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This policy brief examines the implications of large-scale electric vehicle (EV) adoption for the mining sectors of Southern African Development Community (SADC) member states. It argues that while the region possesses vast reserves of EV-related minerals and metals (EVMM), it primarily exports raw materials. The author advocates for regional cooperation, the establishment of a public-private EVMM working group and coalition, and the adoption of a circular economy approach to ensure a just mining transition and the development of local value chains.

This policy brief examines the application of blockchain and distributed ledger technologies (DLT) in the African mining sector, specifically for mineral traceability and due diligence. While these technologies offer a tamper-proof record of provenance, the authors argue that blockchain alone cannot guarantee ethical production and must be coupled with rigorous due diligence to prevent the exclusion of artisanal miners and the persistence of human rights abuses.

This briefing examines the inequitable resource interdependency between Europe and Africa in the extractive sector. It argues that a symbiotic relationship can be achieved by implementing 'extractive justice'—incorporating procedural, distributive, and recognitional justice—into legal and policy frameworks to address wealth imbalances and governance deficits.

This fact sheet from the International Institute for Sustainable Development argues for the integration of a circular economy into cobalt and lithium supply chains to support green energy technologies and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It highlights how recycling, reuse, and remanufacturing can mitigate supply shortages, reduce environmental degradation, and create sustainable jobs.

This briefing by RMI discusses the dual role of the mining industry in the energy transition, highlighting its necessity in providing raw materials for low-carbon technologies while facing significant pressure to decarbonize its own operations to align with the Paris Agreement.

This research paper by WWF South Africa argues that the global transition to a low-carbon economy, driven by the Paris Agreement, creates significant opportunities for South Africa's mining sector. The document details the high material intensity of clean energy technologies—such as solar, wind, and geothermal—and positions South Africa's vast mineral reserves as a strategic advantage for revitalising its extractive industries and re-industrialising its economy through the manufacturing of low-carbon technologies.

This research paper analyzes the impact of commodity price trends, geopolitical shifts under the Trump administration, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution on investment and economic growth in African countries. It argues that while some commodity prices are recovering, African nations should pivot away from fossil fuels and nuclear energy toward minerals essential for renewable energy and digital technologies to avoid premature de-industrialization.

This research paper examines the global significance of Rare Earth Elements (REEs), China's dominant market position and strategic export restrictions, and South Africa's role in establishing non-Chinese supply chains through specific mining projects.

This policy brief, produced by the Stockholm Environment Institute in partnership with the business leaders' initiative 3C, examines the risk of metal scarcity for low-carbon technologies. Using a custom scenario calculator, the authors analyze the future supply and demand for cobalt, lithium, neodymium, indium, and tellurium, concluding that cumulative supply deficits for several of these metals could hinder the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

This policy briefing examines the presence and operations of Indian mining companies in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically focusing on the copper, cobalt, tin, and tantalum sectors. It highlights the growth of small and medium-sized Indian firms, their reliance on self-funding rather than state or Western capital, and the environmental and political risks they face in the Katanga province.

This policy brief examines China's strategic investments in bauxite mining and infrastructure within Cambodia, Laos, and Vietnam, highlighting the lack of regulatory oversight and the potential for significant transboundary environmental impacts.

This fact sheet from the African Center for Economic Transformation outlines the potential for green industrialization in Africa, emphasizing the need to move from raw material extraction to value-adding industries through integrated policy, finance, and digital infrastructure.

This document outlines the nine strategic pillars of the Critical Minerals Mission for Sustainable Strategic Advantage (CMMSSA), a framework designed to transform South Africa's critical minerals sector. The strategy focuses on moving from raw mineral exports to local beneficiation, enhancing geoscience mapping, improving infrastructure, and fostering regional integration within Southern Africa to support the global energy transition.

The Critical Minerals and Metals Strategy for South Africa is a national roadmap designed to transition the country from a raw material supplier to a global hub for processed critical minerals and high-value end products. The strategy focuses on leveraging South Africa's vast reserves of platinum group metals, manganese, and vanadium to support the global energy transition, specifically in sectors like electric vehicles, green hydrogen, and renewable energy. It outlines six strategic pillars—geoscience mapping, value addition, R&D, infrastructure, financial instruments, and regulatory harmonisation—to drive industrialisation, job creation, and economic resilience while navigating complex geopolitical tensions and promoting regional integration within Africa.

This fact sheet from the Environmental and Energy Study Institute describes the role of lithium as a critical mineral for clean energy, its global supply chain, extraction and processing methods, and the environmental and social externalities associated with its production.

This policy brief by the Institute for Economic Justice analyzes the impact of President Donald Trump's second administration's tariff policies on African nations and proposes a strategic response based on rerouting trade, subverting US policy through industrialization, and collective negotiation.

This research paper analyzes the implications of the OECD/G20 Inclusive Framework's international tax reforms—specifically Pillar One and Pillar Two—for resource-rich developing countries and the mining sector. While some aspects of the reforms protect the taxing rights of producer countries, others may undermine national sovereignty or create unfair tax burdens due to the specific accounting nature of mining operations.

This report outlines the history and evolution of the Intergovernmental Forum on Mining, Minerals, Metals and Sustainable Development (IGF), from its origins as a UN Type II partnership in 2002 to its current status as a member-led forum of over 80 countries focused on sustainable mining governance.

This executive summary examines the impact of disruptive technologies on large-scale mining and proposes policy options to mitigate negative social and fiscal effects while leveraging technology for local economic diversification.

This report provides a gendered analysis of employment and skills within Zambia's large-scale mining (LSM) sector. It establishes a baseline of women's participation, identifying significant underrepresentation in technical and leadership roles, pervasive data gaps, and structural barriers such as gender stereotyping and inadequate workplace infrastructure. The document recommends transforming gender policies into actionable, resourced plans, improving the collection of gender-disaggregated data, and promoting STEM education to prepare women for the 'mine of the future'.