Global Scans · Resource Scarcity · Weekly Summary

• [New] Global rare earth consumption forecasts indicate sustained growth through 2035, driven primarily by renewable energy infrastructure deployment and electric vehicle adoption. Discovery Alert
• [New] Wind power installations alone could require 150,000-200,000 tons of rare earth elements annually by 2030, compared to current consumption levels of approximately 100,000 tons. Discovery Alert
• [New] Critical minerals are essential for the transition to renewables needed to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] In August, DOE announced $1 billion of funding opportunities for projects to develop and scale up mining, processing and manufacturing technologies for critical minerals. / USA PRG
• [New] There may be insufficient supply of critical minerals by 2035 to meet the required demand under STEPS, particularly for copper and lithium (Graph 6). Reserve Bank of Australia
• [New] The US-AU Critical Minerals Framework is expected to begin investing in about a dozen projects necessary for producing weapons, electronics and renewables. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Australia's development of domestic rare earth processing capabilities addresses strategic vulnerabilities in defence supply chains while supporting export opportunities to allied nations. Discovery Alert
• [New] Locals are hopeful a $13 billion US-Australia critical minerals deal set to build a new gallium refinery south of Perth will boost jobs and revitalise towns, but green groups are concerned about the environmental impacts of processing on shore. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] The US and Australian governments will fund a new gallium refinery at Wagerup, south of Perth, as part of a $13 billion critical minerals deal. Australian Broadcasting Corporation
• [New] Rising temperatures will intensify water stress in 670 regions generating $6.9 trillion in GDP, home to 244 million people. ESG Post
• [New] Rising tariff tensions, particularly China's potential export controls on rare earth minerals, could pose significant supply-chain and cost pressures. Day Hagan Asset Management
• [New] Trump has threatened to impose an extra 100% tariff on Chinese goods from November if China does not roll back its tightened restrictions on its rare earth exports. BBC News
• [New] The critical minerals of Greenland have the potential to shift global and security balances. Euronews
• [New] The interplay of ecological collapse, water scarcity and urban pressures will likely test Iran's policy choices. Newsweek
• By 2050, equity markets in countries in Oceania, North America, Asia and southern Europe, are projected to underperform by between 41% and 54% in a high warming scenario, largely due to exposure to extreme weather events and resource scarcity. Pensions Age
• China's rare earth restrictions alone could lead to double-digit wholesale inflation. FinancialContent
• Non-Chinese critical minerals and rare earths companies like MP Materials could see increased demand as nations seek to diversify their supply chains away from China. FinancialContent
• Looming water scarcity threat could limit the UK's ability to reach 2050 net zero targets. Water Magazine

Last updated: 01 November 2025