Teck Resources' Highland Valley Copper Mine near Logan Lake, B.C., on Sept. 11.

Swift action by an alliance of G7 nations to develop a critical minerals supply chain will play a crucial role in ensuring the global security of supply, says the head of the International Energy Agency.

The G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alta., in June produced a plan among member countries that is focused on diversifying and strengthening production of the minerals vital to the global economy. Fatih Birol, the executive director of the International Energy Agency, said he will push for action on the agreement at the G7 energy and environment ministers meeting next week in Toronto.

China is the leading refiner and processor of the majority of the world’s 20 strategic minerals, according to an IEA analysis,

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