ECLAC organizes a parallel event “Critical Minerals for the Energy Transition” during the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2023

The Natural Resources Division (DRN) of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) will hold the side event “Critical Minerals for the Energy Transition” during the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development 2023 , in hybrid format in the Enrique V. Iglesias room of ECLAC in Santiago, Chile, on April 25, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

One of the debates that has taken over the public agenda is the need to ensure the supply of certain minerals that are key to technologies necessary for the energy transition, such as solar panels, wind turbines and lithium-ion batteries. Many of these minerals are abundant in Latin America and the Caribbean. But what is the position and vision of the region? What are the impacts and opportunities of a renewed interest in the mining potential of Latin America?

The specific objectives of the side event are:

Establish a multi-stakeholder dialogue on the main trends, opportunities and challenges of the mining sector in the region and its fundamental contribution to the energy transition and electromobility.

Think of ways to transition to more sustainable extraction models, with renewable energy, comprehensive water management, new circular economy models, revaluing waste and emissions oriented towards zero waste mining.

Expand understanding of the contribution of critical minerals to achieving the SDGs and other international agendas.

The side event is aimed at public policy makers, experts, academics and members of civil society, the business sector and the media.

To register in person, click here.

The Zoom connection link for online participants is as follows:

https://cepal-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_n5Swdki9SZWfaFwohivvsQ

The parallel event will take place through a Panel “Challenges and opportunities for the extraction and value addition of critical minerals for Latin America and the Caribbean” in a moderated dialogue format based on trigger questions, followed by comments, questions and responses from the participants. During the panel, three blocks of conversation will be organized, with brief interventions from each panelist:

Agenda (Santiago de Chile time)