2025-05-06-亚开行-推进亚太地区关键矿产的弹性和可持续发展（英）_16页_1mb

Summary of ADB Brief on Critical Minerals in Asia and the Pacific

Introduction

The region serves as a key producer, refiner, and trader of critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies, such as electric vehicles (EVs). Despite advantages like abundant resources and a strong manufacturing base, challenges include supply shortfalls, price volatility, and environmental risks, requiring tailored strategies and cooperation.

Key Findings

• Market Landscape: Asia-Pacific dominates critical mineral supply, with a few major players controlling production and trade, leading to price fluctuations. Demand for minerals like lithium, copper, cobalt, and nickel is surging, but existing reserves and production capacity may fall short by 2040. Recycling rates remain low, despite potential for growth in battery recycling post-2030.

• Environmental and Social Challenges: High greenhouse gas emissions from mining and processing; land-use changes affect biodiversity and local communities; worker safety and human rights abuses are prevalent in informal and small-scale mining.

• Policy Implications: Countries need sector-specific policies, such as incentives for sustainable practices and recycling; strengthening refining and manufacturing to enhance value capture; addressing trade restrictions and fostering regional partnerships to mitigate risks.

Recommendations

Asia-Pacific should adopt integrated approaches, including harmonized ESG standards, green investments, and collaborative frameworks, to build resilient and sustainable supply chains for critical minerals.