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Paper short abstract:

The energy transitions require huge volumes of critical minerals. This causes expansion in the extractive sector, which brings its own risks and opportunities. Such risks need fundamental shifts in governance structures. This study explores potential areas where such changes can be instituted.

Paper long abstract:

The highly mineral-intensive energy transition and the ensuing rising demand for the so-called critical minerals are causing shifts in the extractive industry. It is also exposing producer countries to new challenges and opportunities. especially in Africa. For instance, it provides colossal economic development opportunities. However, it may culminate in cases of environmental and social injustice in the form of recreation and reinforcement of global inequalities, the marginalization of indigenous and land-based communities, land grabs and displacements, conflicts, and corruption. To depart from the legacy of poor natural resource governance and the resource curse common to the continent, fundamental decisions must be made to ensure that resources benefit the people. An overhaul of governance and legal frameworks and the establishment of new institutions, systems, and actors are desperately needed if the transition is to be just and sustainable. The research qualitatively analyzes extractive industry governance in the energy transition era. Using Zimbabwe's lithium industry, the study explores areas for improvement to prevent extracivism and ensure a just and sustainable energy transition. In this study, it is maintained that a business-as-usual mode in the extractive sector derails the achievement of a just transition as well as related Sustainable Development Goals by a wide margin.