Mineral raw materials are vital for economic growth, national security, and global influence. Rising demand for strategic minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths fuels geopolitical competition, especially amid energy transition and tech advances. This study reviews the global mineral market, focusing on the EU’s production strengths and vulnerabilities, notably its dependence on China, which dominates critical raw materials extraction and processing. China’s geopolitical use of these minerals has led major economies—including the US, Japan, and EU—to adopt policies securing alternative supplies via domestic exploration, recycling, and international cooperation. The EU’s initiatives, such as the European Raw Materials Alliance (ERMA. https://erma.eu/), aim to reduce non-EU reliance, boost local mining and processing, and support a circular economy. Urgent action is needed to diversify supply chains, invest in sustainable mining, and improve recycling. With critical mineral demand expected to grow 150% by 2060, resource independence and climate goals require global collaboration and innovation.