Mineral Economics - Call for Papers for the Special Issue: Mining in the Arctic

Mining in the Arctic has a long history. Today, despite the Arctic’s challenging conditions, there are a growing number of mineral exploration, development, and operational activities going on in the region. It is expected that the world population will reach near 10 billion by 2050. At the same time, our demand increases for new technologies in e-mobility vehicles, renewable energy, and low-carbon technologies. These new technologies demand a plethora of mineral resources such as lithium, graphite, rare earth elements, aluminum, nickel, copper, etc. Many mining corporations invest in prospecting and exploring these resources worldwide. This trend has pushed mineral exploration and mining into the Arctic Circle. Many mineral development projects are in the Arctic countries, including Canada, Denmark (Greenland), Finland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States. On the other hand, climate change jeopardizes the future of humanity. The Arctic is a vulnerable area from the viewpoint of climate change. Permafrost thawing, coastal instability, sea-level rising, loss of sea ice, and changes in biodiversity and vegetation are the primary issues associated with climate change in the Arctic. As known, the mining industry contributes to climate change. We have a dilemma between increasing demand/consumption for new technologies and the risks of climate change. Furthermore, the Arctic is the home of many indigenous communities that must be collaborated with in every aspect of project development. Regional stakeholders need to discuss the sociological and economic impacts of increasing mining activities in the Arctic. Inevitably, questions are raised:

Given increasing demand, what are mineral economics and policy perspectives of mining in the Arctic? Under climate change threat, is mining in the Arctic economically sustainable? What policy initiatives are necessary to regulate mining in the Arctic? How should mines be developed and operated in the Arctic? How should mining operations in the Arctic engage indigenous and local communities? How can we find the balance between local impacts caused by mining and the value mining brings through materials for low-carbon technologies?

There are many other questions which need research and attention. We invite papers investigating "Mining in the Arctic" from mineral economics, ecological economics, climate change, geology, engineering, social license and sociological, and policy perspectives.

Submission deadline: December 31st, 2023

Guest editor:

Professor Mustafa Kumral, McGill University, mustafa.kumral@mcgill.ca (this opens in a new tab)

Special issue committee members:

Dr. Benjamin C. Collins, Fuse Advisors Inc.

Prof. R. Anthony Hodge, Queen’s University and University of Queensland