Jara Bakx is Advisor Responsible Raw Materials with extensive expertise in fostering responsible mining practices and strengthening governance in the mineral sector. Since joining Levin Sources in January 2022, Jara has partnered with governments, businesses, and multilateral organisations to develop innovative strategies that address complex environmental, social, and governance (ESG) challenges in mineral value chains.
Her work often focuses on professionalising and integrating artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) into formal supply chains, advancing gender equality, and supporting human rights and environmental due diligence. She also works to address the unique challenges posed by the rising demand for energy transition minerals, striving to ensure that this does not worsen existing issues in mineral production or amplify harms to vulnerable groups.
Jara has worked with a diverse range of clients, including the World Bank, planetGOLD, the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), and the International Institute for Sustainable Development, with much of her work focusing on upstream mineral value chains in Sub-Saharan Africa. She works closely with these agencies to identify and address barriers that hinder ASM miners from integrating into formal supply chains, designing evidence-based and context-sensitive strategies that promote social and environmental sustainability. Through these partnerships, she helps clients navigate complex governance challenges while fostering inclusive and responsible practices. Furthermore, Jara advises on the design and implementation of interventions to advance women’s empowerment in mineral value chains. In collaboration with industrial mining companies across several African countries, she has also designed human rights-based and gender-responsive ASM management strategies to address the risks associated with ASM operations on and near mining concessions.
Jara also supports downstream companies, including those in the energy, automotive, and jewellery sectors, by conducting detailed mineral supply chain risk and opportunity assessments. Her insights have helped clients identify ESG risks, design mitigation strategies, align with international responsible sourcing standards, and strengthen their commitments to ethical practices.
Before joining Levin Sources, Jara served as Policy Officer Raw Materials and Oceans at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, where she advanced initiatives on gender equality, responsible business conduct, and mineral sector governance. Jara holds a BA in History from Utrecht University, an MSc in International Development Studies (cum laude) from Wageningen University & Research, and an Advanced Master in International Development (cum laude) from Radboud University. Her academic work focused on the intersection of environmental governance, social justice, and postcolonialism.
Fluent in English and Dutch, with proficiency in Spanish, Jara is based in London, the United Kingdom.
