Timeline
The Battle for Resources
Energy, critical minerals and infrastructure: the events reshaping access to resources and the balance of power. Oil, minerals and physical networks weigh on the choices of states.
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Announcement
U.S. Department of Energy Announces Nearly One Billion Dollars in Additional Funding
In August 2025, the U.S. Department of Energy announced plans to mobilise nearly one billion dollars in additional funding.
The funding is linked to extraction, processing and manufacturing technologies for critical minerals.
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Announcement
China Announces New Restrictions on the Battery Supply Chain
In October 2025, China announced new restrictions affecting several parts of the battery supply chain.
The restrictions include certain cathode materials, precursors, graphite anode materials, as well as manufacturing technologies and equipment.
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Event that occurred
Rio Tinto Inaugurates Two Lithium Production Facilities in Argentina
On October 28, 2026, Rio Tinto officially inaugurated two lithium production facilities in Catamarca, northwestern Argentina.
The ceremony took place in the presence of President Javier Milei, provincial Governor Raúl Jalil, and Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott.