How China's mines rule the market of critical raw materials The European Union has identified thirty raw materials as critical for industry. Their supply is endangered by conflicts, a weak rule of law and trade monopolies. And one nation controls more than all others. Ore chunks containing red cobalt from Australia are often processed in China before being used in catalysts and batteries. They might sparkle in shades of violet, red and silver, or they might look like dirty rocks, but critical raw materials such as cobalt or germanium, have two things in common. They are all both rare and vital for the production of everyday items like smartphones, solar panels and electric vehicles.