UN scientists, experts propose "Global Minerals Trust" - a cooperative, multilateral governance mechanism to ensure sustainable, conflict-free access to critical minerals

cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/31779742

cross-posted from: https://mander.xyz/post/31779724

> Here you can download the report: [Building a Global Minerals Trust for a Just Green Transition [pdf]](https://collections.unu.edu/eserv/UNU:10184/UNU-INWEH_Policy_June-2025-Brief_critical_minerals.pdf)

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> UN scientists, experts propose "Global Minerals Trust" - a cooperative, multilateral governance mechanism to ensure sustainable, conflict-free access to critical minerals

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> Key points:

> - Today, more than 70% of global production for key critical minerals is concentrated in just a few countries, raising serious concerns about supply security, market volatility, and geopolitical risk.

> - Achieving a just and sustainable energy transition hinges on fair and reliable access to critical minerals—materials key for low-carbon technologies. However, global supply chains remain environmentally damaging and vulnerable to geopolitical tensions, creating systemic risks for both climate and economic goals.

> - A Global Minerals Trust offers a new multilateral model to promote responsible stewardship, fair pricing, and secure equitable access to strategic minerals--balancing national sovereignty with planetary responsibility.

> - The Trust can advance a just and circular transition by enabling pooled investment, transparent trade, mineral recycling, and benefit-sharing with resource-producing nations, particularly in the Global South.

> - Global cooperation through platforms such as the G7, G20, IGF, and United Nations is essential to coordinate action and build a resilient, inclusive, and future-proof minerals governance system.

> - The Trust would include independent audit mechanisms—similar to those used by the International Atomic Energy Agency—to ensure environmental and social safeguards.

> - Countries would retain full sovereignty over their resources while committing to prioritize mineral flows for green technologies and avoid politicized supply disruptions.

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> Canada’s 2025 G7 presidency offers a strategic opportunity to facilitate early-stage consensus around the Trust, drawing on its strengths in environmental diplomacy and multilateral engagement, the report says.

[Edit to insert the correct link.]