Although China is beginning to slow , it still outpaces all other nations on infrastructure spend . The US has been lacking in spending on infrastructure for decades , but is changing . President Biden ’ s $ 1.2 trillion infrastructure stimulus plan will be the beginning . Total US infrastructure investment needs are estimated to be closer to $ 3.8 trillion .

Yet as this demand soars , supply dwindles . It seems difficult to conceive of how to avoid a significantly prolonged period of rising prices , supported by phenomenal demand and limited supply . The drivers behind rising mineral requirements require

unprecedented levels of long-term supply of minerals that are not mapped and ready to extract . The length of this super-cycle hinges on the ability of government and industry investment , so future supply has a chance of meeting demand .

Mineral supply equity and resource sustainability

This increasing demand for minerals for renewable energy technology will pose a challenge for mineral supply equity and resource sustainability , with long-term impacts from supply chains of non-renewable resources and the potential for an increased risk of environmental and human harm resulting from increased intensive mining of minerals . Addressing these challenges will require a correlation of thought and action between

There is a huge opportunity for valuable and equitable investment

the mining-metal industry , climate and environmental groups and clean energy technology actors .

Historically the law of natural resources , including minerals , focused on facilitating extraction rather than protection and sustainability . Contemporary governance , however , is more attuned to both efficiency ( reducing waste and unintended consequences ) and equity ( fairness in control and distribution ) in

Respecting this sustainable development whilst riding the wave of increases in mineral demands , will require recognition of the fundamental rights that can be impeded by unsustainable mineral practices . Respect for indigenous land rights , genuine efforts in local community and stakeholder participation and preventing environmental contamination , will be at the top of the sustainability agenda in mineral mining . Significant political instability in areas with significant mineral reserves – instability likely to only increase as mineral demand rises – will also pose a significant challenge .

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