At GBB we know that Net Zero is built on copper wires, cobalt batteries, and global supply chains. That makes the transition both fragile and deeply interconnected.


For corporates pursuing decarbonization, it’s tempting to think in terms of regions of operation, but the reality is far more expansive than a company's zone of literal operations. Copper mined in Indonesia powers EVs assembled in Europe, batteries manufactured in China, and data centers in the U.S. There is no decarbonization pathway without global connections.
 


Recent headlines prove the point.

The Grasberg mine disaster in Indonesia this month, one of the world’s largest copper sources, disrupted global supply overnight. Copper is only one example. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earths are all fundamental to electrification.

This raises critical points for companies looking to decarbonize:

• Human impacts: Much of the world’s cobalt comes from Central Africa where mining has been tied to labor exploitation. Transition strategies must go beyond carbon metrics and include human rights diligence.

• Environmental impacts: Mining expansion threatens biodiversity hotspots. The DRC is home to extraordinary biodiversity. Decarbonization that damages ecosystems risks trading one crisis for another

• Global equity: A corporate transition to zero carbon in the Global North often means an impact somewhere else in the Global South. Sustainability leadership means being conscious of these externalities and working to lessen them.

• Geopolitical and economic fragility: Concentrated supply means a single mudslide, regulatory shift, or conflict can ripple through markets and corporate transition plans.

How corporates can navigate the complexity

• Diversify sourcing: Treat critical minerals like an energy portfolio and spread contracts across geographies and suppliers.

• Invest in circularity: Design products for recovery of copper, lithium, cobalt.

• Engage suppliers on human rights: Build Scope 3 programs that audit and support labor improvements

• Safeguard biodiversity: Map sourcing against sensitive areas. Push for certifications and establish no-go zones.

• Scenario planning: Stress-test decarbonization roadmaps against price spikes and supply shocks.

• Advocate globally: Use the corporate voice to support multilateral standards for critical minerals.

Net zero isn’t a local project. It’s a global supply chain challenge where impacts in Indonesia and Central Africa show up in corporate strategies everywhere.

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If these challenges are relevant to your current decarbonization or adaptation strategies, reach out to GBB.