The JPEC project: a pillar for fair and sustainable mining exploitation
The JPEC project, lasting 5 years, focuses on the evolution of mining law and subsurface law in the context of energy transition. It explores how legal frameworks can be adapted to meet growing needs for critical raw materials, while guaranteeing fair exploitation respectful of local communities and the environment.
Main objectives:
- Analyze legal frameworks relating to subsurface uses and resources.
- Define conditions for responsible and sustainable subsurface use.
- Promote fair and inclusive governance of mining activities.
Major progress in 2025
During the JPEC project's annual meeting in February 2025, several significant advances were presented:
Recruitments and collaborations:
- Recruitment of a post-doctoral researcher and a doctoral student to strengthen the research team.
- Co-organization of major international events, such as the World Energy Justice Congress and the Just Pathways to Subsurface Utilization Symposium at the University of Wyoming.
Publications and scientific work:
- Louis de Fontenelle and Christophe Krolik, accompanied by their respective teams, published two articles in the International Business Law Journal. The first on social acceptability of mining projects and the second on guideline recommendations for mining companies.
- Numerous scientific works are underway, particularly on the impact of legislation on social acceptability of energy and mining projects, in collaboration with Laval University.
Collaborative projects:
- Collaboration with the Digital Earth project to develop a digital tool for cataloging standards relating to responsible mining.
- Work with the Rhine Graben project on the right to environmental information related to deep geothermal projects.
Future perspectives and challenges
The JPEC project plans to continue its work in 2025 on several key axes:
- Publication of a white paper on international rules for fair mining exploitation.
- Publication of several conference proceedings planned for 2025 (Gold mine in Guiana & abyssal exploitation).
- Organization of the International Energy and Climate Law Forum in Paris in November 2025.
- Launch of reflections on mining as a common good and on the extraterritorial effects of subsurface law at the EU scale.
These knowledge dissemination and collaboration initiatives aim to strengthen governance of subsurface resources and promote mining exploitation aligned with sustainable development objectives.
The JPEC project plays an essential role in energy transition by rethinking mining law for responsible and sustainable exploitation of subsurface resources. The advances made in 2025 show promising momentum, paving the way for innovative solutions to address current and future challenges.