Mining Is Dead: Long Live the New Geopolitical Mining

The era of traditional mining is over. Today, critical minerals such as copper, lithium, rare earth elements, and others have emerged as strategic assets shaping global power, influencing everything from energy transition and electric vehicles to artificial intelligence and defense technologies. This new reality means mining is no longer simply about extraction—it's about industrial leadership, geopolitical influence, and economic security.

Marta Rivera and Eduardo Zamanillo offer an essential guide to understanding this new global mining paradigm. Based on rigorous analysis, official data (2024–2025), and deep strategic insights, this book reveals how regions such as China, the United States, Canada, Australia, Latin America, Africa, and Asia are reshaping the international order through strategic mining decisions.

In this concise yet comprehensive book, you'll discover:

• How strategic speed has become the defining factor for converting mineral resources into industrial and geopolitical power.
• Why a compelling narrative is vital for legitimacy, investment attraction, and public support in modern mining.
• How failing to industrialize mining exposes countries to long-term vulnerability and dependency.
• The crucial role of clean technology, AI, and strategic alliances in positioning countries as global leaders in the mining sector.
• Why managing illegal mining is critical for national security, economic stability, and institutional legitimacy.

Mining Is Dead is a must-read for policymakers, business leaders, investors, industry professionals, journalists, and anyone interested in how critical minerals are redefining global economics, geopolitics, and technological innovation. It offers practical insights and strategic clarity for navigating the complexities of the 21st-century mining landscape.

Ultimately, this book is not just about minerals; it's about understanding the invisible forces shaping our future. The mining we knew is gone—welcome to the new geopolitical mining order.