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During the Paris Peace Forum Spring Meeting 2026, “Resilient Transitions”, held on June 4 and 5 in Rabat, Morocco, the governance of transition minerals stood as a key topic. Organized in partnership with OCP Group and hosted by Mohammed VI Polytechnic University, this G7-labelled edition provided a timely platform ahead of the Evian Summit to advance discussions on responsible, sustainable and equitable mineral value chains. Transition minerals were highlighted in the opening session by Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development of Morocco, who underlined the need to move beyond old extractive models and build partnerships grounded in transparency, traceability, technology transfer, skills and local value creation. Two dedicated sessions brought together members of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals, government representatives, development finance institutions, industry leaders, experts and civil society actors. Discussions underscored the need to avoid fragmented approaches to mineral governance, mobilize responsible investment at scale, and ensure that producer countries are placed at the center of resilient and sustainable value chains. Financing Responsible Minerals Value Chains Held on June 4 and moderated by Adrien Abécassis, Policy Initiatives Director at the Paris Peace Forum, this interactive roundtable brought together members of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals, representatives from the French G7 Presidency, development finance institutions, industry, civil society and expert organizations. It also provided the opportunity to present the Global Council policy note G7+ Pathways for Financing Responsible Mineral Value Chains, developed by a Special Advisor Working Group on Financing Responsible Transition Minerals convened by the Paris Peace Forum and presented by Vincenzo Conforti, Head of Governmental Affairs at Glencore and co-lead of the Working Group. The discussion explored how to mobilize responsible investment in transition mineral value chains at the scale and speed required for the energy transition. Participants emphasized that the core challenge is not only the availability of capital, but the lack of bankable, investment-ready projects — especially in contexts marked by long lead times, price volatility, infrastructure gaps, policy uncertainty and uneven project preparation. The Global Council members present recalled that financing responsible mineral value chains is not only a technical investment issue, but also a broader governance challenge. They stressed that responsible standards should be treated as conditions for investment rather than optional costs, and that transparency — including public, verifiable data down to the mining-site level — is essential to build trust, strengthen accountability and enable responsible finance. The roundtable also highlighted the role of public finance, development finance institutions and multilateral development banks in de-risking projects without replacing private investment. Participants pointed to the importance of market predictability, long-term demand visibility, project preparation, shared-use infrastructure, and stronger institutional capacity in producing countries. Across the discussion, speakers also underlined that financing frameworks should support local value creation, fair benefit-sharing, community protection and broader development outcomes. Putting the Global South at the Center of Resilient and Sustainable Transition Minerals Value Chains Moderated by Céline Kauffmann, Chief Programmes Officer at IDDRI, this panel brought together Amine Houssaim, CEO of InnovX; Adil Chikhi, Regional Head of Morocco and Tunisia at EBRD; and three members of the Global Council: Bruno Oberle, President of the World Resource Forum ; Glen Mpufane, Executive Director of GM Mining ESG; and Ma Jun, Founding Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs. The discussion focused on how to place producer countries — particularly in the Global South — at the heart of resilient and sustainable transition mineral value chains. Speakers explored how to reconcile security of supply with equitable value creation, stronger local industrial capabilities, innovation and responsible investment. The conversation highlighted that transition minerals are the entry point for many clean technology value chains, from batteries to renewable energy infrastructure, but that producer countries still too often remain at the margins of decision-making. Participants stressed the need to finance not only extraction, but also local value addition, infrastructure, skills, technology transfer, innovation and industrial capacity. Across the discussion, speakers warned that the race for transition minerals must not reproduce the extractive models of the past. They emphasized the need for fairer partnerships with producing countries, stronger standards, transparent environmental monitoring and a clearer link between mineral investment, sustainable development and local value creation.

This Policy Note "G7+ Pathways for Financing Responsible Mineral Value Chains" has been developed by the Special Advisor Working Group on Financing Responsible Minerals Value Chains, and adopted by the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals during their 10th Meeting on 21 May. This Policy Notes aims at informing developments under G7+ transition minerals agenda, ahead of the Evian Summit in June 2026. While the note aims at informing the French G7 Presidency, it aims at reflecting a more global view and representing the interest of developing producing countries, as well as ensuring alignment with climate goals and cooperative frameworks. The Policy Note will be officially launched during the 2026 Paris Peace Forum Spring Meeting, on 4 June, in Rabat.

Each year, our annual Call for Solutions invites private and public organizations, governments and civil society actors to submit concrete and innovative projects tackling today’s most pressing global challenges. This year, one of the key themes is "Harnessing Local Solutions for a Fair Energy Transition and Responsible Minerals Supply" . Selected projects benefit from international visibility, the opportunity to present their work at our annual event, and access to a network of key experts and decision-makers. Since 2018, our Solutions Hub has highlighted nearly 600 innovative projects , that provide concrete responses to major issues of governance, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Prior transition minerals-related projects include the Minerals for Peace and Development - Madini Kwa Amani Na Maendeleo project, by the Madini consortium, and the Powering Change: Women & Critical Minerals project, by the Association of Women in Mining in Africa (AWIMA). Projects showcased at the Forum also have the opportunity to join our Scale-Up Program — an accelerator providing capacity-building support to 10 initiatives per year, designed to help impactful solutions grow and thrive. 2026 Thematic Priorities The 2026 Call for solutions themes reflect both the Forum’s work and priorities, and the urgent and emerging challenges within global governance echoing France’s G7 Presidency.  These eight areas require urgent multi-stakeholder cooperation leading to significant change on a regional or global scale:  Climate & Environment Harnessing Local Solutions for a Fair Energy Transition and Responsible Minerals Supply Catalyzing Youth Impact for Urban Climate Adaptation Combating Plastic Pollution for Ocean Resilience Development & Health Expanding Smallholder Access to Agricultural Innovation Centering Child Wellbeing in Health and Nutrition  Peace & Security Safeguarding Information Integrity for Peace and Security Sustaining Essential Services and Social Infrastructure in Conflict New Technologies Growing Equitable AI Literacy and Skilling for the Future of Work and Education Why should project leaders submit their application? Does your project or initiative provide a concrete solution to one of this year’s 8 topics? Submit your application! Should your project be selected, you will benefit from:  International visibility and exposure, with a dedicated area in the Space for Solutions at the 9th edition of the Paris Peace Forum being held this year on November 11th and 12th;  A speaking opportunity during the event to highlight your expertise and impact;  Networking with experts, decision-makers, and potential partners;  Access our community of nearly 600 innovative projects ;  And last but not least, the exclusive opportunity to apply for the Paris Peace Forum’s  Scale-Up Program  — a year of tailored support and mentoring, where you will benefit from the resources of the Forum Secretariat and its global community to help you strengthen your solution and amplify your impact.  More information & FAQ on the Paris Peace Forum dedicated webpage.

23 rd  March 2026 - Center for China and Globalization, Beijing Organized by the  Paris Peace Forum , the  Finance Center for South-South Cooperation  (FCSSC) and the  Center for China and Globalization  (CCG) on the sidelines of the China Development Forum, the roundtable "Multilateral Cooperation on Transition Minerals" brought together representatives of business, civil society, think tanks, philanthropy and international institutions for an exchange on whether meaningful cooperation on transition minerals can be preserved in a context of mounting geopolitical tension. The roundtable highlighted a broad convergence around one central concern: a s transition minerals become ever more strategic to the energy transition, industrial policy and national security, the risk of fragmentation is rising at a pace that could ultimately undermine collective climate objectives. In his opening remarks, Pascal Lamy, Vice-President of the Paris Peace Forum , set the tone by stressing that minerals are no longer just an industrial or environmental issue, but are now closely tied to security, competition and strategic autonomy. Echoed by several participants, he highlighted that current efforts to secure supply chains are politically understandable, but that if they lead to competing blocs, parallel standards and increasingly politicized market structures, they may produce higher costs, greater inefficiencies and a slower clean energy transition. Justin Vaïsse, Director General of the Paris Peace Forum , placed this concern within the broader work of the Paris Peace Forum and its Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals, noting that the challenge is not to deny competition, but to ensure that it is balanced by enough cooperation to avoid a suboptimal and destabilizing minerals order. Henry Huiyao Wang, President of the Center for China and Globalization , similarly warned against the multiplication of “silos” and argued that, while political risk is real, it should not lead countries to abandon the logic of interdependence altogether. A second major theme was the need to rethink standards, transparency and ESG in a more practical and credible way. There was broad agreement that stronger environmental and social safeguards are necessary, but also a recurring concern that the current standards landscape is becoming too crowded, too rigid, and in some cases disconnected from implementation realities. Ma Jun, Founding Director of the Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs and member of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals , gave a clear articulation of the environmental case for stronger governance, emphasizing the scale of water, pollution and tailings-related risks linked to mining, and underlining that transition minerals must be treated as a core issue of global environmental governance. His intervention pointed to transparency as one of the most promising avenues for practical cooperation, even in a context of geopolitical distrust. At the same time, both corporate and institutional voices suggested that the issue is no longer whether standards matter, but how they are designed, aligned and phased in. The intervention of Sun Lihui, Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer at Huayou Cobalt , reflected this more operational perspective, showing how ESG is increasingly moving to the core of business strategy, while also making clear that implementation depends heavily on governance within firms and on the practical feasibility of compliance. Wang Ning, Development Department Manager at CCCMC , made a related point from the standpoint of standard-setting, observing that many companies feel overwhelmed by the proliferation of frameworks and that the priority should be less to add new standards than to align existing ones, identify common ground, and test solutions through real-world cooperation. Across the discussion, the underlying message was that trust will not be rebuilt through declarations alone, but through standards and practices that are both ambitious and usable. A third major theme was the importance of grounding minerals governance in more genuine international partnerships, particularly with producing countries. Several participants argued that minerals should not be approached solely through the lens of consumer-country security, but also through the lenses of development, local value addition and long-term political legitimacy. G eneviève Pons, President of Europe Jacques Delors Institute , framed this in explicitly climate terms, stressing that Europe and China share a responsibility to ensure that competition does not lead to either market fragmentation or conflict, and that partnerships with producing countries must support jobs, revenue generation and environmental protection. Contributions from NGOs, foundations and development actors broadened this point by insisting that trust cannot be reduced to trust between states or corporations; it must also include local communities, indigenous groups, labor conditions and the distribution of economic benefits along the value chain. This part of the discussion suggested a shared recognition that the sustainability of mineral supply chains will depend not only on securing volumes, but on whether producing countries see the transition as creating real opportunities for upgrading and inclusion rather than reproducing older extractive patterns. The roundtable did not erase the underlying differences in perspective, particularly on questions of market power, dependence and the geopolitical uses of industrial policy. But it did show that there remains meaningful space for a frank and substantive conversation across Chinese, European and other international stakeholders. The strongest common thread running through the discussion was that neither security-driven fragmentation nor abstract commitments to cooperation will be sufficient on their own. What is needed is a more practical middle ground: one that combines realistic standards, greater transparency, partnerships with producing countries and concrete forms of cooperation capable of rebuilding trust through implementation rather than rhetoric alone.

5 March 2026, online The meeting highlighted the growing impact of geopolitical tensions and competing national strategies on transition minerals. Discussions underscored the importance of linking the Global Council’s work to the French G7 Presidency. Members also agreed on practical steps to strengthen follow-up on the Council’s recommendations. The Shifting Geopolitical Landscape: Takeaways from Recent Global Fora The meeting opened with a tour d’horizon of the current geopolitical climate, informed by takeaways from the World Economic Forum in Davos, the Munich Security Conference, Investing in African Mining Indaba, and the PDAC Convention. A strong consensus emerged that the global minerals landscape is being reshaped by a return to state-centric competition and resource nationalism , not only from traditional players but increasingly from the Global North. Members observed a shift towards more unilateral and transactional approaches. Concerns were raised about major powers, particularly the United States, pursuing bilateral agreements with individual producer countries, in some cases reportedly linked to broader development or strategic considerations and including exclusivity clauses. Such dynamics risk fragmenting the market and complicating efforts by producer regions, especially in Africa, to develop more coordinated strategies. Resource nationalism and industrial policy were recurring themes across these events. Discussions pointed to a growing role for government intervention in the private sector through tariffs, subsidies, stockpiling mechanisms and other industrial policy tools. Members noted that while the trend is clear, there is often limited clarity on the precise objectives of these instruments or on the market failures they are meant to address. Discussions also highlighted a persistent disconnect across the value chain . Many policy conversations continue to focus on upstream extraction without sufficient attention to the distinctions between mining, mineral processing and manufacturing, or to the role of downstream buyers, including original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Members stressed that producing countries are seeking greater value creation and a stronger position in midstream and downstream segments, but that policy approaches must reflect the different economic realities of each part of the chain. Finally, several participants pointed to issues that remain insufficiently integrated into current policy discussions, including the role of technology and the potential implications of seabed mining . These developments were seen as having the potential to significantly reshape supply dynamics, market structures and the broader sustainability debate in the years ahead. Positioning the Council’s Work in the Context of the French G7 Presidency The Council reviewed the priorities for the upcoming French G7 Presidency, which presents a significant window of opportunity for engagement, especially as the 2026 Paris Peace Forum  will be a G7-labeled event. The French G7 priorities on critical minerals include: Securing and diversifying supply chains through a pipeline of co-financed projects. Improving market function and price stability, potentially through a "club" of consumer and producer countries. Enhancing traceability and transparency as a tool to structure markets. Promoting innovation and circularity, with a focus on capturing high-content waste streams. The Council was briefed on the work of the T7 (Think7) Task Force on Critical Minerals. The Task Force's forthcoming recommendations to the G7 will focus on three main pillars: A political compact to strengthen dialogue between producer and consumer countries. Pilot flagship initiatives to demonstrate feasible models for responsible and inclusive mining investments. An implementation partnership to strengthen the circularity of critical minerals within existing frameworks. The Council agreed that its multi-stakeholder and global perspective could provide valuable input to the G7 process, particularly in balancing supply security with development objectives, local value creation in the Global South and financing considerations. 4.      Conclusions and next steps The Council will engage with the G7 process by reviewing the T7 Task Force's solution paper and preparing a Global Council note to the French G7 Presidency. To strengthen follow-up on its recommendations, the Council agreed in principle to assign member leads across the seven recommendations. The next Global Council meeting is scheduled for May 21, 2026.  Participants took note of several upcoming events, including:  Paris Peace Forum Minerals Roundtable on the sidelines of the  China Development Forum (Beijing, 23 March) with the participation of Ma Jun  Paris Peace Forum Spring Meeting (Rabat, 4-5 June)  ECOWAS  Investment Summit (May)  CBD COP16 (Armenia, October)  9 th edition of the Paris Peace Forum (Paris, 11-12 November)

The Secretariat of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals was in Cape Town, South Africa, for African Mining Indaba, to organize a roundtable and an exclusive dinner with Global Council members, Special Advisors and partners to advance mineral governance agenda. High-Level Roundtable: Enhancing High Standards Without Fragmenting Mineral Markets: A Global Dialogue Beyond the G7   As the demand for minerals surges to meet global energy transition goals, geopolitical competition, export controls, and concentrated value chains are straining the pace and scale of minerals production needed for global decarbonization. In 2025, G7 leaders adopted a Critical Minerals Action Plan and Roadmap to promote “standards-based markets” and ensure the security of the supply while raising the bar on responsible practices. While essential for transparency, sustainability, and resilience, this push could risk creating a two-tier global system that could marginalize resource-rich countries.   Africa, endowed with many of the minerals needed for the transition, sits at the center of this shifting landscape. At a time when governments are expanding production, pursuing local processing, and aligning mining with national development strategies, a market access requirement could sideline producers if not designed inclusively. In its recent Position Paper , the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals outlines pathways to uphold high standards without fragmenting markets, emphasizing the need to build on existing tools, avoid weaponization, engage beyond G7 countries, foster responsible industrialization, and unlock investment.   This roundtable held on the margins of Mining Indaba 2026 convened nearly 40 participants representing producing countries, industry leaders, G7 representatives, civil society and experts to assess evolving governance initiatives, examine risks and opportunities in standards-based markets, explore cooperation opportunities beyond G7 and G20 economies, identify mechanisms to scale responsible investment, and inform the next 2026 French G7 presidency.  Key takeaways Under its 2026 G7 presidency, France aims to make critical minerals a top-level priority , building on Canada’s leadership. The French approach is structured around four pillars:  Securing supply and mobilizing greater financing,  Improving market organization and addressing pricing,  Advancing traceability and transparency,  Accelerating innovation and circularity.    The Canadian approach was presented as flexible and non-prescriptive , compatible with multiple existing standards while anchored in shared principles to reduce risk and attract investment.    Representatives from producing countries, notably Botswana, warned against the emergence of a two-tier system . They highlighted the risk that standards designed without their involvement could marginalize Africa and fragment global markets. They called for mutually beneficial cooperation, stronger local value creation, and beneficiation, alongside improved environmental and social outcomes and tangible benefits for local communities.     Civil society organizations and trade unions stressed implementation challenges and the blind spots of the current debate. Several interventions emphasized that the urgency of securing supply must not come at the expense of social protection. Participants warned of a potential “race to the bottom” in the context of growing demand and noted that overly stringent standards could effectively exclude some producers if institutional and regulatory capacities do not keep pace. The discussion also highlighted the risks of accelerated permitting - particularly through bilateral agreements - which may weaken safeguards, trigger local opposition, and ultimately delay production .    Industry representatives called for a pragmatic, implementation-focused approach . Key priorities included: strengthening enforcement of mining codes and regulatory oversight, recognizing progress rather than aiming for unattainable perfection, distinguishing between substantive good practices and voluntary labels. They also stressed the importance of creating a stable and predictable investment environment . Concerns were raised about the geopolitical instrumentalization of standards and perceived inconsistencies in their application , particularly in sectors such as defense.    A broad consensus emerged on the need to strengthen institutional capacity and governance in producing countries. Participants called for:  Increased technical assistance,  Legal and regulatory reforms,  Better integration of standards into national frameworks,  Credible validation and verification mechanisms.  The proliferation of standards was widely criticized for encouraging “standard shopping.” Many called for benchmarking, improved comparability, stronger oversight, and enhanced data transparency . Participants also stressed that combating corruption and improving governance remain prerequisites for effective implementation.    The discussion highlighted two major risks:  Tick-box compliance , where weak oversight reduces standards to reputational tools,  Exclusion , where overly costly or poorly adapted requirements marginalize artisanal and small-scale miners and producing countries.  Several speakers emphasized the importance of viewing standards as pathways of continuous improvement, grounded in local dialogue and capable of delivering visible benefits for communities and local economies.  Participants included Sheila Khama  and Glen Mpufane   (Global Council members), Benjamin Gallezot (French interministerial delegate for minerals and strategic metals), Olefile Cisco Mashabila (Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Geoscience Institute) on behalf of Minister Bogolo Kenewendo  (Minister of Mines and Energy Botswana and Global Council member) , Ryan Clark (Director General of Central, Southern and Eastern Africa at Global Affairs Canada), Suneeta Kaimal  (President and CEO of the Natural Resource Governance Institute), Susannah McLaren  (Lead on Responsible Sourcing and Sustainability, Cobalt Institute), Vincenzo Conforti  (Head of Government Relations, Glencore), Denis Gyeyir  (Program Manager, Open Society Foundation), Ketakandriana Rafitoson  (Executive Director, Resource Justice Network), Emmanuel Adjei-Danso  (IndustriALL Global Union), Sascha Raabe  (Head of Global Alliance for Responsible Green Minerals, UNIDO), J.J. Messner  (Senior Lead, Downstream Purchasing Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance - IRMA),   David Sturmes (Co-Founder, The Impact Facility) - among others. Exclusive Dinner on "Acceptability in the Mining Sector" On the margins of Mining Indaba in Cape Town, the Paris Peace Forum convened a closed-door dinner bringing together members of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals, Special Advisors and partners to reflect on a central question for the energy transition: how to strengthen the social and political acceptability of mining . The discussion highlighted a growing paradox shaping global debates. While European societies arguably resist new mining projects domestically, their economies remain deeply dependent on minerals extracted elsewhere, particularly in Africa. This tension feeds perceptions of imbalance and raises broader questions about fairness, responsibility and shared ownership of the energy transition. At the same time, Europe’s historical mining legacy and the depletion of many local reserves provide important context for understanding current dynamics. Beyond public perception, governance emerged as a decisive factor in building trust. Responsible mining cannot rely solely on corporate commitments; governments play a central role through regulation, licensing and revenue management. Persistent distrust in how mineral wealth is distributed - compounded by governance challenges and the complexity of artisanal and small-scale mining activities - continues to shape societal acceptance of the sector. The conversation also underscored a widening gap between the essential role minerals play in modern societies, enabling renewable energy systems, digital technologies and industrial transformation, and public awareness of this dependence. Despite significant progress in environmental and social practices across parts of the industry, reputational challenges remain shaped by uneven standards and historical legacies. Looking ahead, advancing local processing, regional industrial hubs and South–South cooperation could help align economic development with the growing demand for transition minerals, while acknowledging that deeper integration inevitably brings trade-offs. By creating a trusted and informal space for dialogue, the dinner illustrated the value of small, high-level exchanges in bridging perspectives and shaping more inclusive approaches to responsible transition minerals.   Additional information For additional information, please reach out to clemence.contensou@parispeaceforum.org or maelle.lecureuil@parispeaceforum.org . Photos

The acceleration of the energy transition is driving a sharp increase in mineral demand while exposing concentrated and fragmented supply chains. In this context, G7 leaders are promoting standards-based markets,  to ensure responsible operations and minerals maintain market access and benefit from investment, as part of their June 2025 Critical Minerals Action Plan focused on transparency, diversification, security, sustainability, trustworthiness and reliability of resilient critical minerals supply chains, and a roadmap adopted on October 31st.  The Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals ,   an independent and multi-stakeholder group advocating for a collaborative global governance approach to transition minerals stakes, welcomes renewed attention to responsibility and resilience in mineral value chains. Leveraging the experience of its members across all aspects of global mineral finance, operations and policy, the Council offers the following considerations to help shape this concept in a constructive, inclusive manner.  1) Uphold credible high standards. Raising the bar on responsibility in mining, processing and trade is crucial to the resilience of global mineral value chains. That effort should be anchored in credible implementation: transparent monitoring, traceability and enforcement that build trust along the chain. Efforts should reflect environmental and social criteria as well as economic integrity (anti-corruption, fair benefit-sharing, and value creation at source). 2) Build on existing standards as listed in the G7 roadmap.    A standards-based approach should leverage and interoperate foundational frameworks and established tools, standards, guidance as well as recognized mine-site and sourcing schemes, while filling proven gaps of data interoperability and assurance. This continuity will minimize compliance fragmentation and accelerate uptake.  3) Avoid weaponization and fragmentation.   Standards must not become de facto trade barriers or geopolitical instruments that split markets into a small “premium” tier and a larger “low-cost” tier. Such fragmentation, as well as weaponization of supply chain dependencies for non-commercial objectives, can only result in costlier, riskier and overall slower transition.  4) Engage beyond the G7.  A standards-based approach will only be legitimate and efficient if it is co-designed with producer countries and emerging hubs. Structured dialogue with the G20, BRICS, Gulf economies and major producers should be part of the process, alongside meaningful participation by Indigenous peoples, local communities, unions and civil society. Implementation should be progressive and accompanied by realistic roadmaps and capacity support to include smaller actors, including artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM). 5) Foster responsible industrialization for sustainable development.  Partnerships should systematically embed shared development priorities, enabling infrastructure, decent work, community rights and benefit-sharing, so minerals become catalysts for industrial development. This economic dimension is integral to diversification of both supply and markets.   6) Foster responsible investment in transition minerals.  The Global Council welcomes the acknowledgement by G7 leaders of the need to accelerate public and private investments in mining industries. Clearer expectations and greater predictability from mineral markets are essential but insufficient to unlock capital. Complementary de-risking tools, including public-private cooperation towards shared development priorities, are needed to attract institutional investment to mining and minerals. Multilateral development banks, Development Finance Institutions and other sovereign investors have a pivotal role to play in building trust and defining shared development goals.  Together, these elements can provide a pathway to ensuring high standards without fragmenting markets, and to making responsible minerals a bridge to shared prosperity rather than a new divide. Beyond the G7, these discussions should be held in a broader consultative framework and ultimately formalized in an International Agreement on the Management of Mineral Resource, as recommended by the Global Council in its 2024 Report .

Opinion: To achieve net zero, partnerships between critical mineral-producing nations and importers must move beyond pit-to-port extraction and deliver jobs, infrastructure, and clean energy domestically for resource-rich countries. This is an op-ed signed by Sheila Khama and Kadri Simson , published by Devex on14 January 2026 The race to net zero has triggered a new scramble. Not for oil, but for the minerals that power the green and digital revolutions. Without fair mineral partnerships that create value at home for producing countries, the promise of a just energy transition will ring hollow. Lithium, cobalt, graphite, nickel, and rare earths are now as strategic as hydrocarbons once were, fueling batteries, turbines, solar panels, and data centers. Demand is soaring: The World Bank  predicts that the production of minerals will increase by nearly  500%  by 2050. Governments and companies are moving fast to secure supplies. The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act  backs a pipeline of projects, including beyond its own borders, from Zambia to Madagascar. In December last year, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen unveiled the RESourceEU Action Plan, committing close to €3 billion  to support minerals projects and strengthen Europe’s supply. Washington is launching the Mine of the Future initiative , committing $95 million to revitalize the domestic mining landscape, further intensifying global competition for investment and technology. Beijing is implementing permitting reforms  to accelerate domestic mining and tightening its dominance in refining, including by limiting its minerals exports. Read the full op-ed on Devex: A just energy transition requires fair mineral deals for producing nations | Devex .

TRANSITION MINERALS AT THE 8TH EDITION OF THE PARIS PEACE FORUM During the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum, "New Coalitions for Peace, People and the Planet", held on October 29 and October 30, the global governance of transition minerals stood as a central topic. Two high-level sessions brought together influential leaders including Ana Brnabić, President of the National Assembly of Serbia,  Turki Al-Babtain, Deputy Minister for Mining Affairs of Saudi Arabia,  Kadri Simson, Former EU Commissioner for Energy and Council Member, Marjeta Jager, DG INTPA, and Karim Dahou, OECD Deputy Director for Global Relations. These discussions underscored the urgent need to avoid geopolitical fragmentation in order to meet energy transition goals, and highlighted the importance of forging mutually beneficial partnerships with producing countries that are grounded in local value creation, environmental and social stewardship, and that foster responsible investment . One major highlight from the discussions was the announcement of EU support to the World Bank's RISE Programme ( Resilient and Inclusive Supply Chain Enhancement). The recordings and summaries of discussions are available below. Beyond Global Council-branded events, sessions relevant to transition minerals where organized with projects holders throughout the Forum . Every year, the Paris Peace Forum launches a Call for Solutions to invite innovative projects fostering multi-actor solutions to diverse global challenges. This is an opporunity from projects across the world to showcase their work at the Forum and make new connections. This year, 30 projects were selected, including 3 fostering transition minerals governance, transparent supply chains, and inclusivity in the mining sector. One of them, "Powering Change: Women & Critical Minerals" has been selected as part of the Scale Up Programme (SCUP) and will benefit from a year-long customized support towards the development of the project. A full day of partner-led sessions was organized in cooperation with Global Witness, the OECD and the United Nations Department of Peace Operations on the eve of the Forum . This thematic day, themed "Minerals, Governance and Conflicts" gathered key stakeholders to explore how global and local actors can ensure that the accelerating demand for minerals drives justice, peace, and sustainability rather than conflict or exploitation. The recordings of the sessions will be made available soon. Last but not least, this year's edition was marked by the 8th Meeting of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals. T he meeting welcomed views from high-level guest participants, such as Janez Potocnik , experts in the field and Council's “Special Advisors”. Discussions addressed various strategies for strategic autonomy and diversification of minerals value chains, including the recent G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan adopted in June under the Canadian presidency, leading the Council to adopt a position paper  promoting high standards in the minerals market without further contributing to market fragmentation. This positions the Council as a credible and practical platform to provide informed guidance and recommendations ahead of the upcoming French G7 Presidency . The meeting also provided an opportunity to take stock of ongoing efforts towards an international agreement on mineral resources management. Following the discussions held during the meeting, the Global Council adopted a letter addressed to the Presidency of the UN Environmental Assembly 7 (UNEA-7), commending the Presidency for putting minerals on the UNEA’s agenda in a joint effort with Colombia and share some thoughts. Key takeaways from the Meeting are available here . RECORDINGS & SUMMARIES Panel: Sustainability vs Security: The Hidden Costs of the Geopolitical Race for Minerals Speakers: Ana Brnabić  (President, National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia; Former Prime Minister),  Turki Al-Babtain  (Deputy Minister for Mining Development, Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia), Kadri Simson  (Former Commissioner for Energy and Global Council Member), moderated by Karim Dahou  (Deputy Director, Global Relations and Cooperation Directorate, OECD). Roundtable: Mineral Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: Ensuring Mutually Beneficial Partnerships for African Industrialization Speakers: Marjeta Jager  (Deputy Director-General, Directorate General for International Partnerships, European Commission), Emmanuel Makumba Mali  (Director for Democracy and Good Governance Programme, International Conference on the Great Lakes Region), Zenzi Awases  (President, Association of Women in Mining in Africa), Sven Renner  (Program Manager, Energy and Extractives, World Bank),  Adane El Ktiri (Chief Integration Officer, SBU Mining, OCP Group), Vincent Dufief  (Group Corporate Affairs Vice President, Imerys),  Bandi Mbubi  (Executive Director, Fair Cobalt Alliance), moderated by Djaheezah Subratty (Head, Consumption and Production Unit, United Nations Environment Programme) Panel: Natural Resource Governance & Conflict Transformation: From Extraction to Cooperation Speakers: Renée Larivière  (Senior Director of Programmes, Interpeace), Rosine Atafeinam Abalo  (Vice President, Association of Women in Mining in Africa), Raissa Sifa Kasongo (Project Manager and Member of the Steering Committee, Actions pour le Développement et l’Entrepreneuriat),  Christof Kurz (Chief of Party, project “Madini kwa Amani na Maendelo”, International Alert), moderated Louis Maréchal (Senior Advisor, Minerals & Extractives, OECD) Panel: From Waste to Resources: Circular Solutions for People and Planet Speakers: Grâce Sandrine Zancran  (Project Coordinator, ONG Jeunesse et Emplois Verts pour une Economie Verte), Saurav Rimal (President, Karmayog Foundation), Bruno Oberle (President, World Resource Forum Association),  Vadym Shchokin (Director, Professor, Doctor of Science, Research Mining Institute of the Kryvyi Rih National University), moderated by Adele Rouleau  (Senior Environmental Consultant, Geosyntec Consultants) Panel: Powering Change: Clean Energy Solutions for Resilient Communities Speakers: Martha Mukai  (Founder, Darubini Ya Afya), Ma Jun  (Founding Director, Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs), Onyekachi Nwafor  (Chief Executive Officer, KatexPower), Mario Aguilera  (Chief Executive Officer and Founder, Tespack), moderated by David Levaï (Director of Advocacy, Global Citizens Assembly) Photos from Transition Minerals events at the 8th edition of the Paris Peace Forum

Following its 8th Meeting and ahead of the 7th UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-7), the members of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals adopted a letter to support and propose guidance for the draft Resolution on the Environmentally Sound Management of Minerals and Metals, submitted by Colombia and the Sultanate of Oman. H.E. Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri President of UNEA-7, President of the Environment Authority of Oman     Paris, November 28, 2025      Support and proposed guidance for the draft Resolution on the Environmentally Sound Management of Minerals and Metals at the 7th UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA-7)   Your Excellency, With this letter, the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals , a high-level, independent and multistakeholder group from diverse sectors, both from the Global North and South, would like to commend the presidency of UNEA-7 for putting minerals on the UNEA’s agenda in a joint effort with the Republic of Colombia and share some thoughts. Without international cooperation, the management of minerals risks deepening geopolitical tensions, worsening environmental degradation, and entrenching human rights abuses in vulnerable mining regions, while the rush for resources may disproportionately benefit industrialized nations’ energy transitions at the expense of equitable development. Convinced of the need to address these risks collectively, the Global Council has consistently advocated for strengthened global governance tools, including an international agreement on mineral resources management. In a report published last year, the Global Council specifically called for the establishment of a working group to draw a roadmap towards an international agreement of resources, which would serve to foster international collaboration on access and benefit-sharing. The Global Council therefore welcomes the draft Resolution submitted by the Republic of Colombia and the Sultanate of Oman in the lead up to UNEA-7 to advance options for international instruments on the environmentally sound management of minerals and metals and guidance for mineral resources circularity. The Global Council strongly encourages the Assembly to advance this work, which is an important step towards a better multilateral governance of minerals. The Global Council also wishes to emphasize that while the environment is an important aspect of minerals governance, it is not the only one. Efforts under UNEA would benefit from being part of a comprehensive approach that also addresses social and economic dimensions: transparent and predictable trade rules, equitable revenue-sharing, meaningful community engagement and consent, decent work and labor rights, technology transfer and skills, value creation in producer countries, and inclusion of artisanal and small-scale mining. In the Global Council’s view, establishing an intergovernmental working group tasked under UNEP’s mandate to develop a roadmap toward an international agreement would represent a positive and concrete first step towards institutionalizing global mineral governance. This working group could lay the foundation for a holistic international agreement on mineral resource management - one that address minerals challenges beyond its environmental aspects – or a dedicated international minerals Agency. The Global Council calls for the working group to be inclusive and work with groups representing the various stakeholders involved. The Global Council stands ready to participate in inclusive dialogues that can support the work of UNEA-7 and any expert group established pursuant to the resolution. Please accept, Excellency, the assurance of our highest consideration.   KANDEH YUMKELLA & BRUNO OBERLE Co-Chairs of the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals

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.

28 October 2025, Paris and online The Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals held its 8th meeting on October 28, on the sidelines of the 8 th  edition of the Paris Peace Forum. Taking place just days before COP30 in Belém, weeks before UNEA-7 and amidst growing focus on minerals in G7 and G20 Presidencies, this meeting offered a critical window to discuss topical issues such as recent geopolitical developments related to minerals, the G7 and G20 agendas, and ongoing efforts toward an international agreement on minerals. Update on Global Trends Council members and external contributors examined the shifting geopolitical landscape of the minerals sector, highlighting the persistence of supply concentration and the implications for energy security. Despite intensified global efforts to diversify sources of “critical” minerals, supply concentration remains significant, with midstream and downstream processing continuing to rely heavily on China . According to the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) Global Critical Minerals Outlook , China is the dominant refiner for 19 of 20 key transition minerals, accounting for roughly 70% of total refining capacity. This concentration is projected to continue beyond 2030, particularly across midstream and downstream stages of value chains. Efforts by other economies to expand processing capabilities, particularly in the United States and Europe, have been constrained by high capital expenditures, elevated operating costs, and limited economies of scale . Even with strategic incentives and investment, western competitiveness remains limited compared to Chinese market. In parallel, the growth of export controls and trade restrictions is reshaping global mineral markets . Recent export restrictions, such as on cobalt by the DRC and on rare earths by China – paused following Donald Trump and Xi Jinping meeting, are making supply diversification more complex in practice, with growing scope, increasingly including battery and processing technologies . While diversification strategies remain central to States’s security strategies, the discussion emphasized the importance of investing in mining projects, technological innovation, processing and recycling infrastructures to foster resilience and cooperative approaches. Despite policy momentum, private capital remains largely absent from mining investment and concentrated to generalist investors. Participants argued that financial and innovative de-risking tools – that go beyond offtake guarantees and price support mechanisms towards equity investments - are necessary to enhance private-sector participation, and thus, making mining projects bankable and viable . A shift towards equity investments is already taking place   under the Trump Administration : the US government has partnered with investment firms Orion Resource Partners and Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company (ADQ ) to establish a new $1.2 billion fund to invest in critical minerals , and International Finance Cooperation (IFC) and Appian have launched a new US $1 billion partnership to accelerate the responsible development of critical minerals, metals and mining related projects  in Africa and Latin America. While some stakeholders caution that public equity stakes can also be interpreted as a risk signal for unsupported projects and that equity should complement, rather than replace, other tools (predictable offtake, streamlined permitting, enabling infrastructure, and demand-side measures), participants recalled the need to align mineral finance with broader green transition policy. On the other hand, the European Commission approached de‑risking and supply reliability in critical minerals by emphasizing market predictability, signaling long‑term demand  rather than intervening directly in price stability. For example, when Australian nickel producers faced closures amid low prices and overcapacity in Indonesia, the EU sought to reassure them it would remain a reliable buyer. Lacking direct financial tools to stabilize prices, the European Commission instead committed to visibility of future demand by setting clear targets under the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), including the requirement that no more than 65 % of any mineral supply may originate from a single third‑country source. Amidst increased geopolitical tensions and fragmentation, the Global Council underscored the need to strengthen global collaboration, including with actors such as China. Managing global risks in the mineral and energy sectors requires shared responsibility , both for major producers and consumers. Economic decoupling is neither realistic nor desirable: decades of global interdependence cannot be dismantled without severe economic, social and environmental disruption.   Instead, nations should look for  practical, cooperative ways to de-risk  transition mineral supply chains while advancing urgent climate and biodiversity goals. All actors must work collaboratively across both the Global South and the Global North, East and West to manage the environmental and economic impacts of its activities. Prioritizing narrow  national security or protectionist approaches over collective action would jeopardize global stability and environmental and climate goals. 2.      The Concept of Standards-Based Market in the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan In June 2025,   the leaders of the G7 adopted a Critical Minerals Action Plan at their summit in Kananaskis, Canada – followed by the adoption of a Roadmap to promote Standards-based Markets for Critical Minerals  on October 31 st . Building on the work of the Japanese and Italian presidencies, and endorsed by Australia, India, and the Republic of Korea, the Plan underlines that critical minerals are the “building blocks of digital and energy-secure economies of the future.” It sets out three priorities: the creation of standards-based markets, the mobilization of capital and partnerships, and the promotion of innovation. Over the first half of September, the Secretariat held consultations among the Global Council’s group of Special Advisors to gather diverse perspectives from private sector actors, civil society, and international organizations. In their last meeting, on September 11 th , the Global Council debated on their position, based on the outcomes of the consultations ( See 7 th  Meeting of the Global Council ). During the 8 th Meeting, members of the Global Council adopted the Position paper on the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan’s Concept of “Standards-based markets”.   The adopted paper is available here .  The Secretariat added that this position paper could serve as a basis for informing discussions under the upcoming French G7 Presidency. The Global Council, as a global and independent actor, could also promote this position in broader international fora, such as among G20 and BRICS+ countries. 3.       G20 Developments: Towards Greater Added Value South Africa’s G20 Presidency - the only African country in the G20 - has placed a strong focus on critical minerals, building on the last three years’ presidencies, held by Brazil (2024), India (2023) and Indonesia (2022), while the United States will take over in 2026. Reflecting one of its core priorities “ Harnessing critical minerals for inclusive growth and sustainable development”,  an ad hoc task force on “Inclusive Economic Growth, Industrialisation, Employment and Reduced Inequality”   is advancing the establishment of a governance framework for critical minerals, aimed at promoting secure, transparent and sustainable value chains. The T20 - think tank engagement group gathering research institutes and universities to provide policy recommendations to G20 leaders – has fed into this work through its Task Force 5 “Accelerating Climate Action and the Just Energy Transition” , co-Chaired by Céline Kauffmann (IDDRI), Maiara Folly (Plataforma CIPÓ) and Gaylor Montmasson-Clair (Southern Transitions). The Task Force engaged in four areas: i) Promoting Sustainable and Equitable Critical Mineral Value Chains; ii) Scaling Adaptation Finance; iii) Supporting Inclusive, Just Energy Transitions, and iv) Biodiversity-Climate-Development Nexus. As core priorities, the Task Force recommended  that: “ The G20 Critical Minerals Governance Framework should promote value addition and fair benefit-sharing in critical mineral value chains for equitable green industrialisation, making partnership agreements related to critical minerals publicly available, endorsing a credible global mining standard and capacitating producer countries for implementation and monitoring, including consideration of social and environmental monitoring and safeguards .” This recommendation is built on the following pillars: mutually beneficial, inclusive partnerships - bridging the gap between long-term security of supply and local, equitable development; green industrialization and development policies ; diversification objectives that must be compatible with climate action and biodiversity protection ; and local development . To be effective, the Framework must be backed by concrete supporting measures, including strengthening transparency in partnerships and supply chains  (public disclosure of partnership agreements, establishment of robust traceability mechanisms),   capacity building for producer countries  to capture greater value from their mineral endowments ( fit-for-purpose technologies, skills, and finance) . Another central pillar is endorsing a credible global mining standard by   bridging the current fragmentation of standards  - to ensure consistent expectations around good governance, decent working conditions, human rights, and environmental stewardship , in line with existing international norms. Finally, the importance of systematically integrating social and environmental impact assessments, safeguards, and ongoing monitoring throughout project lifecycles has been deemed necessary. However, discussions highlighted that the real challenge lies in moving from ideas to practical implementation . Progress requires strong domestic leadership and coherent national policies. Moreover, expectations of a “perfect” market overlook the reality that States will always act to protect their own interests, as demonstrated by China’s export restrictions or the EU’s carbon border adjustment mechanism. It was indicated that the European Union’s recent approach to minerals reflects this balance, by emphasizing just transition beyond European countries. While securing access to critical raw materials is a strategic priority given the growing demand and supply concentration risks, the EU aims to ensure that its actions also promote fairness, shared prosperity, and sustainable development. The recently-launched “RESourceEU” plan , modeled on the earlier REPowerEU initiative, seeks to reduce Europe’s vulnerability by diversifying supply while building equitable partnerships with countries like Ukraine, Australia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Chile and Greenland – in addition to existing partnerships with Namibia, Zambia, the DRC, Chile, Argentina, and others.  The current situation was described as a “battle of narratives” among different discussions, including those held under G7 and G20 leaderships, the former being perceived as framing minerals as a security concern while the second as promoting co-benefits . While concrete and country-specific tools such as EU-South Africa Clean, Trade and Investments Partnerships (CTIPs) are being deployed , there is a clear need to rethink narratives to avoid a one-size-fits-all “European policy towards Africa” , which in a continent of 54 sovereign countries may appear inadequate. Additionally, EU’s shortage of minerals not only stems from its lack of resources but from its resistance to mining (“not in my backyard”), weakening it credibility in engaging with the Global South. Finally, value creation strategies must be tested against uncertain demand and supply dynamics.  Contrary to the widespread idea of a “mineral boom”, some analyses predict a possible 30-year period of low demand  (Martin Lynch), having consequences on actual benefits. Another major development may emerge in light of the growing attention on Deep-Sea Mining. The launch of deep-sea mining of polymetallic nodules containing cobalt, copper, nickel, and manganese by the US-licensed company The Metals Company – could potentially flood the market and cause prices to fall, impacting  producers like the DRC – tough its long-term economic viability remains uncertain. Policymakers should plan for future scenarios, taking into account technological and supply developments which could rapidly alter market dynamics and undermine value for mineral-rich countries . 4.      Update on an integrated minerals governance: International Minerals and Metals Agency, Data Hub and International Agreement on Minerals The Call for An International Minerals Agency for Data Disclosure In its 2024 Interim report , the Global Council for Responsible Transition Minerals recommended the “creation of an interoperable mineral data repository to consolidate existing information on mineral endowments, regulations, trade flows, and ESG impacts” to support global policymaking with well-grounded insights. Since the Global Council’s recommendation, the idea has grained traction across different institutions. In a Special Advisor meeting, held in May 2025 , experts of the mineral sector agreed that “While the IEA and its 32 Member States have stepped into the role of a mineral agency to overcome this critical gap, the need remains for a standalone specialized agency which could address the needs of developing and emerging economies and provide a global and regional platform for dialogues and advocacy across cross-cutting issues.” Several major organizations beyond the Global Council have called for greater transparency, data harmonization , and disclosure of social and environmental impacts . In its reports Global Resource Outlook 2024 and Financing the Responsible Supply of Energy Transition Minerals, the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP)’s International Resource Panel (IRP) has consistently highlighted the need for improved global governance of minerals and materials. Other organizations include the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining (IGF), UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, OECD, International Monetary Fund (IMF), IRENA, and  International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) . Earlier this year, the IRP launched a Call to Action for 21 st Century Global Materials Stewardship , identifying four key priorities for better materials stewardship: Better orientation , through science-based material use targets and related guidance. Better measurement , through indicators that measure the ability of systems for housing, mobility, food and energy to meet people’s needs in material-efficient ways.          Better economic incentives , through policy and fiscal reforms that internalize environmental and social costs of material extraction in material prices and phase out harmful subsidies. Better transparency and coordination,  through access to consolidated data on material flows and impacts – provided by an International Materials Agency that is hosted in a resource-rich country. The call for an International Minerals and Metals Agency (IMMA or IMA), as conceptualized by the IRP, was specifically echoed by different actors. The Sustainable Business Coalition’s COP30 Circular Economy and Materials Working Group  recently recommended creating an “International Materials Agency to help governments improve transparency and data collection aligned with international standards while offering guidance to market participants” and the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030’s last report recommended the creation of a similar agency. At the same time, a coalition of organizations is emerging to support the creation of a Global Materials Data Hub, envisioned as a central platform for data transparency and coordination, coordinated by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) and Systemiq . The project was discussed at the 2025 Paris Peace Forum, in a Roundtable held on October 30 th , which brought together representatives from international organizations, NGOs, governmental surveys, companies and other actors to discuss the scope, use cases of such a platform, as well as priorities and potential constraints. While Global Council discussion highlighted broad support for the initiative, aligning with prior Global Council’s commitments for such a body, concerns were raised about the challenge of data transparency and digitalization accessible to all , including to local communities and civil society on the ground . While presented as “open-sourced”, the accessibility of such a platform could be undermined for the sake of company’s competitiveness or privacy – thus creating an imbalance where companies can trace and control information about mineral origins and trade flows, and affected communities and consumers cannot monitor revenues royalties, export quotas, or social and environmental impacts. Concerns were also raised about the inadequacy of public policies with transparency implications that such an Agency would imply. For example, while the EU promotes digitalization and traceability of mineral supply chains, including through blockchain systems under its strategic partnerships, these systems often remain   closed to communities and civil society watchdogs   in producer countries . Moreover, it was indicated that corporate accountability directives are being weakened, further diluting the scope of reporting obligations , and   that Global Gateway investments – such as the €180 million announcement for DRC’s sustainable growth and resource management  – lack transparency  regarding how and where funds are allocated. Participants stressed that to effectively complement de-risking efforts, the EU must   guarantee open access to data, strengthen consistency across its initiatives, and ensure public traceability of projects and revenues . Additionally, such an agency could only effectively address the issue of heightened demand for resources when coupled with demand-side measures and public education. Informed consumer behavior remains key to avoid disconnection between overconsumption patterns and sustainability goals . The important role of recycling was highlighted as well as its limitations in meeting projected mineral demand.  An example of public education has been the use of digital and AI-driven tools to   enhance transparency and consumer engagement . For instance, new applications now allow users to identify the embodied carbon footprint of vehicles  by simply scanning them, making visible the hidden environmental costs of car manufacturing. Such initiatives have proven effective in mobilizing public awareness and corporate accountability , as consumers began pressuring automakers to reduce emissions. Towards an International Agreement on Minerals Resources Akin to the concept of an International Minerals Agency, the 2024 Global Council Interim report called for the   “establishment of a working group to draw a roadmap towards an International Agreement on the Management of Resources. This would serve to foster international collaboration on the access and benefit-sharing of these essential resources”. Recent efforts in this direction have been undertaken by other actors such as a draft Resolution submitted by Colombia and Oman for the upcoming United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-7) aiming at establishing a working group to explore options for an environmentally sound management of resources.  Regional initiatives have also emerged, such as the proposal by Democratic Republic of the Congo on October 22, for an Organization of Strategic Minerals Producing and Exporting Countries , modeled on OPEC.