Geopol of Critical Minerals

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

“Critical minerals,” loosely defined, refers to several dozen minerals and metals that are necessary to contemporary and future technologies and green transition goals. In this course, we will review some of the most sought-after minerals and the applications and geopolitical considerations fueling swelling demand for them. We will also examine how countries' critical mineral deposits, reserves, and mining and refining capabilities are affecting their international influence, alliances, and interests. Specific issues to be studied include historical factors that contributed to China’s present-day dominance of the global supply of many critical minerals and how Beijing may leverage that dominance; green energy transition goals and other macro considerations shaping consumer countries' critical minerals policies; and threats and opportunities facing Global South countries with abundant critical minerals deposits.