Latest posts
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The U.S. Pentagon’s Push to Secure Critical Minerals Supply Chains
Introduction The United States Department of Defense (DoD), often referred to as the Pentagon, is playing a leading role in addressing vulnerabilities in the supply of critical minerals that are essential for its defence technologies, electronics, batteries, magnets, and advanced manufacturing. These materials, such as rare earth elements (REE’s), cobalt, graphite, tungsten, antimony, gallium, and
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Critical Minerals Used in Defence for Canada and the United States: Future Outlook
Introduction As current global geopolitical tensions rise, questions arise regarding the availability of critical minerals used for defence. Critical minerals are essential raw materials whose supply chains underpin national security for both Canada and the United States. These minerals enable advanced defence capabilities, including fighter jets, precision-guided munitions, electronic warfare systems, hypersonic weapons, uncrewed aerial
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The Structural Supply Deficit of Copper Production in Canada and the United States
Introduction The global copper market has entered a structural supply deficit that began in 2025 and is projected to widen significantly through 2040 and beyond. Demand is surging due to electrification, AI/data centres, grid expansion, and defence spending. This trend occurs while mine growth remains constrained by declining ore grades, long development timelines, and operational
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Processing Critical Minerals: A Review of Global Capacity
Introduction Global demand for critical minerals is surging with projections indicating a near quadrupling by 2040. In my February 6 article, I reviewed the global scale of mining of critical minerals. In order to secure supply chains, however, the processing capacity of critical minerals is also vital. Processing refers to the midstream phase where raw
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Leading Nations in the Production of Critical Minerals
The production and storage of critical minerals is increasingly seen as important to defence, clean energy, and high-tech manufacturing to both the U.S. and Canada. The minerals are considered critical because of their importance to their economies and national security. The table below lists nations that produced some of the most important salient critical minerals
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Critical Minerals Mining in Canada: Current and Future Production
Introduction Canada plays a significant role in the global supply of critical minerals that are essential for clean energy technologies, defence, and advanced manufacturing. As of January, 2026, the country ranks among the top producers for several key minerals, including uranium, nickel, cobalt, lithium, and graphite. Recent government initiatives aim to accelerate production and secure
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Critical Minerals Mining in Canada and the U.S.: Present and Future
Critical minerals are those minerals essential for economic and national security, with vulnerable and concentrated supply chains, and have essential uses in technologies. Electric vehicles, batteries, semiconductors, aerospace, defense, and clean energy systems all require critical minerals. The demand for critical minerals could increase several-fold by 2040. This report discusses the mining of critical minerals
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Critical Minerals: Rising Demand
Introduction Critical minerals are becoming central to Canada and U.S. security and clean energy strategies. Both countries are investing heavily in mining, processing, and supply chain integration in order to support defence, technology, and the transition toward clean energy. By 2040, global demand for critical minerals is expected to double. Technologies such as batteries, wind