Critical Minerals, Supply Chain, and Energy Transition Analysis: A Systematic Review

The global energy transition requires a sustainable supply of critical minerals, but geographical imbalances and growing demand pose significant challenges. Countries need to strengthen their critical minerals industries to reduce supply risks and promote energy transition, and it is important to review the necessary literature networks. This chapter analyzes the supply chain characteristics and economic impacts of critical minerals in the context of energy transition, based on literature from the Web of Science database using bibliometric analysis methods. A special focus is given to the publication characteristics of ASEAN countries. The chapter finds that the research on this topic has increased annually, reaching its peak in 2023. Germany, China, and the United States dominate this field, with Australia having fewer publications but a higher citation rate. The United States collaborates extensively worldwide, while Germany and China maintain important ties in Europe and Asia, respectively, with ASEAN countries showing increasing research activity. In terms of research hotspots, energy transition and renewable energy are central themes, with critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and nickel playing crucial roles in electric vehicles and renewable energy. In ASEAN, existing studies predominantly focus on Indonesia's energy transition, emphasizing the significance of wind energy. This chapter also explores critical mineral recycling technologies, providing policy recommendations for local governments to support the clean energy transition through efficient resource utilization and supply chain optimization.