G7 Nations Discuss Establishing Permanent Unit for Critical Minerals Oversight
The Group of Seven (G7) countries are in discussions to create a permanent secretariat to oversee initiatives aimed at increasing the supply of critical minerals. This move is part of a broader effort to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates the production of essential minerals used in defense, energy transition, and manufacturing. The United States and the European Union have recently agreed to enhance coordination on critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths. However, there is debate within Europe about the management of mineral stockpiles, with some countries preferring to maintain individual reserves rather than a shared stockpile. The proposed secretariat could be based in Paris and may help implement decisions made at the upcoming G7 leaders' meeting in June. 
