Scrambling for minerals, overlooking rights?

Here are a few stories that caught our eye this week:

Accelerated demand: Human rights in Eastern Europe and Central Asia’s transition mineral boom – 2025 analysis

Briefing by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre

As demand grows for the wide range of minerals needed for the clean energy transition, Eastern Europe and Central Asia (EECA) is increasingly becoming a focal point for the EU and US markets due to its vast mineral deposits.

How the United States can enhance critical minerals supply

Article by the Wall Street Journal

An action plan could help reduce the risk of market disruptions, enhance competitiveness, and reduce reliance on imports, fostering supply chain resilience.

Private financing for Argentina’s lithium is anything but green, critics say

Article by the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre

Argentina is trying to position itself as a global hub for clean energy, attracting private investment in lithium mining while marketing new battery factories in the region.

Zambia’s first critical minerals guide supports the country’s potential in global clean energy transition

Article by the British Geological Survey

A new guide to Zambia’s critical minerals highlights the country’s current and potential critical mineral resources, including cobalt and lithium.

US, Indonesia discussing strategic management of critical minerals trade, minister says

Article by Reuters

The United States and Indonesia are discussing joint measures to monitor and manage trade in Indonesian critical minerals that have strategic value, an Indonesian minister said on Thursday as he gave details of ongoing talks between the two countries.