General discussion, page-192

Across the globe, different countries and regions are identifying what they consider are minerals that are critical to their short-term and long-term futures.With an eye on China and its moves to lock up key supplies of a number of critical minerals, countries and regions are continually adjusting their critical minerals lists.For example, market watchers have asserted that one of China’s key actions in Africa is a push to lock up the supply of critical minerals, such as cobalt and rare earth metals.In response, leading minerals suppliers and purchasers, continue to refresh or add to their “critical minerals” lists.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) recently updated a report on US mineral resources for selected critical mineral commodities.

The USGS report says that for a number of these commodities – graphite, niobium, and tantalum – the U.S. is currently wholly dependent on imports to meet its needs.