New Delhi, July 17 -- Global concerns over critical minerals have shifted from whether supplies can meet rising demand to the vulnerabilities created by highly concentrated supply chains, particularly in processing and refining, according to the International Energy Agency's (IEA) Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2026.

The report also said supply deficits for copper and lithium are expected to persist through 2035, while prices of several key minerals have rebounded amid tighter supply conditions and export restrictions.

According to the IEA, the focus has shifted because governments are increasingly concerned about the resilience of supply chains rather than just the availability of minerals. "Although supply adequacy remains a major c...