Overview
Critical Resource is an advisory firm specialising in stakeholder issues around natural resource investments. Our clients include some of the world’s largest companies. Our proprietary methodology, LicenseSecureTM, creates competitive advantage for clients and provides clearer definition – and a more effective and highly responsible approach – to the politics of resources:
- For senior executives and boards taking decisions on project investments or M&A, LicenseSecure: Assess delivers rigorous due diligence on political risks and stakeholder issues.
- LicenseSecure: Navigate supports senior executives to access resources and develop projects and operations by securing the “socio-political license to operate”.
Our core team brings together experience working for major global resource firms, The Economist, McKinsey, the OECD, and the Royal Institute of International Affairs, among other organisations. The senior advisory panel for LicenseSecure comprises Lord (John) Browne, Bill Emmott and Prof Paul Collier.
Recent news and articles
The fractured politics of fracking (Apr 2012)Public fears about shale gas could severely limit the industry’s growth globally. It needs to provide more reassurance – and self-regulation more»
Golden opportunities, complex risks (Apr 2012)A fast changing socio-political environment presents challenges for gold miners in West Africa more»
Q & A with Shell CEO: ‘host country relations’ key to success (Feb 2012)Peter Voser talks to Critical Resource about partnering with resource countries, the ‘gas revolution’, and strengthening industry standards more»
Q & A with Rio Tinto CEO: industry needs to ‘out’ bad actors (Sep 2011)Tom Albanese, Rio Tinto’s CEO, talks to Critical Resource about tackling corruption, socio-political management, and competitive advantage more»
'Shine the light on payments': Q&A with Clare Short (Jul 2011)The new chair of the EITI Board gives her thoughts on the ‘resource curse’, recent events in North Africa, and the future of the global transparency initiative more»
South Sudan: oil on troubled waters? (Mar 2011)Will the oil wealth South Sudan shares with the North bring peace or further war – and can oil firms do anything to help? more»
Lessons from Deepwater Horizon: Q&A with Lord Browne (Feb 2011)The former CEO of BP talks to Critical Resource about the Macondo oil spill, corporate responsibility and the future of the oil industry more»
Resource plunder to “God’s work” - Q&A with Paul Collier (Dec 2010)Oxford professor & Critical Resource senior advisory panel member on how development opportunities from resources can be better captured more»







