The path to a globally just circular economy Economic models The circular economy is an approach for a sustainable economy and a good way of life, as well as an actionable response to the triple planetary crisis – global warming, loss of biodiversity and pollution – and not least a solution to an increasingly uncertain supply of raw materials. How could it be implemented on a global scale? By Prof. Dr. Dirk Messner, Dr. Alexander Janz and Jan Kosmol
Columns of smoke, resistances and ruins Consequential Damage It is long overdue that countries that extract or import raw materials establish clear standards and responsibilities for dealing with the consequences of mining. From the perspective of sustainability, most of the damage caused should no longer be tolerated at all. By Andrés Ángel
Protected in theory, exploited in practice Indigenous rights Their collective rights are recognized and enshrined in international agreements and national laws – yet indigenous communities still suffer immensely from the consequences of invasive mining projects. By Ingrid Hausinger
Shaping value creation to be ecologically sound and socially just Value creation The new German raw materials policy is tasked with increasing recycling and creating lasting supply security by diversifying supply routes as well as production and processing capacities. And it must ensure that resource-rich countries can benefit from their wealth. By Dr. Franziska Brantner
«Ending corporate impunity requires international efforts.» Prosecution Erika Mendes and her organization Justiça Ambiental in Mozambique fight to ensure that companies can be held liable for violations – whether or not they have conducted due diligence.
«Companies cannot just delegate their responsibilities» External audits A new supply chain act is currently being discussed at EU level, giving rise to an important question: Is it enough for companies to be certified through private auditors to show that they are adequately preventing violations of human rights in their supply chains? A conversation with Matthias Baier, the head of the German Competent Authority - EU Due Diligence Obligations in Mineral Supply Chains (DEKSOR), who has already gained initial experience with such audits.
Due diligence in supply chains: from nice-to-have to legal obligation Due diligence The German supply chain act is a step forward, and the ongoing negotiations on a European equivalent also offer some hope for greater protection of human rights, the climate and the environment. These laws alone will not suffice make the extractive sector truly fairer and more sustainable, however. By Johanna Sydow
The case of Espinar – Cusco, Peru Health Dead animals and sick people, dry or polluted wells: Espinar shows that national institutions are failing to manage the consequences of industrial mining, which endangers the lives of hundreds of children, men and women. By Vanessa Schaeffer Manrique and Mattes Tempelmann
Fighting for Stolen Land In pictures They have all experienced how companies exploit their country’s resources without taking responsibility for the consequences; how people’s livelihoods are being destroyed and they are being driven out of their ancestral lands. Activists have decided not to take this lying down. They fight against powerful companies and the inaction of their own governments. Six examples from six countries.
The Critical Raw Materials Act: an alternative to global dependencies? The EU Commission is working towards sustainable solutions for the supply of critical raw materials, but the EU Critical Raw Material Act lacks specific proposals. By Anna Cavazzini