Sustainability of Mining: Role Of Critical Minerals in The Energy Transition
This conference, referring to recent research and practice, explores the various issues that characterise the global mining sector, drawing examples from different countries and regional organisations. Although there is a massive literature on the subject, some issues have been neglected, including the crucial role of digitalisation and technological advancement in resolving the environmental and social challenges faced in artisanal and small-scale mining, deep-sea mining, mining contract negotiations and modernising mining laws to reflect the increasing role of critical minerals, to mention but a few.
Whereas the mining sector is crucial for the economic development of the concerned resource rich countries, the principles of sustainability dictate that these resources are not only focused on profit generation but also should take into consideration the protection of people and planet. These minerals are also geographically distributed across the continent. Indeed, if well managed, revenues from the mining sector can be used to tackle the poverty challenges facing the different countries. However, some countries have fallen prey to the resource curse, due to poor governance, corruption and mismanagement. Therefore, the conference unpacks the critical issues associated with the mining sector, explicitly reflecting on the practical solutions needed to address the challenges in the mining sector to ensure that the sector sustainably contributes to the global energy transition.
Speakers comprise of experts from different countries including professors, practitioners, government policymakers, NGO executives and a variety of different experts. This multidisciplinary conference will be of interest to policymakers, governments, academics, industry professionals, energy and mining institutions, international organisations, universities across the globe and companies.
The conference is also an opportunity to officially launch a timely book on ‘Mining Law and Governance: Transformation and Innovation for a Sustainable Mining Sector’, edited by Dr Victoria R Nalule. Book link Here