The US has imposed sanctions on Cuba's state-owned mining company GeoMinera and other economic entities, including financial and logistics firms linked to GAESA. Cuba's Foreign Minister condemned the move as 'dishonest and mendacious.'
India plans to operationalize 50-60 new mines in the current fiscal year, following 36 in the previous year. Bids for lithium and nickel processing units will be invited within three months. Critical mineral extraction and exploration projects are progressing rapidly, with targets expected to be met ahead of schedule.
Zambia's August 13, 2026 general election focuses on jobs, inflation, and cost of living. The outcome will impact critical mineral investment, economic reforms, and global power dynamics with the US, EU, and China.
India successfully auctioned 10 critical and strategic mineral blocks, bringing the total to 56. This expansion includes first-time auctions in Gujarat, Uttarakhand, and Telangana for minerals like graphite and rare earth elements, aiming to bolster domestic supply chains.
Despite US-India tensions potentially slowing the Quad's progress, shared concerns over China's dominance in critical supply chains may unite the member countries. Analysts note that while diplomatic friction exists, the need for supply chain diversification remains a key priority for all four nations.
European nations aim to gradually decrease dependence on China for critical minerals like rare earths, essential for advanced defense systems, rather than a complete decoupling, according to analysts.
India and the US signed a pact to secure critical mineral supplies, part of a broader Quad initiative pledging $20 billion for mining and processing. This aims to reduce reliance on China, which dominates rare earth processing, crucial for clean energy and defense. India faces challenges in developing its processing capacity.
India and the US signed a pact to secure critical mineral supplies, part of a broader Quad initiative pledging $20 billion for mining and processing. The move aims to counter China's dominance in rare earths, vital for clean energy and defense, though India faces challenges in developing its processing capacity.
Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi proposed to G7 leaders the coordination of critical mineral stockpiling, including rare earths, to counter China's supply chain dominance. This initiative, aimed at addressing supply chain vulnerabilities exacerbated by recent conflicts, is criticized for lacking vision and potentially increasing regional tensions and conflict.
The European Commission is set to revise the EU's water protection law to expedite critical minerals mine development, despite analysis showing over half of planned "strategic" mines are in drying or water-stressed regions, raising environmental concerns.
India is partnering with Russian oil giant Rosneft to study Siberia's rare earth deposits. This collaboration aims to secure vital mineral supplies for electric vehicles and electronics, reducing India's import dependency and mitigating risks from past export disruptions.
G7 leaders agreed to boost cooperation on critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on China. Plans include coordinated stockpiling, increased recycling, and a new platform with IEA support to secure supplies for defense, AI, EVs, and renewables.
G7 leaders aim to significantly reduce dependence on China for critical minerals like rare earths and permanent magnets by 2030, targeting below 60% reliance on any single supplier outside G7 and partner nations. They also called on tech firms to ensure online safety for minors amid AI concerns.
Japan's new minister, Sanae Takaichi, will attend a G7 meeting in Europe to discuss urgent issues and demonstrate unity. She aims to express Japan's position and efforts from the Indo-Pacific region's perspective. Takaichi has maintained positive relations with G7 nations and seeks deeper cooperation.
South Korea and Uzbekistan held a policy consultation meeting in Tashkent, discussing enhanced cooperation in energy, critical minerals, transportation, infrastructure, digital technology, and climate response. They also prepared for the upcoming Korea-Central Asia Summit and discussed support for peace on the Korean Peninsula.
Italy and Japan are strengthening diplomatic ties, focusing on supply chains and technology cooperation. The leaders aim to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals and boost semiconductor manufacturing through joint ventures.
Uzbekistan will showcase investment projects worth approximately €75 billion at the Tashkent International Investment Forum 2026, seeking international financing for energy, transport, digital infrastructure, and industrial development. Over 3,400 foreign delegates from 102 countries are expected to attend.
Brazil's foreign policy faces significant challenges in defense, critical minerals, digital sovereignty, transnational organized crime, regional integration, and Africa relations. Audo Faleiro, an advisor to the President, highlighted the need for increased defense investment due to US actions in Venezuela and global conflicts, while also stressing the importance of securing critical minerals and asserting digital sovereignty. He also noted the paralysis within the BRICS bloc due to internal conflicts.
US Special Envoy Sergio Gor met with officials from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan in the first in-person critical minerals dialogue under the C5+1 format. The meeting aims to deepen cooperation on raw material sourcing and investment, with Kazakhstan highlighting its mineral wealth and seeking US partnerships.
Kazakhstan is offering exclusive benefits, including tax and customs preferences and investment agreements, to major Russian investors in critical minerals and rare-earth metals projects. Minister Yersaiyn Nagaspayev highlighted this at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, emphasizing cooperation and a complete cycle from exploration to finished products.
Amid contrasting US approaches, Beijing faces a complex calculus. While President Trump seeks 'strategic stability' with China, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined Quad partners in New Delhi to launch initiatives on critical minerals and maritime surveillance, aiming to reduce global reliance on Beijing.
India and the US signed a framework agreement on May 26 to secure critical mineral supplies, aiming to reduce reliance on single-source monopolies and counter coercive market practices, particularly concerning China's dominance in rare earths.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing in New Delhi to discuss security cooperation, border management, regional stability, and critical minerals. Myanmar assured India its territory won't be used for harmful activities, strengthening bilateral ties.
The US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), reauthorized by Congress in December, expands its $205 billion portfolio to support private-led projects globally, contrasting with China's state-led approach.
