{"id":5785,"date":"2023-06-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-06-14T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rbcwealthmanagement.com\/en-us\/insightsmission-critical-securing-supply-of-critical-minerals\/"},"modified":"2024-02-05T13:42:28","modified_gmt":"2024-02-05T18:42:28","slug":"mission-critical-securing-supply-of-critical-minerals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rbcwealthmanagement.com\/en-us\/insights\/mission-critical-securing-supply-of-critical-minerals","title":{"rendered":"Mission critical: Securing supply of critical minerals"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><i>RBC Wealth Management\u2019s \u201cWorlds apart: Risks and opportunities as deglobalization looms\u201d series explores the trend away from globalization and its ramifications for investors, economies, and financial markets. This second article in the series focuses on critical minerals and why this is a key investment theme.<\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are critical minerals?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>       Some 50 minerals are crucial for manufacturing a wide range of goods such       as fighter jets, cars, mobile phones, computers, and semiconductors.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Some of the most common critical minerals include well-known elements such       as aluminium, copper, nickel, and silver. Also included are cobalt, a blue       metal by-product of the extraction of copper and nickel, and lithium, a       light, lustrous, salt-like metal. Both are used in rechargeable batteries       for mobile phones, laptops, digital cameras, and electric vehicles (EVs).     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       So-called rare earth minerals are essential components of many high-tech       products due to their magnetic and fluorescent properties. Rare earths       include 17 lesser-known substances such as neodymium (used in powerful       magnets for computers and wind turbines) and yttrium (used in targeting       systems and televisions). Contrary to what the name suggests, most rare       earth elements can be easily found all over the world, though often not in       large quantities. They are also hazardous to extract and require expensive       processing to deliver the input for end users.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Critical minerals are indispensable for manufacturing clean technologies       such as EVs, wind turbines, solar panels, and rechargeable batteries.       Given that decarbonizing the global economy will certainly take decades,       and that it is so widely underpinned by government policies\u2014some 200       national governments worldwide are trying to lower their country\u2019s CO<sub>2<\/sub>       emissions by discouraging the use of fossil fuels and nurturing greener       alternatives\u2014we believe the surge in critical mineral demand is likely the       start of a commodity supercycle that could last decades.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       In a 2020 paper, the International Energy Agency (IEA) estimated that by       2040 the greening of the economy alone would require 40 times more       lithium, and 20 to 25 times more graphite, nickel, and cobalt than is       currently being produced.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Critical mineral needs for clean energy technologies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"mb-1-half\">\n<table class=\"table table-compact table-primary\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th scope=\"col\" width=\"20%\">               Technology             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Copper             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Cobalt             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Nickel             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Lithium             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               REEs             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Chromium             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Zinc             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               PGMs             <\/th>\n<th scope=\"col\" class=\"text-center\">               Aluminium             <\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Solar photovoltaic<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Wind<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hydro<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Concentrating solar power<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Bioenergy<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Geothermal<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Nuclear<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Electricity networks<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>EVs and battery storage<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Hydrogen<\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-seaweed text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Low<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-warm-red text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">High<\/span>             <\/td>\n<td class=\"text-center\">               <span class=\"c-sun text-nowrap aria-hidden\" style=\"font-size: 20px; line-height: 20px\">\u25cf\u25cf<\/span><span class=\"sr-only\">Medium<\/span>             <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<ul class=\"list-inline mt-1-half\">\n<li>           <span class=\"c-warm-red\">\u25cf\u25cf\u25cf\u2002<\/span>High\u2003         <\/li>\n<li><span class=\"c-sun\">\u25cf\u25cf\u2002<\/span>Medium\u2003<\/li>\n<li><span class=\"c-seaweed\">\u25cf\u2002<\/span>Low<\/li>\n<\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>       REEs = rare earth elements; PGMs = platinum group metals. Aluminium demand       is assessed for electricity networks only.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Source &#8211; International Energy Agency<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Supply chain insecurity<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>       Keeping up with demand will prove challenging for two reasons, in our       view. One is low supply, as current deposits of critical minerals are       simply not enough to meet the expected surge in demand.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       The other issue is that deposits tend to be concentrated in the hands of a       few countries that can have outsized influence on supply chains. In fact,       the production of many critical minerals is more geographically       concentrated than that of oil or natural gas. Critical mineral processing       is even more concentrated, with China the dominant player, as depicted       below.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Such high concentrations make any supply chain susceptible to disruption.       Critical minerals in particular are vulnerable to resource nationalism.       Countries where they are either extracted or processed will naturally aim       to protect their own economic security and safeguard access to these key       resources.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">       Share of top three producers of selected minerals and fossil fuels, 2019     <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"row mb-4 migrated\">       <div class=\"col-lg-10 col-md-8 col-sm-8 col-xs-10 col-xxs-12\">         <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.rbcwealthmanagement.com\/en-us\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/7\/2023\/06\/critical-minerals-deglobalization-2-en-chart-1.png\" alt=\"Share of top three producers of selected minerals and fossil fuels, 2019\" class=\"img-fluid mb-1-half\" \/>         <p           class=\"sr-only\"           id=\"chart1desc\"         >           The exhibit shows the share of the top three producing countries for           selected minerals and fossil fuels. In extraction, the U.S. plays a           dominant role for fossil fuels (Oil and Natural gas), but for selected           minerals, other countries lead: the Democratic Republic of the Congo           (Cobalt), China (Rare earths), Australia (Lithium), and Indonesia           (Nickel). On the processing side, China enjoys a dominant position in           all the critical minerals (Copper, Nickel, Cobalt, Lithium, &#038; Rare           earths) highlighted in the exhibit.         <\/p>          <div           class=\"sr-only\"           id=\"chart1data\"         >           <table             class=\"sr-only\"             summary=\"Extraction of critical minerals, global share by country.\"           >             <thead>               <tr>                 <th scope=\"col\">Critical mineral<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">U.S.<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Saudi Arabia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Russia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Iran<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">China<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Australia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Chile<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Democratic Republic of Congo<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Indonesia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Philippines<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Myanmar<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Peru<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Mozambique<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Brazil<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">China<\/th>               <\/tr>             <\/thead>             <tbody>               <tr>                 <td>Oil<\/td>                 <td>18%<\/td>                 <td>12%<\/td>                 <td>12%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Natural gas<\/td>                 <td>23%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>18%<\/td>                 <td>6%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Copper<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>28%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>12%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>8%<\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Nickel<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>11%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>33%<\/td>                 <td>12%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Cobalt<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>4%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>4%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>69%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Graphite<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>64%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>10%<\/td>                 <td>9%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Rare earths<\/td>                 <td>13%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>60%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>11%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Lithium<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>52%<\/td>                 <td>22%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>13%<\/td>               <\/tr>             <\/tbody>           <\/table>            <table             class=\"sr-only\"             summary=\"Processing of critical minerals, global share by country.\"           >             <thead>               <tr>                 <th scope=\"col\">Critical mineral<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">U.S.<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">China<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Russia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Qatar<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Australia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Chile<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Indonesia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Japan<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Finland<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Belgium<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Argentina<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Malaysia<\/th>                 <th scope=\"col\">Estonia<\/th>               <\/tr>             <\/thead>             <tbody>               <tr>                 <td>Oil refining<\/td>                 <td>20%<\/td>                 <td>16%<\/td>                 <td>7%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>LNG export<\/td>                 <td>10%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>23%<\/td>                 <td>22%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Copper<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>40%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>10%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>6%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Nickel<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>35%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>15%<\/td>                 <td>8%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Cobalt<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>65%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>10%<\/td>                 <td>5%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Lithium<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>58%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>29%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>10%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>               <\/tr>               <tr>                 <td>Rare earths<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>87%<\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td><\/td>                 <td>12%<\/td>                 <td>1%<\/td>               <\/tr>             <\/tbody>           <\/table>         <\/div>          <ul class=\"rbc-legend rbc-legend-inline\">           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div               class=\"rbc-legend-square\"               style=\"color: #00cc66\"             ><\/div>             Argentina           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-seaweed\"><\/div>             Australia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-warm-red-tint-2\"><\/div>             Belgium           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-sky\"><\/div>             Brazil           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-blue-tint-3\"><\/div>             Chile           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-warm-red\"><\/div>             China           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-beige\"><\/div>             D.R. Congo           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div               class=\"rbc-legend-square\"               style=\"color: #ff00ff\"             ><\/div>             Estonia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-carbon-dark\"><\/div>             Finland           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div               class=\"rbc-legend-square\"               style=\"color: #66ff99\"             ><\/div>             Indonesia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div               class=\"rbc-legend-square\"               style=\"color: #cdc39b\"             ><\/div>             Iran           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-apple\"><\/div>             Japan           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-apple-dark\"><\/div>             Malaysia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div               class=\"rbc-legend-square\"               style=\"color: #9966ff\"             ><\/div>             Mozambique           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-grey-tint-2\"><\/div>             Myanmar           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-blue-tint-1\"><\/div>             Peru           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-yellow-dark\"><\/div>             Philippines           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-yellow-tint-1\"><\/div>             Qatar           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-sun\"><\/div>             Russia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-pear\"><\/div>             Saudi Arabia           <\/li>           <li class=\"rbc-legend-item\">             <div class=\"rbc-legend-square c-dark-blue-tint-1\"><\/div>             United States           <\/li>         <\/ul>          <p class=\"footnote\">           LNG = liquefied natural gas; values for copper processing are for           refining operations.         <\/p>         <p class=\"disclaimer\">           Source &#8211; International Energy Agency (2020), U.S. Geological Survey           (2021), World Bureau of Metal Statistics (2020), Adamas Intelligence           (2020)         <\/p>       <\/div>     <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>       For instance, some countries have placed conditions on the use of some of       their critical minerals in an attempt to boost their economies. Back in       2016, Chile mandated that mining companies allocate part of their earnings       to community development and to sell a quarter of their production below       market prices to bolster local economies. Such regulations can have a       beneficial impact on local markets and communities. But for mining       companies that invest in a country and for international buyers, they       represent an added cost and pose a risk of confiscation or delivery       disruption.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Some countries have become more assertive in maintaining control of their       natural resources. In April 2023, Chilean President Gabriel Boric       announced a plan to nationalise the country\u2019s lithium industry, with the       state taking a majority stake in all new contracts. Though the government       does not aim to terminate current private mining contracts, it hopes the       two lithium miners currently operating in Chile, Sociedad Quimica y Minera       de Chile and Albemarle, would be open to state participation before their       contracts expire in 2030 and 2043, respectively. Details of the       privatisation plan remain sketchy, and the proposal still needs to go       through the National Congress of Chile, which has watered down Boric\u2019s       plans before. Other miners operating in Chile fear that Boric may also try       to make them junior partners in future copper projects.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Chile is not alone in becoming more assertive. In late 2022, Indonesia       announced that an export ban on bauxite, the ore used to make aluminium,       would commence in June 2023. It hopes to replicate the success of its 2020       measure that halted exports of nickel in its raw form. That ban encouraged       the build-up of local smelters and spurred global EV manufacturers such as       Tesla and BYD to establish manufacturing bases in the country, close to       the source of the raw material used in batteries.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       In extreme cases, resource nationalism can lead to the weaponisation of       critical minerals. This risk can be most acute where autocratic regimes       are emboldened by a rapid influx of money and leverage from critical       minerals. Such nations can become unfriendly or unstable, and at the very       least can make life difficult for international buyers.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       In 2010, China banned exports of critical minerals to Japan for a few       months due to a dispute in the East China Sea. More recently, Russia       weaponised its natural gas supply to Europe as a strategy in its war with       Ukraine. Both instances show how critical mineral supply can be imperiled       by the whims of authoritarian regimes or those prone to shifting       alliances.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-rbcwm-well well is-style-is-style-b-blue-tint-4 b-blue-tint-4 mb-3 migrated\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left\" id=\"h-china-s-tight-grip\">China\u2019s tight grip<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p> China not only is a key provider of the world\u2019s copper, lithium, and rare earth minerals but also refines as much as two-thirds of all cobalt, over 55 percent of lithium, 40 percent of copper, and close to one-third of the world\u2019s nickel. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> China has built this strong presence over the last 15 years thanks to foresight and an active strategy. While Western mining companies prioritised share buybacks and dividend payouts to please equity investors, China extracted deposits from countries many labeled as too risky such as Argentina, where economic mismanagement put off many, and the conflict-ridden Democratic Republic of the Congo. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Over time, China has grown its presence and become a popular ally across Africa thanks to its ability to complete development projects quickly. According to global research provider BCA Research, former U.S. Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers recently recounted a conversation with one of his contacts in the developing world, who quipped that when his country was engaged with the Chinese, \u201cit got an airport \u2026 when it was engaged with the U.S., it got a lecture.\u201d This explains why many developing countries are reluctant to sever links with China. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> China\u2019s grip on critical mineral processing activity is not surprising, according to Tyler Broda, RBC Europe Limited&#8217;s Head of European Mining and Energy Transition Materials Research. After all, for the last 40 years the developed world has been \u201chanding things over to China.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p> Loosening China\u2019s hold on the extraction and processing of critical minerals is a priority for many governments in today\u2019s fractious geopolitical environment. Yet supply chains would also benefit from the easing of other pressure points, including the dependence on Congo for cobalt, and Indonesia\u2019s dominance in nickel. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Strategies for improving supply chain resiliency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>       Many countries are increasing investment in the search for and processing       of critical minerals to diversify their supply chains and reduce       vulnerabilities to regimes that may become unfriendly. To do so, three       main strategies are being deployed.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ongoing exploration and embracing reshoring and friend-shoring<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>       New deposits are being discovered. In January 2023, Sweden\u2019s state-owned       mining company announced the largest discovery of rare earth minerals in       Europe. In time, we believe this should reduce the region\u2019s reliance on       imported resources. Canada released \u201cThe Canadian Critical Minerals       Strategy\u201d in 2022, which seeks to power a green and digital economy. The       country possesses significant amounts of many of the world\u2019s most critical       minerals as well as the expertise to scale up exploration of these       minerals. Australia, already the top lithium extractor globally, has       redoubled its exploration efforts, with government officials suggesting       peak discovery could still be 5\u201310 years away.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       As for processing, in the U.S., the Biden administration\u2019s Inflation       Reduction Act (IRA) encourages reshoring and friend-shoring (i.e.,       relocating processing back to the U.S. or to geopolitical allies). The IRA       will invest billions of dollars to bolster critical mineral supply chains       for the U.S. and its allies. For example:     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>         In order to receive tax credits, the IRA requires car manufacturers to         process a significant portion of battery materials locally or in a         country partnered with the U.S. on a free trade agreement, such as         Canada, Mexico, Australia, or Chile.       <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>         In 2022, the U.S. Defense Department awarded Australia\u2019s Lynas Rare         Earths, the only major producer of rare earth materials outside of         China, a $120 million contract to establish a processing facility in the         U.S.       <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>       Australia, which previously sent raw minerals to China for processing, is       now looking to reshore this activity to secure its own supply chain and       that of its allies. The latter are looking for clear alignment of their       long-term national interests with those of their critical mineral       suppliers.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       When such interest is not clearly aligned, investment ownership is being       redesigned. Late in 2022, Canada toughened its foreign ownership rules,       requiring three Chinese firms to dispose of their stakes in domestic       lithium miners.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Coordinate efforts via international partnerships<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>       For instance, the U.S. and key partner countries established the Minerals       Security Partnership, which includes G7 countries and the EU. Together,       the U.S. and its allies are lobbying countries where mines will be built,       providing financing for projects or helping to attract private investment.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Active diplomacy is also being used, particularly across Africa given it       is home to just under one-third of the world\u2019s mineral resource deposits.       U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris,       and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken have all visited Africa       recently to promote better relations. U.S. President Joe Biden has       promised to visit the continent and has called for the African Union to be       admitted as a permanent member of the G20.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Technological improvements can reduce critical mineral needs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>       The search is on for alternatives to expensive critical minerals, or new       technology solutions that reduce the use of these materials in the       production of key components. In 2020, Tesla announced plans to develop a       cobalt-free EV battery. By Q1 2022, almost half of its EVs had no cobalt       in their batteries.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Another promising innovation is battery recycling. EV batteries typically       last between 10 and 20 years, so by the time EV demand eventually peaks,       many batteries will be available for recycling, reducing the need for       additional supplies of newly extracted ores. In fact, by 2040, the IEA       expects that extracting copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt from old       batteries could reduce the supply requirements of these minerals by some       10 percent.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Secular growth trends can benefit many, but tread with caution<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>       Improving critical mineral supply chains is a key objective of many       governments, as these inputs play a crucial role not only for everyday       life but also for national security and the fight against climate change.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Efforts are underway to reshore and friend-shore both extraction and       processing where possible. We believe well-diversified miners and their       suppliers, such as mining equipment firms, stand to be key beneficiaries       of these secular growth trends. Companies that transport these       commodities, such as railways, can also benefit from the reshoring and       friend-shoring trends.     <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>       Timing and stock selection is key, however, in our view. The stock prices       of companies in these sectors are very cyclical and not immune to       volatility that may be kicked up by any U.S. recessionary concerns.       Moreover, given vulnerabilities to resource nationalism, we would focus on       well-diversified businesses. New industries, such as battery recycling,       also appear well placed to benefit from these secular trends.     <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Critical minerals are the building blocks of most modern technologies. We explore the drive for resilient supply chains and weigh the portfolio implications.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":5788,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"rbcwm_post_date":"2023-06-14 00:00:00.0","editor_notices":[],"rbc_url_alias":"","rbcwm_featured_desktop_image_position":"","rbcwm_featured_mobile_image_position":"","_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[71],"tags":[104],"rbcwm_content_owner":[609],"rbcwm_need":[],"rbcwm_segment":[467,460,469],"rbcwm_solution":[],"rbcwm_topic":[468],"rbcwm_channel":[],"rbcwm_format":[],"class_list":["post-5785","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-analysis","tag-deglobalization","rbcwm_content_owner-pag","rbcwm_segment-business-owners-and-entrepreneurs","rbcwm_segment-individuals-and-families","rbcwm_segment-institutions","rbcwm_topic-global-insights"],"acf":{"rbcwm_subtitle":"Critical minerals are the building blocks of most modern technologies. 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