About BGEM
The Branch of Green Energy and Minerals (BGEM) is a transformative organization committed to advancing the sustainable development of energy systems and mineral resources critical to the global transition toward a low-carbon, climate-resilient future. By integrating principles of circular economy, decarbonization, and ethical resource governance, BGEM addresses the dual challenges of meeting growing energy demands and securing critical minerals while minimizing environmental degradation and social inequities. Its work ensures that green energy technologies and responsible mining practices coexist to power sustainable development globally.
- Key Importance of BGEM:
- Accelerating the Energy Transition:
BGEM drives innovation and deployment of renewable energy systems (e.g., solar, wind, hydrogen) while ensuring reliable access to critical minerals (e.g., lithium, cobalt, rare earths) essential for batteries, EVs, and clean tech.
- Sustainable Mining Practices:
It promotes environmentally responsible mining techniques, such as low-impact extraction, water recycling, and ecosystem restoration, to reduce the carbon footprint and ecological harm of mineral extraction.
- Circular Economy Integration:
BGEM advocates for recycling, reusing, and repurposing minerals and energy infrastructure to minimize waste and extend resource lifespans, aligning with net-zero targets.
- Supply Chain Resilience:
By mapping global mineral supply chains and addressing geopolitical risks, BGEM helps nations and industries avoid disruptions and ensure ethical sourcing of raw materials.
- Social License to Operate:
BGEM prioritizes community engagement, indigenous rights, and equitable benefit-sharing in mining and energy projects, fostering trust and long-term sustainability.
- Policy and Market Alignment:
It bridges gaps between policymakers, industries, and investors to create frameworks that incentivize green energy adoption and sustainable mineral production (e.g., carbon pricing, ESG standards).
- Core Business Activities:
- Research and Technology Development:
Innovating in green mining technologies (e.g., bioleaching, zero-waste processing) and renewable energy storage solutions (e.g., advanced battery systems).
Conducting life-cycle assessments (LCAs) to evaluate the environmental impact of energy and mineral projects.
- Policy Advocacy and Standards:
Drafting guidelines for sustainable mining certifications, renewable energy subsidies, and critical mineral trade policies.
Advising governments on integrating green energy goals into national climate action plans (e.g., NDCs under the Paris Agreement).
- Industry Collaboration:
Partnering with mining companies to decarbonize operations through renewable energy integration (e.g., solar-powered mines) and electrification of machinery.
Supporting startups in cleantech and mineral recycling through funding, mentorship, and pilot project facilitation.
- Resource Security and Mapping:
Identifying untapped mineral reserves using geospatial tools and AI-driven exploration models to reduce dependency on geopolitically volatile regions.
Developing databases to track global critical mineral stocks, recycling rates, and demand projections.
- Capacity Building and Education:
Training professionals in sustainable mining practices, renewable energy engineering, and circular economy strategies.
Hosting global forums (e.g., Green Minerals Summit) to share best practices in ethical sourcing and energy transition roadmaps.
- Community Empowerment:
Implementing programs to ensure local communities benefit from mining and energy projects through job creation, infrastructure development, and revenue-sharing models.
Advocating for indigenous land rights and participatory decision-making in resource extraction projects.
- Climate Resilience Initiatives:
Designing hybrid energy systems (e.g., solar-wind-microgrids) for mining operations in remote or climate-vulnerable regions.
Restoring mining-affected ecosystems through reforestation, soil remediation, and biodiversity conservation projects.
- Global Partnerships:
Collaborating with organizations like the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) to align goals.
Facilitating cross-border agreements for mineral recycling hubs and transnational green energy corridors.
The Branch of Green Energy and Minerals (BGEM) stands at the nexus of two pivotal sectors: energy and minerals, both indispensable to achieving global climate goals and sustainable development. By harmonizing technological innovation, ethical governance, and stakeholder collaboration, BGEM ensures that the green energy revolution is powered by responsibly sourced minerals and inclusive practices. Its work not only mitigates environmental risks but also secures economic opportunities for communities and industries worldwide. Through its leadership, BGEM paves the way for a future where clean energy systems and mineral resources drive prosperity without compromising the health of the planet or its people.
Co-Chairs:
- Davide ELMO, the University of British Columbia, Canada
Email: davide.elmo@ubc.ca
- Xiaoyi MU, University of Dundee, UK
Email: X.Mu@dundee.ac.uk
Board Members:
(The list is arranged in alphabetical order and updated)
Gang ZHANG | Suizhi Energy Institute; Beijing Yineng Petrotech Ltd. | China | oilray@163.com |
Guohua YUAN | Chinese Academy of Natural Resources Economics | China | ghyuan @126.com |
Hanfeng YANG | Singapore RGE-Pacific Energy Group (China) Ltd | China | 18061709685@163.com |
Kuitao ZHAO | China Mining Magazine; China Mining Association | China | 33340764@qq.com |
Liang XUE | College of Carbon Neutral Energy, China University of Petroleum (Beijing) | China | xue_liang1983@163.com |
Lichang ZHAO | China United Coalbed Methane Co.Ltd., CNOOC | China | zhaolch-123@qq.com |
Qing ZHU | School of Economics and Management, China University of Geosciences(Beijing) | China | 184395873@qq.com |
Xiaolei SUN | Institutes of Science and Development, Chinese Academy of Sciences | China | xlsun@casisd.cn |
Yuwei WANG | Dept. of Economic Management, North China Electric Power University | China | wangyuwei2010@126.com |
Under construction
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