Lessons from Cold War Strategy for Today's Race in Critical Minerals

Economy

1 year ago

News sources:

Credited from: TIME

Global Demand Surge: The need for critical minerals like copper, cobalt, and lithium is poised to increase significantly due to renewable energy technologies and electric vehicles.
U.S.-China Tensions: Ongoing tariffs and export bans, particularly by China on military-related minerals, have heightened vulnerabilities in supply chains.
Historical Insights: The reopening of a tungsten mine in South Korea is reminiscent of Cold War-era strategies aimed at securing vital resources in the face of geopolitical rivalries.
Policy Blueprint: Historical initiatives from the 1950s, which diversified supplies of minerals through international investment, provide a framework for current efforts against potential shortages.
Modern Implications: Current investments, such as a $3 billion commitment to enhance transport infrastructure in Africa, follow historical precedents to secure mineral supplies essential for green technologies.

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