Featured Post from University of Delaware

Sustainable mining: Can we satisfy green energy demands without destroying ecosystems?

Aug 26, 2024

1 min

Saleem Ali

Minerals are essential for sustainable energy technologies like solar, wind, and geothermal power, yet their importance has led to geopolitical tensions, as seen in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. These resources are geographically constrained—South Africa's platinum is vital for hydrogen fuel cells, and China leads in mineral refining. Efforts to diversify sources often spark local disputes, as demonstrated by recent opposition in Minnesota to a green-transition minerals project due to environmental and social concerns.


University of Delaware expert and Environmental peacemaker Saleem Ali, has a proposed solution: a "mineral trust," or a global mechanism to manage mineral distribution more effectively.



As he outlines in a recent TED Talk, this trust would operate like an asset protection trust, with both mineral-producing and technology-demanding countries involved as trustees. It aims to stabilize commodity prices, prevent politicization of resources and enhance management efficiency.


Ali has appointments in UD's Department of Geography and Spatial Sciences, Biden School of Public Policy and Administration, Data Science Institute, the Center for Energy and Environmental Policy and Delaware Environmental Institute. He has written for and been quoted in multiple outlets, including Forbes. To speak with him further, click his profile. 



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Saleem Ali

Saleem Ali

Professor of Energy and the Environment Geography and Spatial Sciences; Biden School of Public Policy and Administration

Prof. Ali's research examines the causes and consequences of environmental conflicts.

Environmental HealthEnvironmental PolicyEnvironmental PlanningHealth and Safety

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