The new curse of critical minerals

A race is raging among global powers to secure access to critical minerals to power the simultaneous energy and digital transitions the world is experiencing. The extraordinary growth in demand for critical minerals is putting upward pressure on prices and stimulating new critical mineral discoveries all around the world. However, in developing countries, this new bonanza presents opportunities but also important risks. This column argues that absent governance system shifts, the rush for critical minerals risks creating a ‘new curse of critical minerals’.

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