Critical Minerals and the Green Energy Transition

The Importance of Critical Minerals

Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential components for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicles. Their responsible extraction and supply chain management are vital for a sustainable green energy transition that addresses environmental and social concerns.

Key Publications

Architecture for Change (2006)

An in-depth account of the Mining, Minerals, and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, which examined how the mining and minerals sector can contribute to sustainable development.

THE CASE FOR PRIORITIZING BAUXITE (2023)

Examines the social and environmental challenges of bauxite mining in the context of the green energy transition. The report argues for stronger governance, community protections, and a rethinking of how critical minerals like bauxite are sourced to ensure truly sustainable outcomes.

The Biggest Piece of the Puzzle: Aluminum and the Energy Transition (2023)

Explores the essential role of aluminum in the renewable energy sector, from solar panels to electric vehicles. It highlights the sustainability challenges in aluminum production and underscores the need for responsible sourcing and energy-efficient practices to support the clean energy transition.

Project Highlights

Intergovernmental forum on mining, minerals, and metals

SDSG regularly works with the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Secretariat to provide support services to the IGF’s 79 Government Members, which may request to undergo assessments of their national law and policy frameworks against the IGF’s Mining Policy Framework (MPF) and participate in related capacity building programs.

Assesment of Mexicos Mining Laws and Policies

SDSG led a Technical Assistance program on indigenous consultation with the Government of Mexico, again based on an Assessment, that found lack of proper consultation to be a key problem.

More Related Reports & Projects ▼

Argentina Leads the Global Lithium Rush (2023)

Examines whether Argentina has the governance and infrastructure needed for long-term success in the lithium boom.

Read Report

Battery Minerals: Cobalt and the DRC

Asks whether the global clean energy transition can occur without depending on cobalt sourced from the DRC, given its human rights and governance concerns.

View Report

Copper Crisis: Inequality & Conflict

Analyzes how instability in copper-producing regions may threaten global decarbonization and clean energy supply chains.

Read More

In Situ Leach Uranium Mining – Namibia

Evaluates whether Namibia can surpass Kazakhstan in uranium production through ISL methods while maintaining safety and sustainability.

Read Report

Voluntary Standards & Certification (2022)

Outlines key frameworks for voluntary sustainability standards in the mining and minerals sector.

View Presentation

IBRAM Brazil Presentation (2011)

Highlights Brazil’s mining policies and industry priorities as presented by IBRAM.

View Slides

Critical Minerals and Climate Goals

Explores the role of critical minerals in meeting global carbon reduction targets.

Learn More

Mining Environmental Impact Assessments (2024)

Guidelines and case studies on assessing ecological risks of mining operations.

Read Report

Community-Led Mining Governance (2023)

Highlights examples of successful Indigenous governance models for mineral development.

Download

Supply Chain Risk Mitigation Strategies

Analysis of tools and approaches to reduce disruptions and ethical risks in mineral sourcing.

View Details

Sustainable Battery Materials

Research on alternatives and recycling of critical minerals for clean energy technologies.

Learn More

Just Transition and Mineral Policy

Insights on aligning mineral extraction policies with social equity and environmental justice.

Read More