Critical Mineral Demand Rises as Countries Expand Renewable Energy

Demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel is expected to surge as countries expand renewable energy and electric vehicle production. UN agencies and Indigenous groups warn that poorly regulated mining is causing water depletion, toxic pollution, and social harm in developing countries.

Governments are under pressure to secure mineral supplies while balancing environmental protection, human rights, and local economic development.

As more countries around the globe invest heavily in growing their renewable energy capacity, governments are racing to secure their critical mineral supply chains to support the growth of the green energy and cleantech sectors. However, rapid sectoral growth could threaten both the environment and communities in mineral source countries if not developed sustainably.

Critical minerals are those considered essential to countries’ economies or development and are seen as the building blocks for clean energy technologies.