How to invest in resource scarcity, AI and industrial innovation

Robeco’s Pieter Busscher and Mutlu Gundogan examine how AI, electrification and industrial policy are driving structural demand for metals while creating new investment opportunities across materials and manufacturing.

• AI infrastructure and electrification are sharply increasing demand for copper, steel, aluminum and specialty minerals, with copper demand projected to rise around 50% by 2040.
• Supply constraints, declining ore grades and China’s dominance in critical-mineral processing could keep bottlenecks and price volatility elevated.
• Opportunities extend beyond miners to recycling, alternative materials, automation and productivity-enhancing technologies that help industries adapt to scarcity.

Explore the full report to see where resource constraints and industrial innovation may create long-term investment opportunities.