The U.S. Geological Survey released a new list of 50 mineral commodities critical to the economy and national security after an extensive multi-agency assessment; 29 were found in Missouri in appreciable quantities. USGS used current scientific methods to evaluate mineral criticality for the 2022 list of critical minerals. Beyond critical defense and economic uses, the elements are used every day in cell phones, computers, cars, lighting, medical applications, electronics, CDs and DVDs, and green energy, among numerous others.
Minerals like xenotime contain rare earth elements crucial for high-tech products
