Downstream
in Minerals

Why Downstream Matters

Downstream minerals are central to the next phase of industrial growth, connecting raw materials to processing, refining, manufacturing, advanced technologies and end-use markets. As industries evolve, resilient downstream value chains are becoming increasingly important to meeting future demand.

THE CHALLENGE

Securing reliable mineral supply has become increasingly complex as global demand continues to rise.

THE SHIFT

Value is increasingly created through downstream industries that transform minerals into products and technologies.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Stronger collaboration across the value chain creates new opportunities for investment, innovation and industrial growth.

From Resources to Global Industries

Downstream development extends the minerals journey beyond extraction, transforming raw materials into products that power modern industries. Each stage adds value, supports manufacturing and strengthens global competitiveness.

Exploration

Extraction

Processing

Refining

Manufacturing

Global Markets

Turning Mineral Resources Into Industrial Value

Creating resilient downstream value chains requires more than mineral resources alone. Investment, industrial capability and market demand must work together to transform minerals into long-term economic value.

The future of minerals is no longer only about extraction. It is about where value is created, where materials are processed, and how resilient global supply chains are built through stronger industrial connections.

Downstream development connects three essential elements:

Resources: Supplying the minerals needed to support future industries.
Capital: Accelerating investment across processing, refining and manufacturing.
Industrial Demand: Connecting minerals to the industries that rely on secure, long-term supply.

Together, these elements create stronger, more resilient mineral value chains.

Creating resilient downstream value chains requires collaboration across the entire ecosystem. Governments, investors, mining companies, manufacturers and technology providers each play a role in strengthening industrial capability and supporting long-term supply chain resilience.

Through collaboration, organisations can:

Strengthen resilient industrial ecosystems.
Accelerate investment and innovation.
Build strategic partnerships across the value chain.
Improve access to global markets.

Together, these efforts create the connected ecosystems needed to strengthen supply chains and unlock greater industrial value.

Powering the
Industries of Tomorrow

The world's largest industries are competing for access to the critical minerals needed to power economic growth, industrial development and technological advancement. (Adapted directly from the brochure.)

AI & Data Centres

Driving demand for minerals that power advanced computing, digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence.

Automotive & Batteries

Accelerating the transition towards electrification through battery technologies and energy storage.

Advanced Manufacturing

Supporting industrial innovation through high-value materials and resilient supply chains.

Defence & Aerospace

Strengthening access to the critical minerals required for strategic technologies and national resilience.

Energy & Grid Infrastructure

Enabling the materials needed to support clean energy systems and modern electricity networks.

Where the downstream ecosystem comes together

Future Minerals Forum provides a platform for the global minerals ecosystem to explore how downstream industries can unlock greater value, strengthen supply chains and connect resources to future markets. Explore the brochure to discover the opportunities, partnerships and strategic priorities shaping downstream mineral development.

Download Brochure

Government–Industry Dialogue

Bringing together policymakers and industry leaders to accelerate downstream development and industrial growth.

Investment & Partnership Opportunities

Connecting capital with downstream opportunities across processing, refining, manufacturing and industrial development.

Cross-border Collaboration

Strengthening partnerships across governments, industry and technology providers to build resilient mineral value chains.

Technology & Innovation Exchange

Supporting knowledge sharing and innovation to strengthen industrial capabilities and future supply chains.

Downstream
in Minerals

Why Downstream Matters

From Resources to Global Industries

Turning Mineral Resources Into Industrial Value

Connecting resources, capital & industrial demand

Building a connected downstream ecosystem