Resource warfare: considering the challenge of supply chain security in an era of unrestricted warfare

Supply chain management as a concept has grown steadily in importance over the last two decades. Appropriate management of an organisation's supply chains can now be a source of competitive advantage. Hence, it is ever increasingly important to ensure supply chain security. The research focuses on raw metal and rare earth elements supply chains which face particularly different and difficult supply chain risks and challenges when compared to the traditional raw material supply chain. This type of supply chain faces potential for 'resource warfare' and privileged access for chosen nations. A conceptual model is introduced to help improve supply chain security and mitigate risk.