North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
Facilitating market development across NATO
NATO, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, is a military alliance formed in 1949 with the signing of the Washington Treaty. Its primary purpose is collective defence, where an attack against one or more members is considered an attack against all. This principle is enshrined in Article 5 of the NATO Treaty, which has only been invoked once, following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. Each region brings unique geographic and strategic advantages to NATO, enhancing the alliance's collective defence and ability to project stability in adjacent areas. NATO's membership spans North America and Europe, providing unique geographic and strategic advantages. This broad geographic distribution enhances NATO’s collective defence capabilities and its ability to project stability and respond to crises in adjacent areas. Member nations' diverse strategic assets and capabilities contribute to the alliance's overall strength and flexibility in addressing various security challenges. NATO's involvement in critical minerals and supply chains primarily centres around the broader context of geopolitical and security concerns, particularly in relation to the clean energy transition and strategic competition. While NATO is not a direct player in the mining or supply chain sectors, its member countries and affiliated organisations are actively engaged in securing and diversifying critical mineral supply chains due to their strategic importance. It is part of broader efforts to enhance national security and support sustainable energy transitions.
NATO's critical minerals list
On 11 December 2024, NATO released its first list of 12 defence-critical raw materials deemed essential to maintaining Allied defence capabilities. These minerals and metals underpin the manufacture of advanced military systems – from fighter jets and missiles to armoured vehicles and naval vessels – and are fundamental to NATO's technological edge.
By publicly identifying these strategic materials, NATO aims to highlight growing supply chain vulnerabilities and prioritise efforts to secure access amid rising geopolitical competition. The list forms part of a broader roadmap to strengthen and protect Allied supply chains, endorsed by Defence Ministers in June 2024, reflecting the Alliance’s recognition that resilient access to critical raw materials is now as strategically important as the weapons they enable.
NATO members in North America
As founding members of NATO, United States and Canada countries provide significant military capabilities and financial resources. Their geographical positioning offers strategic command over the North Atlantic, crucial for controlling transatlantic trade and military routes. They also serve as a primary defence against any threats coming from the Arctic, and their technological advancements contribute heavily to NATO's overall capabilities.
NATO members in Western Europe
The Western European countries form the core of NATO's economic and political power. Western Europe's strategic nature lies in its advanced military technologies, substantial economic resources, and dense population centres, which are vital to defending. These countries also provide critical infrastructure, including numerous NATO bases and headquarters.
These Nordic countries control important maritime routes in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, making them key to monitoring Russian activities in the Arctic and Northern Europe. Their territories are crucial for early warning systems and serve as front lines in the event of northern threats.
NATO members in Central Europe
The Central European countries strategic importance grew significantly after the end of the Cold War due to their location as a buffer between Western Europe and potential threats from Eastern Europe, including Russia. Their participation helps to stabilise this historically volatile area.
In Eastern Europe, the Baltic and Balkan countries are crucial for their proximity to Russia. They offer NATO strategic depth and a forward presence on Europe's eastern borders. Their locations are pivotal for defence planning and rapid deployment capabilities to deter regional aggression.
NATO members in Southeastern Europe
In Southeastern Europe, these countries are critical for controlling access to the Mediterranean Sea and for proximity to the Middle East and North Africa. Turkey, straddling Europe and Asia, holds immense strategic value for controlling the Turkish Straits and as a platform for operations in the Middle East. The Balkans' role is equally strategic for stability operations and as a transit route for forces and logistics.
Meet the Critical Minerals team
Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.
Henk de Hoop
Chief Executive Officer
Beresford Clarke
Managing Director: Technical & Research
Jamie Underwood
Principal Consultant
Ismet Soyocak
ESG & Critical Minerals Lead
Rj Coetzee
Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies
How can we help you?
SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.