Global leaders at UNEA-7 stress urgent action for safe, sustainable critical mineral management

Guwahati: As the world accelerates its transition to clean energy, the demand for Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths is rising rapidly.

These minerals are vital for renewable energy, batteries, and electrification technologies.

However, every stage of their lifecycle, including extraction, processing, transport, storage, technology production, recycling, and disposal, carries significant risks, such as industrial accidents that can affect health and the environment.

At the seventh session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA-7), high-level discussions highlighted the need to strengthen the management of environmental, industrial, and social risks associated with CETMs to ensure resilience.

A side event titled "Managing Environmental, Industrial and Social Risks of Critical Energy Transition Minerals: Policies and Solutions for a Resilient Planet" emphasized how international policies, legal frameworks, and technical tools can help countries address these risks while supporting a just and sustainable energy transition.

Governments, industry, and stakeholders can use these frameworks to integrate environmental protection, industrial safety, and human rights into CETM governance, in line with UNEA-7's theme, "Advancing sustainable solutions for a resilient planet."

UNECE Executive Secretary Tatiana Molcean stressed that the energy transition must not create new hazards.

She said, "If we fail to act now, risks will grow as demand rises. Climate mitigation is urgent, but it must not cause preventable disasters. Safety and resilience are non-negotiable. Governance must meet environmental and human rights standards. Cross-sector cooperation is essential."

Rolph Payet, Executive Secretary of the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions, highlighted the importance of CETMs for economic development and climate solutions, while noting the serious environmental and human risks posed by their extraction and end-of-life management.

He pointed out that the conventions have developed technical guidelines and partnerships to manage hazardous waste generated during the CETM lifecycle.

UN Special Rapporteur Elisa Morgera emphasized the need for a human-rights approach in the energy transition.

She noted that international environmental agreements play a crucial role in aligning climate, nature, water, food, and health goals with the sustainable and rights-based management of minerals.

Key areas for strengthening CETM risk governance discussed at the event included:

1. Multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs)
MEAs provide practical tools for managing CETM risks. UNECE’s Industrial Accidents Convention helps prevent and mitigate accidents throughout the CETM lifecycle, including at tailings facilities. The Basel Convention oversees the safe management and cross-border movement of hazardous wastes, such as spent batteries and mining by-products.

2. Human rights and accountability
A rights-based approach ensures affected communities, workers, and civil society have access to information, participation, and justice. The UNECE Aarhus Convention offers a binding framework for applying these principles globally.

3. Cross-sectoral cooperation
Building on UNEA resolutions and the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on CETMs, discussions stressed the need for coordination across regions and sectors to implement MEAs effectively and prevent industrial accidents.

4. Resource management and traceability
Tools such as UNECE’s UN Framework Classification for Resources and the UN Resource Management System support transparent, sustainable resource planning. These tools ensure projects respect community rights, legal compliance, and fair employment practices. The EU, African Union, and other countries are using these frameworks to manage CETMs responsibly. Enhanced traceability, including Digital Product Passports, will further improve environmental and social oversight.

The event reinforced a shared commitment to a resilient, equitable, and sustainable energy future that safeguards people and the planet while enabling responsible use of critical minerals.

It also showcased collaboration among UN organizations to integrate environmental protection, industrial safety, and human rights into CETM governance.

The side event was co-organized by UNECE, the Basel, Rotterdam, and Stockholm Conventions Secretariat (BRS), UNEP, and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), with support from the European Commission, bringing together governments, UN bodies, industry, civil society, and experts.