Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations is assisting countries with critical mineral production, working to ensure resources deliver environmental protection, decent jobs, and local community benefits rather than serving only global supply chains. In Argentina, which holds significant lithium reserves for electric vehicle and renewable energy batteries, the UN supports dialogue among governments, companies, workers, and Indigenous communities to address environmental and economic challenges together. The organization also helps provinces improve financial planning and advance skills training, including efforts to expand women's participation in the sector.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which produces about 70 percent of the world’s cobalt—essential for rechargeable batteries and electric vehicles—the UN supports initiatives to convert mineral wealth into broader economic development. This includes strengthening public policy, promoting responsible business conduct, and helping local businesses engage in emerging battery and electric vehicle supply chains.
Indonesia, a major nickel producer crucial to electric vehicle batteries, is working to add domestic value rather than rely mainly on raw material exports. The UN promotes better industrial production standards, cleaner manufacturing, and improved occupational safety and health in mining. It also supports the development of green skills for a transitioning economy and encourages South-South cooperation to share Indonesia’s expertise in sustainable mining and responsible resource management.
Kazakhstan is focusing on strengthening governance in its critical mineral sector to promote cleaner and more accountable mining, with UN support aligning local practices to global standards and demand.