united nations launched A new panel to develop mining guidelines for critical minerals in high demand for electric vehicles and renewable energy technologies.
The newly established Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals includes representatives from nearly 100 countries, as well as non-profit organizations and industry groups. The organization is tasked with developing „a set of universal, voluntary principles to protect environmental and social standards and embed justice in the energy transition.“
Powering the economy with renewable energy is a mineral-intensive endeavor. And it will take a concerted effort to curb the human rights abuses and environmental damage associated with mining these minerals. This is just the first step in tackling a problem that could become even bigger if guardrails aren't installed.
Powering the economy with renewable energy is a mineral-intensive endeavor
Demand for minerals used in renewable energy technologies is expected to increase by nearly quadruple This includes lithium, cobalt, and copper, which are used in batteries for EVs, wind power, and solar power systems. Manufacturing an EV requires about six times more mineral resources than manufacturing a gas-guzzling car, and an onshore wind farm requires nine times more mineral resources than a gas-fired power plant. According to the International Energy Agency.
Already, the supply chain for these minerals is fraught with problems. suspicion Prevention of human rights violations, labor and environmental abuses. A Tesla battery materials supplier has racked up at least 70 allegations of misconduct since 2010. The Verge reported last year. These included poor working conditions at a cobalt mine in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. the worker said The Verge They had to work long hours in sweltering heat for little water, food, and wages.
There are limits to what the United Nations can do to turn things around. Environmental groups and advocates representing indigenous peoples affected by mining have a certain number of seats, but the guidelines will also be shaped by industry representatives on the panel. The International Mining and Metals Council, representing one-third of the world's metals and mining industry, is a member of the panel.
And at the end of the day, the committee is just issuing non-binding recommendations on best practices. “The fact that these are only voluntary principles means that no matter what guidelines are developed, there is no enforcement mechanism. After all, voluntary guidelines are only effective if there is a willingness to follow them. It’s only as good as people,” said Laura Kelly, director of sustainable market research at the International Institute for Environment and Development think tank. Said guardian.
The UN panel plans to share draft voluntary guidelines before the UN General Assembly in September.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres: „A world powered by renewable energy is a world hungry for vital minerals'' Said at the new panel presentation on Friday. “There is a renewable energy revolution happening, and we must steer it in the direction of justice.”