The reality of critical minerals: a webinar series by Innovation Forum

The future of critical minerals is at a crossroads, and businesses must act now to navigate the challenges ahead. With rising demand driven by the clean energy transition, what are the risks and opportunities?

Innovation Forum invites you to join this complimentary webinar series, where we’ll explore human rights risks, financial and political investment trends, and the potential of deep-sea mining—offering valuable insights to help businesses build responsible and resilient supply chains.

Here’s a full overview of the series:

Regulation and reputation: What are the human rights risks in critical mineral supply chains in 2025?

Hosted on Tuesday, 18th February 1pm GMT / 2pm CET
A wide variety of companies face significant risks related to human rights in sourcing minerals critical to the energy transition. Join us to explore how businesses can minimise sourcing risks across mining, electronics, EVs, and renewable energy. The panellists discussed practical steps for monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.

Panel:

Angela Jorns, head of impact innovation, Fairphone
Shahila Perumalpillai, human rights principal, Anglo American
James Nicholson, head of corporate responsibility, Trafigura
Haajarah Ahmed, manager, International Council Mining and Metal

Click here to watch the video recording
Click here to listen to the audio recording

Supply gaps in transition metals: The investments required to deliver a clean energy transition

Tuesday 25th March 2pm GMT / 3pm CET
As demand for critical minerals surges due to accelerating clean energy initiatives, the landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Current and looming supply gaps are emerging alongside shifting political dynamics that are pivotal to the climate transition. Join the conversation to explore supply gaps, the projected investment trends, and how geopolitical factors are shaping the future of critical minerals.

Panel:

Anna Fleming, consulting project manager, Benchmark Mineral Intelligence
Caroline Avan, head of just transition and natural resources, Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
Jonathan Horrell, group head of sustainability, The Weir Group

Deep sea mining: What do we really know about the social and environmental impact?

Tuesday 22nd April 1pm GMT / 2pm CET
The deep seabed contains untapped reserves of critical minerals, which are essential for driving the energy transition. With land-based mineral deposits dwindling and often linked to human rights abuses, the ocean has become a potential new resource. However, deep sea mining remains fraught with complexity, high costs, and a lack of regulatory frameworks. We’ll discuss if deep sea mining can be responsibly managed and if it’s a viable solution for the energy transition.

Speakers to be announced