Natural Resources of the World and Their Geopolitical Implications

Natural resources are fundamental to the development of technology, energy, and industry, which makes them strategically critical to economies worldwide. However, their geographic distribution is not balanced, with some countries controlling large reserves of critical materials while others rely on imports. This situation creates geopolitical tensions as states compete for access to these resources. In the era of digital and green technology, control over strategic materials plays a decisive role in international relations.

This map illustrates the global distribution of rare earth elements (REEs), highlighting their concentration in specific regions. The case of rare earths exemplifies the issue of uneven resource distribution: China controls roughly 80% of global REE production, giving it significant geopolitical leverage. This concentration underscores why securing access to critical materials has become a focal point of international competition.

The Most Significant Natural Resources and Their Distribution

The resources that occupy a prominent place in global competition include:

1. Rare Earth Elements (REEs): Rare earths are essential for the production of advanced electronics, defense systems, and renewable technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. These materials are found primarily in China, which controls about 80% of global production. Other significant deposits are located in Australia and the United States, while Europe and Japan are working to develop their own alternative sources and to reprocess old materials for reuse.
2. Lithium: Lithium is central to lithium-ion batteries, which are used in electric vehicles and energy storage technologies. The largest deposits are found in South America’s “lithium triangle” (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia), as well as in Australia. As demand for electric cars increases, competition for access to these reserves is intensifying, with countries like China investing in mining operations in South America to ensure a steady supply.
3. Phosphorus: Phosphorus is necessary for the production of fertilizers and thus for global agriculture. Morocco holds approximately 70% of the world’s phosphorus reserves. This concentration of control has raised concerns about global food security, as phosphorus is not recyclable and reserves in other countries are being depleted.
4. Platinum Group Elements (PGEs): The platinum group elements are highly valuable for automotive catalytic converters, hydrogen technologies, and other industrial uses. South Africa and Russia are the two main producing countries, which gives them a significant strategic advantage in the market for these metals.
5. Uranium: Uranium, which is the key fuel for nuclear power plants, is produced mainly in countries such as Kazakhstan, Canada, and Australia. Nuclear energy plays a decisive role in the energy security of many nations, and tensions over the management of uranium reserves persist.

Geopolitical Developments and Implications

The inequality in the distribution of natural resources creates chains of dependency that shape international relations. China has invested significantly in securing and controlling strategic resources, exemplified by its investments in Africa and Latin America. China – beyond its dominant production of rare earths – is expanding its activities in critical sectors like lithium extraction, aiming for strategic self-sufficiency in technology and industry.

The United States and the European Union recognize the risks of dependence on China and are seeking to diversify supply chains. The European Union’s recent Critical Raw Materials Act aims to reduce this dependency. It includes strategic investments in alternative resource sources, primarily through recycling and the development of mines within Europe.

Regions of Heightened Risk

1. South China Sea: The South China Sea is rich in undersea resources such as oil and natural gas and is one of the most strategic maritime zones. China claims the majority of this area, causing tensions with neighboring countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, and Malaysia. The presence of the United States in the region and its support for allied nations make this area potentially dangerous, with the risk of serious confrontations.
2. Africa (Congo): The Democratic Republic of Congo holds the largest share of the world’s cobalt reserves, which are essential for electric vehicle batteries and electronic devices. However, the region is plagued by chronic political instability and conflicts, which increases the risk of supply chain disruptions. Major powers such as China and the United States are investing heavily in this area to secure control of these resources.
3. Arctic: As climate change melts the Arctic ice, new routes and deposits of oil, natural gas, and minerals are opening up. Russia claims a large portion of these resources, while countries like Canada, the United States, and Norway are also looking to assert control. The Arctic has become a field of growing competition, with Russia strengthening its military presence in the region.
4. Middle East and Central Asia: Although this region is known for its oil and gas reserves, recent years have highlighted the importance of Central Asia – particularly Kazakhstan – for uranium. Tensions in these areas remain high, mainly due to their geostrategic significance for the energy security of Europe and Asia.
5. Eastern Mediterranean: The Eastern Mediterranean has gained geopolitical importance in recent years due to significant natural gas deposits discovered in countries such as Cyprus, Israel, Egypt, and Greece. These deposits provide new energy sources for Europe and other markets, reducing dependence on Russia. However, the region is marked by geopolitical tensions, primarily between Greece and Turkey over rights to exploit these energy resources, due to overlapping maritime claims. Turkey does not recognize the agreements establishing Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) in the area. It has conducted drilling in disputed waters, provoking confrontations and creating risks of tension – even military clashes.