Cobalt Institute’s Post

A new UN panel has outlined actions and principles to secure critical minerals for the #energytransition, emphasizing justice, equity, and sustainable supply chains. These minerals are vital for #cleanenergy technologies like wind turbines and batteries. https://zurl.co/LLn9

Africa’s Role in Supplying Critical Minerals for the Green Energy Revolution https://lnkd.in/d-qzmgYq As the global economy pivots towards sustainability, the demand for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements (REEs) has surged. These materials are the cornerstone of modern clean energy technologies, powering everything from electric vehicles (EVs) to renewable energy storage systems. Africa, endowed with vast deposits of these resources, is increasingly at the forefront of the green energy transition. But how can the continent navigate its opportunities and challenges in this burgeoning sector? #GlobalEconomy #Sustainability #CriticalMinerals #Lithium #Cobalt #RareEarthElements #CleanEnergy #ElectricVehicles #RenewableEnergy #GreenEnergyTransition #AfricaResources #MineralExploration #SustainableDevelopment #EVs #EnergyStorage #AfricanEconomy #ResourceManagement #GreenTech

These metals—cobalt, lithium, nickel, and rare earth elements—are indispensable in crafting the core components of electric vehicle batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy technologies. This convergence of necessity and opportunity presents Africa with a unique advantage, allowing it not only to strengthen its economy but also to redefine its position on the world stage.  https://lnkd.in/d2sRb-a9

Proud to have contributed to the work of the UN Secretary General's Panel on Transition Minerals (CETM). CETM was set up with the mandate of outlining principles for centering equity and justice in energy transition mineral management. The panel has released its much-anticipated report, "Resourcing the Energy Transition: Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals towards Equity and Justice," providing key recommendations to advance these objectives across the entire minerals value chain. https://lnkd.in/euEM8qPR

🔊 Recently, UN Secretary – General appointed a panel on "Critical Energy Transition Minerals", to develop global common & voluntary principles for minerals value chain to safeguard socio - environmental standards & embed justice in the #energytransition. 🔎 The panel comprises 38 Government and intergovernmental actors, and Non-State Actors. 🔆 Key Facts About the Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals ➡ 1️⃣ The panel will address issues relating to equity, transparency, investment, sustainability & human rights in the context of #criticalminerals for #renewableenergy technologies. Countries across the globe view the critical minerals as an opportunity to create jobs, diversify economies and boost revenues. 2️⃣ The panel's objective is aligned with 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (#sdg2030), UN Framework Agreement on Climate Change (#UNFCCC) & its #ParisAgreement to harness the potential of critical minerals for shared prosperity & leaving no one behind. The panel utilises past UN efforts, especially Working Group on Sustainable Extractive Industries & its 'Harnessing Critical Energy Transition Minerals for Sustainable Development' initiative. 3️⃣ It will help to develop principles to ensure a fair & transparent approach globally & for local communities in entire #valuechain — upholding the highest sustainability & human development standards. 4️⃣ The goal of combating #climatechange & limiting #globalwarming to 1.5°C hinges on a secure & accessible supply of critical energy transition minerals. These minerals, such as copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt & REEs are essential components of clean energy technologies like wind turbines, solar panels, EVs & battery storage, which are crucial for powering a sustainable future. ❌ Challenges/Issues related to Critical Energy Transition Minerals ➡ 1️⃣ Geographical concentration ⏭ Few countries have major reserves which may exacerbate #geopoliticaltensions and #supplychain disruption. E.g. Lithium triangle- consists of Argentina, Chile & Bolivia. 2️⃣ Unsustainable Mining and processing ⏭ It can lead to #waterpollution, destruction of ecosystems, etc. & #humanrights issues (such as child labour). 3️⃣ Growing Demand ⏭ Mismatch in demand and supply. According to the International Energy Agency (#IEA), demand of critical mineral is set to grow by 3 ½ times by 2030. #criticalmineral #conflictmineral #bloodmineral #green #renewables #circulareconomy #lowcarboneconomy #decarbonization

☝ “A world powered by renewables is a world hungry for critical minerals.” In April 24, UN Secretary-General António Guterres launched a panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals. This week the panel report was published. You can find it here: https://lnkd.in/e9t_a4EH Guterres’ summary: “A world powered by renewables is a world hungry for critical minerals. For developing countries, critical minerals are a critical opportunity – to create jobs, diversify economies, and dramatically boost revenues. But only if they are managed properly. The race to net zero cannot trample over the poor. The renewables revolution is happening – but we must guide it towards justice.” This is precisely the path DEM is following with its #Carachi Blanco project. In accordance with the 10 Principles of the UN Global Compact, we will strengthen the region through our ESG-compliant project development, create jobs, continue to address the needs of the local population and use environmentally friendly technology #MadeInGermany for mining green #lithium for the energy transition. Follow us to stay up to date!

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OPINION: Angola is a country with significant mineral resources, including copper, cobalt, and rare earth elements—materials essential for renewable energy technologies such as electric vehicles, wind turbines, and solar panels. As the global race to achieve net-zero emissions accelerates, demand for these minerals has surged, positioning Angola as a key supplier in this new energy economy. According to the World Economic Forum’s report, Securing Minerals for the Energy Transition (2024), infrastructure projects like Angola’s railway corridor are vital for ensuring a steady supply of critical minerals. Yet, beneath the surface of this optimistic framing lies an uncomfortable truth: the energy transition narrative often imposes unrealistic expectations on developing nations while failing to address their structural disadvantages... #Angola #decarbonisationfunding #Mining #sustainability

🌟 Chile at the Forefront of the Global Energy Transition 🌍 As the world accelerates toward renewable energy, minerals like lithium, copper, and cobalt are vital to achieving the climate goals outlined in the Paris Agreement. According to the World Bank, 3 billion tons of these materials will be needed by 2050. Chile, the world's largest copper producer and second-largest lithium producer, plays a central role in this green transformation. But this opportunity comes with responsibility. President Gabriel Boric emphasized sustainable mining at the inauguration of Antofagasta Minerals’ US$2 billion desalination plant: "We must lead in responsible, sustainable mining." Key highlights: Chile's renewable energy mix reached a record 41% in early 2024, with a target of 96% by 2050. Challenges like permitting delays and transmission infrastructure gaps could slow progress. Energy storage innovations like ENGIE Chile's BESS Coya plant (638 MWh capacity) and BASF’s sodium-sulfur batteries are paving the way for more reliable renewable energy integration. Laws like the 2024 Electric Tariff Stabilization Law ensure affordable electricity while driving carbon neutrality by 2050. Chile's path is clear: Align renewable energy and mining as the perfect synergy to lead the global energy transition while meeting international demands sustainably. #Chile #RenewableEnergy #SustainableMining #EnergyTransition #Innovation

Mineral demand for use in electric vehicles (EVs) and battery storage is a major force, growing at least 30 times in the years up to 2040, writes Theresa Smith, ESI Africa News Editor. Did you know that the typical electric vehicle needs six times more mineral inputs than a conventional vehicle? The International Energy Agency (IEA) report on The Role of #CriticalMinerals in #CleanEnergy Transitions reminds us that the mineral resources needed in the #energytransition vary by technology. https://lnkd.in/eT4r-peR