In this episode, we speak with Emily Iona Stewart to unpack the complex and deeply political dynamics behind the global rush for critical minerals.
Why are these minerals—like lithium, cobalt, copper, and nickel—so important? Where are they found? What are the implications of their extraction for Indigenous communities, ecosystems, and the development trajectories of post-colonial nations?
We explore how critical minerals sit at the intersection of climate technologies, militarism, and digital technologies. From defense-for-minerals deals between the US and Ukraine or the DRC, to stockpiling strategies that prioritize military use over energy justice, this conversation highlights the geopolitical, economic, and ethical stakes of today’s mineral boom.
As Emily reminds us, it’s not enough to decarbonize. We must ensure that the transition to a zero-carbon world doesn’t reproduce the same systems of exploitation, dispossession, and inequality.Emily is the Head of Policy and EU Relations at Global Witness, a leading international NGO known for its investigative work exposing the connections between natural resource exploitation, environmental destruction, corruption, and human rights abuse.
Emily has played a major role in shaping European climate and sustainability policy, including contributions to the European Green Deal. At Global Witness, she leads efforts to ensure that the extraction and use of transition minerals is not only responsible, but also just—centering the rights of affected communities and advocating for transparency and accountability.
About Global Witness:For over 30 years, Global Witness has been investigating and exposing the systems that enable environmental harm, conflict, and corruption. Their work holds powerful actors accountable and supports movements fighting for climate justice and the protection of human rights. Learn more at globalwitness.org.
Resources:
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/1/2/modern-plunderers-lobito-corridor-plans-bring-fear-hesitation-in-drc
https://globalwitness.org/en/campaigns/transition-minerals/fuelling-the-future-poisoning-the-present-myanmars-rare-earth-boom/
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/congo-eyes-us-minerals-deal-by-end-june-ft-reports-2025-05-25/
https://globalwitness.org/en/press-releases/clean-energy-dirty-consequences-mining-for-renewable-technologies-linked-to-global-social-unrest/
https://smi.uq.edu.au/article/2022/12/54-per-cent-projects-extracting-clean-energy-minerals-overlap-indigenous-lands
