Critical minerals are back in the spotlight as the global push for access to those supply chains grows – along with the risks for credit and areas like national security.

These elements, like lithium and cobalt, are key components of everything from electric vehicles to semiconductors. A subset, called rare earths, have qualities like magnetic powers and high heat resistance.

But just because you have them, doesn’t mean they are ready for use. 

There is a complex and expensive extraction and refining process – and China dominates the world’s production capacity. Many countries are years away from refining minerals at the same scale domestically.

We discuss how critical minerals have become economic levers, spurred by geopolitical and trade tensions, demand for high-tech defense equipment, investment in AI and data centers, and diversification of energy sources.

 

Host: William Foster, Senior Vice President, Sovereign Risk, Moody's Ratings

 

Guests: 

  • Atsi Sheth, Chief Credit Officer, Moody’s Ratings
  • Claire Li, Senior Analyst, Credit Strategy, Moody’s Ratings

 

Related Research: 

 

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