Just Transition or Just Extraction? Safeguarding People and Planet in the Transition Minerals Rush (UNFCCC Side Event at COP30)

Transition minerals such as copper, lithium and cobalt are key to achieving the Paris Agreement aims. Still, their extraction and trade often undermine human rights and the environment, particularly in the Global South, where communities face the direct impacts of mining expansion.

This COP30 side event will explore priorities for ensuring that globalized minerals supply chains advance just energy transitions, those that deliver justice, restore ecosystems and benefit people and communities.

The discussion will feature two linked panels. The first will highlight regional experiences from Latin America, Africa and Asia on governance, safeguards and community participation in mining. The second will focus on COP30 priorities, including how negotiations under the Just Transition Work Programme can secure a rights-based, equitable approach to transition minerals.

This session will be livestreamed; a link will be shared soon.

Panel 1: Transition minerals in the Global South

Regional perspectives on how mineral-rich countries are addressing social and environmental safeguards, transparency and community participation in extraction.

Moderator: Nafi Quarshie (NRGI)
Speakers:

• Ana María Mogollón (Transforma)

• Krista Shennum (Climate Rights International)

• Kudakwashe Manjonjo (Power Shift Africa)

Panel 2: Priorities for the COP30 negotiated outcome

How COP30 negotiations can ensure the minerals rush upholds human rights, environmental protection and equity, including through the Just Transition Work Programme.

Moderator: Felipe Arango (Transforma)
Speakers:

• Elisa Morgera (OHCHR)

• Melissa Marengo (NRGI)

• Anabella Rosemberg (CAN – TBC)