Mining

At COP28, António Guterres announced principles to tackle the implications of minerals extraction. Apart from this, minerals have been fairly invisible on any COP agenda. Emily Iona Stewart explains why this year could be different.

This statement on the EU Commission's planned Omnibus Package I highlights its potential consequences for the minerals and metals sector. The package risks undermining the EU’s credibility in responsible sourcing and corporate accountability.

Almost two-thirds of the heavy rare earths dysprosium and terbium on the global market come from Myanmar. How should Germany and Europe deal with the mining of urgently needed rare earths in the civil war-torn country of Myanmar?

Climate-smart mining appears to be a better alternative to traditional mining, known for its destructive nature. By hyphenating ‘climate’ with smart mining, it is a repackaged tool to attract the mineral-rich but developing countries. 

Southeast Asia’s geographical location is blessed with abundant natural resources – minerals, forests, and wildlife. For hundreds of years, these resources have been a source of livelihood and even life for Indigenous peoples, as well as local communities. However, the capitalist perspective of development is rapidly encroaching on the mineral-rich lands of these peoples. 

Major industry players are working together to create a voluntary global standard that can certify minerals as responsibly produced. But such a framework would consolidate the power and influence of these mining giants and allow them to act with impunity.

Lithium and other raw materials are essential for digitalization and renewable energies, but are often scarce and found outside the EU. With the Critical Raw Materials Act (CRMA), the EU wants to secure access for European industry in the long term.

The Rio Tinto controversy in Serbia revolves around the planned Jadar lithium mine. Despite economic benefits, strong opposition arises due to environmental concerns such as water shortages and pollution. Local protesters demand more environmental protection.