South Korea's commitment to a coal phase-out at COP30 made headlines this week, highlighting the global momentum toward clean energy. The country aims to achieve a balanced mix of nuclear and renewables, signaling a significant shift away from fossil fuels. This move is critical in the context of environmental impact from cobalt mining, as it underscores a commitment to reducing the reliance on high-carbon energy sources and transitioning towards cleaner alternatives. The decision aligns with the urgent need to mitigate climate change and sets an example for other nations to follow suit. Additionally, South Korea's success in reaching a record supply of electric vehicles (EVs) further contributes to transport decarbonization, marking a positive step in reducing emissions from the transportation sector. This growth in EV adoption holds promise for lowering the environmental impact of traditional vehicle manufacturing and operation, specifically in terms of reducing the demand for cobalt and other critical minerals used in battery production.