Critical Minerals and the Energy Transition
Project title
Critical Minerals and the Energy Transition: Governance, Justice, and Supply Chain Sustainability
Project Lead(s)
Dr James Van Alstine and Dr Laura Smith, Sustainability Research Institute, School of Earth and Environment
Project summary
Critical minerals, such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements, are essential for low-carbon technologies, including batteries, wind turbines, and electric vehicles. However, while much research focuses on their geological occurrence and extraction technologies, the non-technical dimensions pose equally pressing challenges. These include ethical supply chains, planning and policy, environmental justice, geopolitical risks, and the governance frameworks needed to ensure sustainable and equitable resource extraction and use.
This project will investigate the sustainability and justice aspects of critical mineral supply chains. It will examine case studies of producing countries, explore national and international governance initiatives (e.g., the UK's Critical Minerals Strategy, the EU's Critical Raw Materials Act, and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI)), and assess how companies and states are responding to calls for responsible sourcing. The research can be shaped around key questions such as: What governance mechanisms can ensure fair and sustainable critical mineral supply chains? How do supply chain pressures affect local communities and ecosystems? What role do certifications and ESG metrics play in improving standards?
This interdisciplinary project combines perspectives from political ecology, sustainability science, and resource governance and is ideal for students interested in environmental policy, corporate responsibility, and global sustainability challenges.
Project aims
- Map key governance frameworks shaping the global critical minerals market.
- Assess the effectiveness of current sustainability and ethical sourcing standards.
- Analyse case studies of critical mineral production and supply chain challenges.
- Provide recommendations for more equitable and sustainable governance of critical minerals.
Methods
The project will use a mixed-methods approach, including:
- Desk-based literature review and policy analysis.
- Qualitative case study analysis (e.g., using secondary data on specific mining regions or supply chains).
- Stakeholder mapping and, if feasible, interviews with experts or industry actors.
- Application and critique of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) assessment frameworks to selected case studies.
Training and skills
The student will develop skills in:
- Policy and governance analysis.
- Sustainability assessments and ESG frameworks.
- Critical thinking around global resource challenges.
- Qualitative data collection and analysis.
Candidate background
We welcome applicants from environmental science, geoscience, geography, sustainability, international development, or related disciplines. An interest in global resource governance and sustainability challenges is essential; prior experience with policy analysis or ESG frameworks is a bonus but not required.