From lithium to nickel: How the UN is helping countries make the most of critical minerals

The Security Council convened in New York on 22 July 2026 to address the growing importance of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and copper in the global shift toward clean energy. With demand projected to triple by 2030, the council debated whether this mineral wealth could foster peace and prosperity or continue to fuel conflict and corruption. The discussion highlighted both the potential and the challenges associated with the extraction and trade of these vital resources. At the heart of the debate was the issue of cobalt, which is primarily mined in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). According to reports, cobalt is extracted in Rubaya, located in the eastern DRC, an area under the control of a militia. This situation underscores the complex interplay between resource extraction and regional instability. The DRC produces approximately 70 percent of the world’s cobalt, a key component in rechargeable batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage systems. While the country has the potential to leverage its mineral wealth for economic growth, concerns persist over how the profits are distributed and whether local communities benefit from the industry. The United Nations has been actively engaged in initiatives aimed at ensuring that critical minerals contribute positively to economic development rather than exacerbating conflict. In the DRC, the UN supports efforts to strengthen public policy, promote responsible business practices, and help local businesses integrate into global supply chains. These measures aim to ensure that the benefits of cobalt mining remain within the country and support long-term sustainability. In Argentina, the focus has been on creating equitable conditions for local communities amid the lithium boom. Lithium, another crucial mineral for electric vehicles, is abundant in Argentina. The UN assists in facilitating dialogue among governments, corporations, indigenous groups, and workers to address environmental concerns and economic opportunities. Additionally, the organization helps provinces enhance financial planning to retain more of the economic gains from lithium production within local communities. Efforts include providing skills training and encouraging greater participation of women in the sector. Indonesia, a leading producer of nickel, essential for electric vehicle batteries, is pursuing strategies to add more value domestically. Rather than exporting raw materials, the country aims to expand high-value manufacturing processes. The UN supports this initiative by assisting in setting industrial production standards, promoting cleaner manufacturing methods, and increasing domestic value addition along the supply chain. The organization also works on improving occupational safety and health in mining operations and shares Indonesia’s experiences with other nations through South-South cooperation programs focused on sustainable mining and responsible resource management. Kazakhstan, another major player in the critical minerals market, is enhancing the governance of its mineral sector to meet rising global demand. The UN aids Kazakhstan in aligning national policies with international standards and identifying risks related to criminal activities, corruption, and poor accountability. Initiatives include improving mine safety, labor standards, and promoting responsible business conduct aligned with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. The organization also explores methods to recover valuable raw materials from electronic waste, thereby reducing the need for new extraction and contributing to circular economies. In Zambia, the UN is focusing on creating new job opportunities through mining and related industries. The country’s mineral resources are integral to the clean energy transition, and the UN supports the development of a national mining skills strategy to prepare workers for roles in mining and battery value chains. Small and medium-sized enterprises are being encouraged to participate in emerging electric vehicle supply chains, while efforts are underway to improve safety and environmental protections for artisanal and small-scale miners. As the Security Council deliberates on the future of critical minerals, the challenge remains to balance economic growth with social equity and environmental responsibility. The outcomes of these discussions will likely shape the trajectory of global resource governance in the years ahead.