How the AMI creates a necessary platform for the voices of communities in the just energy transition

Michelle N Chitando

Climate change remains one of the world’s biggest problems, with part of the solution hinged on transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources. This shift requires significant investment to support the production of critical minerals, which include lithium, copper, cobalt and nickel. The 2025 AMI set the tone for critical reflection running under the theme, Energy transition for who? The critical question of our time.[1] Whilst the shift requires well-aligned multistakeholder action, multilateral governance, institutional frameworks, laws, policies and strategies, the real reflection lies in whether there has been adequate community consideration in the roadmap towards the energy transition.

There have been numerous reports of inequalities and injustices arising from the mining of green minerals that are necessary for this transition, which include displacements of local communities and environmental degradation.[2] It is necessary to have projects that are designed with mitigation measures that promote responsible mining in line with global responsible sourcing standards. In a bid to map the way forward on these issues, in 2024 the UN Secretary-General convened a multistakeholder panel[3] to craft methods to ensure that producer countries of these critical minerals are not left behind or in a worse position than they were before the extraction of these minerals.

To recentre communities in the just energy transition, it is now necessary to devise better consultation mechanisms to facilitate meaningful public participation. This entails providing adequate, accurate and timely information about the project and how government policies will be implemented in the projects. The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) advocates for such practices and contributes to the solution by generating evidence on issues arising from the extraction of critical minerals and, using that evidence and analysis, engages with business, government, civil society and grassroots organisations at platforms such as the Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) to drive change for improved mining sector governance.

The energy transition is crucial for a sustainable future and combating the challenges of climate change. However, it hinges on the responsible extraction of critical minerals that respects local communities and provides a share of the benefits from the mining practices.[4] The mining industry is critical in this discussion. Mining operations must implement land rehabilitation and responsible mining practices. With strong regulation, the mining industry can safeguard the rights of local communities through measures that enhance efficiency and reduce environmental impacts. These measures include actionable strategies that promote transparent supply chains and ethical sourcing, which are socially just and environmentally responsible.

The Alternative Mining Indaba (AMI) is a global safe space for stakeholders to discuss, debate, highlight and provide solidarity for those impacted and affected by extractives, especially mining. Importantly, it is a platform where communities can be part of the conversation. Through interactive sessions, participants have the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences, share knowledge, and collaborate on innovative solutions to the challenges faced by mining-affected communities. The AMI prioritizes the voices of marginalized groups, ensuring that their concerns and aspirations are heard and addressed.

Each year, the event brings together environmental activists, community leaders, policymakers, industry representatives, and academics, creating a diverse and dynamic forum for dialogue. The AMI not only focuses on the social and environmental impacts of mining but also explores the economic dimensions, advocating for fairer practices and more sustainable approaches.

By fostering an inclusive environment, the AMI empowers individuals and communities to advocate for their rights and work towards a more equitable future. It serves as a catalyst for positive change, encouraging a global shift towards responsible and ethical resource extraction that respects both people and the planet, thus creating a necessary platform for the voices of communities in the just energy transition.

[1] https://altminingindaba.ejn.org.za/

[2] https://zela.org/download/map-of-lithium-exploration-and-mining-projects-in-zimbabwe-2/

[3] https://press.un.org/en/2024/en332.doc.htm

[4] See also the report by EITI on engaging communities in the just energy transition https://eiti.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/EITI_Report_Engaging%20communities%20in%20a%20just%20transition.pdf