The world faces major challenges in responsibly sourcing large quantities of minerals that are critical for the transition to low-carbon energy sources. Many governments, including those of the United States, European Union, and China, seem to share the goal of increasing the supply and rate of production of the raw materials needed for the energy transition to address the challenge of global climate change. However, meeting this demand will be difficult—and producing these minerals in strict adherence to robust environmental, social, and governance criteria will be even more so.
![Oil-drilling platform in the Brent Field, North Sea. UN Photo/Exxon Photo [Date unknown] North Sea](https://r4d.org/wp-content/uploads/UNPHOTO_naturalresources-700x700.jpg)
The first factor is China’s level of dominance across critical minerals supply chains. There is growing concern that a high level of dependence on China for these minerals and their derivative products may create energy security risks. Other governments, notably in the U.S. and Europe, have moved to build out their own critical minerals supply chains, creating uncertainty about whether China will maintain its dominant position.
The second factor is the level of enforcement of due diligence requirements in China’s mineral sector and midstream and downstream industries to make these supply chains “cleaner” and “greener.” Comprehensive, globally aligned due diligence requirements are needed to ensure that the sourcing of minerals needed for the energy transition does not cause or contribute to adverse social and environmental impacts.
The way these two variables interact will determine which of several scenarios might play out for the future of critical minerals supply chains. This report explores these potential scenarios and their implications for the energy transition in detail.
