CuArb/CUGLS Event: 'The Race for Critical Minerals'

The Cambridge University Arbitration Society (CuArb) and the Cambridge University Graduate Law Society (CUGLS) are organising a session with Michael Greenop titled 'The Race for Critical Minerals: Energy Transition, Geopolitics, and the Future of Investment Arbitration' on 19th March, 2026 at 5:00 pm at the Faculty of Law.

Brief Bio of the Speaker: Michael Greenop is a dual qualified (England & Wales and New Zealand) Counsel in the international arbitration team at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr LLP in London, where he focuses on international commercial and investment treaty disputes. He has acted as counsel in arbitration cases across Europe, Asia, the Americas, Africa, and the Middle East, and has advised States and institutions on drafting arbitration legislation and rules. Michael is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and holds various academic and teaching roles, including as an Adjunct Professor of Comparative Law at Pepperdine University. He regularly speaks at conferences and workshops on issues relating to international arbitration, and his writing on arbitration and public international law topics has been published in leading peer-reviewed legal publications and has received awards.

Event Description: The transition to clean energy has triggered an unprecedented race for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. These resources have become the backbone of not only the energy sector, but also other industries like technology, manufacturing, and defence. This seminar will examine how the strategic importance of these resources is reshaping the relationship between States and investors, fuelling resource nationalism and a new generation of investment disputes. Against the backdrop of ongoing reform in the investment treaty framework, it will consider how international investment law is adapting, or struggling to adapt, to the strategic realities of the critical minerals era. In particular, the spotlight will be on the so-called "critical minerals paradox."

Pre-drinks will be 4:30pm-5pm

Registration Details: This event has very limited capacity, and hence it is advised that all who are interested to attend should register themselves early.