This is Episode 2 of our sub-series "Environmental Issues along the Belt and Road." The series considers the complexities of Chinese actors’ impacts on the environment, extractive activities, & role in driving sustainability solutions from the sands of the Mekong River to lithium mines in Argentina.

Since 2012, China has invested roughly US$4 billion in 12 nickel projects across Southeast Asia, with a major focus on Indonesia, which supplies 16% of global nickel production. In South America, Chile, Bolivia, and Argentina— known as the Lithium Triangle—together hold over 54% of the world’s lithium reserves beneath their salt flats as of 2024, and China is the only country to have signed agreements with all three. In this episode, we explore what makes minerals “critical” to the energy transition, how China’s long-term industrial strategy and geopolitical struggles have (re)shaped global critical mineral supply chains, & how stakeholders in producer countries navigate trade-offs between economic development, sovereignty, & environmental and social impacts.

Guests:

Dr. Jing Li is a professor at Simon Fraser University’s Beedie School of Business and holds the Canada Research Chair in Global Investment Strategy. She also serves as the Co-Director of the Jack Austin Center for Asia Pacific Business Studies. Related reading here, here & here.

Dr. Anastasia Ufimtseva is the Senior Program Manager for International Trade and Investment at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. Her research explores global energy governance, trade & investment, the political economy of natural resources, & international development, with a focus on Asia. Related reading here & here.

Muhammad Habib Abiyan Dzakwan (Zahwan) is a researcher at the Department of International Relations, CSIS Indonesia. His research areas cover sustainable development, critical minerals, & emerging technologies. Related reading here, here & here.

Dr. Stella Juste is a researcher at CONICET (Argentina’s National Scientific and Technical Research Council). In a recent study, she applies dependency theory to identify a “double periphery” pattern in Argentina–China relations, particularly through lithium extraction & renewable energy projects. Related reading here.

Thanks for listening!

Environmental Issues along the Belt and Road, Episode 2: Critical Minerals