Market Assessment on Critical Minerals Innovation in Developing Countries

Accelerating the deployment of innovative technologies currently in the prototype or demonstration phase in developing countries is crucial to a just transition to global net-zero energy systems, in line with the broader Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Innovations are particularly needed in resource efficiency, low-carbon recycling, and circular economy solutions in the value chains of critical minerals—such as copper, nickel, lithium, and cobalt—that are essential components of renewable energy systems.

CCSI, in partnership with Columbia Engineering, has developed a market assessment—based on the collection and analysis of primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative data—to strategically evaluate technological innovation in critical mineral value chains in developing countries. The assessment focuses on the midstream (processing and refining) and downstream segments (manufacturing, extraction from secondary sources, and end-of-life treatment).

The comprehensive study navigates the nexus of stakeholders, policies, initiatives, financial mechanisms, technologies, and SDG impacts. Starting from an analysis of 30 countries, deep-dives were conducted in three from each developing region: Africa, Asia and the Pacific (ASP), and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). Its findings are useful for activities and organizations focused on accelerating innovation in critical minerals in developing countries, such as the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)’s Accelerate-to-Demonstrate (A2D) Facility.

Learn more in the key project deliverables:

• Leaflet on key findings and recommendations (PDF)
• Executive Summary (PDF)
  • English
  • French | français
  • Spanish | español
• Full Report
• Project Pipeline (PDF)
• Recording of the Global Launch Webinar hosted by UNIDO (video)
• Slide decks from the Launch Event at COP29 in Baku and the Global Webinar (PDF)

The assessment concludes with 10 recommendations for ramping up technological innovation in the mid- and downstream segments of critical minerals value chains:

1. There is a pressing need for more support in capacity building and financing.
2. Development finance institutions should play a pivotal role in meeting these pressing needs.
3. Creating and bridging global stakeholder collaboration platforms is essential.
4. Increased data gathering and transparency are vital for long-term progress.
5. Public policy in developing countries should support innovation.
6. Developing countries should prioritise addressing infrastructure constraints.
7. Special financing programmes should target technological innovation-based MSMEs in developing countries.
8. Circular economy practices are gaining traction, and the new business opportunities they provide should be seized.
9. Industry-led initiatives should be encouraged and expanded as a unified approach to innovation.
10. Enabling regulatory and financial conditions must be put in place to facilitate technology transfer from developed countries and emerging economies such as China to developing countries.

The market assessment was conducted by CCSI and Columbia Engineering, commissioned by the UNIDO’s A2D Facility, and funded by the United Kingdom (UK)’s Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ).

Authors

Martin Dietrich Brauch

Lead Researcher

Laura Garcia Cancino

Senior Legal Researcher

Ben Baraga

Program Associate

BV

Behzad Vaziri

DN

D.R. Nagaraj

Themes

• Circular Economy
• Energy Transition
• Industrial Policy
• Mining, Metals and Resource-based Development
• Sustainable Business

Regions

• Central America, South America & Caribbean
• Middle East & North Africa
• Oceania
• South and East Asia

Tags

• Critical minerals
• Just transition
• Linkages