The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) considered ways for countries to retain value from mining-related activities. Among other topics, delegates discussed the role of government in mineral exploration, examined strategies for managing critical minerals, and exchanged regional perspectives.

Themed, ‘Value Beyond Extraction: Rethinking Mining for a Resilient Future,’ the 21st Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the IGF convened amid soaring demand for critical minerals. The Earth Negotiations Bulletin (ENB) summary report of the meeting cites the International Energy Agency (IEA), whose recent report shows that lithium demand rose by nearly 30% in 2024, driven by trends in renewable energy production and electric vehicle use. It notes that nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths are increasingly sought after both as components of high-strength alloys – and individually, for their applications in: stainless steel for nickel; paint for cobalt; pencils for graphite; and magnets and luminescent materials for rare earths.

“Many developing countries stand to benefit from their deposits of critical minerals, but whether this promise can be realized depends on many factors, including the ability to balance supply and demand globally by protecting against shocks, moderating price volatility, and avoiding bottlenecks,” ENB notes.

Discussions at the AGM focused on adding value throughout the mining value chain. Delegates considered ways to retain value from mining-related activities, including measures such as requirements for local content in value chains and procuring services from women-led or small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). They also discussed steps towards formalizing the artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) sector as this “can truly benefit people and avoid negative impacts on the most vulnerable workers.”

Plenary sessions discussed: the role of government in mineral exploration; mining-related sustainability standards; policy case studies of value addition; rehabilitation of abandoned mine lands; environmental policies for mineral value chains beyond mining; strengthening water governance through collaborative approaches; inclusive strategies that support women workers and entrepreneurs in mining-related activities; national strategies for managing critical minerals; and regional perspectives.

“Participants highlighted opportunities for collaboration across supply chains through cross-border agreements, access to processing facilities, and other types of cooperation,” ENB reports. They also proposed strengthening cooperation, standards, and innovation, to mitigate geopolitical rivalries and concerns about high supply chain concentration in several top producing countries.

Several side sessions convened in parallel to the AGM, focusing on implementation models and tools, including strategies for traceability and circularity, mine closure planning, and legal tools for gender equality in critical mineral governance, among other topics. The Global Coalition for Action on Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining was launched during the meeting.

The IGF’s 21st AGM took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from 3-5 November 2025. [ENB Coverage of 21st AGM of the IGF]