Dr. Nadesh Gandhari

Thesis Proposal

THE STRATEGIC INTERFACE OF SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT, ESG GOVERNANCE, AND DIGITAL TRACEABILITY IN TRANSNATIONAL MINERAL CORRIDORS

by Dr. Nadesh Gandhari

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Research Overview

This doctoral research investigates how sustainable transport systems, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) governance frameworks, and digital traceability technologies collectively shape the future of critical mineral supply chains. Focusing on the emerging UAE–UK strategic mineral corridor, the study explores how transnational trade routes can evolve from traditional logistics networks into integrated governance systems that support sustainability, resilience, transparency, and economic competitiveness.

The thesis argues that sustainability in critical mineral trade can no longer be assessed solely at the mine or production level. Instead, it must be evaluated across the entire corridor through which minerals move—from extraction and processing to transportation and final industrial use. The research introduces the concept of the “mineral corridor” as a governance framework where infrastructure, policy, investment, logistics, and digital traceability converge to create sustainable and secure supply chains.

Using a qualitative case-study methodology, the research analyzes policy documents, industrial strategies, infrastructure developments, sustainability certification programs, and institutional reports related to the UAE and the United Kingdom. The study is grounded in Global Value Chain (GVC) Governance Theory and Institutional Isomorphism Theory, providing insights into how sustainability standards, digital traceability systems, and sovereign investments influence the behavior of governments, industries, and suppliers across international mineral networks.

A central contribution of the study is the development of the Triple-Constraint Framework, which identifies three interconnected pillars of modern mineral corridor governance:

  1. Decarbonization – Reducing logistics-related emissions and supporting low-carbon transport systems.
  2. Digital Traceability – Ensuring transparent chain-of-custody mechanisms through interoperable digital systems and product passports.
  3. Infrastructure Resilience – Building diversified and strategically managed transport corridors capable of reducing disruption risks.

The findings suggest that digital traceability and interoperable certification systems significantly enhance regulatory compliance, investor confidence, and market access. The research also highlights the strategic role of sovereign investment partnerships in accelerating sustainability adoption and industrial modernization across corridor participants. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that logistics infrastructure should be viewed not merely as a transport function but as a critical component of ESG performance and value creation.

The thesis concludes that successful mineral corridors of the future will depend on the integration of sustainable transport, governance-intensive logistics, digital transparency, and standards-linked investment. The UAE–UK partnership is presented as an emerging model that may influence the development of similar critical mineral corridors worldwide.