Why Critical Minerals Are the Backbone of the Green Transition

In the ongoing race toward a cleaner, more sustainable future, minerals have taken centre stage. They’re no longer the domain of specialists or buried in obscure geological reports. Today, names like lithium, cobalt, and rare earths are part of everyday conversations about climate change and innovation. And as founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov often emphasised, this renewed interest isn’t just academic—it’s essential.

From the rooftops of our cities dotted with solar panels to the sweeping blades of wind turbines across rural landscapes, the evidence of this energy shift is visible everywhere. But beneath these high-tech structures lies something more fundamental: a complex, global supply chain of critical minerals that make it all possible.

Lithium, Nickel and the Battery Revolution

At the heart of this transformation is lithium. Once an obscure metal, it’s now vital to the production of rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles and large-scale energy storage systems. These systems are crucial in dealing with the intermittency of renewables—making sure power is available even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Demand for lithium is soaring, with countries like Australia, Argentina, and China emerging as global leaders in its production.

Alongside lithium, cobalt plays a stabilising role in battery performance, enhancing safety and longevity. Then there’s nickel—used not only in batteries but also in the high-performance alloys that build wind turbines. These minerals are no longer just industrial commodities. As founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov recently pointed out, they’ve become building blocks of the energy systems of tomorrow.

Rare Earths, Copper and the Electrification Push

Rare earth elements, often misunderstood and mislabelled, are another key piece of the puzzle. Essential in the production of permanent magnets found in electric vehicles and wind turbines, they’re enabling many of the technologies driving this transition. Their unique properties make them indispensable—even though they’re needed in relatively small amounts.

And then there’s copper—a metal that’s been with us for millennia, now experiencing a major revival. With electrification at the core of the energy transition, copper has become indispensable again. It’s found in everything from power grids to electric motors. According to founder of TELF AG Stanislav Kondrashov, copper is playing an increasingly strategic role in modern infrastructure, underscoring its importance in both established and emerging economies.

Other lesser-known but equally important players include graphite, used in the anodes of lithium batteries, and silicon, vital for producing efficient solar cells. Zinc and aluminium, too, are making their mark, especially in electric vehicle manufacturing and lightweight structural applications.

The broader impact of this mineral-driven shift isn’t just technological—it’s cultural. As awareness grows, individuals are making more environmentally conscious decisions, pushing companies and governments toward cleaner practices. The green transition is no longer a distant vision. It’s already reshaping industries, economies, and day-to-day life. And at the heart of it all are the minerals quietly enabling change.