The need for resilient and secure critical mineral supply chains is now a globally acknowledged concept. Decades of investment disparities have exposed the fragility of supply, as strong and rising global demand clashes with monopolistic supply chains, geopolitical tensions, and ongoing disruption risks. 

Global demand for minerals has become insatiable across industries—from smartphones to renewable energy solutions to quantum computing and national security. This demand is projected to increase to such an extent that the International Energy Agency estimates that it could outstrip supply for some minerals, such as copper and lithium, as soon as the 2030s. 

The investment landscape, however, has not stepped up in scale or diversity of capital to meet the global demand landscape. Investors are deterred by long lead times for mineral production and the environmental and social impacts of projects. Monopolistic supply chains exacerbate cyclical commodity price volatility, adding to risks. 

The industry—and the timing—are now ripe for investment. In response, the Milken Institute has engaged with stakeholders to examine the market failures impeding large-scale investment and to explore innovative financial frameworks as potential remedies. This report investigates three such frameworks. Each is timely and aims to address key risks by incorporating host communities, investing in innovation, and reconfiguring the public engagement toolkit. Together, these strategies offer pathways toward building resilient and sustainable critical mineral supply chains needed for uninterrupted economic progress and national security.