What does your smartphone have to do with a solar panel or a piece of battery or military equipment? They are all made using critical minerals, the main component to use modern technologies every day.

“They are absolutely central to what I call an electric-digital era,” said Wins, author Electricity metal. Race for resources that will form the futureIn the current CBC interview.

“This era, which we move, will be defined by renewable electricity and digital technologies. Cannot make those items without critical metals. “

Some trade experts call critical minerals “Bed” The new era of technological promotion, not unlike how the invention of the steam engine has changed the world, hardworkers, trains and factory cars during the first industrial revolution.

The idea is that these elements are considered important for the transition to green energy and digital technology, or that they serve some military function, Explain to Professor of Law of Kalgar University Elizabeth Stain.

The CBC explains what are important minerals and why there is a world race for this precious resources.

What kind of important minerals does Canada have?

“Historically, Canada really has been the highest destination in the world for mining companies and annunciators,” said Hakob Lorich, a mining journalist in Bloomberg.

Canada has 34 critical minerals and metals its list (Some countries are called “strategic minerals”). There are mines dedicated to these minerals in each state of Canada

The mineral supply network must be risked in order to achieve the list, and it must have a “reasonable opportunity” to produce Canada. It must also meet one of the following criteria:

• It is essential for Canadian economic or national security.

• It is necessary for the transfer of a “stable low carbon and digital economy”. “

• It helps Canada position as a “strategic partner” global supply network.

It is also important to note that within the framework of the Wide Canadian list there is a package of 17 metal, which is called “Rare Earth Elements” or Langztanides, which can sometimes occur with radioactive elements.

“Rare countries are a good example of how important rough minerals are, but they can be scarce,” Stain said. While the entire landstanies are in the entire country, “they are found in such a small amount that it is very difficult to find a place where we can actually trade them.

Mining challenge in Canada

Canada is a place where mining mining mining is commercially possible.

But some specialists say that this country did not use its mineral landscape for a number of reasons.

“These minerals are everywhere, but we don't have to mining in recent years,” said Laurim, noting that there are several reasons for that.

“Sudbi really really were the world for nickel production, and then we dug all nickel there. I mean, but not, but it was like, “he explained.

Other deposits. Like a fire like North Ontario, there are in remote areas where it is difficult to develop and build mining infrastructure.

Some indigenous communities are worried that these mining developments will result in water pollution or other harmful environmental effects have on land.

“It is clear that we will go on it on the table with a native leader,” said JP Gladu, director of the Mokwateh consulting company and a former CEO of the Canadian Council.

“We have come to recognize the importance of strong relations with fundamental people,” he said, adding that the previous meaning, which has developed in the past, will be required, greatly, first nations.

“Countries that can control that area will definitely be in a stronger position at the international level,” Glendi said.

An example. Canadian critical minerals have been updated last year to include silicone metal used to make semiconductor chips used by the world's largest companies Artificial intelligence. It gives you such a meaning of how valuable these minerals are in the digital age.

“We have an incredible role to play in all those areas,” Gladu added. “But we certainly struggle as a people who are competitive in space.”

What are the geopolitical consequences?

The United States and China are fighting for global technology, each, each, which wants to be primary technology and resources used. China has an advantage to be a mining nation, but maybe it is more important, but a world leader in the processing of raw minerals in other countries.

The United States has previously been a mining capacity, but in the '70s and the “80s”, they are mostly tired of the environmental damage, “the author explained. “The mining industry is very destructive. It causes a lot of pollution, etc. “

“China, who just opened its economy at that time, said:” Well, we will do it.

Now China uses its powerful position, restricting mineral exports to the United States, and the United States is trying to reduce its opponent.

Watch | These are minerals that win from Ukraine.

These are some of the Ukrainian minerals, Donald Trump wants

Chris Brown, National, CBC, visited Kiev Titani quarry west to learn more about the natural resources of US President Donald Trump.

That's why Trump has shown interest in attaching rich minerals to Canada and Greenland. Also because the United States and Ukraine are negotiating about the deal so that Ukraine will provide access to US minerals for military assistance. Ukraine relies on a transaction to finance the post-war recovery.

“Critical minerals are a national security issue for the United States,” Stain said. “I don't think it's a reason for warning, but that's something we need to be recognized.”