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Minerals for the Green Energy Transition

Assuring Equitable Local Benefits from Mineral Production

If our common future is dependent upon an accelerated decarbonization of the global energy system, and if we need unprecedented quantities of a long list of minerals to achieve that end, we must focus on the conditions under which these resources are or may be produced.

While we certainly will need to identify deposits, and the techniques of mining and processing them, the most fundamental constraints on critical mineral availability may be the social and environmental acceptance of extraction.

Where the environment is degraded we are cutting off food supplies.

~ When the environment is degraded, we are cutting off food supplies ~

The rural poor of the developing world have contributed very little to the crisis that is upon us. Just as we cannot reasonably ask them to bear an undue burden in reducing the carbon loading of the atmosphere, we cannot in justice ask them to shoulder an unfair share of the impacts of a climate driven mining boom, in search of commodities they are not likely to receive very much of. The unfairness is even greater where the benefits of mineral development are concentrated in the global North.

This imbalance of adverse impacts and benefits is not only unfair. But it has a very practical effect. It has the potential to slow mineral development and limit the availability of the very minerals we are trying to access.

The Local Role: Mining and Conflict

In the past, the terms under which mining was conducted were often seen as a bilateral deal between a company and a national government. National governments focused on increasing resource revenue for the central government, which they saw as the path to revenue for development.

In recent decades, there has been a dramatic change. A new party has inserted itself into the transaction, the “community.” Before, there often was no local share. The revenues and other benefits of mineral development were divided between the mining company and national government. But local interests have been empowered and are insisting that there be positive management of adverse impacts, and that a share of the benefits of development go to local interests.

In many cases governments resisted a ‘local share’ because they viewed it as reducing the national government share. Companies were less resistant to revenues going locally because they were on the front lines of the interaction with local residents, and often bore the brunt of local dissatisfaction.

The injustice of failing to control adverse local impacts, while failing to share equitably in the benefits of development has led to serious conflict between mining interests (often backed by the central government) and local people. These conflicts are probably at their most intractable where the population of the affected area is of a minority ethnicity that does not see its interests as respected by the majority group who controls government, or indigenous peoples, whose dispossession of their lands has frequently been driven by the desire for minerals.

More directly to the point, even where conflict over mine development does not lead to open warfare, it has often led to massive political resistance and social movements against mining. These have in many cases slowed or prevented mine development, the last thing we need as we seek the minerals needed for a just energy transition.

The Need for Local Participation and a Share in the Benefits

Earlier this month at the Annual Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, SDSG President and Co-founder, Luke Danielson addressed the 80 member nations, advocating for three fundamental pillars of community demands to be a part of all mineral development projects:

Relationships with mine impacted communities are a priority consideration in attempting to develop the supply of minerals needed for the energy transition. This is for reasons of equity, and a fair sharing of benefits and burdens.

It is also for the practical reason that poorly handled relationships with communities have so often led to conflicts that have slowed or prevented mineral development. We cannot afford to let the energy transition be delayed by repeated disputes with mine impacted communities, especially where their demands are rooted in justice.

SDSG Featured at 2022 IGF Annual Meeting

Advocating for Community Benefits with Government Mining Officials from Around the World

SDSG's Luke Danielson, President, and Julia Metzger, Executive Director, have just returned from Geneva, Switzerland where they attended the 18th Annual General Meeting of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) which convened mining government officials from 80 countries around the theme of Critical Minerals and the Energy Transition.

Luke made the case for community benefit sharing, local participation in decision-making and effective management of adverse impacts as key components of a Just Transition to a green economy.

The IGF's 2022 Annual Meeting convened government officials, mining sector experts, and representatives from intergovernmental agencies at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.

At this year's IGF Annual Meeting, Luke Danielson outlined three "Just Transition" principles for ensuring local communities benefit equitably from the green economy's high demand for critical minerals.

The Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF) is made up of government representatives from 80 countries, including its newest member, Togo, who joined in 2022 and the United States who joined in 2021.

SDSG's Executive Director, Julia Metzger, International Advisory Board Member, Maria Laura Barreto, and Board Director, Kristi Disney Bruckner, with Leaders of IGF's Secretariat.

Invest in Sustainable Development!

Now through December 6th is a Great Time to Support SDSG

In Colorado, Giving Tuesday (today) marks a time for us to gear up for Colorado’s special day of giving on Colorado Gives Day ~ December 6th. Join thousands of other Coloradans as we come together to strengthen our community’s nonprofits.

Anytime now through December 6th, investing in SDSG through Colorado Gives Day ensures your donation receives an added boost through the Colorado Gives Day $1.6M Incentive Fund.

SDSG needs your support to continue its independent, multi-disciplinary, research, training and advocacy of sustainable resource development that respects human rights; aligns with the economic and social objectives of local communities; and protects the natural environment.

Please consider making a tax-deductible gift to SDSG via the link below by December 6^th to take advantage of this Incentive Fund boost!

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New SDSG LinkedIn Group

Connect to SDSG's Global Network

We've launched a new SDSG Alumni & Friends LinkedIn Group to stay connected with SDSG colleagues, share opportunities and accomplishments, and continue building on the strength of the SDSG network of international experts, thought leaders and practitioners.

If you're on LinkedIn and would like to tap into SDSG's global network of past, present and future colleagues, advisors, partners, fellows, interns, contractors, consultants, donors, and volunteers via LinkedIn, please join at www.linkedin.com/groups/14124255.

We look forward to hearing from you!

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