A New Season of the CIRAN Podcast is out!
The CIRAN project is excited to launch a New Season of its podcast series, “Reconciling Two Societal Needs: Resource Extraction and Nature Conservation.” – Listen to it on PodBean and YouTube.
In Season 2 of the CIRAN Podcast, we will dive deep into the evolving landscape of Critical Raw Materials and sustainable mining in Europe and beyond.
This season brings together an impressive lineup of thought leaders and experts who explore the intersection of innovation, policy, community engagement, and environmental stewardship in the mining sector. From Europe’s regulatory challenges and the public perception of mining, to funding critical minerals supply chains and technological breakthroughs, each episode presents rich discussions that contribute to shaping the future of responsible raw materials sourcing.
What to expect in this Second Season of the CIRAN Podcast:
- Mining in Europe’s backyard and the NIMBY mindset.
- Securing ethical and sustainable critical minerals supply chains.
- Advancements in sustainable mining technologies.
- The vital role of community engagement and social responsibility.
- Harmonizing mining with nature conservation.
- Political and regulatory challenges impacting Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
- Public perception and trust-building in the mining sector.
Join us as we navigate the path to a sustainable, resilient, and responsible raw materials value chain.
🎧 Listen to the CIRAN Podcast easily!
You will receive a new episode of the podcast series every third Wednesday, so don’t forget to follow us and listen to it through the PodBean app, on YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts!
Have your say, join the conversation in the CIRAN Community of Practice LinkedIn group today!
Stay tuned for a thought-provoking journey into the future of responsible resource management!
5 EPISODES FROM S2 have been released so far – Listen to them NOW!
Available on PodBean and wherever you get your podcasts!
Episode 1 – “Mining in Europe’s Backyard and the NIMBY Movement” with Peter Tom Jones
In our opening episode, Peter Tom Jones tackles the complex reality of mining in Europe, exploring why the Not-In-My-Backyard (NIMBY) mindset prevails and what it means for Europe’s clean energy transition.
Jones highlights the urgent need to reconcile public perception with geopolitical realities and the demand for CRMs. A compelling discussion on the future of “Made-in-Europe” clean-tech supply chains.
Episode 2 – “Funding Critical Minerals’ Supply Chains” with Abigail Hunter
This second episode delves into the immense investment challenges of building resilient and ethical supply chains for critical minerals.
From public-private partnerships to innovative financing models, E2 explores strategies to bridge the funding gap and secure vital resources for the green transition globally.
Episode 3 – “Technological Innovation in Mining” with Philipp Hartlieb
This Episode 3 delves into the technological breakthroughs which are reshaping the mining landscape, from sensor technologies to digital mining platforms. Discover the challenges and innovative solutions outlined by our fantastic guest speaker Philipp Hartlieb, Senior Scientist at Montanuniversität Leoben, Austria.
A must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sustainable mining and how strategic autonomy over CRMs is tightly linked to the EU Green and Digital transitions.
Episode 4 – “Social Responsibility and Community Engagement” with Emily Ritchey
What does meaningful community engagement really look like? Our guest speaker Emily Ritchey, Policy Manager on Supply Chains at T&E – Transport & Environment, shares insights into how mining companies can gain trust, respect local cultures, and ensure long-term social acceptance. Drawing from best practices and regulatory frameworks, this episode examines why social responsibility is no longer optional but essential for sustainable mining.
Episode 5 – “Nature Conservation and Mining” with Leelo Kukk
Can mining and nature coexist? Estonian ecologist Leelo Kukk, our guest in Episode 5, brings a conservationist’s lens to the discussion, highlighting the need for strict environmental regulations, robust impact assessments, and increased recycling before considering opening new mines. A thought-provoking look at how we can protect biodiversity while meeting material demands.
Episode 6 – “Regulatory Challenges and Political Pressures in European Mining” with Mika Riipi
How do political pressures, public acceptance, and sustainability goals intersect in shaping Europe’s mining future? In E6, Mika Riipi, Member of the Finnish Parliament and former Lapland Regional Governor, reflects on the role of the Critical Raw Materials Act, local governance, and regional innovation in maintaining Europe’s global industrial competitiveness in a resource-constrained world.
Episode 7 – “Public Perception of Mining” with Aimee Boulanger
How can mining companies build trust and accountability? In E7, our guest Aimee Boulanger, Executive Director of the Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA), discusses the evolving expectations of local communities, investors, and consumers. It outlines how transparency, environmental stewardship, and fair benefit-sharing can redefine mining’s role in society. Insightful examples show how responsible mining can be a force for good.
Episode 8 – “NIMBYsm and Challenges to Democracy” with Elizabeth Gammelsæter
In E8, Elisabeth Gammelsæter, Norwegian Economist and former Secretary General of the Norwegian Mineral Industry, brilliantly highlights the challenges of how growing local “Not In My Backyard” (NIMBY) narratives and demands are shaping the future of mining, energy, and CRMs in Europe. Drawing on her book “Not in My Neighborhood: Why NIMBY Cases Challenge Norwegian Democracy” (Frekk Publishing, 2022), Gammelsæter explains that local opposition is often rooted in identity, fear, and attachment to place rather than ignorance or selfishness as popularly believed, and warns us about the severe risks of dismissing citizens’ voices for our European democratic culture and values. In E8, Gammelsæter highlights that public legitimacy highly depends on transparency, respect, and early and sustained engagement with affected communities.
Episode 9 – “Extractivism and the Green Transition” with Thea Riofrancos
In E9, we speak with Thea Riofrancos to draw on her recent book “Extraction: The Frontiers of Green Capitalism”, published in September 2025 by W. W. Norton & Company, Inc. The book & E9 explore why mining-related conflicts emerge across regions, and what makes some contexts particularly intense. E9 looks at the geopolitics of Critical Minerals and explains why the EU and the US are increasingly seeking domestic extraction and refining. It addresses growing supply-chain insecurity and strategic competition contexts. Finally, S2E9 illustrates what “doing it right (or not doing it)” could mean in practice through the contested lithium project in Portugal’s Barroso region. From free, prior, and informed consent and transparent environmental impact data to independent impact monitoring, fair benefit-sharing, and remediation measures for local communities.
Thea Riofrancos is Associate Professor of Political Science at Providence College (Rhode Island, US), Strategic Co-Director of the Climate and Community Institute (US), and Transnational Institute Fellow (Amsterdam, NL). Her research explores resource extraction, climate change, the energy transition, the global lithium sector, green technologies, social movements, and the Latin American left.
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Find all CIRAN Podcast episodes on YouTube below:
(Episodes will be added to this post as they get released)
