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The social and environmental complexities of extracting energy transition metals

Author

Listed:
  • Éléonore Lèbre

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Martin Stringer

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Kamila Svobodova

    (The University of Queensland)

  • John R. Owen

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Deanna Kemp

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Claire Côte

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Andrea Arratia-Solar

    (The University of Queensland)

  • Rick K. Valenta

    (The University of Queensland)

Abstract

Environmental, social and governance pressures should feature in future scenario planning about the transition to a low carbon future. As low-carbon energy technologies advance, markets are driving demand for energy transition metals. Increased extraction rates will augment the stress placed on people and the environment in extractive locations. To quantify this stress, we develop a set of global composite environmental, social and governance indicators, and examine mining projects across 20 metal commodities to identify the co-occurrence of environmental, social and governance risk factors. Our findings show that 84% of platinum resources and 70% of cobalt resources are located in high-risk contexts. Reflecting heightened demand, major metals like iron and copper are set to disturb more land. Jurisdictions extracting energy transition metals in low-risk contexts are positioned to develop and maintain safeguards against mining-related social and environmental risk factors.

Suggested Citation

  • Éléonore Lèbre & Martin Stringer & Kamila Svobodova & John R. Owen & Deanna Kemp & Claire Côte & Andrea Arratia-Solar & Rick K. Valenta, 2020. "The social and environmental complexities of extracting energy transition metals," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:11:y:2020:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-020-18661-9
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-18661-9
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