Critical Raw Materials for a Sustainable Future

Critical Raw Materials (CRMs) are essential for the modern economy, driving key sectors such as renewable energy, digital technologies, and sustainable transportation. With growing global demand, managing these resources sustainably is crucial for achieving the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNFC and UNRMS: Frameworks for sustainable management

• UNFC: The United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) provides a standardized approach to classifying and managing CRMs, ensuring that resource use aligns with global sustainability goals.
• UNRMS: The United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS) builds on UNFC, offering a holistic and integrated system for sustainable resource management that emphasizes transparency, social responsibility, and environmental stewardship.

Key initiatives and applications

• EU Critical Raw Materials Act: UNFC integrated into EU regulations to ensure the sustainable sourcing and management of critical raw materials across Europe.
• Application in Africa: The African Mineral and Energy Resources Classification and Management System (AMREC) and the Pan-African Resource Code (PARC)
• Endorsed in Asia-Pacific: The Asia-Pacific Ministers of Energy endorsed UNRMS adoption to guide energy transitions in the region, emphasizing the integration of social, economic, and environmental dimensions in resource management strategies.
• UN Working Group on Transforming Extractive Industries for Sustainable Development: This group focuses on aligning extractive industries with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting responsible practices, environmental stewardship, and social equity in resource extraction and management.

Toolkit

• Critical Energy Transition Minerals (CETMs) Toolkit: A collection of resources developed to help UN stakeholders engage with countries on the sustainability and security of CETM supply chains.

Global Case Studies

• Optimizing Resource Management for Critical Raw Materials: A Case Study of the Application of UNRMS with Cornwall Regional Government, UK and Supplementary Information
• Classifying the production of lithium, caesium and tantalum from the Tanco Mine, Manitoba, Canada, according to UNFC – A Case Study

Projects

• Enhancing capacities in the sustainable production of the critical raw materials required for low-carbon transitions

Publications, policy briefs and concept notes 

• Guidebook on Critical Minerals for Sustainable Energy Transition to Support Intergenerational Action

• Sustainable management of critical raw materials required for the low-carbon energy transition

• Securing Access to Critical Raw Materials in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe Region: Challenges and Opportunities 

• G20 - T20 Policy Brief - Ensuring Sustainable Supply of Critical Minerals for a Clean, Just and Inclusive Energy Transition

• UN-Energy Policy Brief: Aligning Critical Raw Materials Development with sustainable development