Critical Minerals

Critical minerals have been called the oil of the twenty-first century and are crucial in cutting-edge defense and AI technologies. CSIS is spearheading research on how critical minerals and their supply chains can impact global economies, technology competition, and national security.

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Photo: EMIL STACH/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images

Photo: EMIL STACH/Ritzau Scanpix/AFP/Getty Images

Trump’s Greenland Ambition Is About U.S. Power, Not Alliances

Trump's push for Greenland isn't about NATO security—it's about controlling vast sums in rare earth minerals. European appeals to Cold War alliances miss the point of his America First doctrine, which prioritizes U.S. economic gain above all else.

Commentary by Sir Robin Niblett — January 14, 2026

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Jerry McGinn

Jerry McGinn

Director, Center for the Industrial Base and Senior Fellow, Defense and Security Department

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Why Is Renewing AGOA Strategic for U.S.-Africa Minerals Diplomacy?

The African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) is scheduled to expire in September. If not renewed, it would severely undermine U.S.–Africa minerals diplomacy, weaken American soft power, and push mineral-rich African nations to deepen commercial ties with Beijing.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran — September 3, 2025

The Risks of U.S. Deep-Sea Mining

The United States has begun taking steps to secure its access to seabed minerals. But U.S. unilateral mining on the high seas poses grave risks to the rules-based regional order.

Commentary by Harrison Prétat and Monica Sato — August 26, 2025

Commercial Diplomacy Needs Good Governance

Can commercial diplomacy work without corresponding good governance efforts? Corruption, labor rights violations, and general poor governance impede business operations. Who will help improve governance in countries where U.S. companies make deals?

Commentary by Andrew Friedman — August 7, 2025

Developing Rare Earth Processing Hubs: An Analytical Approach

The report presents a quantitative evaluation of 10 countries to determine their potential as commercially viable rare earth processing hubs, using 10 assessment criteria. It identifies the U.S., Australia, Saudi Arabia, and Canada as the most competitive jurisdictions.

Report by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — July 28, 2025

Deterrence Runs on Rare Earths

The future of deterrence won’t be decided by tanks or troops alone—but by tiny, rare earth elements that power AI, drones, and defense systems. The United States’ strategic edge depends on securing what’s buried beneath the surface.

Commentary by Jake Kwon and Benjamin Jensen — July 24, 2025

Rethinking Copper Tariffs

President Trump recently imposed a 50 percent tariff on all copper imports, citing national security concerns. Although intended to strengthen domestic production, the United States’ dependence on foreign smelting could disrupt supply chains and increase China’s market share.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — July 23, 2025

Beyond Rare Earths: China’s Growing Threat to Gallium Supply Chains

Two years after China imposed export controls on gallium—a critical input for semiconductors, radar, and defense systems—this brief assesses how the restrictions have impacted supply chains amid escalating U.S.-China economic competition.

Brief by Aidan Powers-Riggs, Brian Hart, Matthew P. Funaiole, Scott Thomsett, Simon Zieleniewski, and Tim Rose — July 17, 2025