Global demand for critical minerals required to power modern technologies and clean energy systems could triple by 2030 and potentially increase fourfold by 2040, a senior United Nations official said while addressing the UN Security Council during a discussion on energy security and strategic resources.
Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, highlighted that minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel have rapidly emerged as essential resources for the global economy due to their key role in powering technologies like electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, advanced electronics, and defence equipment.
She noted that just a decade ago these minerals had relatively limited strategic importance, but today they form the backbone of technologies supporting the digital economy and the global transition to cleaner energy sources.
According to UN estimates, the global trade in raw and semi-processed minerals reached approximately $2.5 trillion in 2023, accounting for more than 10% of global merchandise trade. The increasing deployment of renewable energy technologies, battery storage systems, and digital infrastructure is expected to further accelerate the demand for these materials.
The Security Council meeting focused on the growing geopolitical and economic importance of critical mineral supply chains, as countries around the world increasingly view access to these resources as vital for industrial growth, energy security, and technological leadership.
During the discussion, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stressed that building diversified and resilient supply chains for critical minerals has become a major priority for governments and industries worldwide. He emphasized that reducing dependence on a limited number of suppliers is crucial for ensuring stable access to materials required for emerging technologies, including electric mobility, battery manufacturing, and advanced defence systems.
The issue is gaining strategic importance as countries compete to secure long-term access to mineral reserves, particularly in resource-rich regions such as Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. The growing demand and concentration of supply in a few regions have intensified global discussions around sustainable mining practices, responsible sourcing, and international cooperation.
Experts believe that the rapid expansion of renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, and digital technologies will continue to drive demand for these minerals in the coming decades, making them a central component of the global energy transition and technological development.
The United Nations has called for stronger collaboration among governments, industries, and international institutions to ensure transparent supply chains, responsible extraction practices, and sustainable management of mineral resources as the world’s reliance on these critical materials continues to grow.
