Strategic minerals: Global challenges post-COVID-19

Area of Science:

• Geopolitics
• Supply Chain Management
• Materials Science

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread disruption to global production and supply chains.
• The crisis exposed critical vulnerabilities in the distribution of essential raw materials, particularly minerals.
• Minerals are vital for national sovereignty and economic autonomy, found in many electronic products.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically analyze the positioning of major global economies regarding strategic minerals post-COVID-19.
• To examine the impact of the pandemic on the supply chains of critical metals.
• To understand national strategies for reducing dependence on foreign mineral sources.

Main Methods:

• Critical review of economic and geopolitical strategies.
• Analysis of global supply chain vulnerabilities for raw materials.
• Examination of post-COVID-19 policies for critical mineral sourcing.

Main Results:

• The pandemic has intensified focus on securing domestic and diversified sources of strategic minerals.
• Global economic powers are reassessing their reliance on international supply chains for critical metals.
• Emerging strategies aim to bolster national economic autonomy through control over mineral resources.

Conclusions:

• Securing a stable supply of strategic minerals is paramount for national security and economic resilience in the post-pandemic era.
• Diversification of mineral sourcing and investment in domestic extraction/recycling are key strategies.
• International cooperation and competition dynamics surrounding critical minerals will likely intensify.