Dr. Susan Nakanwagi’s “Critical Minerals, Sustainability, and the Energy Transition in the Global South: A Justice Perspective” is a timely and ‘Thought-Provoking Contribution’ to the Critical Minerals Discourse, a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the critical minerals industry, particularly focusing on its impact on sustainability and justice in the Global South.
The book explores the complex interplay between critical mineral development, environmental sustainability, and social justice, offering a holistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities in this field.
This is an articulate and well-tailored seminal work that sheds light on the complex and often overlooked issues surrounding critical minerals in the Global South. This meticulously well-researched book is a must-read for scholars, policymakers, and industry stakeholders seeking to understand the intricacies of critical minerals development and its implications for sustainability and justice.
The 216-page book is organized into six chapters, each tackling a distinct aspect of critical minerals development.
Chapter 1 sets the tone for the book, Dr. Nakanwagi begins by providing a thorough overview of the critical minerals industry, highlighting the importance of these minerals in the global energy transition. She emphasizes the need for a justice perspective, arguing that “the current criteria for assessing criticality often overlook the social, economic, and ecological injustices faced by host communities.”
Chapter 2 delves into the concept of criticality, examining the various factors that contribute to the criticality of minerals. She critiques the existing frameworks, suggesting that “they fail to consider the broader context in which these minerals become critical”, including the social and environmental impacts.
Dr. Nakanwagi explores the sustainability dimensions of critical minerals development in Chapter 3, highlighting the need for a more holistic approach that balances economic, social, and environmental considerations expounding on the importance of sustainable development in the critical minerals industry. She argues that sustainable practices must go beyond environmental considerations, incorporating social justice and human rights into the development process.
Chapters 4 and 5 offer in-depth analyses of critical minerals development in Sub-Saharan Africa. The fourth chapter focuses on the copper-cobalt value chain in Sub-Saharan Africa, using case studies from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Zambia. Dr. Nakanwagi examines the challenges and opportunities in this region, highlighting the need for equitable and sustainable practices. In the fifth chapter, Dr. Nakanwagi introduces a just holistic framework for critical mineral development. This framework includes parameters such as domestic value addition, human rights in business development, environmental sensitivity, and the development of communication channels from remote marginalized communities to international policymakers.
The concluding chapter synthesizes the key findings and insights from the book, reiterating the need for a justice-oriented approach to critical minerals development.
Throughout the book, Dr. Nakanwagi demonstrates a deep understanding of the complex issues surrounding critical minerals development, drawing on a wide range of theoretical perspectives and empirical evidence. Her analysis is nuanced and balanced, acknowledging the potential benefits of critical minerals development while also highlighting the significant risks and challenges associated with it.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its commitment to a justice perspective, which emphasizes the need to prioritize the rights and interests of marginalized communities and ecosystems. Dr. Nakanwagi’s advocacy for a more holistic and inclusive approach to critical minerals development is both timely and necessary, given the increasingly critical role that these minerals play in the global energy transition.
Critical Minerals, Sustainability, and the Energy Transition in the Global South: A Justice Perspective is a landmark book that makes a significant contribution to our understanding of critical minerals development and its implications for sustainability and justice.
This book is an essential read for anyone seeking to navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of critical minerals development.
Briefly about Dr. Susan Nakanwagi
Dr. Susan Nakanwagi is a distinguished lawyer and researcher, specializing in natural resources governance and sustainability. She currently serves as the Natural Resources Governance and Rights Specialist at Regenerate Africa. She is also a senior lecturer and Research Coordinator at Nkumba University’s School of Law.
Dr. Nakanwagi holds a PhD from the Center for Energy, Petroleum, and Mineral Law and Policy (CEPMLP) at the University of Dundee, United Kingdom, a Master of Laws in Natural Resource Law and Policy (Distinction), from the same institution, as well as a Post Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice from the Law Development Centre in Kampala, Uganda. Prior to this, she pursued a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Makerere University.
Dr. Nakanwagi is an accomplished author and researcher, with several publications in the fields of energy, environment, and natural resources. Her work has been featured in various academic journals and books, including the Palgrave Handbook of Social License to Operate and the Energy Transitions. She has also been involved in policy research and advocacy, contributing to the global discourse on sustainable development and environmental justice.
Her work has been recognized by international organizations, including the United Nations, which declared the right to a clean and healthy environment as a fundamental human right in 2022.
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