Critical Minerals Initiative

This initiative examines the intersections of geopolitics, security, global governance of mineral supply chains and the economics of mining and manufacturing.

Image — Earth and minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine near the frontline in the Donetsk Region, Ukraine. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images)

The Critical Minerals Initiative combines Chatham House’s deep regional and technical expertise to analyse the intersections of geopolitics, security and global governance of mineral supply chains, including the economics of mining and manufacturing.

The Initiative provides thought leadership on how to respond to geopolitical and regulatory challenges and actionable research to inform solutions for national security and energy considerations, environmental priorities, and commercial viability.

Activities

Conducting and publishing policy research, commentary and analysis;
Convening outcome-oriented debates with world-renowned experts on issues pertinent to critical minerals across the globe;
Providing media comment to support informed reporting by international news agencies;
Providing briefings to decision-makers and contributing to policy forums globally.

Research areas

The geopolitics and global governance of critical minerals

Analysing the interaction between geopolitical developments and the supply and demand for critical minerals, and the continuing role of global governance institutions in managing the relationship between mineral-rich and mineral importing states.

Critical minerals and economic security

Exploring supply chain security, geopolitical partnerships, financing and capital availability, and how rapidly changing technology is affecting the demand for minerals.

Critical minerals, sustainable development and growth

What are the implications of mineral extraction, processing, and export for resource-rich countries? How should environmental and human rights standards be upheld? How can equitable benefit sharing from extraction be ensured? And what is the role of mineral demand in regional conflict dynamics?

Project work

Open access

The exploitation of resource riches by unaccountable leaders is not the same as states stewarding mineral supplies for the benefit of their people, write Christopher Vandome and Tighisti Amare.

Risks emerging from shared infrastructure and data security are areas where UK registered companies need better guidance.

To establish some measure of control of minerals supply, market-oriented governments are starting to directly invest in mining projects. Governments that don’t are placing their manufacturing sectors, energy security, and national defence at risk.

Chatham House staff and associate fellows engaged with national and industry leaders throughout Indaba 2026, the African mining event.

The US has proved it is serious about creating a new mining and processing ecosystem. Now it must convince investors and industry that its policy will last for the next 10 years.

The US wants to establish supply chains for critical minerals free of Chinese control. Disrespecting sovereignty and international law will isolate the country from the partners it needs to achieve this ambition.

The government’s ambitions are welcome, but require dedicated leadership and international support in order to succeed.

President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim react following the signing of trade and critical minerals agreements

Beijing’s dominance over supply chains will continue. But new US deals with Australia and across the region show rhetoric is now being matched by finance, aiming to take the sting out of any future export restrictions.

The major new initiative will study the key geopolitical, economic, and sustainability dynamics shaping global mineral supply chains.

Upcoming events

Discover how the trade operates and what policy options governments have to counter its rapidly evolving influence.

Past events

Chris McDonald MP, UK minister for industry, outlines the challenges and opportunities presented in the new UK Critical Minerals Strategy.

This event, in partnership with the UNDP, discusses how just, transparent and forward-looking minerals governance can form part of a comprehensive strategy to help Africa achieve sustainable development.