UN in action
explainer
Critical minerals:
a security issue?
How the responsible governance of
natural resources can build a more
peaceful and prosperous world
Why is the UN discussing critical minerals?
Every electric vehicle.
Every wind turbine.
Every large battery.
They all depend on minerals extracted from the earth.
As countries accelerate the transition to clean energy, demand for minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and graphite is rising rapidly.
For many countries, this presents an unprecedented economic opportunity.
But in some places, competition over these resources has fuelled conflict, corruption, environmental damage and human rights abuses.
This week, the UN Security Council is asking a fundamental question:
Can the minerals powering the green transition also become a foundation for peace and sustainable development?
Why are critical minerals suddenly at the centre of global politics?
The phone in your hand runs on minerals most people can't name - but who benefits from extracting them, and who pays the price?
A world powered by renewables is a world hungry for critical minerals.”
ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, United Nations Secretary-General
Did you know? Surprising facts about critical minerals
Your smartphone, electric car and even some medical technologies all depend on critical minerals—but did you know these same resources are also becoming a major issue for international peace and security?
A multi-trillion-dollar business
In 2023 global trade in raw and semi-processed critical minerals reached approximately US$2.5 trillion—more than 10 per cent of all global trade.
Demand is expected to soar
The United Nations says demand for critical minerals could triple by 2030 and quadruple by 2040.
Your everyday technology depends on them
Minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel are essential for products many people use every day, including smartphones, electric vehicles and cutting-edge medical technologies.
One country produces more than 70% of the world's cobalt
More than 70 per cent of global cobalt extraction takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Cobalt is a key ingredient in many rechargeable batteries used around the world.
These minerals can fuel peace—or conflict
Critical minerals can create jobs and diversify. But when they are poorly governed, can also contribute to human rights abuses, environmental degradation and illicit trade.
Mineral wealth should benefit local communities
An estimated 54 per cent of critical minerals are located on or near indigenous peoples’ land. As extraction accelerates, ensuring the countries and communities endowed with these resources are the ones to benefit most is critical.