Critical minerals are key for the renewable energy transition as well as for many high-tech and military applications. Consequentially, the extraction of such minerals is increasing rapidly. This poses a dilemma, particularly where mineral deposits are located in conflict-affected regions. On the one hand, policy makers need to facilitate such mining expansion to secure supply chains and expand renewable energies. But on the other hand, mining often has adverse impacts on the environment and human rights, and the associated conflicts can threaten mineral supplies.
How do states, companies, and civil society deal with this dilemma? And are there potential synergies between critical mineral mining, environmental protection, and social rights?
The XCEPT webinar invites you to reflect on policies and strategies to critical mineral mining in the contexts of geopolitical competition, supply chain security, social justice, and environmental sustainability.
Speakers:
- Daryl Bosu, Deputy National Director of A Rocha Ghana
- Joel Watson, Head of Bilateral and Industry Team, International Critical Minerals Team; UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
- Zung Ting, Technical Advisor at HTOI Gender Development Foundation; Member of the Kachin Resources Concern Group (KRCG)
- Ramon Balcazar
- Shahila Perumalpillai
Moderator: Tobias Ide, PRIF / TU Darmstadt
When: November 18, 2026, 15:00 – 16:00 (CET/GMT+1)
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams
For more information and registration, please visit the event's website.