An idea circulating in energy and commodity policy circles is a possible OPEC-style coalition for solid minerals. Russia, Canada, Australia, China, South Africa and other leading producers of so‑called minerals of the future could form the backbone of such a grouping, according to independent industry analyst Leonid Khazanov as cited by RIA News.
The concept of establishing a new alliance of nations that extract and supply solid minerals was recently floated by Alexander Kozlov, who heads the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources. Analysts describe the proposal as strategically sound given the ongoing geopolitical shifts and the volatility seen in global mineral prices. In a practical sense, the coalition could bring together iron ore producers such as Brazil and Australia, lithium suppliers like Chile and China, and platinum group metal producers including Russia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe, Khazanov notes.
On January 9, Kozlov spoke about the importance of creating a platform akin to OPEC to align strategies in the solid minerals sector, especially in light of changes in the technological landscape. He emphasized that Russia possesses substantial reserves of critical metals and is prepared to share experience and collaborate with partners worldwide.
Earlier statements from the Russian Ministry of Natural Resources touched on ambitions to position Russia among the top four holders of scarce mineral reserves globally, underscoring a broader push to strengthen strategic resource security and diversify supply chains through international cooperation.