Introducing the Critical Minerals Policy Tracker

Critical Minerals Policy Tracker Overview

Last Updated: December 13, 2023

Introduction

The International Energy Agency (IEA) is tracking policies related to critical minerals to ensure reliable, secure, and sustainable supplies to support clean energy transitions. This tracker focuses on 35 countries and regions, covering over 400 policies, laws, and regulations.

Key Areas of Focus

The tracker covers three main policy areas:

1. Ensuring Supply Reliability and Resiliency
2. Promoting Exploration, Production, and Innovation
3. Encouraging Sustainable and Responsible Practices

Policy Categorization

Each policy is categorized into 15 different types based on relevance to critical minerals:

1. Ensuring Supply Reliability and Resiliency

   • Strategic Plans: National strategies or policy roadmaps.
   • Strategic Mineral Lists: Lists of critical minerals.
   • International Co-ordination Mechanisms: Bilateral or regional mechanisms for supply security.
   • Stockpiling Mechanisms: Reserves to mitigate supply disruptions.
   • Public Investment: Government funding through SOEs or procurement.

2. Promoting Exploration, Production, and Innovation

   • Financing: Direct funding for domestic supply development.
   • Tax Incentives: Favourable tax schemes for domestic production.
   • Geological Surveys: Data collection and public funding for exploration.
   • Recycling Support: Funding for recycling facilities.
   • Innovation Funding: Grants and subsidies for R&D.

3. Encouraging Sustainable and Responsible Practices

   • Environmental Standards: Air and water pollution standards, tailings management, and environmental impact assessments.
   • Social Standards: Community engagement, human rights protection.

Focus Countries and Regions

The tracker covers various roles and primary resources:

• Producers: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, DRC, Ecuador, Finland, France, Germany, Greenland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States.
• Consumers: Australia, European Union, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Switzerland, Türkiye.
• Both Producers and Consumers: China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Nigeria, Philippines, South Africa, Turkey, United States.

Data Collection Process

Policies, laws, and regulations are identified through desk research and stakeholder submissions. The dataset is further refined based on feedback from country delegates and external researchers.

Contact Information

For feedback, suggestions, or reporting inconsistencies, contact CMWP@iea.org.

This comprehensive tracker provides insights into the evolving landscape of critical minerals policies globally.