March 21, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
McLean, VA—The Copper Development Association (CDA) today issued the following statement from Adam Estelle, President and CEO, in response to President Trump’s Executive Order “Immediate Actions to Increase American Mineral Production,” signed March 20, 2025.
Securing a reliable domestic supply of copper is both a national security priority and an economic necessity. We thank President Trump for his decisive action which highlights the urgent need to modernize permitting and strengthen U.S. copper production.
As the backbone of essential energy systems, resilient infrastructure, and advanced defense technologies, copper is critical to America’s future. Meeting the nation’s rapidly growing demand will require an all-of-the-above strategy—including expanded domestic production and refinement, enhanced recycling efforts, continued imports from reliable trade partners, and keeping more readily recyclable copper scrap in the country.
To build long-term supply chain resilience, copper must also be formally recognized for its strategic importance by adding it to the USGS Critical Mineral List. We commend the administration for taking meaningful steps in the right direction and urge continued action to give copper the credit it deserves.
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