# Global critical mineral supply chain and sovereignty shifts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/global-critical-mineral-supply-chain-shifts
> Updated: 2026-09-10T07:18:05.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 6.

Global demand for critical minerals—including cobalt, nickel, lithium, copper, and gold—is rising due to the energy transition, digitalization, and the expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers. While demand is concentrated in China, Europe, and the United States, the majority of these resources are located in developing nations. For example, the Democratic Republic of the Congo produces 73% of the world’s cobalt, and Indonesia produces nearly 60% of its nickel. Resource-rich nations are increasingly asserting sovereignty to ensure economic development and address historical exploitation by multinational entities. Indonesia previously banned nickel oxide exports to force domestic processing, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo is expected to implement new moratoria starting in 2025.

African nations are increasingly prioritizing the local transformation of critical minerals to capture more value within their borders, seeking to establish domestic refining, sorting, and manufacturing industries. In Kenya, the United States has pledged support to help develop a local processing industry, a move welcomed by President William Ruto. This aligns with initiatives like the Mrima Hill project in Kwale County, which requires operators to establish local treatment sites. 

Meanwhile, Gabon has emerged as a strategic focal point in the geopolitical competition between China and the United States due to its manganese reserves. While China currently maintains a dominant position in global processing chains, the United States is mobilizing financing and partnerships to secure its own supplies. For Gabon, the challenge lies in leveraging this rivalry to fund national industrial policies and ensure economic sovereignty through local mineral processing.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-10: African nations seek local processing of critical minerals

African nations, including Kenya and Gabon, are seeking to move up the critical mineral value chain by prioritizing local processing and refining amid growing geopolitical competition between the US and China.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-nations-seek-local-processing-of-critical-minerals

### 2026-09-01: African leaders urge energy sovereignty and mineral refining

African leaders and policy experts are calling for increased domestic ownership and mineral refining capabilities to secure economic sovereignty amidst a global race for critical energy resources.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/african-advocates-urge-shift-toward-domestic-critical-mineral-industrialization

### 2026-08-27: Global mineral demand faces structural and environmental challenges

Experts urge a rethink of African mineral exploration and warn of the environmental impacts of the global scramble for critical minerals, noting that much demand stems from non-green industries.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/global-mineral-demand-faces-structural-and-environmental-challenges

### 2026-08-26: Critical mineral demand drives shifts in resource sovereignty

Developing nations like the DR Congo and Indonesia are asserting control over critical minerals essential for the global energy transition, challenging the historical dominance of multinational corporations.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/critical-mineral-demand-drives-shifts-in-resource-sovereignty

### 2026-08-16: Africa becomes strategic hub for critical mineral processing and supply chains

Africa is becoming a central battleground for critical mineral control as China invests in local industrial processing while Western nations race to secure alternative rare earth supplies.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/africa-becomes-strategic-hub-in-global-critical-mineral-race

### 2026-08-15: Critical minerals demand drives global supply chain and regulatory shifts

Rising demand for critical minerals is driving a global shift toward circular economies and supply chain restructuring, with North America and the EU emerging as key players in resource security.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-eyes-eu-market-for-critical-minerals-amid-cusma-tensions

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Cite as: Global critical mineral supply chain and sovereignty shifts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/global-critical-mineral-supply-chain-shifts