Critical Minerals Are the New Center of Global Competition

Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths are emerging as a major geopolitical flashpoint as demand surges.

The article warns this new resource race could be more destabilizing than the oil era because supply chains are highly concentrated and oversight is weak.

China’s dominance in refining and processing adds to the risk, leaving many countries exposed to shortages and price shocks.

These minerals are vital for EVs, clean energy, digital infrastructure, and advanced weapons, so disruptions could reshape global power and industry.