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Critical Minerals

The global energy and digital transitions are expected to sharply increase demand for critical minerals for related technologies and infrastructure, providing a window of opportunity for sustainable socio-economic development. At the same time, the shift away from fossil fuel-based energy will offer governance challenges in many countries, including nations hosting new and expanding mining operations to extract these minerals. Beyond mining countries, this transformation will have major implications for any country participating in critical minerals supply chains.

Strategic Positioning in Critical Minerals Supply Chains

We support our members in building and contributing to resilient critical minerals supply chains in line with their national objectives, regional priorities, and international initiatives.

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What Makes Minerals And Metals ‘Critical’? A practical guide for governments on building resilient supply chains

This practical guide provides a series of questions that may guide governments when considering the design of strategic policies and roadmaps with respect to minerals and metals they produce and/ or need for resilient industrial supply chains.

Where Will the Minerals Come From?

As demand for critical minerals rises, so do concerns about supply shortfalls, which could undermine the energy transition. The supply question is closely linked to both geology and technological advancements, which will shape demand levels for specific minerals and the potential for countries that host those deposits to supply the minerals. To bridge the supply gap, diverse sources will need to be explored in the short and medium terms, including artisanal, small-, and large-scale mining; reprocessing mine waste and tailings; and recycling end-use products.

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Searching for Critical Minerals? How metals are produced and associated together

For policy-makers it is important to understanding how metals are produced and are associated together in mineral deposits and mining operations. This technical brief provides an overview and highlights some challenges that may be encountered in the search for minerals that are critical for the energy transition.

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How will benefits be shared?

The financial, economic, and social benefits of mining are vital for resource-rich developing countries. If critical mineral supply chains are to be resilient and inclusive, these countries must fully benefit from mineral extraction.

Working with regional partners

In addition to engaging directly with member countries, the IGF works with key regional organizations on critical minerals, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and the Mines Ministries of the Americas Conference.

Critical Minerals Resources

What Makes Minerals and Metals ‘Critical’? A practical guide for governments on building resilie

This practical guide provides a series of questions that may guide governments when considering the design of strategic policies and roadmaps with respect to the minerals and metals the
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Financial Benefit-Sharing Issues for Critical Minerals: Challenges and opportunities for producing c

Are current fiscal approaches and policies aligned with national strategies, including ensuring that mineral-rich developing countries collect an appropriate share of the financial bene
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Searching for Critical Minerals? How metals are produced and associated together

This brief explains how metals are produced and are associated together in mineral deposits and mining operations. The aim is to highlight some challenges that may be encountered in the
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ASEAN-IGF Minerals Cooperation: Scoping study on critical minerals supply chains in ASEAN

The ongoing energy transition and digital transformation present significant opportunities for Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Member States. These countries produce an
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Critical Minerals: A primer

The raw materials—minerals and metals—that are necessary for renewable energy, clean technology, and our transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future are often referred to as
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A Brief Guide to Batteries

This brief outlines key concepts and concerns for policy-makers and researchers interested in battery supply chains in the context of the low-carbon energy transition. It provides answe
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The Impacts of Climate Change on the Mining Sector

To tackle climate change, governments, businesses, and civil society are all working together on commitments and actions that will have many consequences for the mining industry, on top
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Critical Minerals Events

IGF 19th Annual General Meeting

The IGF's 19th  Annual General Meeting is scheduled for November 7-9, 2023, at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, hosted by UNCTAD. The theme is Sharing Mining Benefits in the Energy Tr
November 07, 2023
to November 09, 2023
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Financial Benefits from the Lithium Industry: Opportunities and challenges for Argentina

The half-day event included two panel discussions about financial benefits and the lithium sector focusing on opportunities and challenges at the national and provincial levels.
August 29, 2023
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2023 Mining and Sustainability Forum of the Americas

The event will focus on the emerging challenges and opportunities in the Americas related to the increasing demand for critical minerals for a low-carbon energy transition.
October 03, 2023
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IEA-IGF Webinar | The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions

In May 2021, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has issued a report, the Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions, which analyzes the complex links between these mineral
June 02, 2021
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IGF 18th Annual General Meeting

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) convened its 18th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 7–10, 2022 in Geneva, Switzerland
November 07, 2022
to November 10, 2022
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2021 Mining and Sustainability Forum of the Americas: Regional supply chains for critical minerals

***Español abajo*** Session 1 Session 2 Critical minerals will fuel the global shift to renewable energy and electrification. This transformation will depend on resilient supply chains
July 27, 2021
to August 10, 2021
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