Market Decode: The coming mineral mining surge
Certain metals and minerals are critical to meeting global energy, defense and infrastructure needs, creating a number of potential investment opportunities
ENERGY SECURITY TODAY depends on much more than oil. Everything from military technologies and green energy solutions to batteries, semiconductors and the sophisticated data centers required to power artificial intelligence rely on having a plentiful supply of critical minerals and metals. Think copper, cobalt, lithium, nickel and more. While the U.S. has some of these natural resources in abundance, it hasn’t prioritized mining them, due in part to governmental regulation and environmental concerns.
“For 40 of the 50 mineral commodities that are considered critical by the government, the U.S. imports all or a majority of what it consumes,” says Ariana Chiu, wealth management analyst in the Chief Investment Office (CIO) for Merrill and Bank of America Private Bank. “Rising geopolitical tensions may lead to a rethinking of supply chains and a greater commitment to expanding mining and refining capabilities at home,” she adds.
In the video above, Chiu looks at what the growing importance of minerals, metals and other commodities might mean for long-term investors as infrastructure needs expand.
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Important disclosures
The opinions expressed are as of 4/3/2025 and are subject to change.
Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Past performance is no guarantee of future results.
Investments have varying degrees of risk. Some of the risks involved with equity securities include the possibility that the value of the stocks may fluctuate in response to events specific to the companies or markets, as well as economic, political or social events in the U.S. or abroad. Stocks of small-cap companies pose special risks, including possible illiquidity and greater price volatility than stocks of larger, more established companies. Investments in foreign securities (including ADRs) involve special risks, including foreign currency risk and the possibility of substantial volatility due to adverse political, economic or other developments. Investments in a certain industry or sector may pose additional risk due to lack of diversification and sector concentration. Investments in Infrastructure Assets will be subject to risks incidental to owning and operating infrastructure projects, including risks associated with the general economic climate, geographic or market concentration, government regulations and fluctuations in interest rates. The industries targeted for investment may be highly regulated by governmental agencies. Such regulations may impact an investor’s ability to acquire, dispose of and/or manage investments.
Investing in commodities or the securities of companies operating in the commodities market involves a high degree of risk, including strategies and investment practices that may increase the risk of investment loss, including the principal value invested. Investments may be highly illiquid and subject to high fees and expenses. The value of the underlying commodity may be affected by changes in overall market movements, commodity index volatility, changes in interest rates, or factors affecting a particular industry or commodity, such as drought, floods, weather, livestock disease, embargoes, tariffs and international economic, political and regulatory developments. Certain commodities may be produced in a limited number of countries and may be controlled by a small number of producers. Other risks not listed may also affect the value of commodity investments.
The Chief Investment Office (CIO) provides thought leadership on wealth management, investment strategy and global markets; portfolio management solutions; due diligence; and solutions oversight and data analytics. CIO viewpoints are developed for Bank of America Private Bank, a division of Bank of America, N.A., (“Bank of America”) and Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (“MLPF&S” or “Merrill”), a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser and a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”).
