Abstract

The supply and demand of minerals from 1950 to 2020 is examined by focusing on known causal relationships and historical drivers such as the Cold War, and how these have impacted the supply and demand of minerals. The complex, and often fascinating, events that have influenced supply and demand in the minerals market, including geopolitics, environmental policy, high-tech modernization, and the COVID-19 pandemic are reviewed. The examples we provide, focus on the primary consumers in the minerals market, including America, the European Union (EU), and the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) nations. Fundamental drivers such as sustainability, national defence, and technology are also discussed. This chapter begins with an integrated highlight of the major developments from 1950 to 2020 and then expands on the subject matter in a decadal fashion, providing additional context and detail on the forces and events which have influenced mineral supply and consumption trends. © 2022 selection and editorial matter, Natalia Yakovleva and Edmund Nickless.