The Mining Rush in the 21st Century

The Mining Rush in the 21st Century: Dynamics and Outlooks for 2050 is a geopolitical analysis that explains how the global energy transition and the digital revolution are creating massive demand for strategic metals such as lithium and cobalt, forcing humanity to extract more resources in 25 years than in its entire history to combat global warming, while highlighting the risks of dependence, environmental challenges and opportunities for Africa. The book covers a broad spectrum, from the urgency of time – with a critical window of action closing in 2032 – to the vulnerabilities of supply chains, dominated by China (85% of rare earths) and the DRC (70% of cobalt). It highlights the paradox of the green transition: to save the planet from global warming, metals must be extracted on a massive scale, posing colossal technical, environmental, social and ethical challenges. The scope extends to technological innovation (AI in prospecting, seabed mining), Africa's pivotal role in sustainable development beyond the colonial extractive model, and projections up to 2050. Aimed at a diverse audience – researchers, students, decision-makers, NGOs – the book includes more than 50 graphs, case studies (e.g. scandals in the DRC), expert boxes and a glossary for accessibility. It stands out for its holistic approach, combining field expertise, quantitative data (IEA, USGS) and concrete solutions for responsible governance, bridging the gap between geopolitical and technical analyses. It also anticipates post-2025 trends to guide the securing of global supplies.