The European Geologist Journal has published an article by Eamon Grennan and John A. Clifford titled “Inconvenient Truths on Metal Requirements for the Green Transition – Further Insights and SDGs,” which explores the essential role of geology in advancing the circular economy and supporting the green transition.
The article underscores the fundamental importance of geology in developing circular-economy models, accelerating the green transformation, and contributing to progress across all 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
It points out that an overreliance on the concept of a circular economy often masks the need to adequately finance effective mineral exploration—especially as many multinational mining, oil, and gas companies scale back or abandon grass-roots exploration.
The authors identify widespread misconceptions regarding the supply, use, and recycling of raw materials in the context of a “green economy.” The fixed geographic distribution of mineral deposits and the inherent nature of their geology continue to pose challenges for policymakers, environmental experts, and intergovernmental organisations.
The article makes it clear: without successful exploration, achieving many of the Sustainable Development Goals is simply not possible.
The article is available in open access (in English)
A PDF translation into Ukrainian is also available.