Geopolitics and Critical Metals – Engaging the Next Generation
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Nils Jansson, Niklas Rossbach, Katarina Nilsson and Lotta Sartz.
How does access to critical metals and minerals influence global politics, and what role do these resources play in the green transition, digitalisation and defence? These questions were at the centre of a seminar for upper secondary school students, organised by the Swedish National Committee for Geology at the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences in Stockholm.
The seminar, Geopolitics and Critical Metals, brought together scientific and industry perspectives on the growing importance of metals and minerals for society and international relations.
Speakers included Niklas Rossbach from the Swedish Defence University and the Swedish Institute of International Affairs, Nils F. Jansson from CAMM-CRM at Luleå University of Technology, and Katarina Nilsson from Svemin.
A particularly encouraging aspect of the day was the strong engagement from the students. Around 120 attended in person, while nearly 500 followed the seminar via YouTube. Questions from both audiences reflected a keen interest in the challenges and choices surrounding future metals and minerals supply.
For Swedish Metals & Minerals, contributing to knowledge-sharing and dialogue on these issues is an important part of the programme’s work. Understanding the connections between raw material supply, sustainability and geopolitics is essential for informed discussions about society’s future needs.
The seminar was moderated by Lotta Sartz from Örebro University, representing Swedish Metals & Minerals.
The event highlighted the value of engaging younger generations in discussions about the resources, decisions and priorities that will shape the future.
