Quad Launches Critical Minerals Initiative to Secure Rare Earth Supply Chains

In a meeting held in Washington, D.C., the foreign ministers of the Quad countries, India, the United States, Japan, and Australia, reaffirmed their commitment to a free, open, and rules-based Indo-Pacific while unveiling a strategic agenda to tackle regional security and economic challenges.

A key highlight was the formal launch of the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative, aimed at ensuring secure, diversified, and resilient global supply chains. The joint statement expressed serious concerns about coercive maritime behaviour in the East and South China Seas, cyber threats, terrorism, and humanitarian crises in Myanmar and North Korea. The Quad members stated, “We are deeply concerned about the abrupt constriction and future reliability of key supply chains, specifically for critical minerals. This includes the use of non-market policies and practices for critical minerals, certain derivative products, and mineral processing technology.”

Focusing on China’s overwhelming dominance in the global critical minerals market, the Quad emphasised the importance of diversified and reliable supply chains. The members noted, “Reliance on any one country for processing and refining critical minerals and derivative goods production exposes our industries to economic coercion, price manipulation, and supply chain disruptions, which further harms our economic and national security.”

Vital minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles (EVs), advanced electronics, and defence systems. The initiative will promote cooperation in exploration, processing, recycling, and mineral resource development across partner countries. It also aims to attract private investment and boost regional infrastructure supporting mineral security.

China’s grip on over 80 percent of global refining capacity for critical minerals poses a growing threat to economic stability and technological sovereignty. This monopoly allows Beijing to influence global markets and weaponise supply chains during geopolitical tensions.

Against this backdrop, the Quad Critical Minerals Initiative represents a significant shift. For India, it aligns with national priorities such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat agenda and supports ambitions in renewable energy, battery storage, and EV manufacturing.

India is already advancing through new exploration policies, international MoUs (notably with Australia and Argentina), and efforts to build refining and recycling capacity. Strategic public sector entities like KABIL are tasked with acquiring overseas mineral assets, while policy reforms encourage private sector participation in this vital domain.

Experts say breaking China’s monopoly isn’t just an economic imperative, it’s about national security, energy independence, and technological competitiveness. The Quad’s united front through this initiative marks a pivotal move in reshaping global mineral geopolitics and strengthening the position of emerging economies like India.