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Impact Pathways: Geopolitics, Risk and Ethics in Critical Minerals Supply Chains

Lookup NU author(s): Professor Christian Hicks

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0).


Abstract

Purpose This pathway paper highlights how geopolitics, risk and ethics affects Critical Minerals supply chains. It identifies pathways to enable operations and supply chain management scholars to support this under-researched industry. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research was undertaken in partnership with the Critical Minerals International Alliance (CMIA). Interviews were conducted with senior industry leaders from across critical minerals supply networks. Findings The critical minerals industry is distinctly different from conventional supply chains and would greatly benefit from the development and application of operations and supply chain management theories. Research limitations/implications The four pathways that require scholars’ attention comprise risk & resilience, supply chain opacity, supply constraints and ethics. Practical implications Critical minerals are essential for products such as smart phones and the technologies required for decarbonisation and achieving net-zero. The pathways address multifaceted challenges of benefit to industry stakeholders. Social implications Improving the understanding of critical mineral supply chains will support the decarbonisation agenda. Reducing the opacity within supply chains would help address governance issues and curb unethical behaviours. Originality/value This paper draws on the expertise and insights gained from industry leaders. It establishes pathways and proposes theories and research questions for addressing the impact of geopolitics on critical mineral operations and supply chains.


Publication metadata

Author(s): Bhamra R, Small A, Hicks C, Pilch O

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: International Journal of Operations and Production Management

Year: 2024

Pages: epub ahead of print

Online publication date: 30/09/2024

Acceptance date: 09/09/2024

Date deposited: 10/09/2024

ISSN (electronic): 0144-3577

Publisher: Emerald

URL: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-03-2024-0228

DOI: 10.1108/IJOPM-03-2024-0228

ePrints DOI: 10.57711/a2y7-sg03

Notes: Impact Pathway paper


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