This paper is the result of mineral exploration engineering. Objective The global energy transition and the rapid development of emerging industries have heighten the importance of securing a stable supply of critical minerals, which are essential for economic and technological transformation. This issue has garnered significant attention from governments and multinational enterprises, becoming a focal point in earth sciences research. Methods Through a systematic analysis, this paper examines the latest trend of global supply of critical minerals, identifies emerging research hotspots, and offers insights into future development. These findings provide valuable guidance for China's strategic planning in critical minerals and resource security. Results This study reveals that the stability of global critical minerals supplies has received a great deal of attention from the world's major economies and important manufacturing companies. The leading role of governments in shaping the supply chain of key minerals and the industrial chain is becoming increasingly evident. The methodology for determining critical list is evolving, the number of mineral species is expanding, but the overlapping mineral species are becoming more and more aggregated. With deeper research into mineralization processes and the occurrence of critical minerals, new deposit types are emerging. Manufacturing enterprises and mining enterprises are interfacing more closely, with a clear trend towards upward and downward integration, and investment institutions are increasing their support for investment in key minerals and research and development of new technologies. Conclusions As energy transition efforts intensify, the importance of critical minerals will continue to grow in the energy transition, driving increased demand, investment, and resource discovery. Notably, smaller critical minerals, such as lithium, may gain significance and emerge as major resources. Resource–rich nations like Australia and Canada are strengthening their supply advantages, while lost regions such as Central Asia and Europe are reasserting their roles in the market, marine mineral resources exploration and development on the agenda. The global supply landscape is likely to become more diversified. Advances in technology, innovations in alternative processes, and the iteration of recycling technology will open new avenues for the securing critical mineral supplies.