Virginia congressman seeks to classify uranium as a critical mineral

A Virginia congressman introduced a bill to designate uranium as a critical mineral under the U.S. Geological Survey, a move that could strengthen domestic energy security and reduce reliance on foreign imports.

The Uranium for Energy Independence Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. John McGuire, R-Va., would officially add uranium to the federal list of minerals deemed essential for economic and national security. The designation could encourage domestic production, streamline the regulatory processes, and support job growth in the energy sector.

Supporters of the bill say uranium plays a critical role in national security and nuclear capabilities, fueling 32% of Virginia's electricity supply. Yet, because the mineral is not designated as critical, the industry faces regulatory barriers that hinder domestic production. They add that the reliance on foreign uranium increases the risk of supply chain disruptions and energy insecurity.

"This oversight means that our energy producers are bogged down by unnecessary regulations, and our consumers are forced to rely on energy from our foreign adversaries, which compromises our national security," said McGuire in a statement.

Virginia is home to one of the largest untapped uranium deposits in the U.S., with 130 million pounds of uranium at Coles Hill in Pittsylvania County, according to the Geological Survey. If designated as a critical mineral, the bill could renew discussions over lifting current restrictions in Virginia, potentially reshaping the commonwealth's role in domestic uranium.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the United States imports more than 90% of its uranium, with Russia supplying nearly 31% of enriched uranium imports as of 2023.

Nuclear power accounts for nearly 20% of the nation's electricity supply, and if passed, this legislation would align the mineral with others considered critical to U.S. interests, potentially spurring investment in domestic mining operations.