Commodity supply chains

Energy transition metals (ETM) supply chains are instrumental in shaping ways in which costs and benefits of ETM extraction are distributed and how justice issues converge in the global ETM markets.

We tested the extent to which it is possible to trace the trajectory of an ETM from a specific region, in this case nickel from New Caledonia. You can read more about it here:

Our results highlight knowledge barriers that exist and make it difficult to track an ETM and the implications this may have for a just transition. If this poses challenges for accounting for the social and environmental costs of extraction at the point of final product sale, it also constitutes a form of injustice where producers can treat the impacts of extraction on supply locations as externalities. It also means that the dominant narrative driving increased extraction (to supply ETMs to combat climate change) may mask other drivers and interests.

Enhanced supply chain due diligence is necessary to fully assess justice dimensions associated with supplying ETMs from the Pacific (and other parts of the world) and ensure that impacts that emerge in source location and along the supply chain are aligned with the values of ‘justice’ and ‘fairness’ that underpin the concept of a just transition.