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.

Latest Analysis

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

Photo: MANDEL NGAN/AFP via Getty Images

What’s in the New U.S.-Saudi Minerals Agreement?

The U.S.-Saudi minerals partnership marks a realignment in global supply chains—pairing Saudi Arabia’s vast heavy rare earth reserves with significant U.S. investment to build a mine-to-magnet pathway that directly reduces China’s leverage and strengthens allied security.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran — November 19, 2025

See all analysis on Critical Minerals

Past Events

See all events on Critical Minerals

Related Programs

Experts

Jerry McGinn

Jerry McGinn

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

All Critical Minerals Content

Filter by

51 - 60 of 124 results
The Truth of the Matter

Ukraine Minerals Deal Explained

CSIS’s Gracelin Baskaran breaks down the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, its security risks, and global implications. She also compares it to China’s mineral diplomacy and previews her upcoming book on U.S. supply chain security.

Podcast Episode by H. Andrew Schwartz and Gracelin Baskaran — February 26, 2025

CSIS the truth of the matter

Assessing the Viability of a U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

As the United States and Ukraine reach a framework agreement on mineral resources, CSIS's Gracelin Baskaran examines the key issues around the viability of a deal.

Critical Questions by Gracelin Baskaran and Meredith Schwartz — February 21, 2025

Critical Minerals and the Future of the U.S. Economy

Critical minerals play an indispensable role in the modern economy—yet the U.S. mineral supply chain is highly vulnerable. This edited volume offers comprehensive analysis and recommendations to create resilient supply chains for national, economic, and energy security.

Report by Gracelin Baskaran and Duncan Wood — February 10, 2025

Fueling the Future: Recommendations for Strengthening U.S. Uranium Security

While the United States led global uranium production from 1953 to the 1980s, this dominance has declined over time. Currently, dependence on foreign adversaries for uranium poses a significant risk to U.S. nuclear supply chains, impacting both energy and defense.

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

Canadian Tariffs Will Undermine U.S. Minerals Security

Canada is the largest mineral supplier to the United States, and tariffs could hinder efforts to reduce reliance on China. The United States depends on Canada for uranium, nickel, and aluminum—key to defense, nuclear energy, and manufacturing—making tariffs a costly risk.

Commentary by Gracelin Baskaran — January 29, 2025

The DRC's Path to Peace and Regional Integration

This discussion will explore the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC, prospects for regional peace, and the DRC’s economic and geopolitical integration since joining the EAC.

 

Event — December 12, 2024