Bringing Democracy to Governance of Mining for a Just Energy Transition

Abstract

Societies are committed to moving from fossil to clean energies. Yet, this transition will not be possible if we do not change the way we extract minerals. Clean energy systems require massive amounts of them, but they create multiple environmental and social problems. In mineral-rich countries, civil society is increasingly contesting mineral extraction. These protests are being effective in challenging investment and can contribute to shifting transformation into more sustainable directions. But for this to happen, we need to democratise the governance of mineral resources. This is indispensable for justice, legitimacy, and the viability of the energy transition.