Speakers confirmed for ReSToRE 3
(opens in a new window)Aaron Malone - Colorado School of Mines
Aaron is a Research Assistant Professor in the Mining Engineering Department at Colorado School of Mines. He is a social scientist, with a PhD in Geography from the University of Colorado and an M.A. in Geography from Ohio University. His research focuses on the intersections between mining and society. Currently, this includes field-based projects in sites around the USA where new critical mineral mines have been proposed, analyzing the drivers of social acceptance or opposition and the role of mining in shaping imagined futures. He has also worked on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) in Peru, including research on environmental issues and formalization. His most recent paper on ASM examines the economic geographies of informal mining and is part of the special issue “Critical Geographies of Mining and Extractivism in Latin America” that he co-led for the Journal of Latin American Geography.
(opens in a new window)Dr Tomas Buitendijk - University College Dublin
Tomas is a Research Fellow at the iCRAG Research Ireland Centre for Applied Geosciences at University College Dublin. He is an interdisciplinary researcher with a background in the Environmental Humanities, working primarily on coastal, marine and energy research challenges. Tomas is the co-founder and coordinator of the MESSAGE research group (https://www.ucd.ie/earth/
Taza Mulenga Lungu (MEnv Sci.) - Konkola Copper Mines Plc
Taza is an Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) Specialist and Environmental Coordinator at Konkola Copper Mines Plc, with extensive experience advancing sustainable development within the mining sector. Her work focuses on improving environmental performance in mining, supporting community resilience, and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations. She has led key initiatives including decarbonisation strategies, reforestation programmes, waste management improvements, and community-based projects with measurable environmental and social impact.
She has contributed to environmental and mining legislations guideline formulation and amendments in Zambia . She has represented Zambia on international platforms such as the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA-5 and UNEA-7) and the UN Women’s Day 2022 panel on “Climate Leadership for an Equal Future,” where she was the only African panelist. In addition Taza is the recipient of the 2025 Zanaco Zee Woman in Mining Award. Her work continues to focus on developing innovative ESG solutions that support responsible resource extraction and a more sustainable future.
(opens in a new window)Dr Salem S. Gharbia - Atlantic Technological University Sligo
Salam is the leader of the H2020 SCORE project, a Principal Investigator and Head of Department of Environmental Science at Atlantic Technological University, Ireland. Water resources, climate change and integrated environmental systems modelling with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are his main fields of interest. Dr. Gharbia worked for both academia and consultancy, and he holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Gharbia has excelled and been distinguished in all his studies, and he has received many awards and grants, such as Trinity College's prestigious Ussher award. Dr. Gharbia is a Principal investigator on a number of large-scale research and innovation projects such as EmpowerUS, Pro-climate, WaterFutures, Earth-HB and Pro-coast.
(opens in a new window)Dr Irene del Real - Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile
Irene is an Assistant Professor in the Mining Engineering Department at Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile. She holds an MSc from the University of British Columbia, Canada, a PhD from Cornell University, USA, and a postdoc at the University of Chile. With experience in both North and South America, her work focuses on understanding the geological processes that control the formation of mineral deposits, with a particular emphasis on Andean iron oxide–copper–gold systems, using geochemistry and structural geology tools.
She has also worked with the Chilean government on the definition and distribution of critical elements in the country and their exploration potential. In 2023, she published a book titled Everything That Shines, which highlights the importance of metals for the development of our society and our future.
(opens in a new window)Dr Aparajita Banerjee - German Institute of Development and Sustainability
Apa is a Senior Researcher at the German Institute of Development and Sustainability, based in Bonn, Germany.
I received my Ph.D. in Environmental and Energy Policy from the Department of Social Sciences at Michigan Technological University, USA. In addition, I hold a MA in Economics degree from Jadavpur University, India.
I am interested in research that examines the intersection of society, the environment, and government policies. I study socio-environmental problems at different scales local, regional and global. I have conducted research in countries like India, Mexico, Ireland, and the United States.
"My current research is inspired by the belief that societal transition to deep decarbonization and a sustainable future should truly be just and equitable for all. I am interested in exploring how society is impacted by wicked problems associated with energy and environmental (in)justice, climate change inequality, and biodiversity conservation. I have published on topics like comparative public policy, social acceptance, and rejection of alternative technological developments, ethics of energy development. I also have an interest in exploring the challenges in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals at micro, meso, and macro levels."
(opens in a new window)Dr Jocelyn Fraser - Norman B. Keevil Institute of Mining Engineering, The University of British Columbia
A lecturer and senior researcher at the University of British Columbia’s Institute of Mining Engineering, Jocelyn’s research focus is on social risk and social responsibility in the global mining sector. Her academic interests are complemented by 20 years of professional experience working with extractive companies to enhance stakeholder engagement and support sustainable value creation.
Jocelyn leads a working group on community engagement for the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM), and sits on the Mining Association of Canada’s Towards Sustainable Mining (TSM) Communities of Interest Panel representing the international development perspective. She is a member of the International Association of Public Participation and the American Academy of Management.
