Mining plays a crucial role in economies, serving as the first step in the value chain for numerous everyday products. During the past few years, the role of mining has become even more central in the global policy, business and sustainability agenda, with the emergence of critical raw materials (CRMs) as key resources.
CRMs are key to the transition towards a low-carbon and digital economy (i.e., the twin transition) because of their widespread use in green and digital technologies. CRMs can also be a key driver for economic and social transformation. This is particularly relevant because some of the countries with the largest CRM endowments are developing economies, where primary production represents a large share of overall production, domestic trade, exports and national income. Africa is a prime example, as it is a continent rich in natural resources.
The importance of CRMs to the global economy and the trends observed in the sector raise a series of challenges and opportunities. Approaching these developments effectively, scaling up primary and secondary supply, fostering successful partnerships between users and suppliers, and upholding high environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards will be crucial for ensuring a successful twin transition and avoiding the pitfalls that have affected previous commodity booms.
In this panel, we welcome Gracelin Baskaran (Director of the Project on Critical Minerals Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies), Louis Maréchal (Senior Advisor, Minerals and Extractives at OECD), Giuseppe Foglia (Stellantis VP for M&A in Sustainable Raw Materials) and Allison George (Senior Subject Matter Expert at dss+). The expert panel will share insights on the key trends observed in the sector, including the role of CRMs in the twin transition and as drivers of economic and social transformation (particularly in Africa).
All are welcome to attend. Please register, indicating if you will participate in presence or online.
This event takes place as part of the Business and Development in Action (BaDiA) series, an initiative led by Kenneth Amaeshi (Professor of Sustainable Finance and Governance, Florence School of Transnational Governance, EUI), Lorenzo Ciari (Director for Impact - European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD); Visiting Fellow, Florence School of Transnational Governance, EUI) and Umberto Marengo (Strategy Manager at British International Investments; Visiting Fellow, Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, EUI), that seeks to bring representatives from the private sector to the EUI to share their practical experiences in dealing with development challenges, especially in emerging markets and developing economies.
Speakers
- Gracelin Baskaran, Director of the Project on Critical Minerals Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). A mining economist with expertise in critical minerals, trade, and emerging markets, Gracelin has testified before the US Congress and been cited in major publications like the Financial Times and Washington Post. She spent 7 years in South Africa working on platinum group metals and later joined the World Bank, co-authoring a book on Africa’s resource future. She has held academic positions at prestigious universities, and she frequently speaks at international events such as Future Minerals Forum and COP28.
- Louis Maréchal, Senior Advisor Minerals and Extractives at OECD. Louis Maréchal serves as the Sector Lead for Minerals and Extractives at the OECD Centre for Responsible Business Conduct since 2014. He focuses on implementing the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible mineral supply chains. Previously, he worked with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on sector governance in mining and strategic metals security and has experience in strategic consultancy in the defence and extractives industries.
- Giuseppe Foglia, Stellantis VP for M&A in Sustainable Raw Materials. Giuseppe has extensive experience leading complex projects to accelerate company transformations. He currently manages Stellantis’ M&A deals in raw materials, electronics, and e-powertrain sectors, supporting supply chain securitization and achieving economic and environmental goals. With 15 years of international experience, including in the Asia-Pacific and Africa-Middle East regions, he focuses on identifying investment opportunities and enhancing company performance.
Moderator
- Allison George, Senior Subject Matter Expert at dss+. With 20 years' experience in the mining and sustainability sectors, across Africa, EMEA, Latin America and Asia, Allison’s roles have ranged from international organizations like the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development, to private sector companies such as DPI Mining and Invest Africa as well as the public sector in the Ministry of Natural Resources of Rwanda. Her career includes significant contributions to the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) and various global mining sector reform projects. She has also been involved in various initiatives, including the SOAS London Alumni Committee launch and and she sits on the IWiM advisory council.