Abstract
This study contributes to the mineral-energy nexus by examining the role of importing mineral raw materials (ores and concentrates) on subsequent progress in the energy transition among 33 countries from 1992 to 2015. We focus on net imports of ores and concentrates for five energy transition minerals (copper, cobalt aluminum, nickel, and manganese) and present an economic production framework to link the mineral raw materials with renewable electricity generation shares. The distinction between mineral raw materials and processed/refined inputs is important because processing capabilities vary among nations, influencing their import-export dynamics and energy transition strategies. Our empirical analysis based on a fixed effects regression model shows that the previous year's net imports of the five mineral raw materials are positively correlated with the current year's renewable energy generation, after controlling for other drivers of the energy transition. This finding suggests the relative importance of mineral processing capabilities in enabling the energy transition among net importers of mineral raw materials.
Recommended Citation
Fikru, M. G., & Kilinc-Ata, N. (2025). The Role of Mineral Raw Material Imports in Driving the Energy Transition. Mineral Economics Springer.
The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1007/s13563-025-00570-2
Department(s)
Economics
Publication Status
Open Access
Keywords and Phrases
Critical minerals; Energy efficiency; Environmental policy stringency; Metals; Renewable energy
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
2191-2211; 2191-2203
Document Type
Article - Journal
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2025 Springer, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Jan 2025
