Transition metals risk supply crunch in 2030s
Underinvestment and lengthening lead times for mining projects are hampering supply growth needed to meet demand, Wood Mackenzie says
Underinvestment in the production of transition metals including lithium, nickel, cobalt and copper risks creating a severe supply crunch in the 2030s, according to consultancy Wood Mackenzie. “Certainly, we do not think there are enough committed projects in the pipeline to actually meet the demand laid out,” Robin Griffin, vice-president of metals and mining at Wood Mackenzie, told the recent Future Facing Mined Commodities Forum. “Investment needs to ramp up. We are looking at about $200bn of additional investment that would get us to where we need to be.” The $200bn cost estimate covers a scenario where global temperatures are 2.5-2.7°C above pre-industrial levels by 2050. A 1.5°C pathwa
Also in this section
13 December 2024
Prices in world’s largest compliance market have risen this year but remain below those seen in the EU
11 December 2024
Policymakers need to step up with a long-term, global strategy if the energy transition is ever to be a success
11 December 2024
CCUS and other carbon management technologies are gaining traction around the world, but heightened policy risk and other pressures will make 2025 a challenging year in some regions
10 December 2024
Tightened standards have helped improve the outlook for the voluntary carbon market, which is set for a record year and poised for long-term growth