Copper, rare earths turn strategic

CRITICAL MINERALS SUCH as copper and rare earth elements are fast emerging as strategic chokepoints in the global energy transition, with supply disruptions, export restrictions and rising demand reshaping energy security and geopolitical influence, the Economic Survey 2025-26 said.

- SAURAV ANAND

The Survey noted that the global shift to low-carbon energy systems is no longer constrained by technology alone but increasingly limited by access to key minerals required for power grids, electric vehicles, renewable energy infrastructure and data centres.