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The document examines the conflict in Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, asserting that while the violence is framed as militant Islam, it is rooted in long-term structural problems. It highlights how the discovery of rubies and offshore natural gas led to a 'resource scramble' that marginalised local communities and fostered grievances. The author notes that the Mozambican government's inept security response and the poor state of its military have further exacerbated the crisis. The brief concludes by comparing the situation to the Niger Delta in Nigeria, warning that without addressing socio-economic inequalities and improving governance, military interventions will be insufficient.

A letter from Shepstone & Wylie to the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy requesting the finalization of a decision regarding a suspension application for the Tormin Mine, arguing that an appeal by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is invalid due to non-compliance with Regulation 74.

An investigation by Global Witness and PPLAAF suggests that Dan Gertler used a money laundering network spanning the DRC, Europe, and Israel to evade US sanctions imposed in 2017. The report alleges that Gertler continued to acquire mining permits via front companies and received payments from major mining firms, including Glencore, while utilizing Afriland First Bank to facilitate these financial arrangements.

A joint investigation by Global Witness and PPLAAF suggests that Dan Gertler evaded US sanctions through a money laundering network spanning the DRC, Europe, and Israel. The report alleges that Gertler used proxy companies to acquire mining permits from Gécamines and that Afriland First Bank played a central role in the evasion scheme. Furthermore, it claims that major mining companies, including Glencore, ERG, and Sicomines, continued to engage in business or make payments to entities linked to Gertler despite the sanctions.

The document examines how SADC member states can leverage their vast reserves of EV-related minerals and metals (EVMM) to move from raw material export to regional beneficiation. It highlights the need for a public-private EVMM working group and coalition to coordinate value chains, formalise artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM), and implement a circular economy approach to mining waste. The brief emphasizes that a regional 'green deal' and the finalisation of the Africa Mining Vision (AMV) are essential for a just transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) has requested the Minister of Mineral Resources and Energy to suspend a decision granting Mineral Sands Resources (Pty) Ltd (MSR) an amendment to its mining rights for the expansion of the Tormin Mine on the West Coast of South Africa. The CER argues that the decision was made without public participation and poses an irreparable risk to Critical Biodiversity Areas.

The document examines the role of the circular economy in the economic recovery of the EU and AU following the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights the EU's Green Deal and its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, while noting that African countries often practice circular economy principles without formal policies. The brief suggests that the EU's desire to shorten global value chains for food and medical security presents an opportunity for Africa to enhance its regional value chains in mining and agriculture through partnerships. It recommends that the EU-AU Summit prioritize a circular economy baseline for all future programmes to ensure sustainable development and the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals.

The Union of Concerned Scientists argues that marginalized communities in the US face disproportionate environmental and health harms, which are exacerbated by systemic racism within federal agencies. The document recommends that agencies make equity-based analyses mandatory for significant policies, strengthen scientific integrity, and dismantle internal racial biases. Specific calls to action include rescinding certain EPA and CEQ rules, increasing the number of health and safety inspectors, and improving the meaningful participation of frontline and tribal communities in rulemaking processes.

The report analyzes the gap between Canada's GDP and GHG emissions, noting that while national decoupling has occurred, significant regional disparities exist. It highlights that Canada's economy remains more carbon-intensive than other developed nations and suggests three primary pathways for achieving low-carbon growth: reducing emissions intensity, reallocating resources, and accelerating the growth of low-carbon firms.

The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), acting as amicus curiae, argues that the KwaZulu-Natal High Court erred in ruling that Tendele Coal Mining (Pty) Ltd did not require a separate environmental authorisation under the National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) for its operations. The CER contends that an Environmental Management Programme (EMP) approved under the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (MPRDA) is not equivalent to a NEMA authorisation. The CER further argues that the High Court's refusal of interdictory relief based on the existence of alternative remedies under section 28 of NEMA is a dangerous precedent that undermines judicial enforcement of environmental rights. Finally, the CER seeks the overturning of a costs order against the appellants, asserting it creates a chilling effect and ignores the protections for public interest litigants provided in section 32(2) of NEMA.

Friends of the Earth International argues that community forest management (CFM) is only possible when the inherent rights of Indigenous Peoples and local communities are guaranteed by States. The document identifies critical threats to these rights—such as the 'Financialization of Nature', industrial logging, and mining—and details the internal community conditions and external State obligations required to ensure sustainable territorial governance. It emphasizes that collective land titles, the right to self-determination, and Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) are fundamental to preserving both biological diversity and cultural identity.

The document argues that renewable energy (RE), particularly in hybrid systems combining solar or wind with diesel or grid power, is increasingly viable for the mining sector. While RE requires higher initial capital expenditure (capex) compared to diesel, it offers lower operating expenditure (opex) and protects mines from fuel price volatility over a 20-year period. Key challenges include the intermittent nature of RE, which necessitates energy storage or hybrid configurations to meet the constant 24-hour baseload demand of mines, and a shortage of skilled technicians for installation at remote sites. The brief highlights a trend toward self-generation in South Africa and the potential for portable RE systems to support exploration. It recommends promoting RE for extraction efficiency, developing mobile solar systems, expanding specialized technical education, and utilizing post-mining land for community or utility RE projects.

The document examines how COVID-19 disrupted mining operations, specifically affecting direct employment, contractors, and local suppliers. It highlights the vulnerability of underground mining and non-permanent workers, while noting that automation and 'essential service' designations mitigated some impacts. The report argues for a transition from general stimulus packages to sector-specific support, emphasizing the need for new health protocols, increased local sourcing to reduce global supply chain dependency, and investment in worker reskilling to prepare for future systemic shocks.

The document highlights the vulnerability of mining employment during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in remote areas where large-scale mining is often the primary source of income. It argues that government support for mining companies should be contingent on maintaining jobs and wages, and calls for the inclusion of non-permanent workers in social protection programs. To build future resilience, the brief recommends retraining displaced workers, investing in digital solutions for local businesses, and developing strategic regional value chains to reduce dependence on a few emerging markets.

The document highlights the vulnerability of the global mining labour market during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that up to 305 million workers across all sectors were at risk of job loss in Q2 2020. It emphasizes that large-scale mining is often the primary job creator in remote regions and can contribute up to 15% of a country's national income. The brief argues for targeted relief packages conditional on job retention, the inclusion of non-permanent and migrant workers in social protection schemes, and the retraining of displaced workers to build future resilience. It also calls for strengthening local supply chains and industrial bases to reduce dependency on a few emerging markets.

The document examines how African governments and mining companies track local procurement, noting that aggregate spending figures often mask a lack of genuine local value addition. It highlights the gap between current reporting practices and the data needed to steer effective policy, while identifying emerging industry standards and country-specific examples that could serve as models for improvement.

The report analyzes the 2020 Burundian elections, highlighting a transition from President Pierre Nkurunziza to Evariste Ndayishimiye within the CNDD-FDD. It describes a political environment marked by an "autocratic drift," systemic repression of opposition parties like the CNL, and a fragile economy where 65% of the population lives below the poverty line. The author argues that the new president faces a "double guardianship" from Nkurunziza and a circle of powerful generals, which may hinder necessary democratic and socio-economic reforms.

The strategy identifies key climate-vulnerable sectors in Ghana—including agriculture, construction, finance, and mining—and outlines a roadmap for integrating private sector actors into the National Adaptation Plan (NAP). It analyzes barriers such as high interest rates, low awareness, and limited technical capacity, proposing solutions like blended finance, sector-specific training, and the use of business membership organizations (BMOs) as conduits for engagement. The document emphasizes a 'business case' for adaptation, focusing on risk management and new market opportunities, and provides a set of guiding principles to ensure dynamic and efficient public-private collaboration.

A solidarity statement calling for immediate government and international action to protect Amazonian indigenous peoples from COVID-19 by halting extractive industries and respecting indigenous self-governance.

The document advises resource-rich developing countries on the use of tax policy to support the mining sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting that tax relief may be a more viable option than direct payments for countries with limited fiscal space.