With the demand for critical minerals required for renewable energy technologies expected to nearly triple by 2030, an expert panel, convened by the UN Secretary-General, has released a comprehensive set of recommendations and guiding principles. These are intended for governments, industries, and other stakeholders to ensure that the global energy transition is pursued in a manner that promotes equity, justice, and sustainability.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of the panel’s findings, stating, “The Panel’s report is a blueprint to generate prosperity and equality alongside clean energy. These recommendations come at a crucial time when the demand for critical minerals is increasing rapidly.” Guterres further highlighted that the report aims to ensure that the renewable energy transition is grounded in fairness and sustainability, contributing to development, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity in mineral-rich developing nations.
As a next step, the Secretary-General has asked the panel’s Co-Chairs to present the report and its recommendations to Member States and stakeholders before COP29, the 29th UN Climate Change Conference, later this year.
Key Points of the Report and Recommendations
Titled “Resourcing the Energy Transition: Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals Toward Equity and Justice,” the report outlines methods to ensure that the renewable energy revolution is built on a foundation of justice and fairness. The recommendations cover transparency, investment, sustainability, and human rights throughout the entire mineral supply chain—from extraction to refining, manufacturing, transportation, and recycling.
Panel Co-Chair Nozipho Joyce Mxakato-Diseko from South Africa stressed the urgency of cooperation among nations, stating, “We are at a critical juncture where global cooperation is essential to address climate change and related crises. Justice, equity, and human rights must guide our path towards shared global prosperity.” She emphasized that the proposed seven guiding principles for energy transition minerals center on cooperation, justice, and human rights.
Ditte Juul Jørgensen, Director-General for Energy at the European Commission and Co-Chair of the panel, highlighted the importance of multilateralism. “Last year at COP28, countries agreed to triple global renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030. Demand for critical minerals will skyrocket, but we have an opportunity to protect the environment and share the benefits fairly while tackling climate change,” she said.
International Cooperation and Future Steps
The report builds on existing international norms and commitments, providing actionable recommendations to ensure everyone benefits from the renewable energy transition. One key recommendation is the creation of a high-level advisory group within the UN to facilitate policy dialogue and coordination across mineral value chains. The panel also suggests establishing a global framework for traceability and accountability, along with a fund to address issues from abandoned mines. Furthermore, small-scale and artisanal miners should be empowered to contribute to development while maintaining environmental stewardship and human rights.
Minerals Crucial for Energy Transition and Opportunities for Developing Countries
Achieving the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C hinges on the availability of critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and battery storage systems.
Developing countries with large mineral reserves have the potential to transform their economies, create green jobs, and promote sustainable local development. However, the report warns that without proper management, increased mineral demand may exacerbate commodity dependence, intensify geopolitical tensions, and lead to environmental and social challenges, undermining sustainable development goals.
Next Steps
In preparation for COP29, the UN Secretary-General has instructed the panel’s Co-Chairs to engage with Member States and other stakeholders to discuss the report and its recommendations. The goal is to ensure that these principles are implemented on the ground, creating shared benefits from the energy transition.