The green energy transition will be powered by the mining and processing of lithium, nickel, and cobalt, which are critical for the production of advanced batteries. These minerals are concentrated geographically but traded globally. We study the geopolitical implications of active policy intervention in key mining countries, and we discuss the consequences for green technology adoption worldwide. We highlight how upstream resource concentration and downstream technology choices give rise to supply chain vulnerability, policy spillovers across mineral markets, and the potential for mineral cartels.
