China, Critical Minerals, and the Path to Supply Chain Resilience – Sophia Kalantzakos & Sharon Bu

Описание: Critical minerals power the current and future tech and energy revolutions, yet today they’re at the center of a high-stakes game of global supply and security. With China controlling a large portion of mineral processing for resources like rare earth elements, lithium, and cobalt, the need for a resilient, diversified supply chain is a national security imperative is. This panel will explore the current landscape of the critical mineral supply chain from both private sector and policy perspectives, dissecting the risks, the geopolitics, and the future pathways toward a secure and sustainable supply system. Join us with Ms. Sharon Burke, the Founder and President of Ecospherics & former Assistant Secretary of Defense for Operational Energy; and Professor Sophia Kalantzakos, Global Distinguished Professor in Environmental Studies and Public Policy at the New York University Abu Dhabi as we discuss how to reduce dependence, foster resilience, and secure access to these vital resources.

2:07 – Q for Sharon: Who are the stakeholders in this complex system, and what are the driving factors?
3:32 – A from Sharon: Demand is growing, minerals important for vehicles, medical field. High-tech industry, infrastructure, and defense sector.
8:01 – Q for Sharon: What are the trade-offs?
8:41 – A from Sharon: Some places have better quality ores; rare earth element extraction is also more damaging in some places than others.
10:30 – Deep Sea Mining recording available.
10:52 – Q for Sophia: Evolution of the current critical mineral supply chain web?
11:35 – A from Sophia: Consuming all elements from the periodic table now – juxtaposed with recycling.
12:39 – Policy as a shaping factor for price points of critical minerals.
13:28 – Green transition has majority of minerals used.
14:36 – Evolution of automobile industry in China – industrial policy used and it proved to be crucial.
16:38 – Building resilience against Chinese advantage – supply chains are eminently logical in how they developed.
18:10 – Battle is an industrial competition of who will have the biggest market share in green energy transition.
19:00 – Q for Sharon: National security perspective on China and U.S.
19:21 – A from Sharon: War is imminent for resources. Expanding the concept of security is necessary.
20:30 – China has disproportionate advantage for processing those minerals; U.S. security compromised by this.
23:00 – How to build resilience and build relations between China and the U.S. to increase national security.
23:38 – Mutual interest.
23:53 – Q for Sophia: Broader global implications and future outlooks with relation to China.
24:34 – A from Sophia: Optimistic outlook on China; one-party system enables central action against negative repercussions – real outrage against the government if it does not manage climate change – social stability is crucial for this type of system.
28:05 – When China was ostracized by the U.S. and EU, they relied on their ties in Africa and forged new relations.
28:51 – Belt and Road Initiative, China wants to offer a vision of what development should look like.
30:07 – Biden administration actions in China with regards to chips – policies hope to increase domestic production.
31:40 – This industry and transition will be a crucial issue for the new administration.
32:00– Q for Sharon: Trade-offs – what priorities should Washington have, and what policies are needed? What do you think the Trump administration will do?
32:30 – A from Sharon: Sophia and Sharon diverge on what China’s future role will be and the evaluation of its actions.
34:20 – Main policies that need to be pursued – diversification of suppliers, Canada, Australia, and EU.
40:56 – Q for Sophia: Your take on recycling and other innovations moving forward; private sector role?
42:20 – A from Sophia: This transition is funded by taxpayer money.
43:30 – Private sector needs incentives.
45:07 – This transition will not leave the developing world behind.
47:50 – Sharon Burke: The US government will not adhere to their pledge to not leave the developing world behind.
48:25 – EU and ESG standards are important but not as prevalent.
52:00 – Q&A session.