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Trump has reignited global attention by focusing on three unlikely flashpoints: Greenland, Venezuela, and Iran. He has spoken openly about U.S. security interests in Greenland, pushed for tighter pressure on Iran’s energy trade, and moved to re-engage with Venezuela’s oil sector after years of isolation.
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On the surface, these moves look scattered, but in reality, they form a clear pattern. This is not about diplomacy or headlines; it’s about energy and who controls it.
So, let’s take a deep dive into what is fuelling this global resource rush and what it means for the Australian mining sector.
For decades, the global energy system was built around sourcing the cheapest supply possible. Efficiency mattered more than resilience, and energy security was assumed rather than protected. That model no longer works in a world defined by geopolitical rivalry, fragile supply chains and rising conflict risk.
Trump’s actions reflect a shift away from a price-first energy policy toward a control-first strategy. Greenland matters because it anchors Arctic security and holds vast reserves of rare-earth elements and other critical minerals essential for advanced weapons, satellites, AI infrastructure, and next-generation manufacturing.
Venezuela matters because it sits on some of the world’s largest oil reserves at a time when reliable, politically aligned supply is becoming more valuable than cheap barrels from unstable regions.
Then, finally, Iran matters because it remains central to global energy flows and some of the world’s most sensitive shipping routes.
Together, these represent leverage points in a system that is no longer stable. The renewed focus signals that access to energy and raw materials is again being treated as a national security priority − not just an economic one.
This shift is unfolding alongside an intensifying race for technological dominance between the West and the East, particularly in the race toward general AI, where many believe the first country to reach it will secure global dominance.
Advanced military systems, data centres, and AI models all depend on vast, reliable energy supplies as well, and technological leadership is impossible without control over the resources that power them.
That is why this matters directly to Australia.
Australia combines political stability, deep mineral reserves and world-class mining and engineering capability. As global powers move to secure supply chains away from hostile or unreliable regions, Australia becomes increasingly strategic.
Companies like BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue are no longer just exposed to commodity cycles. They now sit at the centre of a global effort to rebuild industrial capacity and secure energy. Engineering firms such as Worley also stand to benefit as capital flows into mining, energy and infrastructure projects.
For everyday Australians, this is not abstract geopolitics. It flows through superannuation returns, employment opportunities and national income. Markets will remain volatile, and headlines will shift, but the direction is clear. Energy, resources and critical minerals are back at the centre of global power, and those who understand this shift will be better positioned as the next cycle unfolds.
For now, good luck and good trading.
Dale Gillham is Chief Analyst at Wealth Within and an international bestselling author of How to Beat the Managed Funds by 20%. He is also the author of Accelerate Your Wealth—It’s Your Money, Your Choice, which is available in bookstores and online at www.wealthwithin.com.au.
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