The Catholic Church and Mining: Types of Responses

The increase in global demand for mineral resources with the energy transition is likely to intensify the consequences of mining, such as deforestation; biodiversity loss; soil, water, and air contamination; violations of civil, political, and labour rights; loss of livelihoods; and harm to health. It is a paradox that the quest for sustainability and transition away from fossil fuels are leading to another set of unsustainable practices. The paper analyses how one major faith actor, the Catholic Church, is dealing with this paradox and is translating its theological and moral commitment to integral ecology into practice in the context of mining. Based on a series of consultations with cross-continental actors, the paper aims to offer a typology of responses in order to inform the work of other actors in sustainable development and the transition to renewable energy. The paper examines five types of intertwined responses: (1) the accompaniment of mining-affected populations, which is the starting point of all responses; (2) the mediation of experience through theological and organisational resources and international policy frameworks; (3) the documentation of what is happening or likely to happen; (4) education and formation to address the structural causes of social and ecological degradation at a multi-scalar level; and (5) advocacy for policy and institutional change, including alternative modes of socio-economic development. The paper concludes by discussing some shortcomings in these responses, as well as avenues for broad-based coalitions for sustainability in the context of the mining requirements of the energy transition.