Some countries are quietly becoming wealthy and powerful simply because they control the materials the modern world depends on.
1. Copper (Chile, Peru, Democratic Republic of Congo)
Copper is the backbone of electrification.
Power grids, electric vehicles, data centers, and renewable energy systems all require enormous amounts of it. Countries like Chile and Peru, along with the Democratic Republic of Congo, benefit heavily from exports as global demand continues to rise.
2. Lithium (Chile, Australia, Argentina)
Lithium became one of the world’s most strategically important resources because of rechargeable batteries.
Electric vehicles and energy storage transformed demand, and nations such as Chile, Australia, and Argentina have rapidly become key suppliers—turning their reserves into major sources of export income and investment.
3. Cobalt (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Cobalt is used in important battery and high-performance technologies.
The Democratic Republic of Congo dominates global production, meaning shifts in its policies or output can directly affect global supply chains—giving the country significant economic leverage in the battery industry.
4. Rare Earth Elements (China)
Despite their name, rare earths are valuable partly because processing them is highly specialized.
China dominates both mining and refining, allowing it to play a central role in global electronics, renewable energy, and defense manufacturing—while also capturing major economic gains from exports.
5. Graphite (China, Mozambique, Madagascar)
Graphite is a critical component in many lithium-ion battery anodes.
China, along with emerging producers like Mozambique and Madagascar, benefits from rising demand as battery production expands, giving these countries growing influence in the clean energy supply chain.
6. Gallium (China, Germany, Kazakhstan)
Gallium is used in semiconductors, communications technology, and advanced electronics.
China is the dominant producer, with Germany and Kazakhstan also contributing. Even small shifts in output can affect global tech industries, giving these countries strategic economic importance.