critical minerals

JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon stated that the dollar's reserve currency status depends on the United States maintaining its economic and military dominance. He argued that vulnerabilities, such as US reliance on China for critical materials and lack of productive capability demonstrated during the Iran war, point to potential future instability. To address these weaknesses, JPMorgan launched a $1.5 trillion Security and Resiliency Initiative focused on key sectors like AI, advanced manufacturing, and defense.

The US Department of Defense has canceled a tender to purchase lithium for its strategic stockpiles, highlighting challenges in securing critical minerals. The canceled plan involved a $300 million acquisition.

China’s significant role in global commodities is stabilizing gold prices and mitigating energy shocks, but its export controls on rare earths and critical minerals are causing volatility in Western technology supply chains, according to a Goldman Sachs report.

The U.S. is under pressure to develop domestic rare earth mineral processing to reduce reliance on China, with Phoenix Tailings in New Hampshire working to extract critical elements from mining waste and recycled materials. The Pentagon has approved a $500 million loan to expand the company's capacity, as defense systems like Tomahawk missiles and F-35 jets require these minerals, and stricter sourcing rules aim to exclude Chinese components.

Kishan Reddy advocates for boosting indigenous manufacturing in the electric vehicle sector and achieving self-sufficiency in critical minerals. The focus is on reducing reliance on external sources for key components and materials.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and Chilean President José Antonio Kast agreed to revive stalled negotiations to modernize their free-trade agreement during a meeting in Santiago on July 30, 2026. They also committed to enhancing cooperation on critical minerals and defense.

The Pentagon is working to address industry concerns regarding an executive order on sourcing critical minerals. The order could disrupt supply chains for the industry.

Fast Metals is using waste to extract critical minerals, aiming to address the issue of caustic waste from aluminum production. The startup seeks to clean up billions of tons of waste while generating profit.

The US State Department's new US-Africa Strategic Investment Program aims to catalyze private investment in Africa by offering up to $50 million in grants for projects de-risking investments in critical minerals and commercial diplomacy. The initiative shifts from USAID to the State Department and faces criticism for prioritizing trade over development, with debates over whether markets can be de-risked into existence.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is in Brazil for a state visit focused on securing critical minerals and rare earths. The visit includes a summit amid a newly elevated strategic partnership between the two nations.

Sweden has declared the mining of critical minerals and rare earths a national security interest to expedite permits and reduce reliance on China. The government aims to counter dependence on China by streamlining the mining process.

The WTO warns that surging demand for critical minerals like cobalt, lithium, and rare earths is driving conflict in resource-rich regions such as Congo and Sudan, where illegal mining fuels violence. However, the organization highlights an opportunity for these nations to leverage their mineral wealth for economic transformation through local processing, strengthened international law, and cooperative strategies to avoid being locked into low-value production.

The WTO warns that rising global demand for critical minerals like lithium and cobalt risks fueling conflict in resource-rich regions, particularly in Africa, but also presents an opportunity for economic transformation if managed through local processing and international cooperation. The UN highlights how mineral exploitation in Congo and Sudan has exacerbated violence, while urging resource-rich nations to leverage their reserves for inclusive growth.

The article discusses the growing importance of critical minerals in Africa as essential resources for the clean energy transition, highlighting their role in shaping global political dynamics.

The US and its allies are working to reduce dependence on China for rare earths and critical minerals to strengthen their position in artificial intelligence. Jacob Helberg, US undersecretary of state for economic affairs, discusses efforts to secure alternative supply chains in an interview. US President Donald Trump signed a related policy.

Globalization is fragmenting and great-power competition is intensifying, leading to Latin America becoming a pivotal 'optionality' region. The region is highlighted for its critical minerals and emerging role in global dynamics.

The article discusses the consensus that America's critical minerals base has been weakened and explores debates on rebuilding it through processing technology, labor force strategies, and government facilitation of private investment. Experts Alex Grant of Magrathea Metals and Wes Spurlock of Principal Mineral analyze these challenges with Jonathan.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order to reduce dependence on China for defense-related critical minerals, directing military contractors to shift away from Beijing-linked supply chains. The order emphasizes maintaining US military dominance and securing supply chains against subversion.

President Donald Trump signed an executive order requiring U.S. defense contractors to prove they have actively sought alternatives to prohibited foreign suppliers, including China, before obtaining waivers to source critical materials. The order mandates supply chain mapping and supplier risk assessments to reduce reliance on overseas suppliers for military production.

The article argues that Cold War 2.0 is already underway and centered on private-sector competition in areas like capital markets, technology, and supply chains. China leverages state-backed investments (e.g., Belt and Road Initiative) to gain strategic advantages, while the West must respond with innovative private capital and free-market solutions to secure economic and national security.

The Philippines' proposed Pax Silica AI hub, a US-backed project on a 1,620-hectare site north of Manila, aims to develop AI, semiconductors, and critical minerals. Critics accuse it of exploiting contested land, threatening local communities' livelihoods and water supplies.

Prime Minister Modi is intensifying India's efforts to secure uranium and critical minerals through diplomatic initiatives. These actions aim to address supply vulnerabilities highlighted by the Iran war and bolster the nuclear power sector.

Brent crude prices rise due to tensions in the Strait of Hormuz as the Federal Reserve maintains steady interest rates. The article examines the impact of energy shocks, a strong U.S. dollar, and increased demand for critical minerals on Latin America's economic stability.

China's imports from Africa increased by 21.1% and 40.2% year-on-year in May and June, respectively, following Beijing's expansion of a zero-tariff policy across the continent. The surge was driven by emerging trade links in new sectors and traditional categories like critical minerals.

KoBold Metals, a $3 billion AI-driven mining company based in Berkeley, is supported by Trump’s administration and funded by prominent tech figures. The company is seeking critical minerals globally.

The global mining industry claims increased extraction of rare earth minerals is necessary to address climate change, but a new report highlights that demand is primarily driven by conventional industries, AI, and defense sectors. The rush to mine copper, lithium, cobalt, and other critical minerals is being fueled by these sectors rather than solely climate-related needs.

The article highlights the U.S. economy's dangerous reliance on China, particularly in critical sectors like defense, healthcare, and technology. It urges the Securities and Exchange Commission to require companies to disclose supply chain risks from China, citing vulnerabilities such as China's control over rare earth elements and pharmaceutical ingredients.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi signed agreements on artificial intelligence, batteries, critical minerals, defense manufacturing, energy resilience, and financial cooperation during a meeting in New Delhi. The agreements highlight the India-Japan convergence reshaping the Indo-Pacific's power balance.

Amara KAMARA, President of the Liberia Chamber of Mines, has called for urgent legal and regulatory reforms in Liberia's mining sector. He warned that delays in modernizing laws and fragmented institutional coordination could hinder the country's ability to attract long-term investment amid rising global demand for critical minerals.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. pledged to strengthen trade, energy, and security ties as Canada seeks to diversify its economy beyond the United States. The two leaders announced plans for a Canada-Philippines free trade agreement and deeper Indo-Pacific defense cooperation, supported by the Filipino-Canadian community.

PM Modi held summit talks with Japanese PM Takaichi. The discussion focused on enhancing cooperation in critical minerals and pharmaceuticals.

The UK may struggle to build missiles and anti-drone technology due to China's dominance over critical minerals, according to warnings from the Conservative Party. The Tories highlight this dependency as a potential security risk.

Trump made a billion-dollar mining deal. His sons could profit from this deal. The families are involved in an ethically complex pursuit of profits in the critical minerals arms race.

China has released its 15th five-year plan for a new-type energy system, aiming for 30% clean energy in power generation by 2030, with wind and solar as the mainstay. The Group of Seven (G7) has urged diversification of rare earth supply chains to reduce reliance on China, prompting responses about strengthening domestic critical mineral strategies. China also emphasized climate governance and green development in its approved five-year plans.

The article highlights that the United States requires Canada's involvement to succeed in the critical minerals race, emphasizing that America's strategy for these minerals relies on Canada.

Femi Pedro has assumed his role as Nigeria's envoy to Australia. He emphasized expanding cooperation in critical minerals, agricultural innovation, education, and fintech between the two countries.

Zambians are set to vote in August with jobs and rising living costs as primary concerns. The election outcome could influence global competition for critical minerals and reshape Zambia's relationships with China and the US.

China banned exports of dual-use goods to ten American firms, including USA Rare Earth, which recently acquired Brazil’s Serra Verde rare earth mine, the only such mine producing at scale outside Asia.

A US strike on an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman has strained US-India relations and raised doubts about the unity of the Quad (US, Japan, Australia, India) in challenging China's dominance over critical minerals. Despite tensions, the group's agenda remains a focal point.

Japan's proposal to G7 leaders, led by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, to coordinate stockpiling critical minerals risks escalating regional tensions in East Asia. The article criticizes consecutive Japanese leaders for lacking vision in promoting regional peace and economic integration.