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.
An investigation by Global Witness alleges that major brands like Amazon, Ericsson, and Sony may have unknowingly sourced coltan linked to the M23 militia, which controls mines in the DRC and is accused of widespread human rights abuses. The minerals are smuggled to Rwanda and then exported, with traceability systems reportedly failing to detect the conflict sourcing.
A Swiss startup, VunaNexus, has developed a technology to transform human urine into a certified liquid fertilizer called Aurin. Initially seen as unconventional, the process gained traction due to soaring fertilizer prices and supply chain issues following the Russia-Ukraine war. The technology is being implemented in buildings across Europe and has roots in a pioneering project in South Africa.
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.
Rescue workers in Laos are searching for an alternative route into a flooded cave where two people are believed to be trapped for nearly two weeks. Five of seven initially trapped have been rescued, with international teams assisting in the operation.
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.
India and the US have signed a framework agreement to cooperate on critical minerals and rare earths supply chains, aiming to reduce dependence on China. The deal includes mining, processing, recycling, and investments. Separately, a Quad countries initiative was announced, targeting $20bn for resilient supply chains.
India and the US aim to boost energy, defense, and critical minerals cooperation, while seeking an early trade pact. EAM Jaishankar and US counterpart Rubio discussed visa issues, terrorism, and energy ties, emphasizing strategic partnership despite differences.
India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held extensive talks in New Delhi, covering critical minerals, AI, nuclear energy, trade, defense, and counter-terrorism. They also discussed mobility and visa issues ahead of the Quad foreign ministers' meeting.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed optimism about a "beneficial" and "sustainable" trade agreement with India during his visit, noting significant progress. He also addressed concerns regarding US trade policy and India's visa issues.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives in New Delhi for the Quad foreign ministers meeting on May 26. The agenda includes critical minerals, supply chains, and countering China's influence, with ministers from Australia and Japan also attending.
Perpetua Resources received a $2.9 billion loan from the U.S. Export-Import Bank for its Stibnite Gold project in Idaho. The mine will produce antimony, a critical mineral for defense and renewable energy, aiming to reduce U.S. reliance on China.
Rising aluminum prices, driven by the conflict with Iran and its impact on Gulf production, are creating opportunities for US-based recycling startups. Companies like Sortera and Amp are using AI and advanced sensors to improve aluminum recovery rates and bolster domestic supply.
South Korea's Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan met with Kyrgyzstan's Economy and Commerce Minister Bakyt Sydykov in Seoul to discuss expanding bilateral trade and cooperation in critical minerals. The ministers noted that bilateral trade reached a record $3.5 billion last year.
The EU is planning its first joint stockpile of critical minerals like tungsten, rare earths, and gallium to reduce dependence on China. Major ports like Rotterdam are being considered for storage. This move aims to insulate the EU economy from China's production dominance and leverage in trade disputes.
A new report highlights that increasing extraction of rainforest resources for minerals, biofuels, and pulp is pushing biomes like the Amazon towards a breaking point. Compounding pressures from cattle ranching, agriculture, and logging are exacerbated by mining's extensive environmental footprint, including pollution and infrastructure development. The analysis by Profundo, commissioned by Rainforest Foundation Norway, urges a reduction in consumption from forest regions.
A senior union official argues Australian smelters need government support to compete with China's "hard game" on the global minerals market, warning 800 jobs are at risk at the Port Pirie smelter. Nyrstar is seeking further funding after a previous bailout, citing international competition.
Le gouvernement australien a ordonné à six actionnaires de Northern Minerals, un producteur de terres rares, de céder leurs parts pour protéger ce secteur stratégique de l'influence étrangère, notamment chinoise.
