Global net zero emissions goals by 2050 require a significant increase in nickel and copper supply, as stated by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation. To meet these targets, at least 15 minerals and metals need to be extracted at similar rates, presenting a monumental challenge that some doubt can be achieved sustainably.
The European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive from 2029 will enforce environmental and human rights standards throughout supply chains. This aligns with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ call for a clean energy transition that doesn’t exploit vulnerable communities.
However, concerns over sustainable practices led European companies like BASF and Eramet to withdraw from a billion-dollar nickel-and-cobalt refinery in Indonesia. This move reflects the growing emphasis on responsible sourcing and environmental protection.
The EU’s Critical Raw Materials Act emphasizes the importance of minerals like nickel for the green transition. As the demand for these critical minerals rises, sustainable practices and ethical mining become imperative for a cleaner, greener future.