Treasures and Tragedies: Discourses and Narratives on Critical Minerals in Southeast Asia

This web dossier provides Southeast Asian perspectives through articles, analysis, infographics, video documentaries and other materials by looking into different facets of critical minerals in the sub-region. The discussion will range from experiences and struggles of communities affected by mining of critical minerals to policy discourse including accountability, supply chain due diligence, and financing.

Note: Data covers mining production of key transition minerals, including nickel, rare earths, cobalt, copper, tin and graphite (excluding lithium due to lack of resources in Southeast Asia). It also includes other critical minerals where Southeast Asia has significant reserves, such as tin.

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Articles

Climate Smart-mining: A New Spin on a Familiar Trouble

Article

Climate-smart mining appears to be a better alternative to traditional mining, known for its destructive nature. By hyphenating ‘climate’ with smart mining, it is a repackaged tool to attract the mineral-rich but developing countries.

By Maya Quirino

Criticality and the Securitization of Southeast Asia’s Indigenous Mineral Resources

Article

Southeast Asia’s geographical location is blessed with abundant natural resources – minerals, forests, and wildlife. For hundreds of years, these resources have been a source of livelihood and even life for Indigenous peoples, as well as local communities. However, the capitalist perspective of development is rapidly encroaching on the mineral-rich lands of these peoples.

By Maya Quirino

Critical Minerals: The Need for Market Standards

Article

As global demand for critical minerals grow, so too do standards and regulations to ensure the industry is more sustainable and transparent about its environmental impact on local areas and residents. The case of nickel mining in Indonesia highlights the serious damage and inconsistencies of applied policy, and how we must keep open dialogue, respect for rights and demand action.

By Bernadinus Steni

E-Paper

Sustainable Energy from an Unsustainable Source: The Need for Safeguards in Manganese Extraction for Renewable Energy in Indonesia

Manganese mining is one of the key elements for innovative development of renewable energy. While low-carbon energy innovations are certainly needed, the sustainability aspects of mining must be taken into account in the search for raw materials. However, existing mining operations are alarming due to their social and environmental impacts.

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Voices from Halmahera: The Impact of Nickel Mining in North Maluku, Indonesia - Heinrich-Böll-Stiftung Southeast Asia

Climate Smart-mining: A New Spin on a Familiar Trouble

Criticality and the Securitization of Southeast Asia’s Indigenous Mineral Resources

Critical Minerals: The Need for Market Standards

Sustainable Energy from an Unsustainable Source: The Need for Safeguards in Manganese Extraction for Renewable Energy in Indonesia