The Circular Economy Show Podcast Stabilising the supply of critical minerals | Circling Back
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Aug 5, 2025 Ke Wang, a researcher at the World Resources Institute, dives into the intricate relationship between critical minerals and circular economy strategies. She emphasizes how essential minerals like lithium and cobalt are vital for renewable energy, and discusses the geopolitical risks linked to increased mining. Ke highlights practical approaches to recycling EV batteries and the significance of copper's recyclability. The conversation underscores the need for balanced policies that champion both recycling and reuse to secure a sustainable energy future.
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Career Pivot Fueled By Circular Economy Vision
- Ke Wang left physics to work on circular economy after being inspired by the Ellen MacArthur Foundation's approach.
- She sees circularity as a way to create environmental and economic win-wins for material use.
Energy Transition Is Mineral Intensive
- Clean energy technologies are mineral-intensive, driving demand for lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and rare earths.
- The International Energy Agency forecasts four to six times more mineral demand by 2040 to meet climate goals.
Circularity Manages Demand And Security
- Circularity can manage demand and reduce dependency on virgin mining while still accepting some new mining will be needed.
- This reduces environmental harms and improves national supply resilience for countries without deposits.