Crude oil and gas remain relevant mineral resources but we are gradually seeing another dimension of the struggle for resources. The
invasion of Ukraine by Russia has been associated with the quest for these rare earth metals. Other struggles that could have been related to the drive for these raw materials are the coup in some part of
West Africa, Donald Trump's intention for the US to take over
Greenland and the US support deal with
Ukraine.
Do you know what saddens me most about this rush for new gold?
As you said... it greatly affects illegal mining, foreign influx, environmental impact, local communities and others. These populations that have no power to dictate rule and prevent these "invasions". But there are worse... small countries ended selling out to major powers and giving up their sovereignty on exchange for investment promises that donot materialize.
Africa, for example, suffers greatly from this. They've already accepted billion dollars deals with China and the US and in return almost nothing are done to improve the situation of the population that living there. The goverment that should protecte them ended up selling their land for a few quick dollars that ended up being misinvested or stolen from the population through corruption.
Your account touches it very important point: how local communities are affected by a global dispute that in practice is far beyond their control. This relationship between illegal mining, foreign influx and environmental impact shows how geopolitical play unfolds within the borders of countries that lack the power to dictate the rules.
Its the same old vicious cycle: a country is very rich in its natural resources, but it canot exploit them without being exploited at the same time.