Green Industrialisation and Critical Minerals Governance

Building on our two field studies on Indonesia’s tin sector in Belitung and nickel sector in Morowali, we have developed an additional analytical dimension on trade and the bargaining power of mineral-producing countries.

Our research highlights the limited distribution of industrialisation benefits in producing regions. This raises a broader question: does control over mineral reserves necessarily translate into bargaining power? Indonesia’s nickel export ban attracted substantial smelter investment, while the 2014 bauxite export ban saw buyers turn to alternative suppliers. We would like to explore what these contrasting outcomes tell us about the opportunities and limitations facing mineral-producing countries.

We therefore propose adding a third guiding question on how producing countries can translate their mineral reserves into bargaining power, including opportunities for coordination and cooperation across the Global South. We understand that the submission form allows up to three guiding questions. The session title, main theme, five-pillar framework, and field findings remain unchanged.