Critical minerals for energy transitions have been one of the key drivers behind criticality discussions in recent decades, notably with the potential and real impacts of monopolisation of supply chains in China. Geopolitical uncertainty with trade policies from the USA has added to concern over supply chain risks. In the Indo-Pacific, which has a large, growing population and rapidly expanding regional economies, bilateral trade agreements and domestic policy directions have potential to secure supply on some fronts, while undermining longer-term viability of other strategic facilities. The example of downstreaming policies in Indonesia, which has significantly impacted upstream viability of nickel production in countries such as Australia, and with similar policies for copper potentially impacting the viability of recycling facilities in countries such as Japan, demonstrate the need for systemic consideration. This study considers the current Indo-Pacific policy and industrial ecosystem for energy-critical minerals, and the systemic geopolitical implications of trade and domestic policy standpoints. Opportunities and risks for future critical mineral security will be discussed.