Critical Minerals Usage: Energy Transition vs. Other Industries
Critical Minerals Usage: Energy Transition vs. Other Industries
Global · Published Sep 7, 2026
A report by the Oakland Institute, using International Energy Agency (IEA) data, reveals that only 26% of the global demand for critical minerals like copper, lithium, and nickel in 2024 is attributed to clean energy technologies such as wind, solar, and electric vehicles.
The remaining 74% is consumed by industries like construction, defense, and electronics.

Impact & Risks

The findings suggest that the push for clean energy is not the sole driver of critical mineral demand, challenging the narrative that the energy transition is the primary cause of increased mining. This could influence global policy and investment decisions, as well as the allocation of resources. However, the report also highlights the environmental and social risks of mining, with over half of current and prospective energy-transition mineral projects located near Indigenous or peasant lands, raising concerns about land rights and environmental justice.

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