A recent analysis conducted by Global Justice Now has shed light on the fact that a significant amount of critical mineral mining is not actually essential for the green transition. The findings of this study have been detailed in a newly released report titled ‘Material realities: who needs critical minerals and at whose expense?’
In response to these findings, Global Justice Now is urging the UK government to prioritize only the most necessary minerals for the energy transition and to actively plan for a reduction in demand and consumption of these materials. Cleodie Rickard, the trade campaign manager at Global Justice Now, emphasized the need to shift mineral demand away from industries like militarization towards renewable energy generation in order to achieve a truly sustainable green transition.
The report reveals that out of the UK’s list of 33 critical minerals, almost one-fifth do not play any role in the International Energy Agency’s green transition pathway. Additionally, for 15 other minerals, only a small portion of current global production is likely to be needed for the transition by 2040. It also highlights that only seven critical minerals would require significant increases in mining and production levels to meet the IEA’s 2040 net-zero scenario, with most of these minerals being essential for electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the report points out that the renewable energy generation goals set by the IEA can be met through existing levels of mineral production by diverting minerals from other uses and investing in alternative measures such as free and accessible public transportation. Interestingly, the study also uncovered that some critical minerals are in demand by industries like defense and aerospace, indicating that the push for increased critical mineral production is not solely driven by the green transition but also by the needs of other sectors.
This analysis comes at a time when the UK government is increasing military spending, partly at the expense of foreign aid cuts, and providing financing for companies importing critical minerals to benefit industries like defense, aerospace, and electric vehicle battery makers. It underscores the importance of reevaluating our mineral consumption patterns and ensuring that the green transition is truly sustainable and equitable for all.
