Insights from our Workshop on Sustainable Finance and Raw Material Value Chains
The goal of the workshop “Sustainable Finance and Raw Material Value Chains – Friends or Enemies” at the IRTC 2024 conference was to shed light on the issue of access to finance in the critical raw material (CRM) value chain. To fulfill the goals of the green and digital transition, demand for CRMs will rapidly grow to provide materials necessary for the development of clean technologies, digital interface etc. The CRM value chain from mine to recycling is however currently insufficient. Substantial investments are therefore necessary to build up these capacities. Despite expected benefits, the investment in this space, both from the public and the private sector, is lacking. The workshop aimed to answer the question: What needs to be done for a successful build-up of the CRM value chain, in Europe and globally?
The workshop was organized by Jana Plananska (Member of the Board of Advisors, Norge Mining) and Antonella Amadei (Independent Financial Services Consultant).
Some key insights from the workshop included:
- De-risking Projects: Providing early-stage guarantees and direct funding, along with fast-tracking permitting processes, can significantly reduce risks and attract more investments in the CRM value chain.
- Standardizing ESG Data: Developing and enforcing consistent ESG data quality standards through public-private collaboration is essential for better alignment between CRM projects and financial expectations.
- Balanced Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging all stakeholders with a focus on economic, societal, human rights, and environmental protection needs is crucial for fostering a sustainable and resilient CRM value chain.
For more information on the workshop don’t hesitate to contact antonella.amadei01@gmail.com and jp@norgemining.com.
