Financing a Just and Circular Future for Critical Energy Transition Minerals

This session will provide governments, financial institutions, businesses, and civil society with practical insights to align financial flows and trade in critical energy transition minerals with sustainability, equity, and accountability principles — ensuring protection of the environment and people, particularly indigenous communities.  The transition to a low-carbon energy future is not optional; it is the foundation of the global response to climate change. At the heart of this transformation lie critical energy transition minerals — essential for producing, storing, and using clean energy. Yet, meeting the rapidly rising demand for these minerals presents a dual challenge: while demand is surging, the prevailing mining models risk causing severe social and environmental harm. Addressing this tension requires a new approach, one that reduces demand through circular solutions and sustainable models across the entire value chain. This session will explore how guidance can be translated into action, highlight best practices and case studies, and examine the policies, mandates, and accountability frameworks needed to foster equitable finance in the minerals sector to protect ecosystems and communities. Speakers: - Prof. Paul Ekins, Professor of Resources and Environment Policy at University College London - Wen-Yu, Critical Minerals Lead, Ellen MacArthur Foundation - Shanning Dong, Chief Sustainability Officer, Bank of Jiangsu - Dylan Boss, Senior Policy Advisor, Ministry of Infrasrtucture and Water Management, Government of the Netherlands - Peggy Lefort, Pollution & Circular Economy Lead, UNEP FI Moderator: Kavita Sachwani, PRB Implementation Coordinator, UNEP FI