London: A major group of global investors has called for the creation of an international body to monitor and manage the world’s mineral resources. The proposed organization, known as the International Minerals Agency, would be modeled after the International Energy Agency and focus on improving transparency, sustainability, and accountability across the mining sector.

The call came from the Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030, a coalition representing investors managing more than 18 trillion dollars in assets. Members include major institutions such as PIMCO, ING Groep, Allianz Investment Management, Legal and General Investment Management, and the Church of England Pension Fund.

In a report released in São Paulo, the group urged governments and international organizations to establish a central agency to track global supply and demand for minerals, monitor illegal mining flows, and assess how companies perform against sustainability standards. The proposal comes as the world faces growing demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and copper, which are vital for clean energy technologies and electric vehicles.

Peter Kindt, Global Head of the Transition Accelerator at ING, said that transforming the mining industry’s image and unlocking long-term value would require collective action from investors, companies, and policymakers. He emphasized that responsible and transparent operations are essential for ensuring the mining sector supports global climate goals.

Supporters of the idea say the new agency could provide reliable data on production, trade, and environmental impact, helping investors make better decisions and governments plan more sustainable policies. However, experts also point out that creating such a body will be challenging, as mining practices and regulations vary widely across countries.

The proposal comes ahead of the next round of United Nations climate negotiations, where sustainable resource management is expected to be a key topic. While no government has yet formally backed the idea, discussions around establishing an international framework for critical minerals are gaining momentum as the transition to clean energy accelerates.

If formed, the International Minerals Agency could play a key role in ensuring that the global race for resources does not come at the cost of environmental and social responsibility.