IEA urges governments to stockpile battery metals to weather possible supply shocks
Top three producers of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and some rare earth elements account for more than 75% of global supply
05 May 2021 - 17:13
Western governments should consider stockpiling critical battery metals such as cobalt and lithium, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said, in a stark warning of the geopolitical risks that accompany the green-energy transition.
That call comes as some policymakers worry the shift from burning fossil fuels to a greener economy will expose the world to new threats. Unlike oil, a relatively ubiquitous commodity, production and processing of minerals such as lithium, cobalt and some rare earth elements is highly concentrated, with the top three producers accounting for more than 75% of global supply...
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