Swiss Minerals Observatory publish synthesis report and policy implications

Metals are all around us and crucial for our existence. How responsible are we currently extracting and using metals? And how can we improve our production and consumption of metals. The Swiss Minerals Observatory research group, an interdisciplinary group at the ETH Institute of Science, Technology and Policy ISTP that included Isabel Gunther, Fritz Brugger and Antoinette van der Merwe from the Development Economics Group, has finalised their studies into responsible metal supply chains. Under the advice of a board of experts, the Swiss Minerals Observatory focused on metals of special concern for the Swiss context, including gold and copper.

Their synthesis report focuses on three areas of research – sustainable extraction, supply chain regulation and consumer behaviour – that aims to address governance challenges and promote the responsible supply and use of minerals. From the Development Economics Group, this specifically included research on artisanal gold mining in Burkina Faso and investigating the potential to increase metals sourced from e-waste in an urban mining project in Switzerland. As well as a collaboration with Desiree Ruppen from Eawag to project to citizens with the tools to measure pollution in Zimbabwe. The synthesis report gives results from all projects undertaken by the group and their recommended policy implications.