Critical Materials and Sustainability Transition

Critical minerals are essential components in clean energy technologies, such as wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. They play a vital role in the global energy transition towards sustainable and low-carbon alternatives. This book investigates various aspects of critical mineral governance in the context of sustainability transition, including the role of critical raw materials in achieving a sustainable supply, bottlenecks in achieving a sustainable critical material supply, and the enabling role of critical minerals in renewable energy transition and sustainable development. The authors provide insights from industrial ecology, environmental engineering, and sustainable management of natural resources to help readers understand critical metal requirements and develop sustainable supply strategies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Critical minerals play a pivotal role in the ongoing energy transition, which seeks to shift global energy systems towards more sustainable and low-carbon alternatives. These minerals, also referred to as critical minerals, are indispensable components in various clean energy technologies, including wind turbines, solar panels, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. They possess unique properties that enable efficient energy generation, storage, and transmission. For instance, neodymium, a rare earth element, is essential for the production of high-performance magnets used in wind turbines and electric motors. Lithium, another critical mineral, is a key component in rechargeable batteries powering electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. As the demand for clean energy technologies continues to surge, securing a sustainable and reliable supply of critical minerals becomes increasingly crucial to support the global energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

In this book, we delve into various aspects of critical mineral governance in the context of sustainability transition. We offer perspectives on the critical metal requirements of sustainability transition, looking forward to the future. We discuss the answers to the following questions:

What role do the critical raw materials play in the transition to a sustainable economy and energy systems transformation?

What are the bottlenecks in achieving a sustainable critical material supply?

How do the critical minerals enable renewable energy transition and sustainable development?

What is their role in the sustainability transition?

How is mineral criticality assessed? And how critical are minerals?

What are some regional differences in terms of critical mineral availability, processing capacity, and the supply chain?

The importance of critical minerals in the energy transition cannot be overstated. As the world moves towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources, the demand for these minerals is expected to surge. However, the availability of these minerals is finite, and many countries face challenges in securing a reliable and sustainable supply.

One of the key challenges facing critical mineral governance is the lack of transparency and accountability in the mining and processing industry. Many mining companies operate in remote and developing countries, where environmental and social regulations may be lax. This can lead to environmental degradation, human rights abuses, and social conflicts.

To address these challenges, there is a need for robust governance mechanisms and policies to ensure that critical minerals are mined and processed in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes measures to promote transparency, accountability, and social responsibility in the mining and processing industry, as well as initiatives to support local communities and indigenous peoples who are often affected by mining operations.

Another challenge facing critical mineral governance is the competition for resources. As the demand for clean energy technologies increases, so does the competition for critical minerals. This can lead to resource depletion, price fluctuations, and geopolitical tensions.

To address this challenge, there is a need for international cooperation and collaboration to ensure that critical minerals are used and distributed in a fair and equitable manner. This includes measures to promote fair trade practices, reduce trade barriers, and promote resource efficiency and conservation.

In addition to these challenges, there are also opportunities for critical mineral governance to contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Critical minerals can play a key role in promoting renewable energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture and food security.

For example, neodymium, a critical mineral used in wind turbines. turbines, can be used to generate clean and renewable energy, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and mitigating climate change. Lithium, another critical mineral, is used in rechargeable batteries, powering electric vehicles and energy storage solutions. These technologies can help reduce air pollution, promote sustainable transportation, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from transportation.

In conclusion, critical minerals play a vital role in the ongoing energy transition, which aims to shift global energy systems towards more sustainable and low-carbon alternatives. These minerals are essential components in various clean energy technologies, and their availability and sustainable supply are crucial to support the global energy transition and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

To address the challenges facing critical mineral governance, there is a need for robust governance mechanisms and policies to ensure that critical minerals are mined and processed in a sustainable and responsible manner. This includes measures to promote transparency, accountability, and social responsibility in the mining and processing industry, as well as initiatives to support local communities and indigenous peoples who are often affected by mining operations.

In addition, international cooperation and collaboration are essential to ensure that critical minerals are used and distributed in a fair and equitable manner. This includes measures to promote fair trade practices, reduce trade barriers, and promote resource efficiency and conservation.

Finally, critical mineral governance can contribute to sustainable development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By promoting renewable energy transition, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting sustainable agriculture and food security, critical minerals can play a key role in creating a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032112213