From lithium to nickel: How the UN is helping countries make the most of critical minerals
Digging them out of the ground may be the most straightforward part of the process. Around the world, the United Nations is helping countries make sure these valuable resources create decent jobs, protect the environment and benefit local communities – not just global supply chains.Argentina: Putting communities at the centre of the lithium boomArgentina sits on some of the world's largest lithium reserves, making it a key supplier for the batteries used in electric vehicles and renewable energy.The United Nations is helping ensure local people have a say in how that development unfolds. It supports dialogue between governments, companies, workers and Indigenous communities so they can tackle issues ranging from environmental protection to economic opportunities together.The UN is also helping provinces strengthen their financial planning so more of the benefits from lithium stay in local communities, while supporting skills training and efforts to bring more women into the sector.Democratic Republic of the Congo: Turning mineral wealth into economic growthThe Democratic Republic of the Congo produces around 70 per cent of the world's cobalt, a mineral that is essential for many rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and energy storage.
