The OECD has issued a stark warning about the growing trend of export restrictions on key critical raw materials, such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These materials are crucial for the production of technologies that are driving the global energy transition, including renewable energy systems, electric vehicles (EVs), and electronics.
The OECD’s latest report indicates that such export restrictions are becoming more common, posing significant risks to global supply chains and the stability of markets that depend on these materials.
The report highlights how these measures can raise prices, limit access, and potentially cause delays in industries essential for achieving global sustainability goals. As demand for green technologies increases, the OECD stresses that the lack of reliable access to critical raw materials could slow down progress towards a low-carbon economy.
In response, the OECD urges countries and industries to explore new ways to diversify supply chains, improve resource efficiency, and collaborate internationally to prevent further disruptions. With the rising geopolitical tensions and trade policies affecting global markets, the need for more resilient and sustainable resource management has never been more pressing.
In response, the MINEYE project, is advancing solutions for resource efficiency and sustainable supply chains. By developing innovative mining technologies and recycling methods, MINEYE aims to reduce dependency on restricted raw materials, helping secure a more resilient and sustainable future.
