Periodic Reporting for period 1 - GROUT (Governing ResOurce UrbanisaTion (GROUT): Multi-stakeholder governance of extractive industries in the era of planetary urbanisation)
Berichtszeitraum: 2021-03-15 bis 2023-03-14
The primary objective of this fellowship is to explore the governance dynamics surrounding resource extraction amidst the ongoing energy transition. As the demand for minerals essential for solar and wind energy infrastructure continues to rise—a phenomenon known as green extractivism—there is increasing pressure to extract resources not only in Europe but also in regions like Australia, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. This fellowship will specifically investigate the challenges posed by green extractivism in peri-urban regions, with growing need to extract minerals and establish energy projects near urban areas. As has been observed with previous extractive projects, conflicts are emerging as affected groups and communities voice opposition. Through case studies in Australia, this fellowship aims to examine the transformations and governance challenges associated with green extractivism in peri-urban areas, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the key actors involved, the changes they undergo, the challenges they face, and the power dynamics at play, including gender implications. Insights derived from this study will offer valuable lessons applicable not only to Europe but also to other regions grappling with similar issues worldwide.
During this reporting period, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of the governance surrounding green extractivism at both regional and local levels. I focused on two areas with coal mining near urban centers: the Illawarra, located south of Sydney, and the Hunter Valley located north of Sydney. In the Illawarra, I observed the intersection of gentrification, coal and steel industry pollution, and plans for offshore wind farms and a hydrogen hub. Notably, residents from Sydney seeking greener lifestyles are moving to this region, despite ongoing pollution, contributing to what I term a "green compromise." This phenomenon highlights the role of these "environmentally privileged" individuals in both accepting pollution and promoting offshore wind farms.
In the Hunter area, where coal mining coexists with a thriving tourist industry, I explored the collaboration between unions and environmental groups, resulting in the formation of the Hunter Jobs Alliance (HJA). This alliance represents a shift in recognizing the shared interests of both groups in demanding green investments that respect the environment and support the workforce amidst the energy transition. I organised together with an ex-coal miner a successful workshop with the HJA and key stakeholders from the Illawarra. Leveraging lessons from the HJA, we initiated the establishment of a similar group in the Illawarra to address local challenges.
These findings, aimed at policymakers and change-makers in Europe and Australia will be disseminated through a paper targeting key stakeholders to drive meaningful policy change and foster collaboration in addressing environmental and labour challenges.
This Marie Curie fellowship has also delved into the governance implications of green extractivism on both national and global scales, proposing a novel conceptual framework concerning mineral governance. Drawing upon established political economy theories (Bridge, Watts, Karl) a new theoretical construct termed the 'mineralstate' has been developed. This framework, detailed in a forthcoming submission to Resources Policy, explores the history of Australia pointing to the transformation of institutions and regulations to bolster extractivism while disregarding environmental, social, and cultural considerations. This is especially relevant in the current wave of green extractivism, characterized by the rapid establishment of new institutions and regulations at the expense (again) of other economic sectors, as well as cultural or environmental concerns. Notably, other actors like mining companies, unions, environmental groups, and Indigenous communities, are also key in shaping the mineralstate.
At the global level, comparative analyses across multiple cases have been conducted. One study, published in Global Environmental Change, scrutinizes environmental litigation efforts in Spain, Nicaragua, and Argentina, revealing three unforeseen challenges faced by local groups seeking compensation for extractivism's adverse effects. Another paper, featured in the Political Geography journal, exposes the colonial and destructive facets of green extractivism through the lens of nickel extraction, a critical mineral for batteries. The surge in demand for nickel is projected to increase 19-fold by 2040. In regions such as Indonesia, Philippines or Colombia we are seeing a perpetuation of neo-colonial extractivist paradigms and the ensuing ecological devastation, land dispossession, health impacts, and violence against environmental defenders.
Furthermore, efforts have commenced to integrate post-extractivism and post-growth theories, reflecting on the profound social and environmental ramifications of aiming for a 100% renewable future. Building upon extensive engagement with post and de-growth theories since 2009, this convergence acknowledges the imperative to curtail energy and material consumption to effectively combat the climate crisis and mitigate the adverse impacts associated with green extractivism.
In the Hunter area, where coal mining coexists with a thriving tourist industry, I explored the collaboration between unions and environmental groups, resulting in the formation of the Hunter Jobs Alliance (HJA). This alliance represents a shift in recognizing the shared interests of both groups in demanding green investments that respect the environment and support the workforce amidst the energy transition. I organised together with an ex-coal miner a successful workshop with the HJA and key stakeholders from the Illawarra. Leveraging lessons from the HJA, we initiated the establishment of a similar group in the Illawarra to address local challenges.
These findings, aimed at policymakers and change-makers in Europe and Australia will be disseminated through a paper targeting key stakeholders to drive meaningful policy change and foster collaboration in addressing environmental and labour challenges.
This Marie Curie fellowship has also delved into the governance implications of green extractivism on both national and global scales, proposing a novel conceptual framework concerning mineral governance. Drawing upon established political economy theories (Bridge, Watts, Karl) a new theoretical construct termed the 'mineralstate' has been developed. This framework, detailed in a forthcoming submission to Resources Policy, explores the history of Australia pointing to the transformation of institutions and regulations to bolster extractivism while disregarding environmental, social, and cultural considerations. This is especially relevant in the current wave of green extractivism, characterized by the rapid establishment of new institutions and regulations at the expense (again) of other economic sectors, as well as cultural or environmental concerns. Notably, other actors like mining companies, unions, environmental groups, and Indigenous communities, are also key in shaping the mineralstate.
At the global level, comparative analyses across multiple cases have been conducted. One study, published in Global Environmental Change, scrutinizes environmental litigation efforts in Spain, Nicaragua, and Argentina, revealing three unforeseen challenges faced by local groups seeking compensation for extractivism's adverse effects. Another paper, featured in the Political Geography journal, exposes the colonial and destructive facets of green extractivism through the lens of nickel extraction, a critical mineral for batteries. The surge in demand for nickel is projected to increase 19-fold by 2040. In regions such as Indonesia, Philippines or Colombia we are seeing a perpetuation of neo-colonial extractivist paradigms and the ensuing ecological devastation, land dispossession, health impacts, and violence against environmental defenders.
Furthermore, efforts have commenced to integrate post-extractivism and post-growth theories, reflecting on the profound social and environmental ramifications of aiming for a 100% renewable future. Building upon extensive engagement with post and de-growth theories since 2009, this convergence acknowledges the imperative to curtail energy and material consumption to effectively combat the climate crisis and mitigate the adverse impacts associated with green extractivism.
My research delves into the nexus of nickel extraction and the mineralstate concept, revealing how the extractivist paradigm, historically prevalent during periods of colonization, persists in the guise of the energy transition. This transition, fuelled by capitalist investment and major corporations, disproportionately benefits from green extractivism, while rural and peri-urban communities face displacement, encroachment, and environmental degradation.
The findings from my research resonate strongly with a myriad of local groups, policymakers, think tanks, and NGOs advocating for a sustainable approach to the energy transition. By prioritizing environmental, social, and cultural considerations in both energy and mineral extraction projects, my work provides invaluable support for those striving for a more equitable deployment of resources.
In Australia I have collaborated with different NGOs and grassroots organisations providing them with strategic insights to navigate away from the mineralstate paradigm. Furthermore, in collaboration with colleagues at CSRM, University of Queensland, we have established the "Indigenous Issues in the Energy Transition" group.
At the European level, I have initiated collaborations with influential advocacy groups in Brussels, such as the European Environmental Bureau and Friends of the Earth Europe. Together, we are advocating for resource use limits and regulations within the recently created Raw Materials Act, advocating for policies that prioritize social and environmental concerns both within Europe and beyond.
In parallel I am exploring citizen-led mechanisms to contest green extractivism, including the Right to Say No (RTSN), a legal instrument originating in South Africa. This mechanism challenges corporate-driven Social License to Operate or state-led Free Prior and Informed Consent, promoting instead community-led decision-making processes.
Overall, my research and collaborative efforts are dedicated to fostering an equitable energy transition and empowering communities at both local and global levels.
The findings from my research resonate strongly with a myriad of local groups, policymakers, think tanks, and NGOs advocating for a sustainable approach to the energy transition. By prioritizing environmental, social, and cultural considerations in both energy and mineral extraction projects, my work provides invaluable support for those striving for a more equitable deployment of resources.
In Australia I have collaborated with different NGOs and grassroots organisations providing them with strategic insights to navigate away from the mineralstate paradigm. Furthermore, in collaboration with colleagues at CSRM, University of Queensland, we have established the "Indigenous Issues in the Energy Transition" group.
At the European level, I have initiated collaborations with influential advocacy groups in Brussels, such as the European Environmental Bureau and Friends of the Earth Europe. Together, we are advocating for resource use limits and regulations within the recently created Raw Materials Act, advocating for policies that prioritize social and environmental concerns both within Europe and beyond.
In parallel I am exploring citizen-led mechanisms to contest green extractivism, including the Right to Say No (RTSN), a legal instrument originating in South Africa. This mechanism challenges corporate-driven Social License to Operate or state-led Free Prior and Informed Consent, promoting instead community-led decision-making processes.
Overall, my research and collaborative efforts are dedicated to fostering an equitable energy transition and empowering communities at both local and global levels.