Resource-rich countries such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Chile are gearing up for a 'net zero' minerals rush, striving to secure a fair share of critical minerals to support the transition to renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies. The demand for these minerals, which include cobalt and lithium, is expected to intensify by 2025, reinforcing the urgency of addressing the environmental impact from cobalt mining. The race for critical minerals highlights the growing importance of sustainable and ethical practices in mining operations, especially in regions where these minerals are abundant.