Dig, baby, dig? China’s mineral dominance and ripple effects into the Arctic

With rising global awareness of the strategic importance of critical minerals, Western countries are forming alliances to establish supply chains independent of Chinese influence.

In response to China’s dominance and geopolitical tensions, the U.S. and the EU have implemented strategies to reduce dependency on Chinese minerals. One example of this alliance is the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), established under President Biden, which encompasses a coalition of 14 countries collaborating to build new value chains through the coordinated financing and political backing of “strategic projects.” 

Ensuring a stable long-term supply has become a key goal for politicians in many Western countries, including Norway. The Nordic region has thus emerged as a potential key contributor in the development and supply of critical minerals, not least in relation to European demand. Greenland, Finland, Norway, and Sweden share a diverse geology with various critical mineral deposit types and extensive active mining industries.

Read more at The Arctic Institute