Critical Minerals

Critical minerals are raw materials considered essential to the economy, energy systems, national security, or key technologies but whose supply chains face a significant risk of disruption. They commonly include minerals used in renewable energy, electric vehicles, batteries, electronics, semiconductors, defense equipment, and electricity infrastructure. Examples can include lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite, and certain rare earth elements, although official lists vary by country or jurisdiction. A mineral may be classified as critical because production or processing is geographically concentrated, substitution options are limited, demand is growing rapidly, or geopolitical, environmental, and trade factors could constrain supply.