Saturday, May 17, 2025

21st century mineral warfare

Whereas hydrocarbons were the most important resources of the 20th century, the metals used to create electronics and low-carbon energy sources are the most important resources of the 21st century.

In addition to nickel and cobalt, we also need Gallium, which is necessary for electronics including computers, chargers, and modern radars. Unfortunately, this video does not cover another strategically valuable metal, gallium, so I will. Gallium is normally found with deposits of bauxite aluminum and in certain zinc deposits. China dominates because they have a large amount of bauxite, refine it, and understand its strategic importance. Gallium arsenide (GaAs) and gallium nitride (GaN) are key materials for various electronic devices like transistors, integrated circuits, and microwave circuits. Gallium is also a vital component of blue and green LEDs. Every modern high-end radar, electric capacitor, and microprocessor contains gallium.

It would behoove us to work with Australia, Greece, Türkiye, and Iceland to produce more. We should also develop deposits in Guyana, the Solomon Islands, Sierra Leone, and Vietnam. We should also invest in Filipino and Indian aluminum smelting to get Gallium and other tare Earth Minerals. The Philippines, Vietnam, and India are key to containing China. Helping their economies while also getting the minerals we need is a win-win. The US and UK should also help ensure the security of Guyana and help them develop hydrocarbons and bauxite. We are not going to get anywhere by threatening countries. We should strategically collaborate with them.

 

The New Map of Critical Minerals.


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