Episode #435: How AI, Drones, and Rare Earths Will Decide the Next Global Conflict

On this episode of Crazy Wisdom, host Stewart Alsop talks with Troy Johnson, founder and partner at Resource Development Group, LLC, about the deep history and modern implications of mining. From the earliest days of salt extraction to the role of rare earth metals in global geopolitics, the conversation covers how mining has shaped technology, warfare, and supply chains. They discuss the strategic importance of minerals like gallium and germanium, the rise of drone warfare, and the ongoing battle for resource dominance between China and the West. Listeners can find more about Troy’s work at resourcedevgroup.com (www.resourcedevgroup.com) and connect with him on LinkedIn via the Resource Development Group page.

Check out this GPT we trained on the conversation!

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to the Crazy Wisdom Podcast

00:17 The Origins of Mining

00:28 Early Uses of Mined Materials

03:29 The Evolution of Mining Techniques

07:56 Mining in the Industrial Revolution

09:05 Modern Mining and Strategic Metals

12:25 The Role of AI in Modern Warfare

24:36 Decentralization in Warfare and Governance

30:51 AI's Unpredictable Moves in Go

32:26 The Shift in Media Trust

33:40 The Rise of Podcasts

35:47 Mining Industry Innovations

39:32 Geopolitical Impacts on Mining

40:22 The Importance of Supply Chains

44:37 Challenges in Rare Earth Processing

51:26 Ensuring a Bulletproof Supply Chain

57:23 Conclusion and Contact Information

Key Insights

1. Mining is as old as civilization itself – Long before the Bronze Age, humans were mining essential materials like salt and ochre, driven by basic survival needs. Over time, mining evolved from a necessity for tools and pigments to a strategic industry powering economies and military advancements. This deep historical perspective highlights how mining has always been a fundamental pillar of technological and societal progress.
2. The geopolitical importance of critical minerals – Modern warfare and advanced technology rely heavily on strategic metals like gallium, germanium, and antimony. These elements are essential for electronic warfare, radar systems, night vision devices, and missile guidance. The Chinese government, recognizing this decades ago, secured global mining and processing dominance, putting Western nations in a vulnerable position as they scramble to reestablish domestic supply chains.
3. The rise of drone warfare and EMP defense systems – Military strategy is shifting toward drone swarms, where thousands of small, cheap, AI-powered drones can overwhelm traditional defense systems. This has led to the development of countermeasures like EMP-based defense systems, including the Leonidas program, which uses gallium nitride to disable enemy electronics. This new battlefield dynamic underscores the urgent need for securing critical mineral supplies to maintain technological superiority.
4. China’s long-term strategy in resource dominance – Unlike Western nations, where election cycles dictate short-term decision-making, China has played the long game in securing mineral resources. Through initiatives like the Belt and Road, they have locked down raw materials while perfecting the refining process, making them indispensable to global supply chains. Their recent export bans on gallium and germanium show how resource control can be weaponized for geopolitical leverage.
5. Ethical mining and the future of clean extraction – Mining has long been associated with environmental destruction and poor labor conditions, but advances in technology and corporate responsibility are changing that. Major mining companies are now prioritizing ethical sourcing, reducing emissions, and improving worker safety. Blockchain-based tracking systems are also helping verify supply chain integrity, ensuring that materials come from environmentally and socially responsible sources.
6. The vulnerability of supply chains and the need for resilience – The West’s reliance on outsourced mineral processing has created significant weaknesses in national security. A disruption—whether through trade restrictions, political instability, or sabotage—can cripple industries dependent on rare materials. A key takeaway is the need for a “bulletproof supply chain,” where critical materials are sourced, processed, and manufactured within allied nations to mitigate risk.
7. AI, decentralization, and the next era of industrial warfare – As AI becomes more embedded in military decision-making and logistics, the balance between centralization and decentralization is being redefined. AI-driven drones, automated mining, and predictive supply chain management are reshaping how nations prepare for conflict. However, this also introduces risks, as AI operates within unpredictable “black boxes,” potentially leading to unintended consequences in warfare and resource management.