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Mining, Metals and Resource-based Development

Natural Resources for Sustainable Development: The Fundamentals of Oil, Gas and Mining Governance

Location: Online

Natural resources represent a potentially transformational opportunity to support development but are ultimately finite. How do we make the most of them without destroying the planet? In this 12-week course, produced by the Natural Resource Governance Institute, the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment, and the World Bank, learn about efforts to sustainably manage extractive industry investments. You will come to understand the complex and interwoven aspects of natural resource governance and become part of a global movement of citizens and practitioners committed to harnessing the transformational impacts of our natural resources.

This course is for:

  • Climate change activists or practitioners looking to understand the balance of sustainable resource use and business investment
  • Sustainable development practitioners – as well as private-sector actors, such as those who work in corporate sustainability and responsibility or renewable energy – who need a historical context of the extractives industry and its evolution
  • Extractive practitioners, such as those who work in oil, gas and mining, who are interested in making the field more sustainable
  • Graduate students and advanced undergraduate students studying extractives, environmental science, environmental law, sustainable development, sustainable business and related fields

Supported by the World Bank, this 12-week MOOC covers how to manage sustainable extractive industry investments. Cutting across economics, law, politics, engineering, and environmental management, the course covers oil, gas, coal, minerals, and the impact of the extractives sector on the countries dependent on it, on the communities involved in mining and transportation, on the environment, and on the prosperity of people in these countries. The course was also adapted by the Inter-American Development Bank for a Latin American audience, and it has been integrated into blended learning offerings at universities around the world.

This MOOC is also offered as part of a Professional Certificate course in Sustainable Mining and Resource Management from edX. Learn more here.

1. How do I enroll?

To register for the course on edX.org, visit edX.org by the SDG Academy.

This Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is being offered self-paced, entirely online, which means you can take it from the comfort of your home or office at a pace that works for you.

2. How much does it cost to enroll?

The MOOC is free of charge (yes, you read that right!) if you pursue the Audit Track. If you want to pursue an edX Verified Certificate, you can upgrade to the Verified Track for US$49. (See question 8 for more details about certificates.)

3. What topics does the MOOC cover?

Key topics include:

  • How countries translate natural resource wealth into sustainable development outcomes
  • How governance of extractive industries impact long term economic development
  • The policies necessary for the sustainable management of natural resource wealth
  • Why communication between government, industry, and citizens is critical to sustainable natural resource management

Please see the complete syllabus for more details.

4. Does the course require any prior knowledge?

No, it does not. But you may also be interested in our MOOC on Mining and Materials for Sustainable Development Transformations.

5. What geographic regions are covered in the MOOC?

With experts from all global regions, our lecturers bring in expertise, perspectives, and examples from around the world that are relevant to global mining and materials value chains.

6. How long does it take to complete the course?

The MOOC is structured in 12 modules. We suggest that you complete the course over 12 weeks (4-6 per week) to keep the learning momentum, but you may wish to advance faster or spread it out over a longer period. You can design your own learning experience!

7. Are there exams or quizzes?

There will be short multiple-choice quizzes in each module of the MOOC to challenge your comprehension of the presented material and underline key lessons. No need to worry: if you watch the content and listen closely, you will thrive in the quizzes, and perhaps even enjoy reflecting on your experience!

Learners who have upgraded to the Verified Track must pass a final exam to earn their edX Verified Certificate. The exam will consist of multiple choice questions and reference learnings from the entire course.

8. Is there a certificate of completion?

Learners have the opportunity to earn an edX Verified Certificate upon successful completion of the course. All you have to do is upgrade for US$49.

Want to pursue the certificate but worried about the cost? edX offers financial assistance for learners who qualify.

Learners completing the course via the free Audit Track will have access to all the content, but will not receive a certificate.

9. Will there be opportunities to exchange ideas with other participants?

Yes! You are encouraged to use the Discussion Forum to exchange thoughts, questions, and reflections with other learners, as well as the experts. The details will be outlined in the course program when we release the training, but rest assured there will be opportunities to interact with us at CCSI and fellow learners.

We are also hoping to arrange live engagement with experts via webinars and online Q&As. Details about these opportunities will be sent to enrolled learners in advance.

10. Can I share this training opportunity with colleagues who work in mining and material value chains?

Absolutely! Feel free to share with colleagues, friends, and family with or without prior experience in mining and materials. Remember: the MOOC is free of charge, so you may invite anyone to join you on this enriching intellectual adventure!

Want to entice your friends with a particular chapter? Once enrolled, you will be able to share videos directly from the edX platform, or find them in the SDG Academy Library.

11. How can I collaborate with CCSI?

If you’re interested in collaborating with CCSI on topics related to mining and materials value chains, or any other of our focus areas, please reach out to us at ccsi@climate.columbia.edu.

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