Abbi Buxton

Her expertise is in the large-scale and artisanal and small-scale mining sectors. She was previously a senior researcher and associate with IIED's Natural Resources and Shaping Sustainable Markets research groups.

Her action research and engagement work focuses on increasing local voice and understanding of realities and priorities in global value chains, large-scale land based investments and international policy spaces.

In 2024, she was recognised in the Global Top 100 Women in Mining for her leadership and impactful contribution to tackling gender-based violence in the sector - in both local communities and workplaces.

Abbi has in-depth knowledge and understanding of sustainable development challenges and processes in the mining sector – primarily in Africa. Her current work includes the looking at the roles and responsibilities of artisanal miners in global value chains, strengthening local voice in policy engagement and influence, re-examining models of mineral governance and market development (including formalisation), exploring competing land uses, and understanding gender relations and roles.

She has extensive experience managing cross-country teams, working with in-country partners, overseeing implementation of in-country dialogues and research, managing stakeholder relations, global network development, and informing national and global processes based on local evidence and research.