Critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, rare earth elements, and graphite are essential to the clean energy transition, forming the backbone of technologies such as batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and fuel cells. Their strategic importance is growing amid rising demand for electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and grid modernization. However, supply chain vulnerabilities, geopolitical concentration, and environmental concerns present major risks. Countries are prioritizing local mining, mineral recycling, and substitution technologies, while companies are exploring circular economy approaches, urban mining, and deep-sea exploration to secure access to these critical inputs and ensure long-term energy security.
