Unlocking the potential of critical raw materials

Mining is essential to economies as it is the first step in the value chain for most products we use daily. It has become even more central recently with the emergence of critical raw materials (CRMs) as key resources.
CRMs are key to the transition to a low-carbon and digital economy because of their widespread use in green and digital technologies. They are strategically important, but their supply is high risk.
The importance of CRMs to EBRD economies and the trends observed in the sector raise a series of challenges and opportunities. Approaching these developments effectively, scaling up primary and secondary supply, and supporting high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards will ensure that the possibility of “delivering impact together” is not lost in the EBRD regions.
This panel will establish the basics, outline advantageous economic policies for the sector in the Bank’s regions, discuss the EBRD’s role in facilitating investments and showcase the high ESG standards of EBRD projects.
Speakers:
David Shukman, Journalist, Speaker, and Consultant
Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist, EBRD
Dulamsuren Begzjav, Chief Financial Officer, Oyu Tolgoi
Valdis Dombrovskis, Executive Vice President and Commissioner for Trade, European Commission
Natalia Lacorzana, Director, Head of Natural Resources, EBRD
Kanat Sharlapaev, Minister of Industry and Construction, Republic of Kazakhstan