La transición energética global implica un rápido cambio de dependencia desde los combustibles fósiles a la extracción de algunos minerales, impulsando el crecimiento de la demanda de minerales críticos, base fundamental de energía limpia y de tecnologías digitales avanzadas. Para evitar cuellos de botella en el suministro, numerosos proyectos de minería deberán ser desarrollados en la próxima década. Se destaca el predominio de unos pocos países en el procesamiento y la aplicación de minerales críticos, aunque una parte importante del suministro se encuentra en países del llamado Sur Global, muchas regiones frágiles y afectadas por conflictos, los que pueden ser agravados por estos mismos esfuerzos.
Sumary
The global energy transition requires a rapid shift from fossil fuel dependency to mineral extraction. This shift is fueling exponential growth in demand for critical minerals, the backbone of clean energy and a vast range of advanced digital technologies. As a result, many new mining projects will need to be developed over the next decade in order to prevent supply bottlenecks. Notwithstanding the dominance of a few countries in the processing and application of critical minerals, a significant portion of the supply is located in countries of the Global South, many of which are highly unequal, fragile and/or conflict affected-settings. These areas are also highly susceptible to climate vulnerabilities, and the race to secure critical minerals is occurring alongside global escalating geopolitical tensions and intense national debates around just ecological transitions, across both Global North and Global South countries. Far from costs and risks-free, the implications of these transitions are civilisational, planetary, and existential. Decisions about where and how mining operations are established will shape the future trajectories of climate and ecological change. Who mines these minerals will likewise influence the global economic and technological balance of power, particularly as the fourth industrial revolution gains momentum. Moreover, the methods employed in mining critical minerals will have a profound impact on global stability, equity, and justice. Taking the pulse of the energy transition and the stakes involved requires a deeper examination of critical mineral dynamics, particularly in the Global South. Risk reduction should be a central focus of policies and supply chains dedicated to transitioning the global energy system in a way that also upholds economic, social and environmental justice both between and within countries.
Fuente: https://igarape.org.br
