Some shortages are less obvious than oil or water, but they can still affect technology, food, and the global economy.
1. Copper
Copper is essential for power grids, electric vehicles, construction, and electronics. The IEA projects a potential copper supply gap of about 25% by 2035 under its current project pipeline.
2. Helium
Helium is difficult to replace in applications including semiconductor manufacturing and medical technology. Qatar supplies a major share of global helium exports, and disruptions in 2026 have already affected technology supply chains.
3. Rare Earth Elements
Rare earths are crucial for powerful magnets used in electronics, electric motors, wind turbines, and advanced technologies. The top three producing countries account for nearly 90% of rare-earth production, creating significant supply vulnerability.
4. Lithium
Lithium demand is growing rapidly because of batteries and energy storage. The IEA expects demand to more than triple by 2040 under its stated-policy scenario.
5. Cobalt
Cobalt remains important for batteries and other advanced technologies. The IEA projects a potential supply gap exceeding 25% by 2035, partly because of new export restrictions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
6. Skilled Workers
Some shortages aren’t geological at all. Mining, refining, construction, engineering, and advanced manufacturing increasingly depend on specialized workers who take years to train. The IEA identifies workforce development as an important part of building more resilient mineral supply chains.
The surprising part is that the problem isn’t always that something is literally disappearing. Often, demand is growing faster than new supply can be developed.