Responsible mining for critical minerals for the energy transition

It is now well understood that the clean energy transition will need large quantities of metals and minerals, such as lithium, nickel and cobalt, that have so far not been greatly used – collectively called ‘critical minerals’. If they are to be available as and when required there will need to be huge investment in new mines, and if these mines are to be welcomed, rather than blocked, by the local communities where they are located, the mining will have to be carried out with sensitivity to the needs and aspirations of the communities and countries in which they are to be located, and with minimal environmental impacts in operation, and full environmental restoration following mine closure. In short, ‘responsible mining’ will need to become the rule.

This seminar will explore these issues with two expert and experienced speakers, Patrice Christmann, former Deputy Director of the French Geological Survey and a former member of UNEP’s International Resource Panel, and Javiera Martinez, the Latin American Coordinator of the London Mining Network. Patrice will discuss the need for critical minerals for the energy transition and some of the problems of ensuring that they are forthcoming in the right quantity at the right time. Javiera will discuss her experiences of mining in Latin America, and what it would take for communities there to welcome new mines in their area.

Event details

• Registration: 5:15 - 5:30pm
• Seminar: 5:30 - 6:30pm
• Reception: 6:30 - 7:30pm
• Event ends: 7:30pm
• Room / venue detail: Seminar in Room 225, Central House. Reception in 1st floor Common Room, Central House.
• Accessibility: An access guide to Central House and room 225 can be found on AccessAble.