Singapore, 26 October 2026: The ERIA School of Government (SoG) co-sponsored a plenary session titled ‘Managing Critical Minerals and Regional Security’ with Stanford University’s Natural Capital Alliance at the 2026 Trans-Pacific Sustainability Dialogue: Responsible Production and Consumption. The Dialogue was organised by the Stanford Walter H. Shorenstein Asia-Pacific Research Center and the Ban Ki-moon Foundation for a Better Future.

Moderated by Professor Nobuhiro Aizawa, Dean and Managing Director of the ERIA SoG, the session brought together experts in economics, natural capital, energy policy, and sustainable development to discuss approaches to strengthening critical-mineral supply chains while promoting environmental sustainability and regional resilience.

The discussion featured Dr Dionisius Narjoko, Senior Economist at ERIA; Dr Mengye Zhu, Senior Scientist at the Natural Capital Alliance; Mr Reza Rahmaditio, Analyst at the Energy Shift Institute; H.E. Sudirman Said, former Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources of Indonesia; and Dr Tong Wu, Senior Scientist and Associate Director of the Nat Cap China Program at the Natural Capital Alliance.

Professor Aizawa opened the session by highlighting the growing importance of critical minerals to emerging technologies and the energy transition. He emphasised the need to consider not only economic and market factors, but also geopolitical, environmental, and social dimensions. He encouraged the panellists to explore practical policy, financial, and technological approaches to more sustainable mineral production.

Dr Dionisius Narjoko examined investment challenges in the critical-mineral sector, particularly the uncertainty associated with price volatility and long-term investment decisions. He discussed the potential for policy mechanisms that improve market stability while promoting greater transparency and responsible business practices.

From a natural-capital perspective, Dr Mengye Zhu explained how mining both affects and depends on healthy ecosystems. She stressed the importance of incorporating environmental risks, particularly those related to water resources, into investment and planning decisions. Scientific assessments, she noted, can help policymakers and businesses better understand nature’s value and support sustainable resource management.

Mr Reza Rahmaditio addressed waste management and resource efficiency in Indonesia’s nickel industry. Drawing on research by the Energy Shift Institute, he noted that a battery pack for electric vehicles contains approximately 40 kilograms of nickel – equivalent to around 5 tonnes of waste. He outlined opportunities to strengthen waste management practices, improve regulatory approaches, and explore circular economy solutions. He also called for greater collaboration amongst government, industry, and academia to advance material recovery and more efficient production processes.

H.E. Sudirman Said argued that reform in the critical-mineral sector requires not only better policies but also leadership and engagement from civil society, academia, professionals, religious leaders, and responsible businesses. He called for the development of ‘islands of integrity’ within existing systems, linked locally and globally through technology, social networks, and mentorship for younger generations. He stressed that opportunities for change may arise at any time, making early preparation essential.

Dr Tong Wu discussed ways to incorporate ecosystem value into economic and policy decisions, including through the concept of gross ecosystem product. He emphasised that responsible critical-mineral development requires ecological considerations to be given greater weight alongside economic objectives, supported by appropriate policy frameworks and international co-operation.

Panellists also explored how governments, businesses, researchers, and other stakeholders could work together to advance responsible mineral production. In his concluding remarks, Professor Aizawa highlighted the complementary roles of government, markets, and scientific knowledge in addressing critical-mineral challenges. He underscored the importance of connecting evidence-based research with practical policy approaches to support sustainable development.

The session underlined the need for an integrated approach to critical-mineral governance that balances economic development, environmental stewardship, and regional security. Through this engagement, the ERIA SoG continues to contribute to regional policy dialogue on sustainable development, economic resilience, and co-operation across Asia Pacific.