Sustainable mining: a new thematic Innovation Ecosystem The mining sector has been a cornerstone of human progress, supplying essential materials for infrastructure, energy and technology. However, the increasing population, growing reliance on technology and transition towards renewable energy are continuously driving up the demand for minerals and metals. Meeting this demand sustainably requires approaches that are energy-efficient, economically viable and socially and environmentally responsible. Accelerating innovation in sustainable mining is vital to ensure a steady mineral supply for the energy transition, decarbonize mining operations and improve the sector’s socio- environmental performance. Figure 13 Estimated demand based on net-zero emissions scenario UpLink, Prospect Innovation10 and the Mining and Metals Industry Community of the World Economic Forum11 have come together to drive sustainable innovation in the mining and metals sector.12 The initiative seeks to drive groundbreaking technological innovations in the mining and metals industry and related industries that could significantly impact the entire mining life cycle – for instance, by promoting exploration of new deposits and processing and refining materials for end use. This will be achieved by accelerating the growth of innovative ventures, cultivating collaboration across industries – spanning mining, clean energy and advanced materials – and creating an ecosystem where solutions can be adapted and scaled beyond the mining sector, amplifying global impact. The collaboration prioritizes the identification of innovative technologies within the mining and metals industry, facilitating the growth of start-ups through strategic investments and reinforcing the industry’s role in achieving global decarbonization and energy transition goals sustainably and responsibly. By deploying these solutions at scale, this partnership aims to create a significant and lasting impact on the industry. The future of mining should focus on disruptive technologies that unlock new, sustainable mineral sources such as seawater and brines, low-grade ores and tailings to enable faster, cheaper and decarbonized production. Howard Yuh Co-Founder, Tidal Metals One of the challenges start-ups face in the industry is achieving adoption and scaling of disruptive innovations within larger companies. Ricardo Sprocati Co-Founder, Ekion 80% Increase in the combined market value of key energy transition minerals by 203040 million tonnes Estimated demand for refined copper by 2050, an increase of 54% compared to 20233 times Increase in critical minerals demand for clean energy technologies in 203010 times Growth in Lithium demand by 2050 due to its role in batteries and electric vehicles Source: International Energy Agency. (2024). Global Critical Minerals Outlook 2024. Uplink Annual Impact Report March 2025 28

UpLink Annual Impact Report 2025