Development of Rare Earth Metals and Lithium Industries in Iran as a Factor of National Energy and Technological Security

Abstract

In recent years, global political and academic circles have shown a significant increase in interest regarding the problem of countries’ access to critical materials and the know-how required for their exploitation, in particular lithium and rare earth metals, which are essential for progress in high-tech industries. The article examines the development of the rare earth metals and lithium industry in Iran in the context of the national modernization model implemented by the state. The dynamics of the formation and evolution of the Iran’s national rare earth metals and lithium industry are traced, taking into account domestic scientific and technological developments and opportunities for international cooperation. The factor of U.S. sanctions pressure on Iran’s mining and metallurgical industry is also taken into account. The author argues that the development of the rare earth metals and lithium industry can contribute to achieving of a number of key principles of the “resistance economy” doctrine: ensuring high rates of economic growth, preventing the negative impact of sanctions on the relevant industry, utilizing domestic capacities, achieving self-sufficiency in strategic goods, reducing dependence on oil revenues, and contributing to the creation of an innovative economy. Given the significant control of rare earth metals and lithium markets by certain states or company cartels, Iran is interested in developing national industries for these critical materials, which in the long term is key to achieving the state’s strategic goals.