James McQuilken

Dr. James McQuilken is director of Pact’s Responsible Mining practice, leading a global team of more than 20 experts in community-led development programming. A social scientist and sustainable development expert, he has over a decade of experience in managing and delivering teams of technical expertise across mining, community development, environment and health initiatives, with a focus on artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) policy and practice.

He has fostered partnerships with global brands, mineral supply chain actors, government and large-scale mining companies to design and implement practical, evidence-based, multi-stakeholder community-led projects improving rural livelihoods, market system and environmental sustainability. As a technical expert, James provides advisory support to Pact’s global teams and partners leading analyses on global responsible mineral supply chains, governance frameworks and markets, and advising on critical minerals, energy transition, sustainability, community engagement and ESG strategies for large-scale mining and downstream companies. He has conducted in-depth supply chain mapping of 14 minerals, organized multi-stakeholder workshops on modern slavery in DRC’s artisanal cobalt mining sector and promoted mercury-free technologies for more sustainable small-scale gold mining.

James has made significant contributions to ASM research, having authored and managed over 20 peer-reviewed publications and technical reports, including the World Bank’s State of the ASM Sector Report. James sits on the Steering Committee of the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights, is an Honorary Lecturer at University of Exeter, and is co-founder of People and Mining, an academic dialogue forum to grow responsible mining partnerships. James has spoken at and chaired various panels at London Metals Exchange Week, OECD Forum on Responsible Mineral Supply Chains and Wilton Park. He holds a Ph.D. in Management from Surrey Business School, an MSc in Environment and Development from the University of Reading, and a BSc in Geography from the University of Southampton.