Critical minerals, international policy and a just energy transition
This event explored the international policy processes that are shaping critical mineral activities in the context of the energy transition.
A majority of the world’s estimated cobalt reserves are in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with 10-30% of its annual production mined artisanally (Photo: Fairphone, via Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0)
The growing global demand for 'critical minerals' has soared in recent years, with materials such as lithium, cobalt and nickel being essential in the production of many technologies in the green energy transition.
Governments in consumer and processing countries are seeking to secure supply, while mineral-rich countries are seeking opportunities to benefit more from the increased demand.
With the 'resource rush' accelerating, how can international policy processes promote environmental sustainability, local value addition, fair benefit sharing and respect for the rights of Indigenous Peoples, local communities and small-scale producers?
This online event explored these issues in the light of international policy developments including bilateral and multilateral partnerships and trade agreements, the UN Panel on Critical Energy Transition Minerals and multilateral environmental diplomacy.
About the speakers
Elisa Morgera, UN Special Rapporteur on Climate Change and Human Rights
Ketakandriana Rafitoson, director, Publish What You Pay
Nicolás Perrone, professor of economic law, Valparaíso University
Tim Stern, international energy director, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
Victoria Fernández Almeida, coordinator on economic, social, cultural and environmental rights, Andhes
Lorenzo Cotula (moderator), principal researcher and head of law, economies and justice programme, IIED
Event coverage
You can watch a recording of the event below or on IIED's YouTube channel, where individual links to the start of each speaker's contribution are also provided.
About IIED Debates
This event was part of the IIED Debates series. Through the convening of expert speakers and external stakeholders, IIED brings together an international community to discuss critical issues.
IIED Debates encompass both physical and digital events, including critical themes, breakfast debriefs and webinars. These events are public and are hosted regularly throughout the year online and when possible in our London and Edinburgh offices.
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Contact
Juliette Tunstall ([email protected]), IIED internal engagement and external events officer
