The world can sometimes be a complex place.
This general issue has been discussed several times on these pages – including most recently here.
A recent Wall Street Journal article titled “Critical Minerals Supply Faces Risk” notes:
“Critical minerals are essential raw materials used in high-tech manufacturing, from green-energy technologies to artificial intelligence and defense.
[…]
Demand for key minerals crucial to the energy transition has surged in recent years, mainly driven by electric vehicles, battery storage, renewables and grid networks.”
[…]
Governments worldwide are ramping up efforts to secure critical mineral supplies through public funding, strategic partnerships and policy reforms.
[…]
Critical mineral supplies are increasingly concentrated in a handful of countries, with the threat of disruption growing as export bans multiply and diversification efforts face stiff hurdles according to a report on the sector by the International Energy Agency.
The grip of key players on the market has tightened in recent years. China is the leading refiner for 19 of the 20 strategic minerals tracked by the IEA and accounted for up to roughly 80% of global supply growth of cooper and lithium between 2020 and 2024.”
See here for the IEA’s recent report.
President Trump’s February 10th Executive Order titled “Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security” mentions.
“The President’s foreign policy authority is inextricably linked with the global economic competitiveness of American companies. American national security depends in substantial part on the United States and its companies gaining strategic business advantages whether in critical minerals, deep-water ports, or other key infrastructure or assets.”
