2605 these humble beginnings a cadre of top scientists was established. From the late 18th century until the end of the 19th century these chemists identified, for the first time, the rare earths and in total over twenty elements. Today the cluster has established strong international research centres in close cooperation between industry and academia in both Sweden and Finland. The importance of long-term steady dedicated support of research and development in close cooperation with industry has been proven time and again over the centuries. The Centre for Advanced Mining and Metallurgy (CAMM) based at the University of Luleå (Sweden) with its CRM project focusing critical raw materials is but one example of research and innovation in cooperation with industry (CAMM 2026). 3. CHINA, THE EU AND MINERAL RICH COUNTRIES IN THE GLOBAL SOUTH The dominance of China in global mineral and metal supply is not as obvious as is often claimed (European Commission 2023). China is by far the world’s largest user of metals and minerals, more than 50 % of almost all minerals and metals are used in China. Total Chinese mine production, in value terms, from domestic mines and operations in other countries controlled by Chinese companies, reaches less than 25 % of total global production (Ericsson, Löf 2025). Hence China has a considerable import dependency. China and Chinese companies are controlling the supply of rare earths REE and several others of the minerals and metals designated as critical raw materials by the EU and other countries (European Commission 2023) However, China imports iron ore, bauxite, copper ores and concentrates from mines to a large extent controlled by traditional transnational mining companies, thus China does not have full control of the mineral resources it needs, at least not yet. This is a situation China shares with the EU, which is also dependent on mineral imports mainly from countries in the Global South. This competitive situation opens up opportunities for the mineral rich countries of the Global South particularly when metals demand is expected to grow rapidly driven by the energy transition in addition to the global population growth and increased standards of living. The next decades could open a window of opportunity for the Global South to benefit from their mineral resources, to meet their own demands and to generate export income. Provided that the mineral rich countries can turn the situation to their own advantage and play off China against the EU, the US and other countries depending on mineral imports. The Nordic mining cluster could become an important factor in negotiations with mineral-rich countries in the Global South to secure minerals and metals for Europe. The cluster should also be used in the operationalisation of the many Strategic Mineral Partnerships, which the EU has concluded with mineral rich emerging economies. In particular the Nordic cluster could offer high productivity with safe and environmentally friendly operations. Additional benefits would be created if the OEMs could invest in local companies to provide some of the equipment needed. To be acceptable and useful for the emerging economies and the EU alike these agreements must offer more than just the potential to export unprocessed raw materials as in the colonial era. A systematic knowledge transfer brining host countries universities and vocational schools into cooperation with relevant partners in the Nordic countries to create regional hubs of knowledge in Africa and Latin America. Something substantial has to be put on the table and the experiences of the Nordic mining cluster to combine mining with horizontal diversification should be of great interest. In addition to making the mining industries in the mineral rich countries of the Global South more productive and supportive of societal economic and social development. REFERENCES Anglo American (2024), Integrated annual report 2023 p.37. https://www.angloamerican.com/~/media/Files/A/Anglo-American-Groupv9/PLC/investors/annual-reporting/2023/aa-annual-report-full-2023.pdf accessed February 2026. CAMM 2026, https://www.ltu.se/en/research/centres-of-excellence-and-collaborations/camm-----centre-ofadvanced-mining-and-metallurgy
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