Global majority countries must incorporate critical minerals into artificial intelligence (AI) governance. The article highlights the global AI divide, which includes inequalities in AI development, innovation and regulation. These inequalities are caused by systemic deficiencies in education, digital infrastructure and access to decision-making processes, leading to the dependence and exclusion of global majority countries. Western countries and corporations dominate the creation of AI governance frameworks, ignoring the specific priorities and contexts of the global majority. China's dominance is pronounced in six key critical minerals—lithium, graphite, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths—where it controls an average of two-thirds of global processing and refining, including 75% or more in graphite, refined rare earths, and refined cobalt. Counter-trends such as national and regional AI strategies are emerging that can promote equity and inclusion in global AI governance. The article proposes system reforms, resource redistribution, and meaningful participation to democratize AI governance for the benefit of global majority countries.