At 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting, Members endorse expanded cooperation on emergency preparedness and supply diversification through the Programme
Ministers from IEA Member countries today endorsed an expanded phase of cooperation under the IEA Critical Minerals Security Programme, strengthening collective action to address rising risks to global critical mineral supply chains and highlighting the Programme as a key international platform for mineral security.
In a declaration adopted at the 2026 IEA Ministerial Meeting in Paris, Ministers recognised the strategic importance of critical minerals to energy security, economic resilience and emerging technologies. They commended the significant progress made under the Critical Minerals Security Programme and reaffirmed the IEA’s trusted role in strengthening international cooperation on mineral security.
“From power grids and batteries to AI chips and jet engines, critical minerals are central to modern economies,” said IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol. “Over the past five years, we have significantly strengthened our global data and analytical capabilities on critical minerals, matching the world-leading capabilities that we have in other parts of the energy sector. Building on this, we are now expanding the Critical Minerals Security Programme to promote coordinated action in the face of supply disruptions. Just as governments came together to respond to the oil shock of 1973, so they need to work together today to strengthen the resilience and diversity of critical mineral supply chains.”
The decision builds on several years of work under the Programme. In November 2025, the IEA convened a table-top exercise on rare earth elements, helping Member countries strengthen emergency preparedness and coordination. The Programme has also supported Members in exploring the design and implementation of strategic stockpiling systems. In addition, it has hosted diversification workshops to facilitate dialogue on strategic projects and policy tools. These efforts have been underpinned by the Critical Minerals Information Dashboard, a dedicated platform providing market intelligence and insights into supply dynamics and diversification opportunities.
Amid mounting security risks to critical mineral supply chains, Ministers in their declaration called for reinforcing the Programme across several priority areas. They encouraged stronger data collection and market monitoring across a broad range of energy-related strategic minerals, including further expansion of the Critical Minerals Information Dashboard.
Ministers also emphasised the need to bolster emergency preparedness and coordinated response mechanisms. This includes providing rapid market assessments during major supply disruptions, supporting coordinated responses through secure information-sharing mechanisms and organising regular table-top exercises to improve readiness for supply shocks and export restrictions.
In addition, they requested support for members that choose to establish or expand critical minerals stockpiling systems through practical technical and operational guidance.
To accelerate diversification, Ministers asked for regular workshops to advance project development, foster partnerships and identify policy tools to reduce investment barriers, particularly in refining and processing.
They also highlighted the importance of innovation and circular economy approaches, including promoting recovery, recycling and substitution technologies through the newly established Technology Collaboration Programme on critical minerals and materials recovery.
Ministers agreed that the next phase of work will focus on translating these priorities into concrete action, strengthening national preparedness measures and deepening cooperation across refining, processing and recycling. They reiterated their support for the Critical Minerals Security Programme as the central platform for enhancing market transparency, exchanging information and coordinating responses to emerging security risks.
Discussions at the 2026 Ministerial Meeting also underscored the growing intersection between critical minerals, energy security and technological deployment, including electrification and artificial intelligence. Members emphasised that collective action through the IEA will be essential to build robust, diversified and responsible supply chains for the minerals critical to modern and resilient economies.
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