Mining And Metals Key For Net Zero Commitments

Following COP26, over 90% of world GDP is now covered by net zero commitments. But, as pointed out in a recent article by management consultants McKinsey & Company, the move to net zero will require unprecedented supplies of the raw materials - predominantly metals - used in the manufacture of green technologies.

As a result, the pressure is now on the mining and metals sector to ensure availability of materials such as copper (for electrification), tellurium (for solar panels), and lithium and cobalt (for batteries). In some cases, this may require scaling up existing production by a factor of ten or more.

How will this be achieved? According to McKinsey, the sector will need to innovate, not only to increase supply of raw materials, but also to reduce their carbon footprint, by addressing emissions during production and supply.