Responsible Sourcing of Mineral Resources for Just Energy Transitions. A Natural Resource Justice Perspective.

This Ph.D. thesis explores the potential of Responsible Sourcing (RS) to contribute to Natural Resource Justice (NRJ) in the context of energy transitions. Although RS has emerged as a corporate governance instrument for managing environmental and social risks in mineral supply chains, and for ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, its capacity to promote transformative, justice-oriented outcomes remains contested. Adopting a political ecology perspective, this thesis critically examines the influence of RS practices on the distribution of benefits and burdens along global mineral supply chains, and their ability to address deeper questions of justice, such as recognition, participation, and long-term sustainability. The thesis is based on four empirical studies. The first study maps the evolution of RS debates, revealing that although academic interest has grown since 2019, discussions rarely address holistic justice concerns. The second study identifies framing conflicts in the design process of Austria¿s mineral resource policy, where growth-oriented perspectives dominate and the voices of civil society are marginalised. The third study examines European renewable energy technology manufacturers (RETMs), highlighting altruistic and compliance-related drivers of RS, as well as persistent barriers such as limited transparency beyond tier-1 suppliers and structural dependence on Chinese markets. The fourth study uses the Leverage Points Approach (LPA) to analyse the European extractive sector. It reveals that current interventions primarily address shallow improvements while deeper systemic change and diversity of actors are lacking. In summary, the thesis concludes that, although RS can support certain aspects of NRJ, it is still limited by compliance-oriented logic, power imbalances, and restricted engagement with upstream actors. Conceptually, the thesis contributes to the literature by examining RS through the lens of NRJ and demonstrating how justice dimensions can inform supply chain governance. Empirically, it provides new insights into RETMs and extractive sector practices. For policymakers and practitioners, the thesis emphasises the need to move beyond risk management and actively integrate justice considerations. It also emphasises the importance of fostering inclusive, multi-actor approaches to facilitate just and sustainable energy transitions.