06 July, Monday
Turkey and Pakistan: Ankara and Islamabad deepen critical minerals partnership
On 04 July, Reuters reported that Turky’s President Tayyip Erdogan and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged to deepen bilateral cooperation in the extraction and processing of critical minerals. As part of a broader strategy to lift bilateral trade to USD 5 billion, the two nations are prioritizing joint ventures in mining to secure supply chains for advanced technology, defense, and energy sectors. This mining partnership will be integrated into the newly planned Recep Tayyip Erdogan Special Economic Zone in Karachi, creating a structured framework for long-term industrial collaboration.
(“Turkey's Erdogan says Israel must not scupper US-Iran deal,” Reuters, 04 July 2026)

France: Rare earth Carester to build rare earths processing plant in Malaysia 
On 06 July, Reuters reported that France rare earths specialist Carester announced plans to build a rare earths separation plant in Malaysia's Perak state. This move is a part of a 10-year joint venture with local miner Malaco Mining Group. The proposed facility will be capable of processing approximately 13,000 tons of light and heavy rare earths annually, including elements such as neodymium, praseodymium, dysprosium, and terbium. CEO Frederic Carencotte stated that the partnership is also seeking for a regulatory approval to conduct in-situ leaching, injecting chemical agents into the soil to pump out target minerals, across various plantation areas. In addition, the venture also aims to transfer technology to Malaco addressing environmental concerns, including using clean extraction methods to prevent landslides and groundwater contamination. Moreover, Malaysia, which holds an estimated 274,144 metric tons of rare earth deposits, is increasingly positioning itself as a non-China processing hub for elements critical to smartphones, electric vehicles, and defense hardware.
(“French firm Carester to build rare earths separation plant in Malaysia's Perak,” Reuters, 06 July 2026)

04 July, Saturday
India and France: New Delhi and Paris strengthen economic sovereignty through critical minerals and infrastructure cooperation
On 04 July, The Economic Times reported on India’s Ministry of Finance announcing India and France agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation on critical minerals, resilient supply chains, and financial industry integration. The India-France Economic and Financial Dialogue held on 03 July, co-chaired by India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and France’s Economy Minister Roland Lescure was a continuation of high-level strategic engagements that were agreed upon by both countries earlier this year and aimed at strengthening the bond between the two economies. Discussions focused heavily on building economic sovereignty and security, with both sides advancing plans to cooperate on critical mineral supply chains and cross-border infrastructure investments, specifically expanding on high-speed railway initiatives. The ministers also expressed their intent to deepen their cooperation in the multilateral forums such as the G20 and the Paris Club. Further confirming their aim to implement the dialogue as the main platform for future trade and technological cooperation between the two countries prior to the next meeting in 2027.
(“India, France co-chair Economic & Financial Dialogue, agree to deepen cooperation on critical minerals,” The Economic Times, 04 July 2026)

03 July, Friday
The US: Washington prioritises Cook Islands' seabed minerals as it expands strategic competition with China in the Pacific
On 03 July, Reuters reported on Jared Novelly, the newly appointed US Ambassador to New Zealand, Samoa, Niue, and the Cook Islands, stating that securing seabed minerals in the Cook Islands is a top priority. Novelly announced plans to introduce US extraction companies to tap into the territory's vast polymetallic nodule reserves. This move came as Washington’s plan to secure clean-energy supply chains and reduce reliance on Beijing. Furthermore, the ambassador explicitly cautioned Pacific Island states against expanding ties with Beijing, warning of potential "debt traps" associated with China's growing regional infrastructure and military footprint. Transitioning to local security, Novelly urged New Zealand and other regional partners to boost defense spending to "carry their own water." He also expressed a desire to see a US nuclear-powered aircraft carrier visit Auckland harbor, a move that would require navigating New Zealand's long-standing nuclear-free policy amidst recent polling showing a decline in local public perception of Washington.
(“US envoy says Cook Islands minerals are a top priority,” Reuters, 03 July 2026)

02 July, Thursday
The EU: Brussels's chip sector to face 'bleak future' amid US and China’s geopolitical risks
On 02 July, Reuters reported that an EU-funded report by the European Union’s Institute for Security Studies and the Institute Montaigne warns that Europe's semiconductor sector faces a "bleak future" due to intense geopolitical pressures. The region's supply chain is highly vulnerable to Chinese export controls on critical minerals and potential conflict in the Taiwan Strait. Concurrently, Europe's technological dependence on US poses a growing risk. A proposed US law can potentially allow Washington to unilaterally restrict exports from allied Europe-based companies like chip-equipment giant ASML. A concern that has intensified under the second Trump administration. While the European Commission has proposed a Chips Act 2.0 and joined the US-led "Pax Silica" alliance, structural hurdles remain
(“Chinese and US risks mean EU chip sector faces a 'bleak future,' report says,” Reuters, 02 July 2026)

05 June, Friday
The EU: European Commission weighs mandatory supply chain diversification for critical sectors
On 05 June, Reuters reported that the European Commission is considering legislation requiring companies to diversify their supply chains. It is to ensure dependence on a single supplier, particularly suppliers in China. Under the proposal, firms may be encouraged or required to maintain a minimum of three sources for critical supplies. This enables protection against disruptions caused by geopolitical tensions, export controls, and supply shortages. This initiative is formed as part of the EU’s broader review of its defence policies. Moreover, the European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic argued that reliance on a single supplier has become a strategic vulnerability, especially in sectors such as critical minerals and advanced manufacturing. Any future measures would likely be introduced gradually and in consultation with industry.
(“EU weighs rules to cut reliance on China through broader supply chains,” Reuters, 05 June 2026)

The US: Oklahoma lawsuit challenges major Washingtons Aluminum smelter project
On 05 June, Reuters reported that, Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a lawsuit seeking to block a proposed USD 4 billion aluminum smelter project. This project is backed by Emirates Global Aluminium and Century Aluminum. If completed, the facility would produce up to 750,000 metric tons of aluminum annually. It plays a significant role in reducing US’s dependence on imports. The lawsuit argues that emissions from the smelter could harm residents, livestock, and the environment. Furthermore, the Attorney General also criticized the project's ownership structure, noting that EGA. This controls 60 per cent of the venture, which is owned by sovereign wealth funds linked to the government of the UAE. Furthermore, he argued that local communities would bear the environmental costs while foreign investors would reap the benefits.
(“Oklahoma's attorney general sues to block aluminum smelter after Trump endorses rival,” Reuters, 05 June 2026)