By john In the race for technological supremacy, control over rare earth elements and critical minerals has become a new form of geopolitical leverage. These materials — essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, and semiconductors — are now at the heart of a global power struggle involving China, the United States, and emerging login Naga169 anti blokir suppliers across Africa and Latin America.
China dominates the market, refining nearly 70% of the world’s rare earths. In response, Western governments are scrambling to diversify supply chains. The U.S. and European Union have launched initiatives to source lithium, cobalt, and nickel from partners like Chile, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
However, this scramble has revived concerns about “green colonialism,” as multinational corporations exploit resources in developing countries without equitable returns. “We don’t want to replace oil dependency with mineral dependency,” warns Zambian economist Grieve Chelwa.
The geopolitical stakes are rising. China’s export restrictions on gallium and germanium in 2023 showed how easily supply disruptions can ripple through global industries. The U.S., Japan, and South Korea are now investing heavily in domestic refining and recycling technologies.
As nations pursue decarbonization, the minerals powering that transition are creating new dependencies — and new diplomacy. The future of green technology may depend less on innovation, and more on who controls the dirt beneath our feet.