The conflict in the Persian Gulf is creating growing difficulties for Taiwan. Home to leading semiconductor manufacturers, the island is completely dependent on energy imports. Helium shortages are also emerging.
By Andreas Landwehr
The agreement offers significant economic benefits through the elimination of tariffs and sends a geopolitical signal against protectionist trends.
By Antonia Zimmermann
US company KoBold Metals, backed by several billionaires including Bill Gates, plans to map lithium deposits in the DRC. However, a dispute over licenses is complicating the project.
By Constantin Leclerc
Management consultant Stefan Liebing believes that the German federal government’s initiatives to ensure the security of raw materials are largely inadequate for achieving this goal. He is calling for a new division of responsibilities between the government and the private sector in raw materials policy.
By Stefan Liebing
The expert commission “to review the security-relevant economic ties between Germany and China” is meeting initially without MPs. It will advise the Bundestag at a later stage. You can find the list of members here.
By Angela Köckritz
Defense contractors are warning of growing dependence on critical raw materials. However, investments to strengthen the resilience of critical supply chains are becoming costly.
By Robert Wallenhauer
A new study shows that the energy transition can succeed without relying on raw materials extracted from protected areas. More efficient technologies could significantly reduce demand for raw materials.
By Miriam Scheibe
With the raw materials deal that US President Donald Trump negotiated with Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi in December, the US aims to expand its influence in the DR Congo, particularly in the copper and cobalt sectors. The United States is taking creative approaches to implement this deal.
By Constantin Leclerc
A study shows that in many especially promoted “strategic” EU mining projects, Europe’s aspirations for raw material sovereignty is at odds with environmental protection and biodiversity.
By Kai Schöneberg
Structural barriers – including insufficient geological data and inadequate infrastructure – are preventing large-scale local processing of raw materials in Africa.
By Arne Schütte
