Critical minerals, often called the "vitamins" of modern industry, are indispensable for emerging technologies and energy transitions. As global demand surges, certain countries and regions have emerged as dominant players due to their resource wealth, advanced extraction technologies, or strategic policies. This article examines the competitive advantages of key nations—such as China, Australia, Russia, the U.S., Canada, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—in supplying minerals like rare earths, lithium, cobalt, and nickel. From China’s near-monopoly in rare earths to the DRC’s cobalt dominance, we analyze how these resources shape global industries and geopolitical dynamics.