Friends of the Earth has written a report on the demand for minerals for energy transition. NGO members suggest that metal recycling can cover 67% of mineral demand, thus reducing the need for extraction and purchase of new minerals. To do so, they point out that it would be helpful to carry out “circular economy and saving practices”. For example, improve metal recycling and limit the battery size of electric cars.

The study has also shown that the adoption of the proposed measures would cover 67% of mineral demand by 2050 through recycled materials. The report points out that demand for minerals has experienced a significant increase in recent years, which has been associated with mobility, mainly due to the growth of electric cars in the Spanish state.

Due to the impact of electric mobility on mineral demand, it is proposed to reduce the private vehicle fleet and increase electric buses to reduce demand. The study also suggests that the European perspective on mineral management in the countries of the South would not be equally applied. Members stress the need for an equitable global approach to a just and sustainable energy transition.

Request to the Government

The members of Amigos de la Sierra call on the Government of Spain to take into account the issue discussed in the report, inter alia, the implementation of policies for sustainable mineral management and the reform of mining laws: “These policies must live up to the eco-social crisis we live in.”