Consultancy: Research on environmental, social, and governance practices in mini

The International Institute for Sustainable Development (IISD) is a globally recognized think tank with more than 30 years of experience working to solve today's greatest sustainable development challenges. We combine deep expertise across critical policy areas with a collaborative approach to research, advice, and hands-on support that delivers real-world results. Headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, we are a diverse team of over 300 experts working from offices in Canada and Switzerland as well as other locations around the world. 1. Background Critical minerals are necessary inputs for the technologies essential for the energy and digital transitions that will shape the low-carbon economies of the future. At the same time, mining activities can generate significant environmental and social impacts that need to be managed, including water pollution, waste generation, biodiversity loss, labour concerns, and community grievances. As a global leader in processing critical minerals and manufacturing technologies for energy and digital transitions, China plays a decisive role in shaping how these transitions would be managed. Namely, the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) compliance and business practices of Chinese mining and mineral processing companies can lead to important sustainable development outcomes. IISD has conducted research on the evolving Chinese ESG framework and standards in critical mineral value chains and its application to overseas operations of Chi