologies. Critics highlight that most metallurgical coal is exported, benefiting foreign steel industries while harming U.S. steelmakers and Appalachian communities that have long suffered environmental and health damages from coal mining. They warn that the designation enables the Trump administration to bypass environmental protections, risking further ecological destruction and public health impacts in coal-producing regions. The move is seen as a political handout that diverts taxpayer