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Below are articles, news and other publicly available output from members of the Critical Resource team, including commentary in the international media. For journalists seeking media comment from a member of the team, please see the contact section of our website.
 Rory Stewart MP on Iraq and Afghanistan (Oct 2011)
Critical Resource shares a few words with the British politician and Iraq and Afghanistan expert on lessons for firms venturing into these complex countries More >>
 Northern rocks (Oct 2011)
Two resource projects in the northern UK highlight the commercial importance for companies of responsibly and proactively managing environmental and stakeholder issues More >>
 Q & A with Rio Tinto CEO: industry needs to ‘out’ bad actors (Sep 2011)
Tom Albanese, Rio Tinto’s CEO, talks to Critical Resource about tackling corruption, socio-political management, and competitive advantage More >>
 Critical Resource is recruiting a senior associate / associate director (Sep 2011)
Shape the agenda on global resources, political risk & corporate responsibility More >>
 'Shine the light on payments': Q&A with Clare Short (May 2011)
The new chair of the EITI Board gives her thoughts on the ‘resource curse’, recent events in North Africa, and the future of the global transparency initiative More >>
 Russia's Arctic opening (May 2011)
As Moscow prepares to open the icy waters of the Arctic to offshore drilling, dangers abound. But it's also a moment of opportunity to get things right. More >>
 South Sudan: oil on troubled waters? (Mar 2011)
This year sees the birth of a new nation: South Sudan. But will the oil wealth it shares with the North bring peace or further war – and can oil firms do anything to help? More >>
 “Huge value at stake from stakeholder issues” - speech (Mar 2011)
Daniel Litvin, Director of Critical Resource, recently presented at the 41st Oilbarrel conference More >>
 Centamin Egypt: on shifting political sands (Mar 2011)
The remarkable ousting of Mubarak is only the first step towards a new order in Egypt. For foreign investors such as Centamin, much will depend on the direction that the revolution now takes More >>
 Lessons from Deepwater Horizon: Q&A with Lord Browne (Mar 2011)
The former CEO of BP talks to Critical Resource about the Macondo oil spill, corporate responsibility and the future of the oil industry More >>
 Resource plunder to “God’s work” - Q&A with Paul Collier (Dec 2010)
Oxford professor & Critical Resource senior advisory panel member on how development opportunities from resources can be better captured More >>
 Exxon in PNG: hoping to banish the spectre of Bougainville (Dec 2010)
Reports of growing tension around Exxon's PNG LNG project suggest further efforts may be needed to prevent the project contributing to an escalation in conflict More >>
 Business & human rights: approaching the finishing line (Dec 2010)
John Ruggie’s framework, together with his new draft ‘guiding principles’, adds much needed clarity to companies' human rights responsibilities, writes Edward Bickham More >>
 An icy scramble – Q&A with Arctic geopolitics expert (Nov 2010)
Charles Emmerson cautions firms developing Arctic resources to understand political risks and ‘live best practice' More >>
 Tackling dangerous mining – BBC interview with Daniel Litvin (Nov 2010)
The director of Critical Resource on the day the Chilean miners finally emerge from their underground ordeal. More >>
 Conflict minerals: time to dig deeper (Nov 2010)
A new US law to purge supply chains of conflict minerals may only scratch the surface of the problem More >>
 African Minerals: excited shareholders, uncertain politics (Nov 2010)
Developing the Tonkolili iron-ore project in Sierra Leone will not be plain sailing from a socio-political perspective: to what extent have African Minerals shareholders recognised this? More >>
 Stakeholders drive a stake through Vedanta’s Orissa project (Sep 2010)
Despite years of controversy, Vedanta has sought to push ahead with its bauxite mine in India. It now faces a potentially fatal new obstacle. More >>
 Refined thinking on oil (Sep 2010)
There’s a commonsense cure for ‘dysfunctional’ energy governance in the US, argues this book. But do commonsense cures and public policy mix? More >>
 US may lead surge (of transparency) in Iraq (Sep 2010)
New US legislation may be about to transform reporting for extractive companies around the world – even in Iraq More >>
 'Companies rarely innocent bystanders': Q&A with Irene Khan (May 2010)
The former head of Amnesty International argues binding human rights regulations are needed to convert corporate "bad guys" More >>
 Macondo disaster likely to spill over to BP’s other US assets (May 2010)
Shale gas projects have already raised concerns over their environmental impacts. The current oil spill could make them harder to develop More >>
 Companies may benefit from going ‘extra mile’ with EITI (May 2010)
Supporting good governance can help companies profit over the long-term, as Critical Resource's contribution to the EITI blog argues More >>
 ‘We will push harder than ever’: Q&A with ethical investor (Apr 2010)
Bennett Freeman, head of sustainability research at Calvert, a leading US SRI fund manager, discusses critical issues facing extractive firms More >>
 Predicting threats to extractive projects: did we get it right? (Apr 2010)
A review of our past bulletin articles demonstrates that the LicenseSecure model can significantly strengthen foresight of socio-political risks More >>
 Oil CSR brought to book (Apr 2010)
Do oil companies’ CSR efforts get even close to tackling the challenges associated with the industry? A new book takes a pessimistic view More >>
 Exxon in Ghana: billion-dollar lessons in resource politics (Mar 2010)
Kosmos' $4 billion sale of a stake in an oilfield in Ghana to Exxon has hit a political roadblock, indicating that stakeholder (not just drilling) skills are required to profit from West African oil. More >>
 Major mining companies commit to 'partnerships for development' (Feb 2010)
ICMM's new global initiative - developed with Critical Resource support - aims to help enhance the socio-economic contribution of mining More >>
 Storm over Falklands oil: interviews on BBC and others (Feb 2010)
British oil exploration off the disputed islands in the South Atlantic is stoking UK-Argentine tensions. Daniel Litvin comments More >>
 ‘LicenseSecure’ now provides ‘one-stop-shop’ assessment (Jan 2010)
Critical Resource has reviewed its LicenseSecure™ methodology to ensure it incorporates the core elements of key global sustainability standards More >>
 'Contributing to development'? Q&A with World Bank Group director (Jan 2010)
Somit Varma heads the World Bank Group’s fiercely-debated energy, mining and chemicals work. Critical Resource catches up with him. More >>
 Bangladesh coal controversy: power to the people? (Jan 2010)
Even if GCM, the UK-listed miner, can regain government approval for its giant coal project, opponents may still threaten its prospects & profitability More >>
 Xstrata in Peru: will CSR ‘best practice’ keep communities on side? (Dec 2009)
To avoid protests faced by other mines in Peru, Xstrata's Las Bambas project has focused early & hard on community relations. Will that be enough? More >>
 ICMM publishes guidance note on resolving local-level grievances (Dec 2009)
This key document - developed with support from Critical Resource - is aimed at ICMM members & other mining companies More >>
 Too much 'small thinking' by firms: interview with Global Witness (Nov 2009)
Global Witness’ campaigns director wants resource firms to think bigger about the socio-political context in which they operate More >>
 Ivanhoe: A golden opportunity - if Mongolia stays the course (Sep 2009)
Mongolia's financial straits are helping to push Ivanhoe's $3bn copper-gold project through its tortuous approval process, but deals signed by governments under financial pressure do not always stand the test of time More >>
 Chinese resource giants: plunderers or partners? (Sep 2009)
A new report points to evidence of improving environmental & social standards at Chinese resource firms. Interview with author Jill Shankleman More >>
 Relationship difficulties (Sep 2009)
A new book on building strong relations with local communities contains excellent advice – albeit it may not help those who need it most More >>
 Coups, corruption & resource firms - interview with Paul Collier (Jul 2009)
Oxford professor & Critical Resource senior advisory panel member argues firms can be 'strategic in influencing how host governments evolve' More >>
 Kurdistan oil profits hinge on fraught Iraqi politics (Jul 2009)
Heritage Oil needs the current truce between Baghdad and Iraq’s Kurds to last. Read the first of a new series of 'Flashpoint' articles More >>
 ICMM publishes human rights guidance note (Jul 2009)
This key document - developed with support from Critical Resource - is aimed at ICMM members & other mining companies More >>
 Asian rivalry & access to resources - Interview with Bill Emmott (Jun 2009)
Former editor of The Economist & member of Critical Resource senior advisory panel on Asia's great powers and their quests for natural resources More >>
 Oil, Gas and International Insecurity: Tackling a Self-fuelling Fire (Jun 2009)
More ambitious international policy initiatives are needed if oil & gas importing countries hope to tackle the roots of energy insecurity More >>
 Critical Resource update - Experts rate LicenseSecure™ (Jun 2009)
Interviews with leading experts on our model for rating the ‘License to Operate’ have provided very positive feedback and interesting insights More >>
 'Brazil's oil carnival?' - published by Ethical Corporation (Apr 2009)
Western energy firms' access to Brazil’s vast oil fields hinges on complex national political currents – & how well the companies navigate these More >>
 'The financial value of trust' - published by MEM (Mar 2009)
The downturn is a time to cut back - but not to cut stakeholder relationships More >>
 'CSR and the crunch' - New Statesman interviews Critical Resource (Feb 2009)
It would be a disaster for big business to discard CSR because of the credit crunch - particularly as it was originally caused by an ethical failure. More >>
 'From oilsands to quicksands?' - published by Ethical Corporation (Jan 2009)
The profitability of huge investments in Canada’s oilsands will hinge not just on the oil price, but on the industry’s response to environmental risks More >>
 A new 'native' title (Jan 2009)
A new book on how extractive firms use ‘CSR’ to build relations with indigenous peoples convincingly outlines the problems but less so the solutions More >>
 Eminent figures join LicenseSecure™ senior advisory panel (Jan 2009)
Lord (John) Browne, Bill Emmott and Prof Paul Collier to provide guidance on our system to assess the ‘socio-political license’ of resource projects More >>
 'Resources slump: slash & burn?' - published by Ethical Corporation (Dec 2008)
Oil & mining firms are slashing investment as commodity prices drop. For their own sake, the socio-political fall out will need sensitive management More >>
 Oilsands will be 'in line with standards' - Interview with Mel Knight (Dec 2008)
Alberta Energy Minister Mel Knight makes the case for a future oilsands industry as clean as conventional oil More >>
_thumbnail.jpg) Hot, flat, crowded – and broke (Nov 2008)
Calls for a ‘green revolution’ in Thomas Friedman’s latest book are spot on, and chime with Barack Obama’s plans. But should both men come down to earth? More >>
 ‘EITI can help solve energy insecurity’: 60 second Q&A with EITI head (Oct 2008)
The global anti-corruption initiative is gaining traction. But will it keep up with expectations? Q&A with Jonas Moberg, head of EITI's Secretariat. More >>
 'Sabre rattling over an OPEC for gas': BBC World Service interview (Oct 2008)
A new alliance between Russia, Iran and Qatar over global gas supplies is driven partly by a quest for political influence, comments Daniel Litvin. More >>
 'ArcelorMittal’s African gamble' - published by Ethical Corporation (Oct 2008)
The world’s biggest steel company has said it will invest $1.5 billion in one of the poorest countries on earth. It will likely struggle to manage local expectations. More >>
 'The big banks & CSR: Crisis? What crisis?'- published by Prospect (Oct 2008)
This era’s greatest episode of financial irresponsibility almost brought capitalism to its knees. So where on earth was the corporate responsibility movement? More >>
_thumbnail.jpg) 'Money & morals in rogue regimes' - published by Mining Environmental Management (Oct 2008)
Resource companies face global criticism when they deal with abusive governments. Whether they deserve it depends on their approach More >>
 'The real destruction is coming': 60 second Q&A with Nigeria’s oil rebels (Sep 2008)
The most prominent armed militant group from Nigeria’s oil region issues a fresh threat in an email interview with Critical Resource. More >>
 'Areva feels the heat in Niger' - published by Ethical Corporation (Sep 2008)
Areva is caught between a local insurgency and an assertive host government – a familiar pattern for other resource projects across the world. More >>
 Critical Resource update, including The Economist & BBC interviews (Sep 2008)
Comment in 'The Economist' (on Vedanta and anti-mining protests in India) and BBC (on the 'scramble' for Arctic oil), plus examples of recent work. More >>
 'A dangerous new energy source?' - published by The World Today (Aug 2008)
Political pressures and obstacles have placed out of bounds the exploitation of billions of barrels of oil across the world – for the time being at least More >>
 'Human rights: the next climate change?' 60 seconds Q&A with John Ruggie (Jul 2008)
The UN special representative is trying to recast the business & human rights debate. Will he succeed? Critical Resource catches up with him. More >>
 Critical Resource update (Jul 2008)
New associate joins, research on the geopolitics of resources, progress on our risk rating tool LicenseSecure™, and examples of recent work. More >>
 'Chasing Iraqi oil' - interview with International Security Network (Jul 2008)
Major oil companies are on the verge of deals which appear to seal their future influence in Iraqi oil development - potential pitfalls are numerous. More >>
 'An unfunny Gag in Indonesia' - published by Ethical Corporation (Jul 2008)
A controversial multi-billion dollar project on the tropical island of Gag poses complex issues for BHP Billiton, the world's largest mining company. More >>
 'Scramble for Arctic oil' - Interview with BBC World Service (Jul 2008)
Daniel Litvin comments on the "scramble" for oil and resources in the Arctic and the risk of conflict between nations laying claim to the region. More >>
 'Oil - paying the political price' - published by BBC website (Jun 2008)
Worried about the growing cost of oil? Here's another reason to worry: the effect of the high oil price on international politics. More >>
 'Backlash fuels supply problems' - published by The Telegraph (Jun 2008)
Western political leaders are showing themselves to be embarrassingly impotent, at least when it comes to influencing the oil price. More >>
 'Investing in rogue regimes' - interview with BBC World Service (Jun 2008)
What are the issues and risks for firms investing in regimes such as Zimbabwe? Daniel Litvin comments in this radio interview. More >>
 'Ethical confusion in the Congo' - published by the Mining Journal (May 2008)
Criticisms of a new partnership between the UK government and mining firms in the Congo may be a case of NGOs barking up the wrong tree. More >>
 'The rights and wrongs of HRIAs' - published by the Mining Journal (Apr 2008)
Human rights impact assessments (HRIAs) are attracting high-level support. Do they add value to existing assessment processes? More >>
 - small_thumbnail.jpg) 'Dangerous moves in the Iraqi oil game' - published by Ethical Corporation (Mar 2008)
Companies which strike oil deals with the Kurdish region in Iraq may be helping to undermine the process of Iraqi national conciliation. More >>
'Should oil companies be signing deals in Iraq?' - interview with Ethical Corporation (Mar 2008)
In this podcast, Daniel Litvin comments on the dangers of signing oil deals in Iraq before firm national legislation is in place. More >>
 Critical Resource update (Dec 2007)
An update on our activities, including examples of recent client projects and commentary in international media. More >>
 'Sustainability activists look east' - published by the Mining Journal (Dec 2007)
Recent controversies faced by the Indian mining firm Vedanta may bring a smile to the lips of western mining executives. More >>
 'Storm warning' (Dec 2007)
Resource firms can make or lose billions of dollars depending on how well they understand stakeholder pressures facing projects. More >>
 'Turn up the heat on OPEC' – published by the Guardian website (Dec 2007)
Industrial nations should use global climate talks to ramp up pressure on OPEC over future oil supplies. More >>
'Chinese investment in Africa' – interview with Emerging Markets (Oct 2007)
Western companies fear being undercut by the perceived lower standards of some competitors in Africa. More >>
 Critical Resource update (Sep 2007)
Examples of some recent client projects and media coverage, plus the development of our stakeholder analysis tool. More >>
'Big business & global governance' – keynote speech at EABIS (Sep 2007)
Companies are better at managing societal issues than in past decades – but success also depends on governments acting more effectively. More >>
'Energy security' – interview with Das Parlament (Sep 2007)
Growing competition for oil and mineral reserves has made energy an effective political weapon. More >>
 'Global energy security: a burning issue' - published by Optima (Sep 2007)
The world may now be entering a decades-long period of heightened tension and conflict over energy supplies. More >>
 'Iraq’s crude quagmire' - published by Prospect magazine (Aug 2007)
Many think it was a war for oil, but US and British companies may end up getting none of it. More >>
 'Mining politics goes global' - published by the Mining Journal (Jul 2007)
Recent high profile gatherings show world leaders starting to treat mining as a hot topic. Forward-thinking mining firms will welcome the attention. More >>
 'Shifting battle lines' (May 2007)
The next few years are likely to see intensifying pressures to toughen the landmark voluntary initiatives on business and human rights. More >>
'Mining the Congo's future' - published by the Mining Journal (May 2007)
Foreign miners are showing renewed interest in the Congo – how they conduct themselves will help determine the fate of a nation. More >>
'Much at stake' (May 2007)
Crises faced by two resource projects illustrate the strategic importance of understanding stakeholder views – and how they may sour. More >>
 Critical Resource update (May 2007)
Examples of recent client projects with a focus on human rights, as well some earlier projects and writing in this area. More >>
 'Where’s the money?' - published by Ethical Corporation (Mar 2007)
Progress on business and human rights might be quicker if human rights were seen as a means to protect value not just avoid bad headlines. More >>
'Strategy and CSR' – interview in Ser Responsible (Jan 2007)
Interview with by Spanish CSR magazine. More >>
'Energy security' – interview on BBC World Service (Dec 2006)
BBC World Service interview with Critical Resource's director Daniel Litvin on European energy security. More >>
 'Crude politics' - published by Prospect magazine (Jun 2006)
Are we entering a new chapter in the history of relations between oil firms and poor countries? More >>
 'Energy rebels must not be provided a cause' - published by the FT (May 2006)
Soaring energy prices are giving new political voice to dissident regimes and groups in energy-rich countries. More >>
'The challenge of mineral wealth' - published by ICMM (Apr 2006)
Information on ICMM's Resource Endowment initiative, which seeks to enhance the socio-economic impacts of mining in developing countries. More >>
'Oil, gas and imperialism' - published by The Guardian (Jan 2006)
The crisis caused by Russia’s hike in gas prices to the Ukraine is a reminder that politics, not the market, is driving global energy policies. More >>
'Business and human rights management report' (Aug 2004)
A detailed study examining how eight multinationals, including Anglo American and BP, have developed and are implementing a human rights policy. More >>
'Lessons from history' - keynote speech at Stanford (May 2004)
Companies would do well to learn lessons from history by understanding the socio-political context in which they operate. More >>
'Memo to Kofi Annan’ - published by Foreign Policy magazine (Nov 2003)
The UN has failed to produce a balanced set of enforceable rules to regulate the human rights impacts of multinational corporations. More >>
'Stealing the NGOs thunder' - published by Ethical Corporation (Sep 2003)
Large companie are missing opportunities to head off campaigns from NGOs and other activists. More >>
'Coca-Cola is not the real thing for India’s activists' - published by FT (Aug 2003)
Targeting western multinationals rather than governments is often a more effective way for pressure groups to gain publicity for their cause. More >>
'Trouble ahead for oil investment in Iraq?' - published by Prospect (May 2003)
The history of oil investment in the developing world hints at trouble ahead for the multinationals in Iraq. More >>
'The politics of policies' - published by Ethical Corporation (May 2003)
Companies wishing to formulate policies on social issues, such as human rights and corruption, should beware quick fixes. More >>
'Ethical goals will not stop criticism of business' - published by FT (May 2003)
A more rigorous approach to CSR is needed – one which does not promise more than it can deliver in terms of reputation protection. More >>
‘The empire strikes flak’ – paper presented at Harvard (May 2003)
In this paper, Daniel Litvin challenges the image of western multinationals as powerful and controlling giants. More >>
'Rio Tinto business integrity guidance' (Apr 2003)
Guidance for managers on implementing the policies on business integrity and political involvement set out in The way we work. More >>
'Rio Tinto human rights guidance' (Apr 2003)
Guidance for managers on implementing the human rights policy set out in The way we work, Rio Tinto’s statement of business practice. More >>
'Sustainable commitments' – World Bank environment strategy (Nov 2001)
Editorial team included Daniel Litvin. More >>
'Fuel for thought' – World Bank energy sector environment strategy (Jun 2000)
Editorial team included Daniel Litvin. More >>
Survey of global development - published by The Economist (Mar 1998)
In depth Economist survey. More >>
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