Critical Mineral Geopolitics & Supply Chain Security Training Course

Introduction

In the accelerating global race for technological supremacy and sustainable development, mastering Critical Mineral Geopolitics & Supply Chain Security is absolutely crucial for policymakers, industry leaders, international relations experts, and national security professionals. This essential training course is meticulously designed to equip government officials, resource strategists, diplomats, defense analysts, mining executives, and supply chain managers with the specialized knowledge and practical skills required for analyzing critical mineral dependencies, mitigating supply chain risks, and shaping resilient resource strategies. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the strategic importance of critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earths) for green energy, digital technologies, and defense, the geopolitical competition for their extraction and processing, and the vulnerabilities inherent in their complex global supply chains. Our rigorous curriculum emphasizes hands-on analysis of current global market dynamics, real-world case studies of supply disruptions and resource nationalism, and best practices for fostering international cooperation and diversification, empowering you to contribute effectively to national security and economic resilience.

This resource security and strategic commodities course is crucial for individuals and organizations striving to move beyond traditional commodity analysis towards a proactive, strategic approach to managing the multifaceted political, economic, and security dimensions of critical minerals. Mastering critical mineral supply chain risk assessment, implementing effective diversification strategies, and understanding strategies for fostering international alliances are indispensable for securing vital inputs for future industries, preventing economic coercion, and maintaining technological leadership. This program offers an unparalleled opportunity to elevate your expertise in strategic resource management and geopolitical supply chain resilience, positioning your organization at the forefront of securing essential materials for a sustainable and technologically advanced future, driving significant long-term value creation through enhanced economic security, technological advantage, and informed foreign policy.

Target Audience

• Government Officials (Energy, Trade, Foreign Affairs, Defense)
• Mining & Extractive Industry Executives
• Supply Chain Managers & Strategists
• International Relations & Geopolitical Analysts
• National Security & Defense Professionals
• Investment & Finance Professionals in Resource Sectors
• Academics & Researchers in Resource Geopolitics

Course Objectives

• Understand the definition and strategic importance of critical minerals.
• Learn about the global distribution of critical mineral reserves and production.
• Master the analysis of geopolitical competition for critical minerals and processing capabilities.
• Develop proficiency in identifying and assessing risks within critical mineral supply chains.
• Explore best practices for building resilient and diversified critical mineral supply chains.
• Understand the critical aspects of resource nationalism and its impact on supply security.
• Learn about robust strategies for fostering international cooperation and alliances on critical minerals.
• Identify the critical role of recycling and substitution in reducing mineral dependencies.
• Develop skills in applying economic and geopolitical analysis to critical mineral policy-making.
• Understand the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations in critical mineral extraction.
• Explore strategies for technological innovation and domestic processing capabilities.
• Drive the implementation of comprehensive national strategies for critical mineral security.
• Position yourself as a leader in navigating the complex intersection of critical minerals and global security.

Duration

5 Days

Course Outline

Module 1. Understanding Critical Minerals: Definition & Strategic Importance

• Defining "critical minerals" and their evolving criticality lists
• Key critical minerals for green energy, defense, and high-tech industries (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earths, graphite)
• The role of critical minerals in the global energy transition and digital economy
• Economic and national security implications of critical mineral dependencies
• Demand forecasting for future critical mineral needs

Module 2. Global Critical Mineral Landscape: Extraction & Processing

• Geographical distribution of major critical mineral deposits and mining operations
• The concentration of processing and refining capacities in specific countries
• Upstream, midstream, and downstream segments of critical mineral supply chains
• Challenges in mineral extraction: geological, environmental, social, political
• Investment trends in mining and processing infrastructure globally

Module 3. Geopolitical Competition & Resource Nationalism

• The "race for critical minerals" among major global powers
• Strategic rivalry and economic coercion related to mineral supply
• Resource nationalism: government policies to control domestic mineral resources
• Export restrictions, tariffs, and trade disputes over critical minerals
• Case studies of geopolitical flashpoints linked to mineral resources

Module 4. Critical Mineral Supply Chain Risk & Vulnerabilities

• Identifying single points of failure in critical mineral supply chains
• Risks from geopolitical instability, natural disasters, and economic shocks
• Logistical challenges and transportation bottlenecks
• Ethical and human rights risks in mineral sourcing (e.g., artisanal mining, labor conditions)
• The impact of trade wars and sanctions on mineral flows

Module 5. Building Resilient Supply Chains: Diversification & Redundancy

• Strategies for supply chain diversification: "friend-shoring," "near-shoring"
• Strategic reserves and stockpiling of critical minerals
• Long-term contracts and off-take agreements with producers
• Developing domestic mining and processing capabilities
• The role of circular economy principles in reducing primary demand

Module 6. International Cooperation & Alliances for Mineral Security

• Bilateral and multilateral agreements for critical mineral cooperation
• Role of international organizations (e.g., IEA, G7, G20) in coordinating efforts
• Partnerships with resource-rich developing countries
• Technology transfer and investment in sustainable mining practices
• Establishing global norms and standards for responsible mineral supply chains

Module 7. Innovation, Substitution & Future Trends

• Advancements in recycling technologies for critical minerals
• Research and development into mineral substitution and alternative materials
• Breakthroughs in extraction and processing technologies (e.g., deep-sea mining, urban mining)
• The role of R&D in reducing future dependencies and environmental impacts
• Emerging critical minerals and their potential geopolitical implications

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 10 working days before commencement of the training.