Aligning Support for Responsible Mineral Supply Chains for a Resilient Clean Energy Future

Rising energy demand in Asia and the Pacific—driven by sustained economic growth and urbanization—poses significant challenges to energy security, affordability, and the environment. However, the region faces risks from supply chain concentration and fragmentation, which constrain investment potential and increase vulnerability to market fluctuations.

Mineral markets are essential to Asia and the Pacific's energy future. Secure and affordable access to critical minerals is essential for clean energy transition, and ADB is committed to advancing open and competitive international markets, so the region is well-positioned to lead in related technology manufacturing. ADB recognized this new reality. On 24 November 2025 ADB approved revisions to its Energy Policy, reinforcing its commitment to expanding energy access and enhancing energy security. A new provision was introduced to reflect the increasing importance of critical minerals and clean energy technology manufacturing for energy transition in the region.

ADB has adopted a comprehensive approach to address these challenges, including the following:

• Targeted strategic engagement (2025–2029): The ADB Board endorsed a new strategic Directive on Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing for Powering Progress, 2025-2029. ADB also finalized a linked comprehensive operational Approach Paper (2025-2029) to guide its engagement on diversified, responsible, and sustainable critical minerals–to-clean energy technology value chains. It will emphasize socially responsible and environmentally sustainable mining and manufacturing practices and address market dynamics to attract private investment.
• Building regional capacity through technical assistance: ADB is leading regional initiatives to strengthen capacity in policy formulation, stakeholder engagement, environmental, social and governance (ESG) compliance, and project pipeline development.
• Tailored country support to strengthen domestic value chains: ADB is supporting DMCs to enhance domestic value addition, promote sustainability, and foster regional integration. Examples include India (battery manufacturing and recycling clean energy technology (CET) supply chains), Mongolia (rare earth elements strategy). In Uzbekistan, ADB supports a national strategy to expand critical metals and minerals production using AI-driven practices, promoting circular approaches and providing technical expertise strengthen value chains. In the Philippines ADB is supporting the formulation of a critical minerals roadmap and regulatory streamlining measures.