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.
