What are critical elements?

Critical elements, encompassing a suite of rare earth elements and other minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel, are highly valuable resources integral to the modern technological landscape. These elements are indispensable in the manufacture of a wide array of products, from smartphones, electric vehicles, and renewable energy systems to sophisticated defense technologies.

Their unique properties, including magnetic, catalytic, and electrochemical capabilities, make them irreplaceable components of high-tech and green energy applications. However, the global supply chain of these critical elements is currently dominated by China, which controls a significant portion of the world's production and processing capabilities.

This dominance presents challenges for other nations, emphasizing the need for diversified supply chains and increased efforts in sustainable extraction and recycling practices to ensure global technological progress and energy security.