EXPERT Capsule Course
Politics and Policy of Critical Minerals
At the heart of the world’s energy transition is a singular, uncomfortable reality - the supply chains underpinning this shift are dirty, fragile, and concentrated. In a world of US-China tech competition and the weaponisation of trade, this dependence is now being tested.
But how did China come to dominate critical mineral supply chains so thoroughly? And why is derisking from China - something every major economy now says it wants - so stubbornly difficult in practice?
This course unpacks the complexities at the intersection of geopolitics, technology, economics, and policy of critical minerals. Across the mineral supply chains, what are the embedded political economy structures and where does value accrue? From diplomatic responses to counter Chinese dominance, to the real costs of “friend-shoring” and why private capital isn’t following the policy signals - the course equips you with the analytical frameworks to go beyond headlines, understand the deeper factors at play and contribute meaningfully to the public discourse.
If you are a business leader, technology strategist, policymaker, journalist or just curious about one of the defining geopolitical contestations of this decade, this course is for you. As geopolitical issues become part of boardroom conversations, a deeper understanding of the factors at play is a necessity.
Delivered online on Saturdays through webinars, real-world case studies, expert guest lectures, and discussions.
Executive Capsule
| FORMAT | 4 weeks · online |
| CADENCE | Saturdays · two 90 min webinars |
| EARLY BIRD | 12 April 2026 · 10% scholarship |
| APPLY BY | 3 May 2026 |
| FEE | ₹10,000 + 18% GST |
Curriculum
Demystifying Critical Minerals
This unit provides a foundational understanding of the geopolitics, technology and economics of critical minerals, and dissects the structural reasons behind China’s current dominance in the sector.
Through real-world examples, this unit pulls back the curtain on the paradoxes of green transition. The global shift to Net Zero is far from clean and is tethered to the extractive supply chains of critical minerals.
- U.01The Big Picture
- U.02The Inconvenient Truth about Green Transition
The Global Scramble for Critical Minerals
With case-studies of resource-rich nations, the US, Japan and EU, this unit unpacks the geopolitical tug-of-war shaping supply chains while nations attempt to safeguard their interests.
This unit explains the tussle between market incentives and strategic concerns and why private capital has been stubbornly inert to policy signals. Students will be introduced to different finance mechanisms and ways to bridge this investment gap.
- U.01Resource Nationalism, Policy Responses and Diplomatic Efforts
- U.02Market Failures, Tradeoffs, and Following the Money
Where India Stands
Challenges in India’s mining, processing and recycling industries and policy recommendations necessary for India’s mineral resilience.
An interactive conversation with industry and government experts, aimed at providing an insight into recent policy developments as well as market and technology trends in India’s critical mineral industry.
- U.01 India’s Domestic Policy and What Needs Fixing
- U.02Expert-Panel Discussion
Where do we go from here?
This unit surveys the latest research and innovation in material science and engineering, exploring how far emerging solutions can take us.
This closing webinar will tie the multiple threads explored in the course and provide a forward-looking assessment on the next decade .
- U.01Substitution, Recycling and the Limits of Technological Escape
- U.02Expert-Panel Discussion
Application process
and fees
Eligibility
Bachelor's degree required. Final-year students are also welcome. No prior knowledge of minerals or geopolitics necessary. Open to professionals from any sector.
Scholarships
20% off for students and Takshashila alumni — fee of ₹8,000 + GST on application.
Questions
Have questions about eligibility, schedule, or fees? Write to us at ecc-criticalminerals@takshashila.org.in
