On Wednesday, head of the MFA Radosław Sikorski participated in a ministerial conference organised by the U.S. Department of State, dedicated to securing supply chains of critical minerals – natural materials necessary, among others, in the electronic, energy and defence industries, the absence of which could undermine the functioning of the economy and national security.
– The United States has identified a serious problem that has been faced by our companies for any time now: first the shortage of magnets, and then we had proposals that would de facto regulate critical minerals said Sikorski at a press conference.
Security and stability
The head of Polish diplomacy stressed that the European Union had already taken a position on critical minerals, and now the United States has proposed a wide global initiative. He stressed that Poland and the EU share its objectives, stressing the request to reduce the hazard of blackmail related to these natural materials and diversify their production, which is crucial for the economical safety and stableness of supply chains.
Sikorski reported that during the conference he had a number of bilateral talks, including with U.S. Secretary of State Mark Rubio. He addressed critical minerals as well as the situation in Venezuela, Iran, Cuba and Ukraine. He noted that in most of the assessments and proposed actions he shared the position of the Secretary of State.
Interesting solution
– All these public controversy, between the US and any allies, thank God not with Poland, they do not build trust, they simply drain trust and do not help. But erstwhile the United States proposes something meaningful, [...] and erstwhile it proposes a solution that at least looks interesting at first glance, it must be appreciated and supported – Sikorski assessed the interview with PAP.
He added that much would depend on details, including the mechanisms for setting minimum prices to encourage the construction of fresh mines, and the structure of task management. He announced that Poland would negociate with allies on this issue.
The agreement proposed by the US develops earlier initiatives, but is the first open proposal to introduce minimum prices for natural materials. This is related, among others, to last year's Chinese export restrictions on uncommon earth metals and the announcement of stopping their supply to abroad arms companies.
