April 30, 2025 – Washington, D.C.
In a strategic move that has captured the attention of governments, companies and energy experts around the world, the main producing nations of strategic minerals for renewable energies have signed a historic agreement to accelerate the extraction of key materials, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel and graphite, fundamental for the transition to a clean energy economy. This coalition, formed by countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia, aims to increase the production of these critical minerals, reduce dependence on external sources and ensure a stable supply to meet the growing demand for green technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs) and energy storage facilities.
The agreement, which includes the creation of an international fund to finance the extraction and processing of minerals, was signed on April 30, 2025 at a summit held in Washington, D.C., attended by representatives of more than 20 countries. The coalition aims to increase the production capacity of essential minerals for renewable energy by 50% by 2030, in order to meet the global demand driven by the electrification of transport and the expansion of renewable energy.
A Historic Agreement: Ensuring Sustainability in Mining
This agreement, known as the “Global Pact of Minerals for Renewable Energies”, was signed in a context where geopolitical tensions over the control of mineral resources have intensified. In particular, China, which controls a significant part of the production of these minerals, has been a central player in the discussions on security of supply. However, with the growing interest of countries such as the United States, the European Union and Australia in diversifying their sources of supply, the Pact intends to balance the dynamics of the global market and create a more stable and diversified network for the minerals needed in the energy transition.
“This agreement marks a turning point in the history of global mining. It will not only ensure a constant supply of minerals critical for renewable energy, but it will also transform the mining industry into a sustainable sector that drives the global economy towards a cleaner and greener future,” said the Secretary General of the International Energy Organization, Ahmed Zaki Yamani, during the summit.
The creation of a common investment fund is one of the most innovative aspects of the pact. This fund will be used not only for the extraction of minerals, but also for the development of new technologies to improve the efficiency of mining and reduce its environmental impact. The fund is also expected to finance the recycling of critical materials, which will be essential to reduce the pressure on natural resources.
Impact of Mining on Renewable Energies: Lithium, Cobalt and Nickel at the Center of the Debate
Minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel are essential for the manufacture of lithium-ion batteries, used in electric vehicles, energy storage systems and electronic devices. The growing demand for these materials has highlighted the urgent need to increase production capacity worldwide. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lithium demand is expected to grow by 700% by 2030, due to the rise of electric vehicles and renewable energy storage.
Lithium, in particular, is an essential component for rechargeable batteries in electric vehicles. The main producers of lithium in the world, such as Chile, Argentina and Australia, have intensified their efforts to increase the extraction of this mineral. However, lithium mining is not exempt from environmental controversies, as extraction processes can have a significant impact on ecosystems, especially in areas of water scarcity. For this reason, the agreement signed in Washington also contemplates a focus on responsible and sustainable mining, with strict environmental standards.
Cobalt, for its part, has become another critical mineral for battery production, although its global supply depends largely on the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which raises concerns about security of supply and working conditions in the mines. The pact seeks to diversify cobalt sources, supporting African countries in the development of their mining capacities and improving working conditions in the region.
Nickel, which is used in the manufacture of high-capacity batteries, also plays a key role in the energy transition. Although nickel mining is less controversial than lithium and cobalt mining, the challenges associated with the expansion of production and the management of environmental impacts are significant. In this sense, the agreement seeks to promote best practices in nickel mining, ensuring that cleaner and more efficient technologies are adopted.
The Future of Energy Storage: The Recycling Revolution and the Circular Economy
One of the most relevant aspects of the pact is the inclusion of a circular economy approach, especially in the recycling of batteries and other electronic devices. Given that the useful life of lithium batteries and other components is limited, the recycling of these materials is presented as a key solution to reduce the pressure on natural resources. The agreement promotes the creation of a global infrastructure for battery recycling, which will allow the recovery of valuable minerals such as lithium, cobalt and nickel and reincorporating them into the supply chain.
In this context, recycling is not only a resource conservation strategy, but also a measure to reduce the environmental impacts of mining. Advanced recycling technologies allow up to 95% of the materials in batteries to be recovered, which significantly reduces the need for new extractions. In addition, more efficient recycling processes generate fewer greenhouse gas emissions, thus contributing to the decarbonization of the global economy.
The use of advanced recycling technologies will also reduce the pressure on mineral-producing countries, as it will decrease the need to open new mines. This is particularly important in regions such as Latin America and Africa, where mining can have negative effects on local communities and the environment.
Global Collaboration: Ensuring the Energy Transition in a Fair and Sustainable Way
The agreement signed in Washington not only addresses the need to increase mineral production, but also emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the benefits of mining are distributed fairly. This includes ensuring that local communities benefit from investments in mining infrastructure, that workers receive fair wages and that labor rights are respected at all stages of extraction.
In addition, greater international cooperation is sought to ensure that the mining of minerals critical for the energy transition does not become a source of conflict or inequality. Developing countries, especially in Africa and Latin America, are the main beneficiaries of the pact, which will allow them to access funding to improve their mineral extraction and processing capabilities.
Collaboration between strategic mineral-producing countries and countries leading the energy transition will also facilitate the development of common public policies that align production targets with global climate goals. The creation of a global energy infrastructure based on sustainability is an objective shared by all the countries involved in the agreement, who see in the energy transition an opportunity to improve the quality of life of their citizens and protect the planet for future generations.
The Path to a Responsible Energy Transition
This historic agreement marks a fundamental step in the fight for a global energy transition. Critical mineral mining is essential for the advancement of renewable energy, but it must be done in a responsible, sustainable and fair manner. With the pact signed on April 30, 2025, countries around the world have taken an important step towards a cleaner, greener and fairer future, where natural resources are managed responsibly and renewable energies are prioritized as the key to a more sustainable world.
