DHAKA, May 3, 2026 (BSS) - The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today launched a 
new financing facility to help countries in Asia and the Pacific develop 
critical minerals supply chains needed for clean energy, batteries, electric 
vehicles, and digital technology.

"Critical minerals will shape the next industrial era," said ADB President 
Masato Kanda at ADB's 59th Annual Meeting. "Asia and the Pacific should be 
more than a source of raw materials. The region should also capture the jobs, 
technology, and value these minerals provide," 

"This facility is about urgency and fairness: building responsible supply 
chains now, so our developing member countries can compete in advanced 
manufacturing and create opportunities at home," he said.

The Critical Minerals-to-Manufacturing Financing Partnership Facility is 
intended to move the region beyond mining and into higher-value industries 
such as processing, manufacturing, and recycling. 

The facility will help prepare projects, reform policies, and support public 
investment and private financing across critical minerals value chains, said 
an ADB press release.

The facility has two parts: a grant window and a catalytic finance window.

The grant window will fund early project work, including feasibility studies, 
environmental and social assessments, technical assistance and knowledge-
sharing. The Government of Japan has committed $20 million to the grant 
window, while the Government of the United Kingdom has committed $1.6 
million.

The catalytic finance window is designed to bring in cofinancing and risk-
sharing from other financing partners. Korea Eximbank and the Korean Trade 
Insurance Corporation, known as K-SURE, each signed a $500 million memorandum 
as the facility's first partners.

The facility builds on ADB's 2025 strategy to support responsible and 
sustainable critical minerals-to-manufacturing value chains across the 
region. 

ADB is already supporting battery manufacturing and recycling in India, 
geological data mapping in Mongolia, AI-driven critical metals production and 
circular approaches in Uzbekistan, a critical minerals strategy in 
Kazakhstan, and a critical minerals roadmap and regulatory reforms in the 
Philippines.

ADB has also worked with partners to establish a Critical Minerals Database 
to improve information on critical minerals supply chains and support better 
policy coordination.

All projects supported through the facility will be subject to ADB's strict 
environmental and social requirements, due diligence, and impact assessments.

The facility is intended to help meet rising demand for clean energy and 
digital technologies while creating jobs and supporting inclusive economic 
growth in the region.

ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting sustainable, 
inclusive, and resilient growth across Asia and the Pacific. 

Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, 
ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to 
transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. 
Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members-50 from the region.