Transition minerals are essential inputs into many clean energy technologies and associated infrastructures, like wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles. Examples of these minerals include copper, cobalt, lithium and platinum-group metals. Demand is mostly from the Global North, whereas most transition mineral ores are found in the Global South, China and Australia.

This discussion paper addresses issues of economic, social and environmental sustainability in the mining and processing of transition minerals.

The paper provides an introduction to which African countries are supplying which minerals and the associated economic opportunity. It also looks at the benefits of different land uses and advocates for the implementation of circular economies for transition minerals.

Download this concise 14-page paper to stay informed about the six key recommendations and what sustainable growth could look like regarding the mining of transition minerals in Africa.

Report by the World Wildlife Fund