Multilateral Development Banks Unite to Scale Up Critical Minerals Value Chains
A coalition of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) has announced a renewed commitment to strengthen cooperation in building resilient and diversified critical minerals value chains, aimed at accelerating clean energy access and driving economic transformation across developing countries.
In a joint statement, the MDBs emphasised the importance of coordinated action to support the development of responsible minerals-to-manufacturing ecosystems. These efforts are expected to underpin the transition to clean, affordable and reliable energy, while also supporting digital transformation and broader economic growth.
The institutions highlighted their intention to work closely with governments, private sector actors, workers and communities to promote transparent, standards-based markets. They also highlighted the need to move beyond raw mineral extraction towards value addition through processing and manufacturing, in line with environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards.
Under a newly established Joint Collaboration Framework, MDBs will enhance coordination by leveraging their respective strengths to deliver more timely, scalable and impactful support. This includes identifying opportunities for joint operations such as co-financing and shared analytical work, with progress to be monitored and reported.
The collaboration will focus on three priority areas. First, strengthening policy and governance frameworks to improve regulatory clarity, investment predictability and adherence to international environmental and social standards. Second, investing in integrated infrastructure and corridor-based approaches to support value chain expansion, including power, transport, logistics, water and digital connectivity systems.
These initiatives aim to link mining activities with processing hubs, enhance regional trade and integration, and create broader economic opportunities, particularly for small and medium enterprises, women and vulnerable groups.
Third, the MDBs will prioritise capital mobilisation and private sector investment by improving project preparation, structuring and risk mitigation. The goal is to unlock large-scale financing for bankable, high-quality projects and to strengthen market systems through improved transparency and data management.
The institutions noted that each stakeholder has a distinct role to play, with developing countries providing resource potential and policy direction, while global partners contribute capital, technology and market demand. MDBs, in turn, will act as a bridge by supporting regulatory reforms, facilitating investment and financing critical infrastructure.
In a joint call to action, the MDBs reaffirmed their commitment to working with partners to rapidly scale responsible critical minerals value chains aligned with national priorities. They stressed that such efforts are essential to delivering tangible outcomes, including job creation, inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.
