Geopolitics reshape global mining, with few firms dominating.
The global mining landscape is increasingly shaped by geopolitical dynamics, with a small group of companies, particularly from China, asserting dominance over critical minerals essential for the energy transition. Companies like CMOC and Zijin Mining have gained significant market shares in cobalt and copper, respectively, while Western firms struggle to compete due to aggressive pricing strategies from their Chinese counterparts. This consolidation in the mining sector raises concerns about resource nationalism and the sustainability of supply chains amid rising global demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies. As nations seek to reduce dependence on China, there may be opportunities for new entrants to develop critical mineral projects, fostering a more balanced global mining framework.
