SDSG Thematic Publications

SDSG Publications by Theme

Mining Law & Governance

Architecture for Change (2006)

A landmark report outlining the vision and evolution of sustainable development in mining.

Evolution of Global Standards (2005)

Evolution of Global Standards in the Extractive Sector: The Growing Role of the World Bank Group.

Sustainable Development in the Natural Resource Industries (2004)

New perspectives and rules for sustainable development in resource industries.

Emerging Concepts of Governance in the Minerals Industry (2001)

Insights into emerging governance frameworks for minerals extraction.

Development of Governance Systems for Sustainable Development and Conflict Management (2008)

Best practices and mechanisms for governance and conflict resolution.

Indigenous Rights

Path to Peace and Development (2023)

Thematic report on mining’s long impact on Indigenous communities.

Seeking Compliance with Treaty Obligations (2023)

Examines court decisions on Indigenous consultation across the Americas.

Impacts of the Green Minerals Boom (2023)

Discusses how green mining affects Indigenous rights.

Indigenous Rights and the Green Energy Boom (2023)

Analysis of mineral demand and Indigenous community impacts.

Mining Industry and Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (2000)

Policy-oriented paper on legal frameworks for Indigenous rights.

Public Participation in Environmental Decision Making (1997)

Standards for inclusive public and Indigenous participation.

Critical Minerals

The Iron Hill Mine (2026)

Examining the potential for rare earth mineral development in Gunnison County, Colorado.

Solar Today Articles (2023)

The Biggest Piece of the Puzzle

Deserts, Water, and Lithium

Copper Crisis

Battery Minerals

Case for Prioritizing Bauxite (2023)

Short paper highlighting aluminum’s role in the green economy.

ARGENTINA LEADS THE GLOBAL LITHIUM RUSH: ARE THE PIECES IN PLACE FOR A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME?

offers an overview of Argentina's strategic position in the global lithium market. It emphasizes the country's substantial lithium reserves, particularly within the Lithium Triangle

In Situ Leaching Uranium Mining (2022)

Examines uranium ISL trends in Kazakhstan and Namibia.

Voluntary Standards & Certification (2022)

Overview of industry standards in minerals certification.

Renewable Energy

Nature, People, and Carbon Markets (2025)

Argues for the exclusion of nature-based offset markets from the Paris Agreement's Article 6 and offers recommendations to mitigate existing harms in the Voluntary Carbon Market.

Renewable Energy Credits: A Policy Primer

Introduces the basics of RECs, their market function, and key considerations for equitable implementation.

The Toll Beyond Coal

Examines the hidden economic, environmental, and health costs of continued reliance on coal-fired power.

RECs Policy Primer (Duplicate)

Also available via the SDSG archives. Identical to primary version above.

Renewable Future for Colorado Communities — Volume I

First volume analyzing pathways to a renewable energy transition for MEAN-served towns in Colorado.

Renewable Future for Colorado Communities — Volume II

Second volume with deeper analysis and financial modeling for transitioning MEAN communities.

Community Development in Natural Resource Extraction

CDA Library (SDSG + IIED & CCSI)

A searchable catalogue of CDA legislation and agreements across 54 countries, offering real-world models and frameworks.

World Bank – CDA Frameworks

Practical field studies and frameworks developed in partnership with the World Bank to guide CDA design and implementation.

CSRM Good Practice Notes

Guidance on the negotiation, structure, and implementation of CDAs across diverse contexts.

IGF MPF Assessments

Governance capacity-building assessments conducted by SDSG in Uganda, Mongolia, Ecuador, Honduras, and others.

MMDA Project

A global “Model Mining Development Agreement” template developed by SDSG and IBA for negotiating fair mining agreements.

Special Topics in Energy and Environment

Dust Deposition on Snow

Renewable Energy Credits

Other Resources

Community Readings Law and Policy