The surge in critical minerals is fueling resource nationalism globally, prompting questions about its alignment with long-term developmental goals and the risk of replicating past environmental and extractivist patterns. This paper examines this phenomenon, highlighting the opportunities and challenges of a renewed resource-based agenda. We argue that while nations should seek sovereign control, leveraging mineral wealth carries considerable risk. Success hinges on strong technological foresight, robust environmental regulations, inclusive social governance, and carefully integrating the minerals strategy within a broader, equitable industrial policy.
