Published on: July 22, 2026 at 10:06 am
In recent years, critical minerals have gained heightened interest, due to their role in technological advancement and sustainable development as key materials in laptops, electric battery vehicles and solar panels. Following recent geopolitical tensions, critical raw materials have gained further attention, due to their critical role in national security and defense technologies.
Academy of Management Scholar Catherine McDonald of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland said that many of the critical raw materials needed for modern-day technologies are finite resources and may come from emerging economies or countries in conflict. However, transparency and traceability are often lacking within their supply chains.
“We rely so much on these raw materials for technology and security,” McDonald said. “It’s important to consider the environmental and social factors that influence them as well as their potential externalities.
“About 70% to 75% of the world’s cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she said. “When it comes to rare earth minerals, a significant percentage come from China.”
Cobalt is a resource with major demand from companies for aerospace defense superalloys, magnets, and batteries. As cobalt, alongside other critical raw materials, faces heightened demand, it remains important to advance responsible business practices.
“Supply chains and international trade play a big role in people’s everyday lives, whether as consumers or contributors. It is important that companies and governments uphold responsible practices which support sustainable development, human rights, and a just transition for all,” McDonald said.
“When it comes to thinking about overcoming socio-economic challenges and a lot of the grand challenges that we face, it’s important to have a collaborative spirit.”
