Critical Minerals
As the world seeks to transition to a renewable energy economy and further develop the digital economy, skyrocketing demand for critical minerals is heightening environmental, social, and governance risks. The Wilson Center is leading cross-regional, cross-sectoral stakeholder dialogues to build consensus for policies that advance a more resilient supply chain.
Countries around the world are embarking on a renewable energy transition. Minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are critical to producing the wind turbine generators, electric vehicle motors, energy storage technologies, and solar panels needed to power this energy transformation and increasing demand for these resources is creating new challenges and opportunities across the supply chain. At the Wilson Center, the Environmental Change and Security Program is leading cross-sectoral research and convenings to inform policies for a better, smarter, cleaner, and fairer approach to mining.
U.S. Governance on Critical Minerals
The United States is at a historic crossroads when it comes to some of the most important commodities of the 21st century: critical minerals. The 118th Congress has the opportunity to promote US economic competitiveness and strengthen national security by increasing supplies of these minerals at home and abroad and managing demand. This policy brief offers an overview of key policy considerations in securing a reliable, sustainable, and affordable supply of critical and strategic materials.
Green Minerals: Justice and Opportunity in the Renewable Energy Transition
This explainer video offers an overview of the risks posed by green mineral mining and possible avenues to promote more peaceful and inclusive development. It highlights pathways forward from the perspectives of local actors, researchers, and practitioners. As such, the video represents a collaborative effort, bringing together insights from a range of individuals and organizations, including a Bolivia-based non-profit, a foreign policy think tank, a global peacebuilding organization, a community-based organization in South Africa, and a United Kingdom university.
