Critical minerals are mineral commodities identified as essential for advanced technologies and economic or national security functions, and which face elevated risk of supply disruption due to geological scarcity, concentrated production, geopolitical constraints, or complex value chains. Scientifically, they are defined not by intrinsic geochemical properties but by their role in enabling key materials systems, such as high-performance magnets, battery chemistries, catalysts, semiconductors, and specialized alloys. Research on critical minerals emphasizes ore genesis, mineral processing, substitution strategies, recycling, life-cycle assessment, and supply-risk modeling to ensure resilient access to these inputs for low-carbon energy systems, defense applications, and advanced manufacturing.
After two weeks of negotiations, the International Seabed Authority (ISA) is still far from finalizing rules for extracting coveted metals on the high seas despite heightened pressure triggered by US efforts to fast-track ...
Environment
Jul 18, 2025
0
41
They're in the headlines every week—critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, graphite and the rare earth elements essential for high-technology and national security applications.
Earth Sciences
Jun 30, 2025
0
87
World leaders on Monday called for strict rules to govern deep-sea mining and warned against racing to exploit the ocean floor in a thinly veiled rebuke of US President Donald Trump.
Environment
Jun 10, 2025
0
23
In a world hungry for crucial resources, China may not be poised to start deep-sea mining but it is planting seeds for such operations in a meticulously planned economic and geopolitical strategy.
Environment
Jun 10, 2025
0
93
Rare earth elements are critical to many industries—used in electric motors, medical imaging and diagnostics, oil and gas refining, and computer and phone screens. The 17 rare earth elements all have important uses and are ...
Earth Sciences
May 5, 2025
0
139
The ocean's deep-sea bed is scattered with ancient rocks, each about the size of a closed fist, called "polymetallic nodules." Elsewhere, along active and inactive hydrothermal vents and the deep ocean's ridges, volcanic ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 29, 2025
0
34
Geological resources such as critical metals and minerals, essential for the diffusion of technologies such as renewable energy and energy storage towards a decarbonized society, are indispensable for supporting modern life ...
Earth Sciences
Mar 13, 2025
0
130
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt and copper are essential for an energy transition away from fossil fuels—but America's perception of their importance isn't fully understood, which can slow progress.
Earth Sciences
Mar 12, 2025
1
34
Scientists have created a new type of catalyst that will lead to new, sustainable ways of making and using molecules and protect the supply of precious metals.
Nanomaterials
Aug 17, 2021
0
390
