The Importance of Critical Minerals
Critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements are essential components for batteries, renewable energy technologies, and electric vehicles. Their responsible extraction and supply chain management are vital for a sustainable green energy transition that addresses environmental and social concerns.
Key Publications
Architecture for Change (2006)
An in-depth account of the Mining, Minerals, and Sustainable Development (MMSD) project, which examined how the mining and minerals sector can contribute to sustainable development.
THE CASE FOR PRIORITIZING BAUXITE (2023)
Examines the social and environmental challenges of bauxite mining in the context of the green energy transition. The report argues for stronger governance, community protections, and a rethinking of how critical minerals like bauxite are sourced to ensure truly sustainable outcomes.
The Biggest Piece of the Puzzle: Aluminum and the Energy Transition (2023)
Explores the essential role of aluminum in the renewable energy sector, from solar panels to electric vehicles. It highlights the sustainability challenges in aluminum production and underscores the need for responsible sourcing and energy-efficient practices to support the clean energy transition.
Project Highlights
Intergovernmental forum on mining, minerals, and metals
SDSG regularly works with the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining Minerals and Sustainable Development (IGF) Secretariat to provide support services to the IGF’s 79 Government Members, which may request to undergo assessments of their national law and policy frameworks against the IGF’s Mining Policy Framework (MPF) and participate in related capacity building programs.
Assesment of Mexicos Mining Laws and Policies
SDSG led a Technical Assistance program on indigenous consultation with the Government of Mexico, again based on an Assessment, that found lack of proper consultation to be a key problem.
Other Related Projects and Reports
Argentina Leads the Global Lithium Rush (2023)
Examines whether Argentina has the governance and infrastructure needed for long-term success in the lithium boom.
Read ReportBattery Minerals: Cobalt and the DRC
Asks whether the global clean energy transition can occur without depending on cobalt sourced from the DRC, given its human rights and governance concerns.
View ReportCopper Crisis: Inequality & Conflict
Analyzes how instability in copper-producing regions may threaten global decarbonization and clean energy supply chains.
Read MoreIn Situ Leach Uranium Mining – Namibia
Evaluates whether Namibia can surpass Kazakhstan in uranium production through ISL methods while maintaining safety and sustainability.
Read ReportVoluntary Standards & Certification (2022)
Outlines key frameworks for voluntary sustainability standards in the mining and minerals sector.
View PresentationIBRAM Brazil Presentation (2011)
Highlights Brazil’s mining policies and industry priorities as presented by IBRAM.
View SlidesJust Transition and Mineral Policy
Insights on aligning mineral extraction policies with social equity and environmental justice.
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