The Most Important Critical Minerals by Export Value The global economy is undergoing a massive transformation, driven by the shift towards clean energy and advanced technologies. This transition is not powered by oil and gas, but by a new class of materials: critical minerals. These minerals—from the lithium in your phone battery to the copper in wind turbine cables—are the essential building blocks of the modern world. The value of the trade in these minerals has skyrocketed in recent years, making them a central focus of economic policy and international trade. While a simple ranking of "most valuable" can be misleading due to fluctuating prices, a few minerals consistently stand out for their significant export value and pivotal role in global supply chains. The primary drivers of this demand are electric vehicles (EVs), renewable energy infrastructure (solar and wind), and energy storage systems. The countries that produce and process these minerals are gaining immen...