Critical Minerals at a Crossroads: Navigating Supply, Demand, and Geopolitics

As the global transition to clean energy, advanced technology, and artificial intelligence accelerates, the demand for critical minerals—including copper, lithium, and rare earth elements—is reshaping supply chains and intensifying geopolitical competition. In this episode of The Decisive Podcast, host Kristen Hallam leads a discussion with S&P Global Market Intelligence experts to examine the evolving landscape of critical minerals. The panel explores how changing definitions, trade flows, and strategic stockpiling are influencing both businesses and governments worldwide. Senior Supply Chain Analyst Eric Oak discusses the complexities of critical mineral classifications and shifting global trade patterns. Senior Economist Jason Kaplan provides insight into the tightening supply-demand balance for copper, price volatility, and procurement strategies. Carla Selman, Head of Latin America Country Risk, analyzes Latin America's strategic role in the minerals sector and the impact of regional politics and alliances with the US and China. Economist David Vagenknecht offers a European perspective, focusing on the EU's ambitions for strategic autonomy, challenges in domestic processing, and the balance between environmental leadership and resource security. This episode delivers actionable insights for business leaders, investors, and policymakers on building resilient supply chains, anticipating market shifts, and navigating the geopolitical dynamics shaping the future of critical minerals.  More S&P Global Market Intelligence Content: Commodity Price Watch: March 2026 Global Economic Outlook: March 2026 Click here to subscribe to our Supply Chain Essentials newsletter. For S&P Global subscribers (login required): Commodity Price Watch Monthly (full report) Latin America's position in the critical minerals supply chain 2026: The age of agility Credits: Host: Kristen Hallam Guests: Eric Oak, Jason Kaplan, Carla Selman, David Vagenknecht Produced By: Debbie Taylor, Kristen Hallam Edited By: Marz Marcello Published With Assistance From: Sophie Carr, Feranmi Adeoshun