Energy transition minerals and their intersection with land-connected peoples

TLDR

The global shift to renewable energy relies on at least 30 key minerals, many of which are concentrated in territories historically less affected by industrialization. The study mapped 5,097 energy‑transition mineral projects worldwide, scoring them on indicators of indigeneity, land use, food production, water risk, conflict, and permitting, consultation, and consent capacity. The analysis shows that over half of the ETM resource base lies on or near Indigenous and peasant lands, underscoring the need for consultation and free prior informed consent in line with UN declarations.

Abstract

Abstract Rapidly transitioning the global energy system to renewables is considered necessary to combat climate change. Current estimates suggest that at least 30 energy transition minerals and metals (ETMs) form the material base for the energy transition. The inventory of ETMs indicates a high level of intersectionality with territories less impacted by the historic forces of industrialization. To identify the current global footprint, 5,097 ETM projects were geo-located against indicators for indigeneity, human modification of land, food production, water risk, conflict, as well as capacity measures for project permitting, consultation and consent. Study results differentiate ETMs to improve visibility over linkages between technology, resources and sustainability objectives. Our analysis reveals that more than half of the ETM resource base is located on or near the lands of Indigenous and peasant peoples, two groups whose rights to consultation and free prior informed consent are embedded in United Nations declarations.