Predicting commodity demand trends is a complex exercise, especially as key technologies linked to the reduction of carbon emissions are still jockeying for dominance and perhaps always will.
The COVID-19 pandemic has simultaneously set in motion several behavioural changes that could affect the demand for a range of mined commodities. The impact of trends such as working from home, or reduced commuting to and from an office, are still to be felt by the mining sector. Perhaps in a year or two's, this might become clearer; there is still much to unravel before predictions can be made with any level of confidence.
Technology race complicates mineral outlook
The more immediate impact is driven by the global commitment to addressing climate change through a combintion of alternative fuels, renewable energy and complemented by the development of battery technology to store energy and provide low-carbon motive force.
