The Paris agreements (COP21) call for global carbon neutrality by 2050. To achieve this, we need to build new infrastructures for the production, storage, transport and use of energy, which require a large number of basic raw materials ( ) and rarer substances. This evolution must take place against a backdrop of strong growth in demand for other applications linked to the rapid emergence of developing countries, increasing urbanization and the development of new technologies. Metal consumption has doubled since the beginning of the century, and if the trend continues, by 2050 we will need to produce more metals than we have since the beginning of mankind.
It is against this tense backdrop that the issues of raw materials and energy supply arise. These issues are inseparable, since metals are needed to produce, distribute and use energy, and energy is needed to produce raw materials. These points will be discussed for different energy scenarios, and requirements will be set against future primary production and recycling.
