Better traceability of critical minerals such as lithium and nickel is needed to manage operational and governance risks in complex supply chains, with the OECD report flagging fragmented company-level systems, low adoption by miners, and opaque transnational ownership structures in Indonesian and Philippine nickel. Case studies of lithium from Argentina and Chile show heavy dependence on Chinese processing and major data gaps, limiting visibility on foreign upstream ownership despite existing tools like SIMBARA, LME responsible-sourcing rules and local audits. The OECD proposes a phased, risk-based approach: short-term use of current supplier mapping and bilateral mineral agreements, medium-term closure of data gaps via traders, exchanges and smelters, and long-term cross-border data sharing and aligned battery standards through platforms such as the G7 Critical Minerals Action Plan, FORGE and RESourceEU.

A looming “space race” for critical minerals is set to accelerate state-backed mining investment, with International Council on Mining and Metals chief executive Rohitesh Dhawan arguing that geopolitical competition could rapidly expand permitting, infrastructure funding and offtake guarantees. The 2026 International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC) in Melbourne is being framed as a test of whether governments will move beyond rhetoric to concrete policy support, including streamlined approvals and public–private financing for new copper, nickel and rare earths projects.

The Institution of Civil Engineers is urging UK ministers to commission an independent economic review to quantify the costs and benefits of climate adaptation across national infrastructure, from flood defences and coastal protection to transport and energy networks. ICE wants a Treasury-level assessment, akin to the Stern Review on climate mitigation, to compare upfront capital for resilience upgrades against avoided damage to assets, service disruption and long-term maintenance. Such a review could directly influence design standards, appraisal methods and funding priorities for major projects and asset renewals.