India, Brazil, South Korea, and Mexico boost cooperation on critical minerals amid US and China influence

India, Brazil, South Korea, and Mexico are strengthening cooperation on critical minerals to secure supply chains and expand economic opportunities amid global competition involving the US and China. India and Brazil signed a pioneering agreement on critical minerals and rare earths during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in New Delhi, aiming to build resilient supply chains and increase bilateral trade to $20 billion within five years, according to La Jornada.

Mexico and the United States announced a pact to develop critical mineral supply chains with projected investments exceeding $43 billion over 15 years. This initiative seeks to reduce reliance on Chinese imports of lithium and rare earth elements while supporting more than three million families and fostering technological innovation, as detailed by El Financiero.

South Korea and Brazil intensified their economic ties through expanded cooperation on key minerals and trade, with Brazil serving as South Korea’s largest trading partner in South America. The Japan Times highlights this move as part of broader efforts to diversify supply sources and enhance mineral resource collaboration.

Concerns have been raised by human rights advocates about the potential environmental and social impacts of the Mexico-US alliance on critical minerals. Experts warn that increased extraction could deepen extractivism and threaten Indigenous communities’ rights, according to La Jornada.

Looking ahead, these emerging partnerships signal a shift in global mining and trade dynamics with China’s dominance in critical minerals challenged. The effectiveness of these agreements in reducing supply risks and addressing social concerns will be crucial, while monitoring investment outcomes and regulatory frameworks remains important for future stability.