Publication

The Business Case for Gender-Responsive Climate-Smart Mining

Jun 15, 2021

The transition to a low-carbon future will be mineral-intensive with demand for minerals such as graphite, lithium, and cobalt increasing by nearly 500 percent by 2050. Mining will remain a critical industry even as recycling rates go up. It is in this context that the World Bank Group established the Climate-Smart Mining Initiative (CSM), as an effort to increase the sustainable extraction, processing and recycling of critical minerals and minimize the negative climate, environmental, and social impacts of mining operations (Click here for more information about the World Bank Group Climate-Smart Mining Initiative.)

In order for mining to shift toward being climate-smart and equitable, it is important to consider gender-responsiveness and to reduce gender gaps every step of the way. This document illustrates how gender-responsive climate-smart mining (CSM) strategies are good for business and good for the planet. It outlines entry points for gender considerations within the pillars of the CSM Initiative and enlists recommendations for different stakeholders such as companies, government and civil society to engage.