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GCMS director Daniel Franks and colleagues, in a piece for Nature, explained that critical minerals haven't taken a national security turn, that's always been their meaning. The term ‘critical minerals’ has its roots in strategic military planning, referring to materials essential to a country’s economy or defence but vulnerable to supply disruption.
The phrase surged in popularity after a 2010 diplomatic spat between China and Japan was blamed for a disruption in rare earth exports.
The US, EU, Australia and others have since raced to compile lists of minerals they deem ‘critical’ and develop strategies to secure them.
