Securing Minerals for the Energy Transition

Despite recent progress in boosting the production of certain materials, supply shortages are still anticipated for many of the critical minerals and metals necessary to produce the lower-carbon technologies that are key to the energy transition. Left unchecked, this could mitigate nations’ ability to decarbonize their economies. SMET is a collaboration between the World Economic Forum and McKinsey, as the initiative’s knowledge partner, to progress the agenda on critical minerals for the energy transition.

Featured Collaboration

White Paper

Securing minerals for the energy transition: Finance for Southern Africa

This paper outlines practical solutions to accelerate investment in Southern Africa’s clean energy and critical minerals value chains.

White Paper

Securing minerals for the energy transition: Unlocking the value chain through policy, investment and innovation

This paper explores various approaches for unlocking critical minerals supply. It identifies barriers to investment and innovation in critical minerals and associated solutions for addressing them.

Report

Securing minerals for the energy transition

This report identifies 10 high-priority risk management strategies for access to minerals essential for the ongoing energy transition.

Article

Investing in innovation will secure vital critical minerals for the energy transition – here's where to start

The energy transition is spurring greater demand for critical minerals, the foundation of low-carbon-energy technologies. By taking action today and working collaboratively, the industry, governments and investors can provide the support and financing needed to develop, scale and deploy these innovations.

Article

Securing critical minerals for energy transition requires collective action

There is a supply and demand gap for the critical minerals necessary for the energy transition. The Securing Minerals for the Energy Transition initiative has identified the risks and implications of this gap and how to manage it.

Insights from industry leaders

Aerial view Real time Footage of above Brisbane river over Kurilpa Bridge, Victoria Bridge and Captain Cook Bridge beside Modern Office Building at night time in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia, Business Financial Industry and Travel Destination Concept

Report

Global Energy Perspective 2025

October 13, 2025 -

Geopolitical uncertainty, shifting policies, and increasing demand for power are reshaping the energy landscape. In this year’s report, we present our updated view on what’s to come in the energy system.

Aerial view of metal raw materials stacked at freight terminal

Report

Global Materials Perspective 2025

October 7, 2025 -

Materials profitability and cash positions were strong in 2024. Looking ahead, success likely requires capturing growth while improving productivity and delivering sustainable solutions.

Close-up of little girl using tablet at night

Interactive

Resetting expectations for the energy and materials transition

September 17, 2024 -

As a reality gap emerges between net-zero goals and the actions needed to achieve them, what happens in the energy and materials sectors will determine the pace of low-carbon technology rollout.

Solar energy and wind power stations - stock photo

Report

The net-zero materials transition: Implications for global supply chains

July 5, 2023 -

To provide critical materials for the energy transition, the metals and minerals industries must adapt their global supply chains.

Article

The raw-materials challenge: How the metals and mining sector will be at the core of enabling the energy transition

January 10, 2022 -

As the world gears up for net zero, demand for raw materials is set to soar. The energy transition presents unique challenges for metals and mining companies, which will need to innovate and rebuild their growth agenda.