Description
Ever since the industrial age, mineral extraction has been a fundamental feature of the global political economy. This paper examines the governance of mineral value chains, focusing on coal and bauxite mining in India. While considerable scholarly attention has been given to the state's role in mineral extraction, it remains underexplored in the broader context of global value chains (GVC) and economic governance. My research addresses this gap by analyzing the state's role at each stage of the mineral chain—from exploration and licensing to extraction, transportation, and further processing.
Coal, primarily used for domestic power generation, is emblematic of “dirty fuel” within India's local commodity chains, while bauxite, processed into aluminum for global green energy solutions, epitomizes a "green" mineral integral to international value chains. While past studies have demonstrated the important of extraction at the beginning of commodity chains, my research seeks to emphasize how the end-uses may matter for the extractive beginnings of chains, shedding light on how states navigate the competing pressures of economic development alongside environmental concerns. I underscore the complexities and nuances in policy frameworks and regulatory environments that govern the establishment and management of mineral chains.
By situating the role of the state within the broader discourse of GVCs and economic governance, this paper contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the intersection between political economy, global production, and the environment. The findings aim to advance dialogue on the intersection of economic governance and environmental sustainability in the international political economy, providing valuable insights for scholars and policymakers alike.
