May 13, 2021
Mr. Ejima Kiyoshi, State Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, attended an event called “High-Level Discussion on The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions” organized by the International Energy Agency (IEA) on May 12 (Wed.).
Topics introduced and discussed at this event held by the IEA included the expanding role of mineral resources with the spread of clean energy, and how important it is that governments respond. Held online, the event was also attended by Executive Director Birol of the IEA and government representatives, researchers, and private companies from various countries. State Minister Ejima and Mr. Washio Eiichiro, State Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended from the Japanese government.
“The Role of Critical Minerals in Clean Energy Transitions,” a World Energy Outlook Special Report released by the IEA on May 5 (Wed.), was also introduced at the event. The attendees discussed the findings obtained from the report and the outlook for business opportunities and risks in the mineral resource market.
State Minister Ejima introduced Japan’s mineral resources policy and spoke about matters such as the importance of mineral resources for transitioning to clean energy with a view toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
