B.C. finds itself at a crossroads as global demand for critical minerals surges, driven by the clean energy transition and competition with China.
B.C. finds itself at a crossroads as global demand for critical minerals surges, driven by the clean energy transition and competition with China. The province is fast-tracking mining projects to capitalize on its rich deposits of copper, nickel and rare earth elements essential for electric vehicle batteries, solar panels and wind turbines.
But questions remain about whether this acceleration can happen while respecting Indigenous rights and without cutting environmental corners.
We spoke with two UBC experts: Dr. John Steen, director of the UBC Bradshaw Research Institute for Minerals and Mining (BRIMM), and Dr. Carol Liao, associate professor at Allard School of Law, UBC Sauder Distinguished Fellow and co-director of the Centre for Climate Justice. Together, they unpack the complexities of developing a competitive critical minerals sector while upholding Indigenous consent.
Read More: University of British Columbia
Photo Credit: Markus Spiske
