Published on: 2026-07-22
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
July 22, 2026 Economic Development
The global transition to clean energy is rapidly increasing demand for critical minerals – lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper – but it should be remembered that extracting these resources is the easiest part of the process. The United Nations helps countries ensure that valuable resources create decent jobs, protect the environment, and benefit local communities, not just supply chain participants.
Argentina
Argentina has some of the largest lithium reserves in the world, making it a key supplier of raw materials for batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy.
The UN helps ensure the participation of ordinary Argentinians in decision-making about the development of the extractive sector. The organization supports dialogue between the government, companies, workers, and indigenous peoples to jointly address fundamental issues—from environmental protection to expanding economic opportunities.
The UN also helps Argentine provinces strengthen financial planning so that most of the benefits from lithium extraction remain with local communities, and supports vocational training programs and efforts to increase women’s participation in the industry.
© Adobe Stock/E. Zani Cobalt mining in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo – in an area controlled by armed groups.
DR Congo
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) produces about 70 percent of the world’s cobalt – a mineral essential for making batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage systems.
The UN supports efforts aimed at ensuring that the extraction of critical minerals contributes to broader economic development of the country. This includes assistance in strengthening public policy, promoting responsible business development, and supporting local enterprises to enable their participation in emerging supply chains for batteries and electric vehicles.
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Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the largest producers of nickel, a key component of batteries for electric vehicles. The country aims not to be limited to raw material exports but to develop the production of products with higher added value domestically.
The UN supports these efforts by helping to improve industrial standards, implement cleaner technologies, and increase domestic added value in the supply chains of critical minerals.
The organization also helps strengthen occupational health and industrial safety, develop “green” skills needed for the changing economy, and share experience with other mineral-producing countries through cooperation mechanisms in sustainable mining and responsible resource management.
© Adobe Stock/Mirwanto Work at a nickel mine in Indonesia.
Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan is working on improving the management mechanisms of the critical minerals sector amid rising global demand.
The UN supports efforts to strengthen control over critical mineral supply chains, helping to align national regulations with international standards and to identify risks related to crime, corruption, and weak accountability.
Support from the Organization also includes improving safety at mines and labor standards, promoting responsible business practices in accordance with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights, as well as exploring ways to extract valuable materials from electronic waste to reduce the need for new mining.
Zambia
Zambia’s rich mineral resources play an important role in the transition to clean energy. The UN is helping this country ensure that mining creates new opportunities for workers, local businesses, and communities.
Such support includes the development of a national skills development strategy for the mining industry, training workers for employment in the extraction and production of batteries, as well as assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in participating in emerging electric vehicle supply chains.
The UN also works with artisanal and small-scale miners, helping to improve safety, strengthen environmental measures, and support the formalization of their activities.
Local communities participate in monitoring the environmental impacts of mining together with government agencies, universities, and mining companies, which helps build trust in mining projects.
Materials compiled by the UN Development Coordination Office.
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