Mining the Connections 2026

Mining is critical to the energy transition. Critical minerals are the subject of particular attention in the mining sector. This session, in both French and English, will analyse the best legal practices for developing a fair and socially appropriate mining activity.

This panel aims to discuss and critically examine how and to what extent the rights to consultation and FPIC are recognized and effectively implemented in the context of mining development. We welcome proposals that critically analyze the recognition, protection, and implementation of the right to consultation and FPIC in the context of mining in different national jurisdictions; the influence of international norms on consultation and FPIC on the development of national, regional, and local norms and practices related to mining; the role of mining companies in defining and implementing the right to consultation and FPIC; and the norms and practices adopted by Indigenous peoples to regulate mining development on their traditional lands.

Mineral exploration and extraction constitute a prototype of global industry operating in different countries under very different legal, social, political and spatial conditions. Under these globally diverse conditions, Indigenous communities try to control these extractive developments either by opposing or supporting mining activities on their lands. Whatever their stance, they tend to experience negative environmental and social impacts while trying to capture economic benefits. We invite proposals that critically examine the cumulative social and environmental impacts of intensifying mining activities on Indigenous communities in the context of green transition, and the different strategies used by these communities to mitigate these impacts and to benefit from mining activities in their traditional lands.

Effective mining governance is crucial in upholding the rights of local communities as part of a state's mining policy. It must be implemented through collaboration between all stakeholders to serve the best interests of the community. The upcoming communication session will serve as a platform for discussing and strategizing ways to establish a strong regulatory framework for participatory and responsible governance. Divergent perspectives and input from various stakeholders in mining countries will provide an opportunity for all participants to examine the matter of mining governance in relation to the rights of local communities.

This session addresses the issue of bauxite by inviting specialists in exploration, exploitation, mineral processing, hydrogeology, transportation, environment, law, economics, governance, sociology, as well as industrialists, communities, and organizations to share their perspectives and propose a suitable bauxite exploitation model for all involved parties.

In the context of ever-increasing pressure on mineral resources, a change of practice for their production is becoming a necessity. In a circular economy context, the exploitation of mining wastes using environmentally friendly processes appears to be a good alternative for the sustainable production of metallic and mineral resources.

The goal of this session is to examine how the intended application of a mineral and its perceived social value can impact its acceptance within society, particularly in the context of combatting climate change. More broadly, this project aims to better comprehend the social acceptability dynamics of critical and strategic mineral (CSM) mining ventures. This understanding will aid in developing projects aligned with the needs and concerns of relevant stakeholders, especially in nearby communities. It is imperative that technical abbreviations be explained clearly, and language should remain objective and unbiased. Furthermore, the text should adhere to conventional academic structures, grammatical correctness, and citation styles.

The present session aims to provide an exhaustive review of scientific advances in the field of clean-up techniques of abandoned mining sites. Through examples and experience feedback, speakers are invited to present physical and/or chemical rehabilitation solutions; and biodiversity-driven approaches for eco-friendly economic development, benefiting communities and the environment.

Arctic communities struggle to find economic activities that can provide employment and other benefits. Mining is one of the few economic options available to them. While new governance mechanisms exist that could help control potential negative impacts, there is still a concern that mining will increase inequalities in the region.

In order to develop responsible and sustainable mining, adapted to the local context, supported by the local population and with a positive impact on the environment and territories, stakeholders in the mining sector will present innovations to discuss existing platforms or digital initiatives, share experiences and create a digital observatory in West Africa.

Adding value to secondary resources is an essential lever for the future of humanity. The shift towards responsible mining now has multiple objectives. Firstly, to reclaim mining waste by restoring degraded mining environments. Secondly, to recycle urban and industrial materials by reducing their environmental impact. Lastly, to create sustainable and inclusive economic diversification that involves the populations concerned, either from secondary deposits or by creating new and innovative sectors based on the valorization of knowledge assets acquired throughout past and present mining projects, mining ecosystems, and societies. This session will investigate this societal issue through empirical or theoretical means, utilizing examples from various continents, showcasing a multi- and trans-disciplinary scientific approach with an international focus.

This session will explore various approaches to mining development and their impact on poverty reduction. One approach involves tracing the history of mining activity, while another involves national jurisdictions addressing health concerns throughout the mining project cycle in West Africa. It is crucial to scrutinize the law's various approaches and pinpoint their limitations to formulate proposals for rectifying them. Additionally, negative environmental impacts should be measured by customary structures, environmental associations, and local businesses in favor of the environment in New Caledonia over the last 20 years.

This session delves into the health and well-being ramifications of mining activities on local communities and specific population segments. It offers a broad overview, spanning from direct health threats to indirect societal implications, and emphasizes community-based solutions and policy recommendations.

Beyond the narrow confines of mining enclaves commonly discussed and practiced, this session puts forward an examination of mining overflows which have the potential to destabilize physical, spatial and temporal boundaries of mining sites and affect epistemological, methodological and political constructs for mining territories.

Today, mining is a crucial element of community development in areas near mining sites. The economic stability of such communities is dependent on the production and sustainability of these mines. It is important that the closure and rehabilitation of mine sites take into account the impact on the local economy of communities reliant on the mine. The varied opinions and input from diverse stakeholders in mining countries will facilitate broad-based examination of the matter of community rights in governing mine site closure and restoration.

Industrial and small-scale mining in sub-Saharan Africa produces significant amounts of tailings, a majority of which goes untreated and unrecycled. The failure to reuse these solid mining wastes worsens environmental and socio-economic impacts in rural areas, such as acid mine drainage, air, soil, surface, and groundwater pollution, as well as exacerbating impoverishment. In light of the rural decline, it is crucial to develop inventive approaches for reclaiming mining refuse.

The EMAPE sub-sector significantly contributes to the production of gold and diamonds in ECOWAS member countries. Nevertheless, this sector experiences unprecedented illegality and precariousness, which affects environmental resources, the state's economy, the population residing in the mining areas, and national security. Given the text already adheres to the principles and lacks context, the improved version would be: Faced with these realities, the UEMOA network of EMAPE groups and researchers from the ACE-Partner program propose to support governments in integrating EMAPE into the formal productive fabric. This session will focus in particular on impacts and viable solutions.

Mining projects may necessitate the relocation of local populations and entail associated economic resettlement. Open-pit mining requires large areas of land for both excavation and the establishment of camps and facilities. This session will examine the effects and practical methods of physically relocating populations and providing them with the necessary means of livelihood to maintain adequate living conditions subsequent to abandoning their land.

Speakers will provide specific instances of gender-inclusive policies, stressing their economic, social, and environmental advantages. They will analyze the challenges and opportunities of executing such policies, especially those aimed at ensuring equal representation of women in the mining industry to empower them. The Pretty Mining case study will be employed to illustrate these points and spur discussion.

Informal artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has tremendous effects on nearby communities. The session will focus on ASM and past trials of ASM formalization. The analysis of incipient and mature formalization attempts, should they have succeed or failed, will contribute to question the formalization canon, though often considered a silver bullet.

In Africa, recent laws have been passed on local content. States and local communities want to take part in mining projects operating in their environment, and mining companies must constantly work with local communities on the social acceptability of projects. How can mining benefit local communities?

Artisanal gold mining in West Africa is a dual-edged sword, generating both wealth and disaster within the surrounding communities. Given its illegal status, the responsibility of rehabilitating the mined sites lies with the community developers. Hence, it is paramount to introduce new approaches that restore the degraded environments while enabling active community participation in these efforts.

The objective of the session is to discuss how through technological solutions focused on the application of human rights due diligence (ASM Progress App), Artisanal and Small-scale Mining (ASM) communities can strengthen their resilience to human rights, security and environmental risks.