China has dominated the supply of critical minerals for decades, notably in the processing of rare earths, lithium and cobalt amongst others. Western nations, especially the US have belatedly understood the problems that Chinese dominance in the sector brings and is seeking to establish their owns supply chains, not just from within their territories but through increased investment throughout Africa. We interviewed a number of critical miners at this year’s Mining Indaba in Cape Town, who discussed the issues around Chinese dominance and how the US and EU are looking to diversify critical minerals supply chains outside of China.