Gold’s New Role as a “Critical Mineral” Could Change the Market

By Franklin Metals Group

Gold is getting a policy upgrade. A growing number of lawmakers and regulators are pushing to classify gold as a “critical mineral”—a designation normally reserved for metals like lithium or cobalt. The idea? Gold isn’t just a store of value—it’s strategically important.

The U.S. and other Western governments are reevaluating their reliance on foreign-controlled resources. Gold, despite being a monetary metal, plays a key role in global financial systems, economic stability, and, increasingly, supply chain resilience. Giving it critical mineral status would not only elevate its political importance—it could spark new incentives, protections, and investment flows.

The market is already reacting. Major gold miners like Newmont, Barrick, and AngloGold have seen their stock prices rise 40%–100% in the past six months. Institutional investors are taking notice, especially as gold prices hover near record highs.

If gold is officially deemed a critical asset, expect it to receive more federal support—everything from streamlined permitting to federal stockpiling. That could also mean tighter supply and increased demand.

At the same time, this shift signals greater opportunity for those involved in recovery and recycling. If gold becomes harder to mine or more geopolitically sensitive, recycled gold will only grow in importance.

Franklin Metals Group is closely tracking this evolution. Whether you’re holding bullion, managing inventory, or extracting metals from industrial waste, you’re likely to benefit from gold’s rising strategic profile.

Source:
Reuters: “Gold and Its Miners May Enjoy Critical Mineral Upgrade”
reuters.com