Abstract:
Strategic mineral resources are crucial for global economic recovery, the development of strategic emerging industries, and the transition to a low-carbon. With the approaching global climate goals and increasingly complex geopolitical landscape, the challenges to securing strategic mineral supply are intensifying. Therefore, clarifying the strategic mineral security policies of China and the European Union (EU) amid climate and geopolitical changes is of great significance for improving China’s strategic mineral resource policy system. This paper systematically reviews the strategic mineral lists and policy evolution pathways in China and the EU using text analysis and comparative analysis methods. The findings reveal a high degree of overlap in their strategic mineral lists, with primary competition currently centered on minerals such as copper, aluminum, lithium, cobalt, and nickel. Looking forward, minerals like beryllium, niobium, tantalum, and rare gases are also likely to become focal points of competition. In terms of policy objectives, the primary goals of China and the EU strategic mineral policies are largely consistent, aiming to ensure supply security by reducing external dependence and enhancing supply chain resilience. In terms of the path of security, China emphasizes securing supply through resource diversification, conservation, stockpiling, capacity expansion, and pricing strategies, while the EU focuses on building international alliances, setting standards, and increasing investments in research and development to enhance supply chain localization and global influence. The respective policy choices not only reflect differences in resource endowments, supply chain conditions, and strategic needs but also highlight the differing priorities of both sides in the field of strategic minerals. In light of this, this paper proposes enhancing China’s strategic mineral resource supply security through three key measures: improving the assessment and management system for strategic mineral resources, diversifying China’s strategic mineral resource management toolkit, and building a global community for strategic mineral resource cooperation. These measures aim to provide scientific evidence and policy support to promote the security and mutually beneficial cooperation of strategic mineral resources between China and the EU during the low-carbon transition process.