Utah's Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are essential raw materials used to power modern technology and support daily life. They are key components in everything from smartphones and electric vehicle batteries to advanced military equipment and renewable energy systems. Because so many modern technologies rely on these specialized resources, maintaining a steady domestic supply of critical minerals is vital to our nation's economic stability and security.

Utah is uniquely positioned to supply these valuable resources thanks to its diverse geology. The state's landscape spans three major geological regions—the Basin and Range, the Colorado Plateau, and the Middle Rocky Mountains—creating a rich variety of underground mineral deposits. Because of this natural wealth, Utah consistently ranks among the top ten states in the nation for overall mineral production value.