Rising demand for critical minerals to fuel the green energy transition means an expansion of mining around the world.

New mines are opening, existing mines are being scaled up.

In the fourth programme in our series, we find out about the impact of mineral mining on the planet and for those people both working in the mines and living nearby.

We head to the Democratic Republic of the Congo where there are claims that child labour is being used in so called ‘artisanal’ mines and there is little scrutiny of the supply chain.

Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Lexy O'Connor

(Image: Artisanal miners carry sacks of ore at a mine near Kolwezi in 2022. Credit: Getty Images)

China’s headstart in market dominance is significant, and its grip on critical mineral supply chains remains tight.

The question now is whether other governments can move fast enough — and smart enough — to build something more secure, more sustainable, and less dependent.

We head to La Rochelle in western France for a rare look inside one of the world’s biggest rare earth processing plants, and find out what it reveals about Europe’s efforts to build a supply chain of its own.

Presenter: Jonathan Josephs Producer: Matt Lines

(Image: A rare earth processing plant in La Rochelle, France, owned by chemicals giant Solvay)

The country dominates the global processing of critical minerals - materials essential to clean energy, defence, and modern manufacturing.

In the second part of our series on the global race to secure these resources, we explore how China built its control over the supply chain, from strategic state investment to partnerships abroad.

We also head to Indonesia, where Chinese firms are leading the charge in nickel processing. Has one country gained too much power over the world’s green transition?

Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Lexy O’Connor

(Image: Labourers work at the site of a rare earth metals mine at Nancheng county, Jiangxi province in 2010. Credit: Getty Images)

They’re essential to the green transition, modern tech, and defence systems—and global demand is soaring.

In the first part of our series on critical minerals, we ask what they are, where they're found and why they matter?

As countries scramble to secure supplies, we explore the rising geopolitical tensions shaping this fast-growing industry—including the Oval Office standoff between Presidents Trump and Zelensky over a landmark minerals deal.

Presenter: Sam Fenwick Producer: Lexy O’Connor

(Image: Hands holding rock samples of critical minerals)

It’s been 10 years since Ireland made history by becoming the first country to legalise same-sex marriage through a public vote.

While other countries had legalised it, it was the first time a referendum had been held.

We hear from wedding planners, photographers and venues about how things have changed for them since the 2015 referendum.

As the overall number of marriages in Ireland decreases, the number of same-sex marriages is still increasing. We hear from same-sex couples who are now seen as prospective clients for this sector.

Produced and presented by Leanna Byrne

(Image: Alan Hatton and Darren Lawlor)

Six months on, we head back to the Spanish city to hear from residents and businesses.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Presented and produced by Ashish Sharma

(Image: Floodwaters on the streets of Valencia, Spain, in October 2024. Homes, businesses, and public spaces were severely affected. Credit: Getty Images)

We're in Colombia where workers have been been shot at, threatened with violence and seen their work colleagues killed – all because of union membership or association.

Why is this happening, what’s being done about it, and what drives people to still sign up for trade union membership?

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Presented and produced by Gideon Long

(Image: Striking truck drivers in September 2024. Credit: Getty Images)

Nuclear power is back in favour, as more countries across the world consider ways to cut carbon emissions to combat climate change.

Countries like China and Japan are planning to build more reactors, but should nations in Africa invest in renewable sources of generating electricity, like solar panels, wind turbines and geo-thermal power, instead of nuclear?

We examine how energy generated from nuclear fission has huge advance costs which would mean African governments finding loans from willing investors, but that might cede more economic influence to China or Russia.

We also hear how Amazon, Google and Microsoft are investing in nuclear power, using smaller modular reactors to run data storage centres in the United States, as demand for electricity is expected to surge when artificial intelligence is running at full capacity. Could the developing technology of SMRs prove useful in Africa?

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Presented and produced by Russell Padmore

(Picture: The Koeberg nuclear power station, Cape Town, South Africa. Credit: Getty Images)

Dozens of new nuclear power projects are planned across the world, amid efforts to reduce the use of fossil fuels. But why build more reactors when renewable sources of generating electricity, like wind and solar might be cheaper?

We explore why countries are turning - or returning - to nuclear fission, notably Japan, which dealt with a meltdown at its Fukushima plant in 2011. And we look at how Germany’s decision to close all of its reactors has caused problems for the country’s economy.

We also learn how Amazon, Google and Microsoft are investing in nuclear power, with plans to use smaller modular reactors to run data storage centres in the United States, as demand for electricity is expected to surge when artificial intelligence is running at full capacity.

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Presented and produced by Russell Padmore

(Pictures: A photo taken on November 6, 2024, shows the construction site of Units 7 and 8 of Tianwan Nuclear Power Plant in Lianyungang, China. Credit: Getty Images)

As Portugal heads into its third general election in four years, immigration is proving to be a key issue. The famously welcoming country is facing a backlash from residents who are experiencing rising living costs and a lack of housing. Now the country is tightening its immigration rules – so what could the economic impact be?

If you would like to get in touch with the show, please email: [email protected]

Presented and produced by Antonio Fernandes

(Image: A Portuguese flag flying over the capital, Lisbon. Credit: Getty Images)

From extra bags to choosing a seat, airline passengers are faced with an array of extras, for a fee.

And stricter limits for luggage in particular have turned 'compatible' suitcases and bags into big business.

From bag manufacturers, racing to design the next travel bag innovation, to the travel influencers building audiences by sharing money-saving packing hacks.

But what do passengers think about it all?

Presenter: Sam Gruet

Producer: Megan Lawton

(Image: A woman packing a suitcase. Credit: Getty Images)

The value of the US dollar has fallen in recent months.

Currencies rise and fall all the time, but since US President Donald Trump announced a raft of tariffs in early April, the drops have been sharp and dramatic.

The greenback, as the US dollar is known, has been the world’s main reserve currency since the end of World War Two.

But is this changing?

Produced and presented by Ijeoma Ndukwe

(Image: A hand holding US dollars. Credit: Getty Images)