Several recent news stories highlight the significant environmental impact and strategic importance of mineral extraction. In India, a US$4 billion initiative has been launched to secure critical minerals crucial for the clean energy transition, underscoring the global race for these resources. Meanwhile, an Australian company seeking to extract rare earth minerals from an old Mojave Desert gold mine is facing opposition from the National Park Service, reflecting the increasing tension between mining interests and environmental preservation. In Korea, a major steel company, Posco, is being sued over the climate impact of its blast furnace expansion plan, marking a significant legal challenge related to corporate climate responsibility. Additionally, the environmental impact of aluminum production is under scrutiny, given its essentiality in numerous everyday products and the growing demand for these goods.