The critical minerals supply chain has a concentration problem. Over 75% of the world’s cobalt is mined in the DRC (Cobalt Institute, 2026). China controls over 90% of rare earth processing capacity (International Energy Agency, 2026), and lithium refining remains heavily consolidated across a handful of players. For businesses across the value chain, this isn’t an abstract geopolitical concern. It’s an operational reality that is already reshaping procurement strategies, investment decisions, and long-term planning.
The question is no longer whether to act, but how. Diversification is easier said than done when alternative sources are underdeveloped, timelines are long, and costs are high. Meanwhile, trade policy shifts, export restrictions, and shifting alliances are compressing the window for measured responses.
This session moves beyond the geopolitical headlines to focus on what businesses across the value chain can actually do and what it realistically takes to build resilience without sacrificing cost competitiveness or sustainability commitments.
What to expect from this type of session...
Main stage sessions, but not as you know them. Because we’re off-the-record, leading experts can speak candidly about their experience with what works, and what doesn’t. At least half the session is dedicated to audience insights and questions to ensure we tackle the big issues head on.
