Funding a way forward: mining and a just energy transition

As we shift towards a low-carbon economy, the skyrocketing demand for critical minerals presents significant challenges, including the need for responsible and sustainable mining practices, effective recycling, and efficient supply chain management. The slow (eco)violence caused by mining activities has resulted in severe environmental damage and adversely affected the well-being of local communities. Moreover, the industry has led to economic displacement and widened the gap of inequality, disrupting the cultural and social fabric of the area. Additionally, lax governance and regulatory frameworks have exacerbated these issues, contributing to a lack of transparency and accountability to the communities impacted. This session aims to unravel the complexities of financing the extraction, recycling and utilization of critical minerals, ensuring that the energy transition not only remains environmentally sustainable but also socially equitable and just.