Ambitious climate change targets set by numerous nations aim to combat global warming by accelerating the shift toward renewable energy. While this transition is crucial, it comes with an increased demand for critical minerals essential for the development and implementation of renewable technologies. To navigate this complex interplay, a comprehensive bibliometric review has been conducted to shed light on the challenges and research trends surrounding the mineral constraints of energy transition within the context of climate change targets.

The concept of climate change targets refers to specific goals set by countries or organizations to limit global temperature rise and mitigate climate change impacts. These targets often involve transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydro power. However, this shift necessitates the extraction and utilization of various critical minerals, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements, which are fundamental to the technologies driving this energy transition.

A bibliometric analysis of the literature on this subject reveals several key insights into the research landscape. Over the past decade, there has been a significant increase in the volume of publications addressing the intersection of mineral resources and energy transition. This surge highlights the growing recognition of the importance of understanding and managing mineral constraints to achieve climate goals effectively.

Among the notable findings of this review is the identification of the most productive countries, institutions, and authors in this field. China stands out as a major contributor, with a substantial number of publications and leading researchers driving the discourse on mineral constraints and energy transition. Chinese institutions, such as Tsinghua University and the China University of Mining and Technology, have been at the forefront of research efforts, reflecting the country's significant role in both the global energy transition and mineral resource management.

The analysis also reveals the dominant academic disciplines and methodologies employed in this research area. Stock-driven Material Flow Analysis (MFA) emerges as the primary methodology used to assess mineral flows and their implications for energy transition. This approach helps in understanding the lifecycle of minerals, from extraction to end-use, and highlights potential bottlenecks and opportunities for improvement.

Wind and solar energy technologies have been identified as the most frequently studied areas within this field. The focus on these renewable energy sources reflects their prominence in global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Research often concentrates on the mineral requirements for producing and maintaining wind turbines and solar panels, as well as the environmental and economic implications of sourcing these materials.

The bibliometric review further delineates the hot topics and future directions in this research domain. Keywords such as "climate change," "mineral," and "energy" are frequently analyzed to identify emerging trends and areas for further investigation. For instance, recent studies are increasingly exploring the integration of mineral resource management with climate policy frameworks and technological innovations in renewable energy.

One significant aspect of the analysis is the construction of a mineral-energy-climate knowledge framework. This framework illustrates the intricate connections between mineral constraints, climate change, and energy transition. It emphasizes the need for a holistic approach to addressing mineral resource challenges while pursuing ambitious climate targets. By mapping out these relationships, the framework provides a valuable tool for policymakers, researchers, and industry stakeholders to navigate the complexities of the energy transition.