Balancing mineral security with human needs: a call for inclusive strategies

National security priorities are increasingly shaping global mineral strategies, often neglecting human development needs. Many resource-rich countries export critical minerals without addressing local poverty or infrastructure gaps, leaving communities with minimal benefits. This narrow focus risks environmental harm and supply disruptions, while failing to support universal access to minerals essential for food, water, and shelter. Experts call for a shift toward human-centered policies that balance mineral security with social justice and sustainable development.

Source: adapted from Nature, November 2025.