Mining Mineral Life: Extracting the Energy Transition in Southeast Asia examines how mining for energy transition critical minerals is transforming landscapes and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. The project aims to break new empirical and conceptual ground in the understanding of extraction by integrating geoscience, artisanal knowledges, mineral cosmologies, and histories of critical minerals. At the centre of the project is an interrogation of the category of minerality, the distinction between the bio/geo, and new visions of ‘mineral life.’

Critical minerals underpin decarbonization technologies, from semiconductors to batteries and wind turbines. Southeast Asia, rich in these resources, including tin, nickel, rare earths, and silica, faces rising extraction pressures as global Net Zero targets accelerate demand. Yet the environmental, social, and cultural consequences of critical mineral mining are poorly understood. Key gaps remain in understanding how policy designations of mineral “criticality” affect local landscapes, livelihoods, and artisanal knowledge systems. What is the history and geopolitics of mineral “criticality” in Southeast Asia? How has critical mineral extraction driven the formation of state boundaries and geopolitics of the region? What new spaces and knowledges are emerging around the critical mineral trade? What opportunities are there for new geo-solidarities between miners, minerals, and the deep history of the earth itself?

We welcome project proposals on any theme or one or more of the following:

• Political geology: Histories and politics of critical mineral extraction, geological surveys, mining aesthetics, political geology, and economic geology in Southeast Asia. What is the modern history of critical mineral extraction in Southeast Asia? How have geological surveys shaped the region, including conceptions of state spaces, subterranean realms, and national deep time histories? Is there anything new about energy transition critical mineral extraction or is it a continuation of much older imperial processes? What is the history of the category of critical minerals in Southeast Asia?

• Geo-solidarities: Conceptualising and mapping critical mineral commodity chains, displaced volumes, and landscape change. What forms of geo-solidarity might emerge in critical mineral mining sites? What experimental cartographies can bring together social forces, landscape morphology, and mineral trajectories across deep temporal ranges and contemporary renewable energy technologies.

• Mineral cosmologies: Histories of artisanal mining knowledges, techniques, mineral cosmologies, and craft. What is the history and politics of the distinction between the organic and inorganic in Southeast Asia? What is a decolonial minerality? Are minerals alive?  Should the rights of nature be extended to geological materials?

We are seeking candidates from diverse disciplinary backgrounds (history, geography, architecture, anthropology) with demonstrated ambitious and creative approaches to scholarship. The post is for 3 years based in NTU’s School of Humanities and the Asian School of the Environment. Cross disciplinary collaborations are highly encouraged. Successful candidates will develop their own projects while contributing to a stimulating research program including international conferences, seminars, exhibitions, artistic collaborations, and public programming. The positions are generously resourced and include field based and archival research support.

Key Responsibilities:

We are looking for a Research Fellow to develop and deliver a 3-year research project on the impact of mining for the energy transition on landscapes and livelihoods in Southeast Asia. The fellow will work independently as well as contributing to the intellectual direction of the research group. The candidate will also contribute to the conceptualization and delivery of a program of public and scholarly events including international conferences, seminars, public talks, and exhibitions.

Job Requirements:

• PhD degree in any discipline though History, Geography, Anthropology, or Architecture preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to conceptualize and deliver an original substantive advanced research project in three years.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Interpersonal skill including ability to work independently, develop solutions under strict timelines, meticulous and eye for details, excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to manage deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Application Requirements:

Please submit the following

• CV: No more than four pdf pages, including education, awards, publications, and presentations.
• Research proposal: No more than 3 pdf pages, single spaced. Include research questions, a literature review, research plan, proposed fieldsite(s) and/or archive(s), brief bio, and why you think this project is for you.
• Names and contact details for three references.

Proposals can address any theme related to critical mineral extraction in Southeast Asia. Proposals can also engage themes of Political geology, Geo-solidarities, and/or Mineral cosmologies.

Application deadline: 04 December 2026, 6:00pm

Contact adam.bobbette@ntu.edu.sg with queries regarding the project

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.