The Future of Mining in Latin America: Critical Minerals and the Global Energy Transition

The report analyzes the potential development of critical minerals in Latin America, considering the region's governance challenges and uncertain demand. It discusses environmental impacts, community consultation, benefit distribution, and future demand factors. Four scenarios are presented, ranging from sustainable development amid high demand to conflict and stagnation amid low demand.

Excerpt from report:
“This report explores potential scenarios in Latin America for the development of critical minerals considering ongoing conflicts over natural resource governance and uncertain demand. It also assesses the extent to which each scenario might lead to an end goal of a well-regulated mining sector that increases public goods and spurs socioeconomic development with minimized social and environmental impacts.”

The research method involved analyzing governance issues in Latin America's mining sector, assessing demand uncertainties for critical minerals, and developing scenarios based on these factors. The study incorporated stakeholder consultations, fieldwork, and evidence-based systems approaches.

Drivers mentioned include:

• Conflicts over Natural Resource Governance
• Environmental Impacts
• Insufficient Consultation with Affected Communities
• Inequitable Distribution of Socioeconomic Benefits
• Uncertainty About Future Demand
• The Pace of the Energy Transition
• Improvements in Recycling
• Mineral Development in the EU and United States
• Technological Developments

Categories: 2022 publication year | 2030s time horizon | 2036 time horizon | 2040 time horizon | 2040s time horizon | English publication language | central america geographic scope | energy | latin america | latin american | mining | resources | scenarios