April 2020 News and Analysis from NRGI

News from NRGI
1 May 2020

Highlights

Coronavirus, the Oil Crash and Economies: How Can Governments of Oil-Dependent Countries Respond?
NRGI experts share four policy pointers for oil-dependent countries stricken by the economic impacts of coronavirus and the historic fall in oil prices. (A summary is available in French.)

Three Proposals for Mineral-Dependent Countries During the Coronavirus Pandemic
This post explores the challenges in developing countries where mining is a key industry, and includes policy considerations connecting sector-specific developments to macroeconomic concerns.

IMF Optimism and Oil-Dependent Countries: Be Wary of Sunny Projections

NRGI's David Mihalyi and Andrew Bauer argue that the IMF’s forecasts for oil-rich countries are overly optimistic in this commentary for The Africa Report.

Building a Sustainable Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain: Frequently Asked Questions
This briefing provides basic information on the electric vehicle battery supply chain and key battery minerals, such as cobalt and lithium. It also answers questions about the sustainability of the supply chain, from mining impacts to vehicle carbon emissions.

Videos

VIDEO: Alexandra Gillies’ New Book on Oil Sector Corruption

Alexandra Gillies' tour to promote Crude Intentions: How Oil Corruption Contaminates the World is on hold, but video from the New York book launch event is now available.

VIDEO: Les prêts adossés aux ressources et l’état de la gouvernance minière en Guinée

NRGI's Hervé Lado spoke at length on Espace Guinée's program "Mines et Développement" about the debts Guinea owes in connection to its future mining outputs. (Video is in French.)

Blog

How the DRC Can Defend its Mining Interests During the Pandemic

The DRC is among the countries in sub-Saharan Africa most affected by the coronavirus. Beyond the health emergency, officials are grappling with the economic impacts on the country's critical mining sector. This post explores possible policy directions. (Also available in French.)

Comments Reveal Overwhelming Support for Stronger U.S. Extractives Transparency Rule
After the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission invited comment on its latest draft extractive sector transparency rule, it was flooded with submissions from investors, civil society organizations and companies urging it to adopt a stronger rule in line with international standards.

Capacity Development Amid Uncertainty
NRGI capacity development specialists have been reflecting on adapting training and skill building to uncertain times. This post contains guidance for organizations seeking to adapt such work to challenging and changing circumstances.

How Sustainable is the Electric Vehicle Battery Supply Chain?
A new "frequently asked questions" briefing about the supply chain for electric vehicle batteries provides information about the governance, corruption, human rights abuses and environmental dimensions of battery production.

Outils pour les négociateurs africains dans les projets d’infrastructures financés par la Chine
A previously published post about strategies for African officials negotiating with Chinese counterparts is now available in French.