The only constant is change: Evidence on the declining role of fossil fuels and the rise of strategic metals in energy transition

Abstract

This study explores the shifting informational dynamics between fossil fuels and strategic metals in the context of global energy transition. Using a dual-frequency framework—frequency-domain Granger causality and time-frequency connectedness—we analyze daily data from 2018 to 2025, covering Brent crude oil, coal, and key strategic metals such as copper, lithium, and nickel. Our findings reveal a structural transformation: fossil fuels have become increasingly reactive, while strategic metals act as forward-looking market leaders. These metals not only represent essential inputs for green technologies but also function as systemic financial signals across time horizons. The results highlight a reconfiguration of energy-related influence networks, underscoring the growing role of resource-critical markets in shaping expectations, volatility, and long-term planning. This study contributes to a more integrated understanding of how material flows and financial signals intersect in the green transition, offering novel insights for energy policy, market design, and sustainable investment strategies. © 2025 Elsevier Ltd