At the World Resources Forum, Ben works across a range of projects in the extractive sector, responsible mining, and sustainability. His work spans due diligence in mineral supply chains, community engagement in the context of the Responsible Mining Index, small-scale mining, and circular economy topics such as e-waste recycling. He is also involved in broader sustainability initiatives, including EU Horizon proposals and projects exploring the recovery of critical raw materials.

Ben brings a strong scientific foundation to his work. He holds a PhD in geology from the University of Leicester, earned through fieldwork and high-precision geochemical analysis. After his PhD, Ben spent several years teaching and researching in the US before joining ETH Zurich as a senior scientist, contributing to international research projects. In recent years, his research has focused on the behaviour of lithium in magmatic systems, helping to advance understanding of how lithium concentrates beneath volcanoes.

When not looking at rocks, Ben can often be found coaching the juniors at FC Wiedikon.

Skills & Expertise: Geology · Critical minerals (lithium) · Responsible & sustainable mining · Due diligence

Key Publications:

• How companies address due diligence in their sustainability reports
• Lithium inventory of the Cerro Galán volcanic system (Argentina) and its potential role as source for brine deposits
• Cold country rocks limit lithium loss from pegmatites
• Evaluating the potential of rhyolitic glass as a lithium source for brine deposits
• Post-eruptive mobility of lithium in volcanic rocks