Transition Minerals According to UNEP's Sustainable Minerals Dependent (UNEA-6, 26th Feb-1st March 2024)
What are energy transition minerals and how can they unlock the clean energy age? Photo: AFP/Martin Bernetti Ever since the first lump of coal was burned thousands of years ago, fossil fuels have played a central part in the story of humanity. But as the world transitions away from these planet-warming energy sources, demand is shifting towards a subset of minerals such as lithium, nickel and cobalt. These energy transition minerals are essential components in many of today’s clean energy technologies, from wind turbines to electric vehicles. However, the mining and processing of transition minerals can ravage landscapes, decimate biodiversity, spew greenhouse gases, and lead to human rights abuses. There are also concerns competition for these resources could worsen geopolitical tensions. “The world is facing a delicate balancing act,” says Ligia Noronha, United Nations Assistant Secretary-General and Head of the New York office of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). “Energy tran