U.S. adds copper to critical minerals amid metal rally - Nov 6, 2025

As of November 6, today’s news sees developments in energy, market shifts in aluminium, and important political announcements in the U.S. The Trump administration on Thursday unveiled a new list of critical minerals it deems essential to the U.S. economy and national security, adding copper, which is vital to electric vehicles, power grids, and data centers, as well as metallurgical coal, which is used to make coke. Meanwhile, Britain's National Grid reported first-half adjusted profit slightly ahead of market expectations today, helped by higher UK electricity transmission revenue and increased investment across its regulated businesses. Turning to market updates, aluminium prices experienced a rise as improved demand prospects and limited output growth from China have shifted market sentiment. The London Metal Exchange three-month aluminium contract has recently traded above 2,900 euros per metric ton, a level not seen since May last year. This rally is attributed to a change in the narrative surrounding aluminium, especially as China's production nears governmental capacity limits, raising concerns about potential supply deficits. Furthermore, Google plans to build a large artificial intelligence data centre on Australia's remote Indian Ocean outpost of Christmas Island after signing a cloud deal with the Department of Defence earlier this year, according to documents reviewed by Reuters and interviews with officials. In a significant geopolitical context, Japan and the United States are exploring joint rare earth mining in the waters around Minamitori Island, aiming to bolster their supply chains against China's dominance in this critical sector. This move is part of a broader strategy to secure essential minerals for various industries ranging from automotive to defense technologies. Lastly, in a notable political development, Nancy Pelosi announced she will not seek re-election in 2026, closing a significant chapter in her lengthy political career. Pelosi, who made history as the first woman Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, made the announcement shortly after a successful state redistricting effort aimed at benefiting Democratic candidates in upcoming elections.