A working paper released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) underscores the urgent need for increased sustainability in the extraction and use of critical energy transition minerals.
Titled Critical Transitions: Circularity, Equity, and Responsibility in the Quest for Energy Transition Minerals the working paper was released on 18 November. It explores how the ascent of renewable energy will bring about a rise in demand for certain minerals, and says circular economy approaches can diminish the social and environmental impact of this increased demand. This working paper is part of an initiative launched by the UN Secretary-General to ensure a sustainable, just transition to the renewable energy age.
"The energy transition presents an opportunity for development and economic growth, but it must be pursued responsibly to truly benefit both people and planet," said Elisa Tonda, Chief of the Resources and Markets Branch at UNEP’s Industry and Economy Division. "Circularity, responsibility and equity must underpin every step of this journey.”
Tonda added that producer countries must benefit from value-added processes and that mineral extraction must respect communities and ecosystems.
A mineral-intensive path to clean energy
As the world shifts from fossil fuels to renewable energy technologies, mineral demand will increase to meet the needs of clean energy equipment, from solar panels to electric vehicle batteries. According to the International Energy Agency, reaching global net-zero emissions by 2050 could require a six-fold increase in demand for certain minerals. The UNEP publication identifies 26 minerals that will be critical for the energy transition. Unlike fossil fuels, which are burned and lost, many of these minerals can be recycled, providing an opportunity to reduce new extraction through greater efficiency and circularity.
According to the publication, greater efficiency and circularity could reduce the cumulative need for new energy transition minerals by 2050. This would save money, minimize supply risks and avoid causing serious environmental damage. Responsible mining for the remaining mineral requirements is vital for ensuring that the social and environmental impacts of mining do not damage surrounding communities, the working paper said.
Demand for circularity and innovation
The working paper advocates for greater circularity in the critical energy transition minerals sector — an approach where products are designed in a way that permits them to remain in the economy for as long as possible and the generation of waste is avoided or minimized. As renewable energy technologies can often be recycled, circularity offers an avenue to minimize the cumulative demand for new minerals, thus reducing the strain on natural resources and lowering environmental costs. The working paper presents a framework comprised of “Eight R’s” — Rethink, Reduce, Replace, Reuse, Recover, Recycle, Retain, and Responsible extraction — to guide policies and industry practices that support a circular approach to the extraction and use of minerals.
Recommendations for policy and industry action
The working paper highlights that governments, industries and the international community must play a role in supporting a sustainable energy transition. To that end, the green transition requires coordinated policies at national and international levels, robust data sharing, and strong regulatory frameworks to uphold responsible mining and equitable resource distribution. Establishing clear accountability and transparency across mineral supply chains is also essential to monitor environmental impact and ensure equitable benefit sharing. Traceability tools, data sharing and reliable reporting mechanisms are vital for achieving this goal.
Investors and industries also have a part to play in promoting sustainability by adhering to the highest standards, investing in low-impact alternatives and implementing the Global Industry Standard on Tailings Management. The report emphasizes that such industry efforts are crucial to minimizing environmental and social impacts and achieving sustainable outcomes in resource-dependent regions.
Global call to action
With the demand for energy transition minerals set to grow exponentially, UNEP’s report is a timely call to action. It highlights that a sustainable energy transition requires global commitment to responsible mineral management, fostering circular alternatives, and ensuring that the shift to renewable energy does not come at the expense of the environment or vulnerable communities. UNEP will continue to work alongside governments, industries, and civil society to address these challenges, paving the way for a greener, more equitable future.
