Vol. 56 No. 4 (2026)
ECONOMY SECTORS AND MARKETS

The Impact of Geopolitical Risks on the Supply of Critical Mineral Resources

I.Yu. Blam
Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering, SB RAS
S.Yu. Kovalev
Institute of Economics and Industrial Engineering, SB RAS

Published 2026-08-03

Keywords

  • energy transition; critical resources; supply chains; geopolitics; recycling

How to Cite

1.
Blam И, Kovalev С. The Impact of Geopolitical Risks on the Supply of Critical Mineral Resources. ECO [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 3 [cited 2026 Aug. 6];56(4):38-54. Available from: https://ecotrends.ru/index.php/eco/article/view/4982

Abstract

The paper addresses the issue of recent global supply chains disturbances, aggravated by the transition to more sustainable energy. The steps taken by governments protecting supply chains of vital mineral resources and toughening their control over domestic natural resources in order to mitigate environmental and geo-economic risks are discussed. The protective measures include setting up barriers in strategic industries for foreign investors from unwelcomed countries, while developing partnerships, alliances and bilateral long-term agreements with friendly nations. The analysis suggests that growing international rivalry will promote more protectionist measures and government intervention, which will result in accelerating fragmentation of the global energy sector, mainly of the markets of critical minerals and renewables. The authors conclude that, under present-day conditions, broadening the scope of circular economy has become a strategic imperative.

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