West Must Mobilise to Close China’s Critical Minerals Lead, Says Mining Billionaire Robert Friedland

New Delhi, October 5, 2026: Mining entrepreneur Robert Friedland has called on Western governments and businesses to accelerate investment in critical minerals, warning that China has established a substantial advantage in the mining, processing and refining industries essential to modern technology, clean energy and national security.

Friedland, the founder of Ivanhoe Mines and a prominent figure in the global mining industry, has repeatedly highlighted the strategic importance of securing reliable supplies of copper and other minerals. His message reflects growing concerns in the United States, Europe and allied economies that dependence on Chinese-controlled supply chains could leave industries vulnerable to export restrictions, geopolitical tensions and sudden shortages.

The challenge extends beyond discovering new mineral deposits. Western countries must also develop processing facilities, build infrastructure, mobilise long-term capital and establish competitive supply chains capable of challenging China’s position in the global minerals market.

China Holds a Strong Position in Critical Minerals

China has spent decades developing an extensive minerals ecosystem, combining domestic mining, overseas resource investments, refining capacity, industrial infrastructure and manufacturing expertise.

Its influence is particularly significant in the processing of rare earth elements, graphite and several battery materials. These minerals are essential for electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, advanced manufacturing and defence technologies.

The International Energy Agency has highlighted the concentration of critical mineral refining in a small number of countries, with China playing a dominant role across several key supply chains. This concentration creates vulnerabilities for economies that depend on imported materials for strategic industries.

For Western governments, closing the gap requires more than securing mining rights overseas. They must establish commercially viable processing capacity and ensure that newly developed mines can supply manufacturers at competitive prices.

Copper Emerges as a Strategic Priority

Copper is central to the global energy transition because of its role in power grids, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles and data centres. Demand for the metal is also being supported by expanding electricity networks and the infrastructure required for artificial intelligence.

However, developing new copper mines is a lengthy and capital-intensive process. Exploration, environmental assessments, permitting, construction and infrastructure development can delay projects for years.

Friedland’s broader industry outlook underscores the importance of accelerating investment in mineral exploration and production before supply constraints become more severe.

Western economies face the additional challenge of competing with established producers and processors that benefit from existing infrastructure, industrial clusters and government support.

Why the West Is Struggling to Catch Up

Several structural factors have made it difficult for Western countries to narrow China’s lead in critical minerals.

1. Slow project approvals: Mining developments often face lengthy permitting procedures, environmental reviews and local opposition, delaying the arrival of new supplies.

2. High capital requirements: Large mines and processing plants require substantial upfront investment, while uncertain commodity prices can make financing difficult.

3. Limited processing capacity: Even when Western companies can access mineral deposits, they may lack the domestic facilities required to convert raw materials into usable industrial products.

4. Established Chinese supply chains: China’s existing industrial ecosystem offers advantages in infrastructure, technical expertise, manufacturing scale and supplier networks.

5. Price competition: New Western projects can struggle to compete when established producers offer lower-cost materials or when market prices fall below the level required to support new investments.

Addressing these barriers will require coordinated industrial policy, private investment, technological innovation and stronger partnerships among allied countries.

Western Governments Move to Build Alternative Supply Chains

The United States and its allies are increasingly treating critical minerals as a national security priority. Government-backed financing, strategic stockpiles, partnerships with resource-rich countries and investment in domestic processing are becoming central to efforts to diversify supply.

Recent initiatives include US support for Australian rare-earth projects and efforts to establish alternative sources of gallium, germanium and other specialised metals. However, new mines and processing facilities take time to develop, meaning dependence on Chinese supply chains is unlikely to disappear quickly.

Friedland’s argument is that Western countries must coordinate these efforts more effectively, rather than relying on individual companies and fragmented national policies to solve a shared strategic problem.

What This Means for India

India also has a significant stake in the global competition for critical minerals. Its ambitions in electric vehicles, renewable energy, electronics, defence manufacturing and advanced industrial production depend on dependable access to minerals and processed materials.

Developing domestic exploration, expanding mineral processing, improving recycling and building partnerships with resource-rich countries could help India reduce supply-chain vulnerabilities.

At the same time, international competition creates opportunities for Indian mining companies, metal producers and technology manufacturers to participate in diversified supply chains. The challenge will be to secure reliable resources while ensuring projects remain commercially viable and environmentally responsible.

Conclusion: The Race Is About More Than Mining

Robert Friedland’s call for Western mobilisation reflects a wider transformation in the global minerals industry. Critical minerals are no longer viewed solely as commodities traded according to price and demand; they are increasingly strategic inputs for economic competitiveness, technological development and national security.

Closing China’s lead will require sustained investment in exploration, mining, refining, infrastructure and skilled workforces, supported by stable policies and international cooperation.