Paper short abstract:

In the context of Ghana's Ewoyaa Lithium Project, this study investigates community views on fairness in crucial mineral governance. It explores how distributive, procedural, recognition, and restorative justice attitudes can influence laws pertaining to fair and sustainable mineral extraction.

Paper long abstract:

The demand for vital minerals like lithium, which are necessary to forward energy transition agendas, has increased due to the global move toward renewable energy. But the management of important mineral extraction frequently generates questions about justice, especially for the local communities that live close to mining enclaves. Through the viewpoints of the communities affected by Ghana's Ewoyaa Lithium Project, this study investigates fairness in crucial mineral governance. It aims to answer two important questions: (1) What is the perception of fairness in key mineral governance among mining communities? (2) How might these attitudes influence the formulation of policies?

Procedural justice (inclusive and transparent decision-making), distributive justice (fair sharing of benefits and burdens), recognition justice (respect for community identities and values), and restorative justice (addressing historical and environmental harms) are the four dimensions of justice that are the focus of this study, which is based on the idea of justice within the energy transition agenda. Through qualitative techniques, such as focus groups and interviews with community members and important stakeholders, the study seeks to understand how justice is perceived and expressed locally.

The results will provide important light on how community perceptions influence fair and long-term policy decisions for crucial resource governance. This study emphasizes the significance of inclusive governance structures that give fairness, transparency, and the rights of impacted communities first priority by bridging the gap between global energy transition priorities and local socio-environmental justice.