Yunnan Province
Critical minerals, policy, and the energy transition
The Energy Transition Yunnan Province
Yunnan Province, located in southwest China, is a mineral-rich region playing a vital role in the country’s energy transition and low-carbon industrial transformation. The province is endowed with a diverse array of critical minerals, including magnesium, aluminium, silicon, phosphorus, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc, germanium, silver, cadmium, indium, rare earth elements, tin, gold, lead and bismuth. These resources are essential for clean energy technologies, batteries, EVs and advanced electronics. Yunnan is also a major centre for hydropower, generating significant renewable electricity that supports both domestic industry and regional power export. In line with national carbon neutrality targets, the province is accelerating green industrial upgrades, promoting low-carbon mining and materials processing, and investing in clean technology infrastructure. With its unique combination of mineral wealth, clean energy capacity and strategic geographic location, Yunnan is positioning itself as a key node in China’s critical mineral supply chains and a driving force in the global shift towards sustainable energy systems.
Essential minerals production and products in Yunnan Province
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.


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

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