Share of top refining country for energy-related strategic minerals, 2024Stepping up global action on critical minerals security has never been more urgent. Strategic stockpiling of critical minerals can serve as an important protective measure to safeguard countries from supply shocks and disruptions while they develop new, diversified sources of supply. The diversity of critical minerals, each with distinct market contexts, means that stockpiling is not a catch-all solution and its suitability can vary by mineral. Most existing strategic critical mineral stockpiling systems are government-held and managed through public agencies. The IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme is a key international platform helping countries to explore strategic questions around developing domestic stockpiling systems and opportunities to strengthen international coordination.