The International Energy Agency (IEA) has released its 2026 Global Critical Minerals Outlook, highlighting the growing role of critical minerals in strengthening global energy security, economic resilience, and industrial competitiveness.
The report examines the latest market, investment, and technology trends, offering updated projections for the supply and demand of key energy minerals over the medium and long term. It underscores the increasing importance of critical minerals not only for clean energy technologies but also for high-tech manufacturing, artificial intelligence, digital systems, aerospace, and defence.
This year’s Outlook also explores strategic minor minerals beyond the energy sector, nuclear supply chains, and Latin America’s expanding role in global mineral supply chains.
Responding to calls from IEA member countries and G7 leaders to strengthen critical mineral security, the report introduces a new chapter on building more resilient and diversified supply chains. It examines policy and market frameworks, emergency preparedness, and the technology, equipment, and workforce needed to support secure and sustainable mineral supplies.