Best Practices for Sustainable Production of Critical Raw Materials

Critical raw materials form the foundation of modern technologies powering energy transition, digital infrastructure, and strategic industries. The secure, sustainable and equitable production of these materials is an urgent international priority. This policy brief presents best practices for sustainable production of critical raw materials through six core pillars: policy and regulatory frameworks, technological innovation, value chain optimization, circular economy strategies, capacity-building and social inclusion, and sustainable financing mechanisms. Through effective governance, resource production should align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen long-term climate resilience.