As the global demand for clean energy and digital technologies increases, so does the need for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These essential resources power electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced communication systems. However, this rapid growth in demand is accompanied by significant risks, including illegal mining, organized crime infiltration, human rights violations, and environmental damage, particularly in regions with weak governance.
In response to these challenges, UNICRI has developed the Strategic Response Framework for Tackling Crimes Linked to Critical Minerals. This comprehensive framework outlines a coordinated approach to mitigating the various crimes associated with critical minerals.
UNICRI’s framework is closely aligned with the UN Secretary-General’s Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals, reinforcing the call for global cooperation to ensure a fair and sustainable transition to green energy.
