At COP30, Members States missed a unique opportunity to better align climate ambition with minerals strategies

nov. 24

As COP30 unfold, Member States have failed – after promising attempts – to reflect the role of transition minerals in achieving climate goals in its outcomes.

Early drafts of the Just Transition Work Programme recognized the "importance of developing reliable, diversified, sustainable, transparent and responsible supply chains for clean energy technology, including through environmentally and socially responsible extraction and processing of critical minerals […]". Yet, in the final outcomes, all references to minerals were dropped during negotiations.

Failing to agree on a minerals-related language in the Just Transition Work Programme overlook a critical reality: the energy transition depends on secure, responsible, and transparent mineral supply chains.

As stated by the Global Council – a global, multistakeholder, and independent voice:

“It is essential to explore the intersections between multilateral climate and biodiversity negotiations and the mineral sector […] The lack of reference to mining and minerals realities hinders the ability of decision-makers to make fully informed decisions for a rapid and just energy transition. The fact that the link between climate, biodiversity, industry and mining is not clearly established by policymakers is also an obstacle to securing the estimated US$1.7 trillion over the next 15 years investment to achieve the energy transition.” (Interim report, launched at COP29)

Recognizing these links at COP30 would help align climate ambition with practical pathways to deliver clean energy by:

Setting a precedent for greater global governance and cooperation surrounding transition minerals
Fostering coherency between industrial, development, security and climate strategies
Creating conditions conducive to investment in responsible mineral supply chains that align with climate goals
Ultimately, strengthening stronger mineral security in line with States commitment to phase out fossil fuels, while supporting greater value creation for producing countries

While the final outcome is disappointing, the growing attention to minerals in climate negotiations marks real progress and creates momentum for upcoming milestones such as UNEA-7 and COP31.

This is not about choosing between climate goals and minerals policy. It’s about connecting them in a multilateral framework to drive a sustainable balance between the impacts and benefits of mining.