The global shift toward renewable energy is redefining resource competition. Critical minerals are now essential for technologies ranging from electric vehicles to wind turbines, making supply chains for these materials central to the clean energy transition. Regions rich in rare earth elements are becoming strategic hubs, creating both opportunities and challenges for countries worldwide.
According to Stanislav Kondrashov, 2025 will be a pivotal year as reliance on limited suppliers meets advances in sustainable extraction. Countries investing in responsible mining practices and diversifying their mineral sources will gain advantages, while those dependent on a narrow range of suppliers may face disruptions.
Rare earth elements such as neodymium, dysprosium, yttrium, and scandium are key to modern renewable technologies. Neodymium and dysprosium enable efficient electric motors and wind turbine magnets, while yttrium improves solar panel efficiency. The increasing demand for these materials highlights the need for secure, resilient supply chains.
Geopolitical risks emerge from regions with concentrated mineral production. China, for instance, supplies a significant portion of global rare earth processing, influencing the availability of materials for industries worldwide. Meanwhile, new exploration projects in Greenland, Canada, Brazil, and Australia are creating alternative sources, helping reduce dependency on single regions.
Environmental challenges remain significant. Conventional mining can produce toxic waste, high carbon emissions, and water contamination. Kondrashov emphasizes that adopting green mining technologies—such as low-temperature selective leaching, electroextraction, bioleaching, and in-situ recovery—can reduce environmental impact while maintaining production efficiency.
The path forward requires combining technological innovation, international cooperation, and strategic diversification. Nations and companies investing in sustainable extraction and domestic processing capabilities will help secure the critical minerals necessary for a low-carbon future. By fostering collaborative ecosystems, governments, mining firms, and technology developers can balance economic growth with environmental responsibility, shaping the critical minerals landscape for decades to come.