Impact pathways: geopolitics, risk and ethics in critical minerals supply chains

Abstract

Purpose

This pathway paper highlights how geopolitics, risk and ethics affect critical minerals (CMs) supply chains (SCs). It identifies pathways to enable operations and SC 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 CMs supply networks.

Findings

The CMs industry is distinctly different from conventional SCs and would greatly benefit from the development and application of operations and SC management theories.

Research limitations/implications

The four pathways that require scholars’ attention comprise risk and resilience, SC opacity, supply constraints and ethics.

Practical implications

CM s 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 CMs SCs will support the decarbonisation agenda. Reducing the opacity within SCs 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 CM operations and SCs.

Citation

Bhamra, R., Small, A., Hicks, C. and Pilch, O. (2024), "Impact pathways: geopolitics, risk and ethics in critical minerals supply chains", International Journal of Operations & Production Management, Vol. ahead-of-print No. ahead-of-print. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOPM-03-2024-0228