Can environmental policy pave the way for the sustainable production of raw materials?

The exploitation of raw materials is becoming increasingly widespread in ecologically sensitive and politically unstable regions. On behalf of the Federal Environment Agency, adelphi is researching strategies for the future role of German environmental policy in the compliance with, and further development and promotion of, internationally recognised environmental and social standards.

Environmental and social standards governing the exploitation of raw materials are often insufficient or even severely lacking. The demand for iron ore, bauxite, copper and the so-called rare earth metals is simply too great. As a result, increasing amounts of water, chemicals and energy are being used with negative consequences for the eco-system and the peaceful co-existence of local populations – leading even to armed conflicts.

In cooperation with the Wuppertal Institute and the Leoben University of Mining and Metallurgy, and on behalf of the Federal Environment Agency, adelphi will identify and analyse existing environmental and social standards in the area of raw material production. The research will look at international normative frameworks and include the concrete examples of selected country case-studies. Existing global approaches to improving environmental and social conditions in areas of raw material production will also be analysed and evaluated. This research work will form a basis for concrete recommendations for German environment policy on a national, European and international level.

adelphi and the Wuppertal Institute have previously been involved in shaping the discourse on the environmental and social impacts of mining, critical raw materials and supply security, as well as the relationships between the environment, natural resources and conflicts. This project will see a continuation of this role.

For further information go to:
http://www.adelphi.de/en…