About extractives

Mineral extraction plays a dominant role in the economies of 63 countries. Many countries face resource dependency and weak governance frameworks. The mineral demand for clean energy technologies is expected to rise by at least four times by 2040 to meet climate commitments.

What we're doing

We provide tools and expertise to help stakeholders prepare for emergencies and account for the environmental risks and benefits of extraction.

We promote the integration of environmental sustainability in the governance of the extractive sector.

We encourage businesses to improve their resource efficiency and adopt sustainable practices along the value chain.

We produce impartial assessments, data and knowledge on the environmental threats and impacts of the extractive industry.

Our work on extractives is spread across several areas of the organization. We also engage a with a number of partners to execute the work.

UN Environment	Partners
Post-Conflict and Disaster Management Branch Economics and Trade Branch Chemicals and Health Branch The Joint Environment Unit International Resource Panel World Conservation and Monitoring Centre Grid-Arendal Grid-Geneva Oil for Development Partnership	The Poverty-Environment Initiative Awareness and Preparedness for Emergencies at Local Level (APELL) The Global Mercury Partnership MAP-X Partnership for Action on Green Economy The Green Fiscal Policy Network The Climate and Clean Air Coalition PROTEUS – IBAT Natural Capital Finance Alliance