EP 164 | Critical vs Strategic Minerals: Which Commodities Matter Most?

Which commodities matter most in the global race for critical and strategic minerals?

In this episode of  @SnowdenOptiro  Fresh Thinking podcast, Senzeni Mandava Matondi is joined by Julian Aldridge and Laurie Hassall to explore the commodities that consistently appear on critical minerals lists around the world and the factors driving their importance.

The discussion examines key battery minerals including lithium, cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphite, alongside rare earth elements, tungsten and aluminium. The team also explores how geopolitical considerations, supply chain security and processing capability influence whether a mineral is considered critical or strategic.

Topics covered include:

• The common commodities found on national critical minerals lists
• The growing importance of rare earths and tungsten
• Why aluminium is increasingly viewed as both critical and strategic
• How Indonesia's nickel production is influencing global markets
• China's role in downstream processing and critical mineral supply chains
• The relationship between resource availability, processing capacity and strategic importance