Critical Minerals for a Just Energy Transition

Abstract

This article provides a critical review of the socioeconomic impacts of mining critical raw materials (CRMs), whose global demand is rising at an unprecedented pace due to the ongoing energy transition. Our review focuses on five key socioeconomic aspects: health, employment, human development, public services, and culture. These areas are significantly affected by mining in general, and by CRM extraction in particular, each with distinct features. By critically surveying the scientific literature on the spillovers of extractive industry, this review investigates and highlights the complexity of the interconnected impacts on the communities and regions that host mining projects. Thus, we call for a holistic, interdisciplinary approach to better understand these effects and their interactions. This perspective can help the international community pursue not only the energy transition, but also a just energy transition—one that internalizes the negative socioeconomic externalities and considers social justice, while mitigating environmental harms.