Facebook Twitter Print Email
Why are critical minerals suddenly at the centre of global politics?
Every electric vehicle, wind turbine, solar panel, smart phone; they all depend on minerals extracted from the earth.
As countries accelerate the transition to clean (non-fossil fuel) energy, demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and graphite is rising rapidly.
For many countries, this presents an unprecedented economic opportunity.
But in some places, competition over these resources has fuelled conflict, corruption, environmental damage and human rights abuses.
This week, the UN Security Council is asking a fundamental question:
Can the minerals powering the green transition also become a foundation for peace and sustainable development?
Demand for critical minerals is growing exponentially as countries expand renewable energy and battery technologies.
Without them, the clean energy transition, to wean the world off climate-busting fossil fuels, cannot happen.
Poor governance can turn valuable natural resources into drivers of conflict, corruption and environmental degradation.
Help ensure mineral wealth benefits communities rather than financing violence.
Critical minerals are essential ingredients in many modern technologies, including:
Without them, many clean energy technologies simply would not exist.
Large deposits exist across Africa, Latin America and parts of Asia.
For many producing countries, they represent an enormous opportunity to create jobs, diversify economies and generate public revenue.
But success depends on how these resources are managed.
The global energy transition is accelerating.
Many analysts now compare their strategic importance to oil during the twentieth century.
Mining is essential, but it also comes with significant environmental costs if poorly managed.
Poorly regulated mining can contribute to:
Many deposits are also located close to Indigenous communities and environmentally sensitive ecosystems.
The challenge is not whether to mine, it is how to mine responsibly.
Natural resources have long played a role in conflict.
The Council is examining concerns that:
The broader question is whether growing global demand for critical minerals could increase geopolitical tensions – or instead become a driver of peace and development.
“A world powered by renewables is a world hungry for critical minerals.”
 UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Critical minerals such as lithium and cobalt are central to the transition to a zero-carbon economy. As the Security Council meets on Thursday to discuss “energy, critical minerals and security,” here is some of the work the UN is doing to ensure that the transition is just and equitable.
Facebook Twitter Print Email

source