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Shanghai

Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition

The Energy Transition in Shanghai

Shanghai, China’s financial and innovation capital, plays a unique and strategic role in the country’s energy transition, not through vast mineral reserves, but through policy leadership, advanced technology, and global connectivity. While modest in terms of local critical mineral output, producing materials such as germanium and gold, Shanghai is a key centre for clean energy finance, industrial decarbonisation, and high-tech manufacturing. The city is driving China’s shift to a low-carbon economy through robust climate policy, green finance platforms, and support for hydrogen energy, smart grids, and carbon markets. As a major industrial hub, it is also modernising sectors like steel to align with national carbon neutrality goals. With its influence extending well beyond its physical resource base, Shanghai serves as a critical node in the national energy ecosystem, facilitating investment, innovation, and international cooperation in the clean energy and critical minerals space.

Critical Minerals produced in Shanghai
Essential minerals production and products in Shanghai

A provincial analysis of China’s critical minerals and policies

SFA explores the provincial frontlines of China’s strategy to secure its future in the global energy transition. As demand for critical minerals rises for electric vehicles, batteries and renewable energy, China sits at the centre of this shift as both producer and consumer. SFA examines how provincial policies, resource endowments and mining practices shape China’s critical minerals landscape. From lithium-rich Qinghai to rare earth-heavy Inner Mongolia, this province-by-province analysis reveals the challenges and opportunities driving China’s role in the future of global energy and environmental policy.

LithoX | Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The global energy transition to net zero is underway. Who is leading? How are supply chains being secured? How do the geopolitics vary? SFA (Oxford) provides a global overview of critical minerals, policy and legislation.

Asia

Asia's diverse geology includes significant rare earth reserves crucial for electronics and renewable energy technologies. Countries like China lead production and processing, driving economic growth while facing sustainability challenges and environmental impact.

Meet the Critical Minerals team

Trusted advice from a dedicated team of experts.

Henk de Hoop

Chief Executive Officer

Beresford Clarke

Managing Director: Technical & Research

Jamie Underwood

Principal Consultant

Ismet Soyocak

ESG & Critical Minerals Lead

Rj Coetzee

Senior Market Analyst: Battery Materials and Technologies

How can we help you?

SFA (Oxford) provides bespoke, independent intelligence on the strategic metal markets, specifically tailored to your needs. To find out more about what we can offer you, please contact us.

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