Abstract:
Mountains of tailings, slags, and spent batteries already dwarf the metal content of many untapped ore bodies—yet most mining strategies still treat them as liabilities. Utilising the UN Framework Classification and UN Resource Management System, these “wastes” can be coded as verifiable assets, exposing both their environmental cost and hidden economic value. South-South and triangular partnerships—leveraging regional initiatives such as the African Mining Vision and the ASEAN Mineral Development Vision—can harmonise standards and share technology that turns leftovers into a new supply. A World Resource Bank / Green Minerals Trust would catalogue verified secondary stocks and match them with circular processing know-how and channel blended finance to scale the model globally. The result is a closed-loop mining future in which North and South co-create value, cut risk, and accelerate the energy transition.
Bio:
Hari Tulsidas is a Technical Advisor on Sustainable Resource Management at the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), bringing over 30 years of experience in natural resources and materials management. He has previously worked with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and the Department of Atomic Energy in India. Mr. Tulsidas leads the development and implementation of the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) and the United Nations Resource Management System (UNRMS). He has directed over 50 international technical cooperation and collaborative projects in sustainable resource development across over 80 countries and has authored over 100 publications.
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