Fertilizer stocks soar after potash added to critical minerals list

Investing.com -- Shares of major fertilizer companies jumped on Monday after potash was included in a draft list of critical minerals by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).

Intrepid Potash (NYSE: IPI) led the gains with a 6.5% rise, while The Mosaic Company (NYSE: MOS) climbed 3.8%. Nutrien (NYSE: NTR) advanced 2.5% and CF Industries (NYSE: CF) moved up 2%.

The USGS, acting on behalf of the Secretary of the Interior, published a notice seeking public comment on a draft list of 54 mineral commodities proposed for inclusion in the 2025 List of Critical Minerals. The list identifies minerals "vital to the Nation’s economic and national security interests" where dependency on imports could create strategic vulnerabilities.

The Department of the Interior is required to update the List of Critical Minerals every three years under Section 7002 of the Energy Act of 2020. The current proposal follows previous lists published in 2018 and 2022.

The designation highlights concerns about supply chain security for fertilizer materials that are essential to agricultural production. Potash, primarily used in fertilizers, helps improve crop yields, water retention, and disease resistance in plants.

The public comment period will remain open for 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register. The USGS will review feedback before finalizing the 2025 list in consultation with other government agencies including the Departments of Defense, Commerce, Agriculture, and Energy.

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