PROJECT

Energy Transition Minerals (ETM)

A new workstream at Razom We Stand

Energy transition minerals — including lithium, graphite, titanium, nickel, manganese, and rare earth elements, all of which are present in Ukraine and increasingly relevant for European supply chains — are essential for clean energy technologies. These materials underpin batteries, electric vehicles, grid infrastructure, and other critical systems shaping the future of energy.

As Europe works to diversify supply, reduce strategic dependencies, and build more resilient value chains, the role of countries like Ukraine is becoming more prominent.

But without strong governance, these supply chains risk reinforcing corruption, instability, and dependence on authoritarian systems. The energy transition cannot afford to replicate the same dynamics that have long shaped fossil fuel markets.

For Razom We Stand, this intersection is vital. We are now building this workstream, in collaboration with partners, analysing how energy systems, extractive industries, and political power intersect.

Why this matters

Demand for critical minerals is accelerating as the energy transition gathers pace. At the same time, governments — particularly in Europe — are seeking to diversify supply, reduce strategic dependencies, and build more resilient value chains.

This shift is happening quickly, often faster than governance frameworks can adapt.

As a result, several risks are already visible:

opaque ownership and trading structures
corruption and elite capture
environmental and social harm
exposure to politically motivated supply disruptions
continued reliance on actors linked to authoritarian systems

Addressing these risks early is essential. Otherwise, the energy transition risks reproducing the same structural vulnerabilities seen in fossil-fuel markets — only within a new set of materials and supply chains.

Why Ukraine is part of this conversation

Ukraine holds significant mineral potential relevant to the energy transition. As the country advances its reconstruction and integration with European markets, decisions taken now will shape the long-term structure of this sector.

This is not only about developing resources. It is about ensuring that extraction contributes to accountable, transparent, resilient systems, and economic benefits for Ukraine.

Ukraine has a real opportunity to develop its mineral sector differently — in a way that strengthens democratic governance rather than undermines it, while significantly improving the economic well-being of Ukrainians.

Our approach

Governance and transparency

We examine how mining activities are regulated, disclosed, and overseen to identify risks of corruption, environmental harm, or social injustice.

Geopolitics and supply chains

We analyse how critical minerals intersect with trade flows, opaque ownership structures, and corrupted supply chains.

Civil society engagement

We support and connect civil society actors working on extractives, particularly where independent oversight is limited.

Alignment with existing standards

We engage with existing frameworks — including OECD due diligence and international mining standards — with a focus on implementation.

Partnerships

We develop this work in collaboration with others, including civil society organisations, research institutions, and policy platforms.

Publications and Articles

We share short analysis, explainers, and commentary to make sense of emerging developments in energy transition minerals.

If you are working on energy transition minerals, extractive governance, or related areas, and see alignment, we are open to a conversation, and hopefully working together to achieve big goals with ETM for the benefit of Ukraine, and all.

Get in touch

Interested in this work or exploring collaboration?

Contact us at: [email protected]

The energy transition will depend on minerals. Whether it also supports transparent, accountable, and democratic systems is still an open question.