Critical minerals are a group of minerals and metals essential to modern technology and economic security, particularly important for green and digital economies. They are used in products such as mobile phones, solar panels, electric vehicle batteries, medical devices, defense technologies, wind turbines, and semiconductors. These minerals are considered critical because their supply chains are vulnerable to disruption, and they are vital for national security or economic stability, as well as for the transition to sustainable energy and advanced manufacturing. Different countries have lists of critical minerals based on their economic priorities and supply risks. For example, Canada's list includes 34 minerals like lithium, cobalt, copper, rare earth elements, and newer additions like high-purity iron ore, phosphorus, and silicon metal. The U.S. list comprises roughly 50 minerals, including aluminum, cobalt, lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and others necessary for energy technologies and defense. Critical minerals are foundational for the green economy as they support clean technologies such as batteries, zero- emission vehicles, renewable energy generation, and permanent magnets. Their supply is often concentrated in a few countries, making them susceptible to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. The increasing demand due to the global transition to low-carbon technologies highlights the importance of securing stable, responsible sources of these minerals.
