USs Critical Minerals Summit to Impose Heaviest Costs on Global South

February 5, 2026 • Al Jazeera

USs Critical Minerals Summit to Impose Heaviest Costs on Global South

US Hosts Critical Minerals Summit, Potential Costs for Global South Countries

The United States has convened its first critical minerals summit, a gathering aimed at addressing China’s dominance in the global supply chain for rare earth elements. The event brings together representatives from various countries to discuss strategies for diversifying the sources of these essential materials.

According to Stefan Zylinski, a political economist, Global South countries are likely to bear significant costs as a result of any plan conceived by the Global North. The summit’s focus on challenging China’s dominance may lead to increased investment in critical minerals extraction and processing facilities in regions such as Africa and Latin America.

The potential impact on these regions is still unclear, but it is evident that they will be heavily involved in the development of new supply chains. The costs associated with this shift are likely to be substantial, including investments in infrastructure, technology, and labor.

The summit’s outcome remains uncertain, but its significance lies in its potential to reshape the global dynamics of critical minerals production. As the event unfolds, it is essential to monitor developments and assess the implications for Global South countries. Further information on the summit’s outcomes will be provided as it becomes available.

Source: Al Jazeera