Foreign Policy Live FP at Davos: Trump, Carney, and the Geopolitics of Material
Jan 22, 2026
Bandar Alkhorayef, Saudi Arabia's minister of industry and mineral resources, discusses the kingdom's strategy to diversify its economy through mining. Jonathan Price of Teck Resources highlights the impending copper supply gap due to rising demand from electrification. Jack Hidary from SandboxAQ reveals how AI and quantum computing can innovate material science and reduce supply chain reliance. Boitumelo Mosako emphasizes the need for regional collaboration in Southern Africa to maximize mineral benefits and advocate for beneficiation.
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Davos Revealed Two Competing Worldviews
- Donald Trump's Davos speech signaled a transactional, take-what-you-want view of geopolitics that sidelines allies and rules.
- Mark Carney offered a contrasting 'principled and pragmatic' approach emphasizing sovereign strength and realistic cooperation.
Metals Demand Outruns Supply Timelines
- Electrification, digitalization, and decarbonization are driving massive metals demand, especially for data centers and grids.
- Known supply timelines lag dramatically, risking shortages that will constrain infrastructure and EV deployment.
Make Permitting Fast And Predictable
- Cut permitting timelines and streamline predictable processes to unlock mining investment and speed project delivery.
- Pair faster permits with community engagement and social development commitments to avoid backlash.