A United Nations panel of experts has published a comprehensive set of recommendations and guidelines for governments and mining companies aimed at safeguarding human rights, justice, and equity during the global race for energy transition minerals. The report, titled Resourcing the Energy Transition: Principles to Guide Critical Energy Transition Minerals towards Equity and Justice, outlines ways to ensure that the shift to renewable energy promotes sustainable development, protects the environment, and fosters prosperity in resource-rich developing nations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who convened the panel in April, emphasized that the report acts as a “how-to guide” for generating both prosperity and equality alongside clean energy, noting the critical timing as demand for minerals is projected to nearly triple by 2030. Among the panel’s key proposals are the establishment of a UN expert advisory group to facilitate policy dialogue on mineral value chains, a global transparency and accountability framework, and the creation of a fund to address issues stemming from abandoned or derelict mines.
The report also highlights the need to empower artisanal and small-scale miners as agents of change, promoting environmental protection and human rights. It stresses the importance of enhancing material efficiency and supporting the role of the UN as a neutral convener in achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Secretary-General has instructed the panel to present its findings to member states and other stakeholders ahead of the COP29 conference later this year.
