US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on May 25 that the Quad group—the United States, Japan, India, and Australia—will soon launch an initiative to secure critical mineral supplies. The statement came as member nations seek to reduce dependence on existing supply chains.
Speaking at a press briefing, Rubio emphasized that the initiative aims to deepen cooperation among Quad members in the extraction, processing, and supply of minerals essential for high-tech industries and clean energy. These minerals include lithium, cobalt, rare earths, and other strategic raw materials.
The move comes as Western nations work to diversify supply sources and reduce reliance on countries that dominate the global mineral supply chain. The initiative is expected to include mechanisms for information sharing, investment support, and capacity building among member countries.
Specific details of the initiative will be announced by Quad leaders in the coming period, according to Rubio. The Quad group has held several high-level meetings in recent years, focusing on security, economic, and technology cooperation.
