IEA: Economic uncertainty stalls mineral investments

Investment decisions in the global critical minerals sector face significant market and economic uncertainties, despite strong expectations for future demand growth, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA).

- TBG NETWORK

In its Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2025, the IEA added that investment momentum in critical minerals development weakened in 2024, rising just 5 per cent compared to 14 per cent in 2023. Adjusted for cost inflation, real investment growth stood at only 2 per cent, reflecting growing economic and market uncertainties despite strong long-term demand expectations.

According to IEA, exploration activity plateaued after consistent growth since 2020. While spending rose for lithium, uranium, and copper, it declined sharply for nickel, cobalt, and zinc.