This research examines how social equity can be embedded in critical minerals extraction for the renewable energy transition. Our study reveals that the shift to renewable technologies has created a mineral-intensive dependency that risks perpetuating colonial extraction patterns in the Global South. Through systems mapping and strategic foresight, we identified five interconnected equity dimensions requiring intervention: indigenous rights, livelihood impacts, environmental justice, geopolitical power dynamics, and climate finance.

Our scenario development identified "Thriving within Limits" as the preferred future, where resource governance prioritizes need-based extraction and equitable benefit distribution. The key finding is that embedding social equity requires simultaneous interventions across multiple leverage points. We developed pathways in five categories: paradigm shifts, system goals, structural reorganization, rule changes, and feedback mechanisms.

We conclude that successful transition requires transforming underlying power dynamics, not just technologies. The leverage points provide pathways to intervene in the current energy system to ensure that the renewable energy transition benefits are shared equitably, turning critical minerals extraction into opportunities for social equity and local growth rather than continued exploitation.