The transition to a low-carbon economy will increase demand for critical minerals used in batteries, power grids, renewable energy equipment, and digital technologies. This dynamic creates opportunities for producing countries, but it also involves risks related to predatory exploitation, technological dependency, and the concentration of value in a small number of markets.
The session will discuss how to promote a just energy transition, combining global energy security, industrial development, and environmental protection. Topics addressed will include local processing, mineral recycling, socio-environmental standards, benefit-sharing, and technological cooperation.
- With the growing demand for critical minerals in recent years, how can developing countries leverage their abundant mineral deposits to build a higher value-added local supply chain?
- What solutions can the private sector propose to improve transportation, storage, and essential infrastructure in order to ensure efficient mining operations?
- What are the main challenges in balancing mining activity with sustainability, considering the sustainable development of local communities and compliance with environmental laws?