Strategic Minerals and Global Security

Our work examines the geopolitics, governance, and market structures underpinning access to strategic minerals, and informs policymaking in the UK, Europe and globally.

NASA Mapping Critical Minerals | NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Overview

Minerals are at the heart of the global energy transition, digital technologies, and modern defence. But their supply chains are increasingly exposed to risks from market concentration, geopolitical competition, and weak governance.

RUSI’s Strategic Minerals and Global Security programme explores how these pressures affect economic and national security. We provide independent research and trusted forums for dialogue, helping policymakers, industry, and civil society anticipate risks and design more resilient supply chains.

NASA Mapping Critical Minerals | NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio

Focus and approach

Our focus

The Strategic Minerals and Global Security Programme bridges the gap between market expertise, policymaking and the wider security community.

Our research and convening address four interlinked priorities:

China’s Role in Global Minerals Markets
Providing clear analysis of Chinese behaviour — including state–corporate dynamics, investment strategies, and standards-setting — and what this means for Western businesses and governments.
Policy Tools and Market Interventions
Assessing options such as strategic stockpiling, price floors, and new trade and investment agreements. We examine their likely impact on investment, supply security, and industrial competitiveness.
Global Partnerships and Resource Diplomacy
Developing new frameworks for engaging resource-rich countries, particularly in Africa and Latin America, at a time of constrained development finance and intensifying Chinese competition.
Crime, Corruption and Illicit Finance in Mineral Supply Chains
Conducting novel research and drawing lessons from gold, cobalt, and other sectors to understand how organised crime and illicit financial flows undermine transparency, governance, and responsible sourcing.

Our Approach

Independent Analysis
Rigorous research combining market data, geopolitical analysis, and security insights.
Strategic Dialogue
Closed-door and public forums that bring together government officials, industry leaders, and independent experts.
Policy-Relevant Outputs
Practical recommendations and timely analysis for decision-makers shaping minerals policy in the UK, EU, and G7.
Global Networks
Partnerships with governments, civil society and industry actors to ensure a holistic view of risks and opportunities.