Here's an excerpt with some comments from the Copper Development Association 

herbie1 

https://www.mining.com/us-department-of-energy-adds-copper-to-critical-minerals-list/  

“The Copper Development Association (CDA) congratulates DOE on its thoughtful, forward-thinking analysis that resulted in copper’s inclusion on the Critical Materials list,”  Andrew G. Kireta, Jr., CDA’s CEO said in a separate statement.

“Copper is a major contributor to U.S. economic and national security, and with copper demand projections doubling by 2035, primarily due to plans for the clean energy transition, electrification and clean water infrastructure. The nation would be defenseless without electricity and copper’s vital role in its generation, transmission, and distribution.”

Inclusion on the Critical Materials list reflects the reality that copper demand projections will require an increase in domestic production, the CDA noted.