A global race to secure critical minerals is placing environmental protections and Indigenous rights at risk, experts have warned at the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (UNPFII).
Galina Angarova, a Buryat Indigenous woman from Russia and executive director of the Securing Indigenous Peoples' Rights in the Green Economy (SIRGE) Coalition, said the world will need approximately 300 new mines by 2035 to meet growing energy demands.
Mining is being driven by the push for green technologies such as electric vehicles and solar panels, however Ms Angarova said demand is also rising due to artificial intelligence and military development.
She said politicians are framing mining as a climate solution, but the world is not replacing fossil fuels, only using more energy.
"We believe that we're going to replace fossil fuels, and it's not happening. It's not true," she said.
"Unfortunately, energy that is being generated by alternative sources - it's just being added to the grid."
Ms Angarova warned deregulation is weakening Indigenous protections.
"Use your treaty rights. Use your unceded lands. Use UNDRIP," she said.
"At least your government and your courts recognise your rights.
"I am from Russia and we are 200 years behind you."
Her comments follow growing moves to reduce reliance on China for minerals.
Ms Angarova said deregulation is being driven by protectionist pressures.
"Deregulation is not aligned with Indigenous peoples' rights and welfare," she said.
"It's prompted by protectionist policies.
"It's prompted by the pressure to secure supply chains."
Indigenous Environmental Network executive director and a member of the Navajo Nation, Tom Goldtooth, said mining is being rebranded as sustainable however longstanding concerns remain.
"The word sustainable mining will come up," he said.
"They're going to convince Indigenous people it's not that bad - copper, nickel, zinc, lithium mining - that it can be done responsibly."
Mr Goldtooth warned companies often avoid responsibility for contamination.
"The question that has always come up, for 30 some years, is what are the legal compliance and enforcement mechanisms at the domestic level? They buy themselves out of being responsible for leaving contamination," he said.
Mr Goldtooth said Indigenous peoples must use UNDRIP and other legal mechanisms to protect their rights.
"It will be important to take time to ensure mining companies are held to environmental, social, and human rights standards as they pursue critical minerals," he said.
In Canada, both Liberal and Conservative leaders have pledged to fast-track approvals for mining and energy projects while maintaining Indigenous rights and environmental reviews.
Ms Angarova cited the proposed Wonder Valley AI data centre near Sturgeon Lake Cree Nation as an example where Indigenous consultation has been bypassed.
Original reporting by APTN News.
