锂钴镍需求2050年增超10倍！关键矿产告急，中国靠数字化找矿破局？

Core Viewpoint - The global political and economic landscape is undergoing profound adjustments, with energy and mineral resources becoming increasingly strategic for national economies. Experts at the recent high-end forum emphasized the need for technological innovation and structural optimization to enhance the supply security and resilience of energy and mineral resources in China [1]. Group 1: Demand for Key Minerals - The demand for strategic mineral resources is rapidly increasing due to advancements in artificial intelligence, quantum technology, new energy, and new materials. The overall demand for mineral resources is on the rise, particularly as traditional manufacturing transitions to intelligent manufacturing [2]. - The demand for lithium, cobalt, and nickel is expected to grow more than tenfold by 2050, while the demand for copper and aluminum will continue to rise until it peaks after 2040. The value of minerals required for intelligent manufacturing is projected to increase by 3 to 7 times by 2050 [2]. - The supply of major minerals is highly concentrated in a few countries, with 80% of iron ore licenses in Australia and Brazil, and over 90% of cobalt production in the Democratic Republic of Congo. This concentration poses significant risks to supply chain security [2]. Group 2: Digitalization and Technological Innovation - To address challenges, enhancing domestic resource self-sufficiency and industry chain resilience is essential. Experts agree on the need for technological leadership to explore resource potential and improve utilization efficiency [3]. - Since the 14th Five-Year Plan, the Ministry of Natural Resources has invested nearly 450 billion yuan in new exploration strategies, achieving significant breakthroughs in resource security and structural optimization [3]. - Advanced technologies such as big data, artificial intelligence, and quantum computing are providing new approaches for precise mineral exploration and resource resilience assessment [4]. Group 3: Building a Resilient Resource Security System - Experts propose constructing a high-resilience resource security system through policy mechanisms, international cooperation, and talent development. This includes simplifying approval processes and promoting social capital participation in resource development [5]. - The current global mineral issues have evolved into a systemic problem involving national security, industrial competition, and technological sovereignty. There is a need for a non-confrontational multi-cooperation network to enhance global supply chain resilience [5]. - By 2035, China's energy supply security is expected to improve, but challenges remain in green production and resource recycling. The future development of mineral resources is anticipated to be characterized by excess quantity, lagging quality, structural imbalance, and leading efficiency [6].