Critical minerals drive new global technological and geopolitical competition

The global technological landscape is shifting toward a competition for critical minerals, which are essential for the energy transition, artificial intelligence, robotics, and the aerospace industry. Recent studies from the International Energy Agency (IEA) and the Instituto de Pesquisa Econômica Aplicada (Ipea) highlight that these materials have become central to economic, industrial, and geopolitical strategies.

According to the IEA’s ‘Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025’, the demand for these strategic assets is driven by the convergence of the solar photovoltaic sector, electronics, and high-performance superalloys. This shift marks a transition from a focus on digital software to a struggle over the physical materials required for innovation.

Geopolitical tensions are increasing as nations seek supply security and the diversification of production chains to reduce dependence on a limited number of global suppliers. Current markets show high concentration, particularly in the refining and processing stages, with China maintaining a leading position.