The United Nations is urging fair play in the global pursuit of critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, vital for the shift to a zero-carbon economy. As demand surges, driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy, the UN system is issuing guidance and convening meetings to ensure this transition is just and equitable for all nations.
A UN panel, launched in 2024, aims to generate prosperity and equality alongside clean power, emphasizing sustainable development, environmental protection, and economic benefits for resource-rich countries. UNCTAD, the UN trade agency, notes that moving from raw mineral exports to local processing can significantly increase economic returns. For instance, local cobalt processing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo nearly tripled export value in 2022.
However, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) warns of serious environmental, social, and geopolitical risks associated with expanding mineral production. These include greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity loss, human rights abuses, and price volatility. UNEP advocates for robust mineral governance along the entire value chain, stronger international cooperation, and enhanced collaboration among governments, industry, and communities.