Science-Based Governance of Critical Minerals

Demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt and rare earth elements continues to increase worldwide. But how can countries work together to manage and share resources fairly and sustainably? This seminar will consider how we can have more science-based approaches to governance of critical minerals with featured speaker Saleem Ali, Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environment at the University of Delaware. Ali's experience in working on various initiatives with the United Nations have led to his recently published paper in Science (along with a U.N. policy brief) on the concept of a 'minerals trust' for the green transition. SPEAKER BIO: Saleem H. Ali is Chair of the Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences and the Blue and Gold Distinguished Professor of Energy and Environment at the University of Delaware. He also serves as Lead for Critical Minerals at the United Nations University and is a member of the United Nations International Resource Panel. His books include Sustainability: A Very Short Introduction (Oxford Univ. Press, 2025); Soil to Foil: Aluminum and the Quest for Industrial Sustainability (Columbia University Press, 2023); and Earthly Order: How Natural Laws Define Human Life (Oxford Univ. Press, 2022). Registration not required. Learn more about the speaker & the event. Questions? Contact Erika Weinthal (Erika.weinthal@duke.edu) ABOUT THE ORGANIZERS AND EVENT SERIES The Environmental Institutions Seminar Series is presented by the Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability and the University Program in Environmental Policy (UPEP), a doctoral degree program jointly offered by the Nicholas School of the Environment and Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. The September 16 event is co-sponsored by the Duke Critical Minerals Hub.