Critical minerals are vital for both the energy and digital transitions, and we cannot rely on mining alone to secure the critical minerals we need.
Circular economyCircular economyA systems solution framework that tackles global challenges like climate change, biodiversity loss, waste, and pollution. It is based on three principles, driven by design: eliminate waste and pollution, circulate products and materials (at their highest value), and regenerate nature. strategies that keep products and materials in use — such as reusereuseThe repeated use of a product or component for its intended purpose without significant modification., repairrepairOperation by which a faulty or broken product or component is returned back to a usable state to fulfil its intended use., and refurbishment — are crucial to meet the supply-demand gap and build resilience against supply chain and price volatilities.
There is a shared global challenge in meeting the surging demand for critical minerals in ways that are sustainable, fair, and economically sound. The circular economy is a systemic approach that turns this challenge into an opportunity.
As business engagement and policy momentum gathers pace, now is the time to redesign the system. Firstly, because the first generation of EV batteries and renewable energyrenewable energyEnergy derived from resources that are not depleted on timescales relevant to the economy, i.e. not geological timescales. infrastructure is reaching the end of its life, and secondly, because the energy and digital sectors will only continue to grow. The choices we make now will define critical minerals flows for decades to come.
The Ellen MacArthur Foundation is uniquely positioned to drive a circular economy for critical minerals — join us.
Systemic problems require systemic solutions — and the Ellen MacArthur Foundation is a systems change organisation. Since the Foundation was created 15 years ago, business, finance, and policy leaders have aligned behind circular economy solutions — but there are systemic barriers to implementing these solutions at scale. In collaboration with our global network of business leaders, policymakers, and innovators, we identify systemic barriers to market transformation, mobilise action to overcome them, and drive breakthrough solutions that benefit the economy, people, and the planet.
We are working to make critical mineral value chains circular across multiple sectors, starting with strategically important and high-value materials in EV batteries and consumer electronics. We are supporting collaboration across the value chain to redesign systems, business models, and products, and create policy and finance incentives to scale circular solutions.
Apply to join our Critical Minerals Network
Do you want to influence the debate and shape future markets? We are looking for industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers to join our Critical Minerals Advisory Board, sector-specific working groups, and action projects.
Support our Critical Minerals Mission
As a not-for-profit organisation, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation relies on philanthropic support to deliver our mission. This funding model protects our independence, enabling us to convene across sectors and champion a circular economy without compromise. Philanthropic partners also allow us to be ambitious and agile, accelerating system-level change in response to global challenges. We actively seek to work with philanthropic organisations that share our ambition to build an economy that works for people, business, and the natural world.
Learn more about our funding and how you can support us.
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