Amid intensifying trade wars and geopolitical tensions, United Nations scientists and global experts have proposed a Global Minerals Trust—a cooperative, multilateral governance mechanism to ensure fair, sustainable, and conflict-free access to critical minerals.
The trust would include independent audit mechanisms—similar to those used by the International Atomic Energy Agency—to ensure environmental and social safeguards.
Countries would retain full sovereignty over their resources while committing to prioritise mineral flows for green technologies and avoid politicised supply disruptions.
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The proposal is detailed in a policy brief by the United Nations University and a companion article in Science. The authors call for a paradigm shift in how the world manages the materials that power the green transition—treating minerals not as commodities to compete over, but rather as shared planetary assets to steward responsibly.
“Without a shared framework, we risk deepening global inequalities, triggering unnecessary resource conflicts, and undermining our ability to deliver on climate goals,” said Prof. Saleem Ali, lead author and the Critical Minerals and Inclusive Energy Transition Lead at the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health (UNU-INWEH).
“The Global Minerals Trust would offer a new model for cooperative resource governance—depoliticising trade, stabilising prices, and prioritising the green transition.”
The proposed Trust would serve as a neutral platform for coordinating the sale and trade of critical minerals—like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths—through transparent mechanisms, pooled investment, and benefit-sharing.
It draws on successful international commodity governance efforts and builds on principles of Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources while embracing global stewardship.
The policy brief outlines the potential roles of multilateral institutions, including the UN, G20, African Union, ASEAN, IGF, and World Bank, in operationalising the Trust. It stresses the importance of including developing and resource-rich nations in both design and implementation.
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The accompanying Science article further argues that the Trust could also enable circular economy models through leasing mechanisms, strategic stockpiles, and investment in mineral recycling—elements that are essential to reducing environmental harm.
Minerals for the green transition should not become the new oil—hoarded, weaponized, or fought over,” UNU-INWEH director Prof. Kaveh Madani said.
“This is our opportunity to shift from extraction to stewardship, from fragmentation to fairness.”
