Critical Metal Selection for Low Carbon Emission Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process

The transition to low-carbon economies has heightened the demand for critical metals essential in renewable energy technologies, electric vehicles, and energy storage systems. These metals play a fundamental role in enabling the green technologies required to meet global carbon neutrality targets. However, their extraction, processing, and supply chains introduce environmental, economic, and geopolitical challenges. This study employs the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to systematically evaluate and prioritize critical metals by considering multiple criteria, including environmental impact, economic viability, resource availability, and technical performance. By integrating expert insights and robust data, the AHP framework provides a comprehensive and structured approach to decision-making in sustainable resource management. The results underscore lithium’s critical role, driven by its favourable environmental and technical properties, followed by cobalt for its strategic relevance despite ethical concerns, nickel for its high energy density, and neodymium for its role in permanent magnet applications. These findings aim to inform policymakers, industry leaders, and stakeholders in making well-grounded decisions that align with sustainable development objectives and facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future.