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?
 
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
 
Access the story originally published on UN News
 
 

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