Today, we discuss three critical minerals to illustrate—and to challenge or reinforce—the common narratives out there, as well as the intractable problems those supply chains face, even with projected soaring future demand. We also examine the growing influence these elements exert on geopolitics and economics—an influence that is only increasing.
We’re looking at Yttrium, Rhenium, and Graphite. Each tells a different story about our modern economy, the critical mineral supply chain, and pricing, along with the challenges these pose to governments, companies, and individuals alike.
To tell those stories, our host Paul Chapman is rejoined by Ellie Saklatvala, Head of Metals Pricing at the independent price reporting agency, Argus Media.
Read below for our key talent impacts from this episode.
Key Talent Impacts
How can organisations secure the specialist expertise needed to manage critical minerals?
Critical minerals are often treated less like bulk commodities and more like specialist chemicals, requiring deep technical understanding of variations in chemistry, grade and handling. The workforce in this space is highly niche, and the scarcity of talent with the right expertise—from geologists and metallurgists to pricing analysts and traders—creates bottlenecks as demand rises.
Are political and regulatory risk skills now indispensable for professionals working in critical minerals?
Unlike traditional commodities, critical minerals are profoundly shaped by political risk and export controls (e.g. China’s licensing regime on yttrium). Talent in trading, procurement, and supply chain roles must therefore combine commercial acumen with geopolitical awareness, navigating tariffs, stockpiling strategies, and compliance. This shifts the profile of the ideal professional towards those who can bridge policy, markets, and operations.
What steps should companies take to develop cross-industry critical minerals talents?
The minerals’ uses span electronics, defence, aerospace, medicine, and clean energy. Talent is needed that can connect across sectors—understanding both the technical side of, for example, aerospace alloys and the regulatory frameworks of medical implants. Employers will increasingly seek individuals comfortable operating at these industry intersections, where innovation and commercial advantage sit.
Who will build the workforce for sustainable mineral production?
Processing of rare earths and graphite is environmentally destructive, raising issues of water contamination, toxic leaching, and carbon intensity (e.g. synthetic graphite). The ability to design, regulate, or operate cleaner production methods, and to communicate ESG value to investors and governments, will become a decisive differentiator for organisations. Professionals with sustainability, regulatory affairs, and stakeholder engagement skills will be in higher demand.
What talent strategies will unlock new supply chains in the US and Africa while reducing reliance on China?
China’s dominance in processing contrasts with the emerging opportunities in the US and Africa (graphite in Mozambique, Tanzania, Madagascar). This dynamic requires building local capability: project developers, engineers, financiers, and skilled operators in new jurisdictions. At the same time, OEMs and governments may demand “friendly” supply chains, which will drive recruitment of talent adept at establishing regionally resilient supply chains under new pricing benchmarks.
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