亚开行-推进亚太地区关键矿产的弹性和可持续发展（英）

ADB BRIEFSNO. 339APRIL 2025Advancing Resilient and Sustainable Development of Critical Minerals in Asia and the PacificKEY POINTS• Asia and the Pacific stands to benefit greatly from anticipated surging demand for critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, with the region being a key player in the production, refining, investment, and trade of critical minerals.• Critical mineral policies are emerging in Asia and the Pacific, but many countries lack focus on environmental protection, and recycling rates remain low, although battery recycling is promising.• A few major players dominate the industry’s production and trade, leading to price volatility, which may be exacerbated by increasing restrictive trade measures.• Asia and the Pacific requires tailored strategies focusing on upstream activities, and strengthening refining or manufacturing based on country-specific capacities, supported by a balanced policy approach that promotes economic incentives and sustainable practices.• Regional cooperation can strengthen supply chain resilience through trade and investment partnerships, economic cooperation mechanisms, and regional financing initiatives.ISBN 978-92-9277-273-4 (print)ISBN 978-92-9277-274-1 (PDF) ISSN 2071-7202 (print)ISSN 2218-2675 (PDF)Publication Stock No. BRF250132-2DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.22617/BRF250132-2INTRODUCTIONThe transition to clean energy is a global priority, driving unprecedented demand for critical minerals integral to clean energy technologies, including electric vehicles (EVs). Compared to conventional vehicles, EVs require significantly more critical minerals, particularly graphite, nickel, lithium, cobalt, and copper, driven by battery and motor needs. Rare earth elements like neodymium and dysprosium, though small in quantity, are also critical for EV motors (Figure 1). Asia and the Pacific, with its rich deposits of critical minerals and dominant manufacturing base, stands at the forefront of this transition. The region is both a major producer and consumer of these resources, contributing to global value chains and advancing clean energy technology adoption. However, the critical mineral sectors in the region also face several challenges, including limited value addition, infrastructure limitations, and the need to balance economic growth with sustainable development practices. Additionally, the fact that critical mineral industries are dominated by a few players can lead to disruptions driven by policy changes, trade restrictions, or geopolitical conflicts.Notes: In this publication, “$” refers to United States dollars. ADB recognizes “China” as the People’s Republic of China. The brief has greatly benefited from valuable comments from Jong Woo Kang, Claire Alidenes, and Eric Lam. Joshua Gapay and Carlos Cabaero provided research support.Kijin KimSenior Economist Economic Research and Development Impact Department Asian Development Bank (ADB)Ammielou GaduenaConsultant, ADBKwang Jo JeongSenior Re