Critical Minerals

The Critical Minerals Security Program aims to provide policy and thought leadership as the United States races to build the resilient minerals supply chains needed for national, economic, and energy security.

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Photo: Farah Nosh/Getty Images

Photo: Farah Nosh/Getty Images

The Geostrategic Importance of Alaska to the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Alaska’s geostrategic importance to the U.S.-Japan alliance is growing. Japan Chair Adjunct Fellow Shoichi Itoh analyzes how Alaska supports the economic security of both countries against the backdrop of great power rivalry.

Commentary by Shoichi Itoh — May 12, 2025

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The Truth of the Matter

Trump’s Middle East Minerals Deal

Gracelin Baskaran, director of the CSIS Critical Minerals Security Program, joins the podcast to discuss potential minerals deals with the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar during President Trump’s trip to the Middle East.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Gracelin Baskaran — May 14, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

The Geostrategic Importance of Alaska to the U.S.-Japan Alliance

Alaska’s geostrategic importance to the U.S.-Japan alliance is growing. Japan Chair Adjunct Fellow Shoichi Itoh analyzes how Alaska supports the economic security of both countries against the backdrop of great power rivalry.

Commentary by Shoichi Itoh — May 12, 2025

Underexplored and Undervalued: Addressing Africa’s Mineral Exploration Gap

Africa is a resource-rich continent, yet its share of global exploration spending has dropped by over a third since 2004—highlighting a mismatch between geological potential and actual investment. Exploration incentives should be a central pillar of minerals diplomacy.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran — May 9, 2025

G7 Cooperation to De-Risk Minerals Investments in the Global South

The G7 must act decisively on critical minerals security at this year’s summit. Establishing a dedicated G7 investment fund could unlock high-priority projects, de-risk investments, and catalyze private capital—strengthening supply chains and reducing key vulnerabilities.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — May 7, 2025

Rebuilding U.S. Zinc Capacity in an Era of Global Competition

Once a zinc processing leader, the U.S. now faces supply chain risks from limited refining, import reliance, and China’s dominance—demanding urgent action to expand domestic capacity, strengthen allied ties, and spur investment in the steel and semiconductor industries.

Brief by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — May 5, 2025

What to Know About the Signed U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

The United States and Ukraine signed a long-anticipated agreement creating a Reconstruction Investment Fund to channel investment into Ukraine’s infrastructure, energy, and critical minerals sectors. Although this marks a major advancement in bilateral cooperation, challenges remain.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — May 1, 2025

The Truth of the Matter

China’s Halt of Critical Minerals

CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran joins the podcast to discuss China’s halt of critical minerals to the United States. In addition to consumer products, the Pentagon and defense contractors are heavily reliant on magnets and rare earth minerals mined or processed in China. Baskaran discusses the impact of this decision and more.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Gracelin Baskaran — April 15, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter