The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What are strategic minerals, and why have they become a political issue? (F)

Strategic minerals are essential minerals and elements needed by a country to maintain its economy, technological advancements, and military strength. These minerals play a critical role in various industries, including electronics, aerospace, and defense. Their scarcity or the dependency on specific countries for their supply can lead to an increased importance or political focus.

Some examples of strategic minerals include rare earth elements (such as neodymium, dysprosium, and yttrium), lithium, cobalt, and uranium. These minerals have unique properties that make them irreplaceable or extremely difficult to substitute in certain applications. They are used to develop advanced technologies like smartphones, electric vehicles, and various military equipment, among other things.

Strategic minerals are crucial for modern society and its technological, economic, and military progress. The demand for these minerals has grown significantly in recent years, especially with the increasing reliance on technology. This dependency, combined with their limited availability, makes securing access to strategic minerals a high priority for many nations.

The geopolitical importance of strategic minerals arises from the fact that most countries are highly dependent on specific nations for their supply. For example, China has a near-monopoly on rare earth elements, which are used in various industries, such as defense, renewable energy, and electronics. This dependency can lead to political tensions, as countries may use control over the supply of these critical minerals as an instrument of influence or leverage. Additionally, the competition for access to strategic mineral sources could create potential conflicts or environmental issues resulting from irresponsible mining practices. In conclusion, strategic minerals are valuable resources essential for the technological and economic progression of a country. The necessity of ensuring access to these minerals, as well as the dependency on specific countries for their supply, has made them a significant political issue.