Small Miners, big opportunities? Exploring the potential role of the Artisanal and Small-Scale Mining Sector in Sustainable Critical Mineral Value Chains.
The low-carbon transition is driving increased demand for a more diverse range of so-called ‘critical mineral’. It is the specific materiality of this transition that has led to these minerals being described as ‘critical’ – where security of supply is seen as particularly crucial or subject to range of political or economic risks. The imperative of the low-carbon transition, however, means that the definition of ‘criticality’ rather than being country-specific, now reflects issues of global demand and supply and price variability, as well as specific ‘value chain’ issues including governance and power emanating from the supply of each individual mineral.
Many of these critical minerals are supplied in part by artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations. Although it is a largely informal source of livelihood for many (over 40 million people globally on some estimates), and plays a significant role in global mineral supplies, the ASM sector has until recently been largely overlooked in mainstream development discourse and policy interventions, as well as in academic literature. This talk will argue that the neglect of the ASM sector is at best unfortunate, and at worst deeply worrying, given the unprecedented speed of change in global energy systems. But, while the ASM sector will be essential for bridging future supply gaps in critical minerals, its expansion outside formal regulatory frameworks presents challenges related to potential environmental impact, social inequalities, reputational risks and value-chain governance which need to be explored.
About the event
This event is only for Westminster’s staff and students - no registration is required. It will take place at Regent Street, Room 413.
About the lab
The Climate and Energy Policy Lab is an exciting unit run by climate change and energy policy experts at the University of Westminster. The Climate and Energy Policy Lab Academic Coordinator is Dr Wojciech Ostrowski [email protected].
About the speaker
Dr Vincent Rich
Dr Vincent Rich is an Emeritus Professor in International Development and Economics. He was Head of the School of Organisations, Economy and Society until 2021 and before that led the Department of Economics for many years. His early published research was in natural resource economics/commodity markets which built on his work at CRU International, a leading economic consultancy focused on the metals and mineral industry. He subsequently worked as a freelance consultant for the Economist Intelligence Unit. In recent years his research interests have widened to include the political economy of development and sustainable livelihoods, with a particular focus on sub-Saharan Africa.
