{"id":8996,"date":"2026-07-22T10:06:48","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T10:06:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aom.org\/today\/?p=8996"},"modified":"2026-07-20T18:46:32","modified_gmt":"2026-07-20T18:46:32","slug":"the-race-for-critical-raw-materials","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aom.org\/today\/the-race-for-critical-raw-materials\/","title":{"rendered":"The Race for Critical Raw Materials"},"content":{"rendered":"

By By Marlana Hufstetler<\/a><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Academy of Management Scholar Catherine McDonald<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe rely so much on these raw materials for technology and security,\u201d McDonald said. \u201cIt\u2019s important to consider the environmental and social factors that influence them as well as their potential externalities.<\/p>\n

\u201cAbout 70% to 75% of the world\u2019s cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen it comes to rare earth minerals, a significant percentage come from China.\u201d<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cSupply chains and international trade play a big role in people\u2019s 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,\u201d McDonald said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhen it comes to thinking about overcoming socio-economic challenges and a lot of the grand challenges that we face, it\u2019s important to have a collaborative spirit.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By By Marlana Hufstetler 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. 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