EU selects tungsten, rare earths, gallium for first critical mineral stockpile
The European Union has chosen tungsten, rare earths, and gallium as the first minerals for its inaugural critical mineral stockpile, marking a concrete step to reduce reliance on China for elements essential to defense, semiconductors, and the energy transition. Two sources indicated magnesium would be on the priority list, while one source said germanium and graphite were expected to be included. The move aims to insulate the EU economy from Beijing's production dominance, as China often uses these minerals as leverage in trade disputes.
Key facts
- EU selects tungsten, rare earths, gallium for first critical mineral stockpile
- The move reduces reliance on China for defense and tech minerals
- Magnesium expected to be on priority list
- Germanium and graphite expected to make final mix
- China dominates production of these critical minerals
- Minerals are vital to defense, semiconductors, energy transition
- China uses mineral leverage in trade disputes with the West
- Stockpile is one of EU's most concrete steps to insulate economy
Entities
Institutions
- European Union
Locations
- China
- Ganxian county
- Jiangxi province