Critical minerals in national security is the top trend in Deloitte Global’s Tracking the Trends 2026 report, playing a role in guiding companies to help achieve objectives as they seek to re-define how they create and share value.
Deloitte says for the mining sector, the second half of the current decade looks “dramatically different” from the first half. Minerals critical to the energy transition are becoming a national security priority, while artificial intelligence and other future technologies are reshaping operating models.
For the top performing trend – critical minerals – success will likely come to those that embrace new roles as strategic collaborators, balance short-term agility with long-term investment, and align their business models with security imperatives and sustainability commitments, as reported by Deloitte.
Deloitte Australia mining and metals leader Nicki Ivory says the abundant critical mineral supply, once seen primarily as an energy transition enabler, is now at the centre of global national security discussions.
“Companies are expected to balance powering clean energy with reinforcing defence strategies, all while meeting growing consumer demand,” Ivory says.
In January 2026, the Australian Government announced new details of its $1.2 billion Critical Minerals Strategic Reserve which seeks to secure the supply of key minerals vital for the country’s economy, national security, and Future Made in Australia ambitions, as previously reported.
In the 2024-25 Budget, the federal government committed $22.7 billion over the next decade to build a Future Made in Australia. The agenda aims to maximise opportunities as the nation moves towards net zero and secure Australia’s place in a changing global environment.
Australia’s abundant supply of critical minerals will be essential for global supply chains and for strengthening economic partnerships with other nations, and that is what the Treasurer’s visit to the US is working towards.
“In a rapidly changing world, the Strategic Reserve is all about safeguarding Australia’s future prosperity,” the Treasurer Jim Chalmers says.
“Ensuring we have a reliable reserve of these critical resources will strengthen supply chains and help to stabilise critical minerals markets.”
AI and technology growth
Each of the trends identified draw on the experience of Deloitte’s worldwide network of mining and metals companies and offer pathways to act, from data and AI-enabled exploration and smart operations to future-fit operating models and resilient value chains.
The second top performing trend is future-proofing portfolios, with mining companies facing new sets of priorities, demanding a shift from traditional portfolio management approaches to more strategic, agile, and sustainable practices.
Other trends involve differentiation, evolving operating models, extracting advantages from data, AI, evolution of human resources, re-defining exploration, unlocking resource wealth, and sustainability.
Ivory notes the growth of AI is presenting transformative opportunities to elevate operational resilience and competitiveness by boosting productivity and revolutionising mineral discoveries.
“Off-site, the arrival of agentic AI is forcing a rethink of how workforces should be structured in a world where humans and agents work side by side,” she says.
As Mining.com.au reported on the eighth day of Christmas, AI is rapidly becoming one of mining’s most-talked about and powerful tools.
In S&P Global Energy’s latest Horizons Top Trends report for 2026, AI uptake is set to soar as demand rises – testing grid limits, revenue models, and sustainability goals. Potential demand is expected to reach over 2,200 terawatts per hour – roughly equivalent to India’s total energy consumption.
More mining and resources companies from around the world are focusing on AI including Caterpillar (NYSE:CAT) which has expanded its collaboration with NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) to drive innovation across industries through next-generation AI-enhanced customer solutions and manufacturing systems.
The engagement intends to transform how work gets done for Caterpillar’s customers, dealers, and employees.
As part of the collaboration, Caterpillar is investing to equip its assets for an AI-enabled future through the NVIDIA Jetson Thor platform. The platform enables real-time AI interference on Caterpillar construction, mining, and power equipment.
Caterpillar says the upgrades ensure assets are ready for AI-assisted and potentially autonomous operations.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Deloitte
