Global geography of the energy transition and mineral extraction

Abstract

Environmental challenges and international commitments reinforce the need for a transition to renewable energy sources, driven by the growing economic viability of wind and solar technologies. However, this transition faces significant challenges: the lower energy density of these sources compared to fossil fuels requires larger installations to achieve equivalent power output. Additionally, wind and solar infrastructures have shorter lifespans than fossil fuel-based plants, which require more frequent replacements. Combined with current limitations in recycling processes, these replacements increase the demand for minerals – often extracted in countries of the Global South – and tend to intensify social, environmental, and economic issues associated with mining in these territories. Based on the collection and analysis of data from global reports, articles, and investigations, this study examines the relationship between the expansion of renewable energy and the growth of mining activities, highlighting the implications of this process.