Ciftci, Mehmet Metehan; (2025) A new frontier of resource conflicts? Unfolding the impacts of ‘green’ energy transition on socio-environmental mining conflicts using evidence from lithium cases in Argentina and Chile. Doctoral thesis (Ph.D), UCL (University College London).

	Text Ciftci_Thesis.pdf - Submitted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 October 2026. Download (6MB)
	Spreadsheet Ciftci_Thesis_Supplementary Document.xlsx - Submitted Version Access restricted to UCL open access staff until 1 October 2026. Download (373kB)

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationship between the global transition to low-carbon energy technologies and socio-environmental conflicts in resource-producing regions, with a specific focus on lithium mining in Chile and Argentina. Through a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative analysis of conflict data with qualitative case studies, the research examines how increasing demand for lithium, driven primarily by electric vehicle production and energy storage systems, impacts local communities and environments in source countries. The study begins by identifying critical minerals essential for the energy transition, establishing lithium as a focal point due to its strategic importance. The methodology combines directed qualitative content analysis, time-series comparisons of conflict data and case analysis. Using data from the Environmental Justice Atlas, supplemented by extensive document analysis and social media research, the thesis analyses 13 lithium-related conflicts and 41 non-transition-related resource conflicts in Chile and Argentina between 2010-2019. The research employs Porter's five competitive forces framework for market analysis and applies a novel counterfactual assessment approach to compare conflict patterns. This comparative analysis reveals distinct patterns in conflict emergence and escalation tied to increasing lithium demand. A key contribution is the development of an analytical framework for understanding how global material demands translate into local mining conflicts. The research challenges the 'green mining' narrative often used to justify extraction, demonstrating how it fails to address local socioenvironmental concerns. Through comparison with oil markets, the study also evaluates whether lithium might inherit similar conflict patterns, concluding that while local tensions are increasing, lithium's distinct market structure makes geopolitical conflicts akin to those involving oil unlikely. The work integrates perspectives from and contributes to political ecology, environmental justice and resource governance, contributing to broader discussions about ensuring an equitable energy transition. Expertise in environmental politics, resource conflicts and Latin American studies would be valuable for examining this thesis.

Download activity - last month

Export as JSONCSVXML

Download activity - last 12 months

Export as CSVXMLJSON

Downloads by country - last 12 months

Export as JSONCSVXML

Archive Staff Only

View Item