Introduction: The Relevance and Limitations of International Law in the Prevention of Mineral Harms

This book explores the challenges faced by international law in addressing violence related to mineral exploitation. It progresses from analysing the specific relationship between minerals and human rights to a systemic examination of how international economic regimes interact with human rights measures. The introductory chapter sets the theoretical framework and provides a global overview of the interplay between mineral exploitation, human rights, and international law. It delves into the negative impacts of mineral exploitation, the systemic nature of international law, and the manifestations of fragmentation. The final section explores the author’s structural bias and rationale for adopting a human rights perspective.