Employment in the critical minerals sector: A case study of Indonesia, Mongolia and the Philippines

In the face of rapid digital transformation and the transition to net zero, the supply of critical minerals is of strategic importance. Asia and the Pacific is a major source of critical minerals such as nickel and rare earth elements.

This brief examines employment patterns in the mining of metal ores sector in these three countries, offering insights into wages, informality, and social security coverage, while highlighting challenges and opportunities for ensuring decent work in the sector. It underscores the need for inclusive and resilient employment strategies, such as upskilling and reskilling, alongside broader industrial and environmental policies.