Dynamics in socio-economic perceptions of remining for cobalt

CMI researchers from Colorado School of Mines conducted the activity for this highlight

Achievement
Article published in the geography journal, Globalizations, titled, Reprocessing and remining as grey extractivism: The example of cobalt from the Southeast Missouri Lead Belt.

Significance and Impact
The article addresses remining and reprocessing tailings at a former lead mining operation for the production of cobalt. It finds that long-term socio-economic and environmental dynamics define a ‘cautious optimism’ that clashes with a traditionally cleaving industry. The company has so far failed to adopt a clear communication strategy, while the economic benefits are described in positive terms by community members hoping for a restart.

Details and Next Steps

  • This is the first article on new cobalt projects in Missouri. It offers new perspectives on social acceptance of remining and reprocessing.
  • Addresses socio-economic and environmental concerns of critical minerals production in the United States.
  • We plan to do follow-up research in Missouri given the evolution of this case.

Hub Target Addressed

  • Recovering critical materials from unconventional sources.
  • Assessing economic, environmental, and social acceptance impacts.
image of two overlapping maps of the project area
Maps of the project area

https://doi.org/10.1080/14747731.2024.2441632