A fundamental choice for Critical Minerals development: "Fascism or radical democracy?"

The global demand for critical minerals like lithium and copper is surging, but how we attempt to quickly extract them, argues Katherine Teh , Executive Chairman of Spektrum Development , presents a fundamental choice: embrace authoritarian tactics that disregard communities or pursue transparent, consent-based development. In this pivotal moment, the stakes are high-ranging, from environmental destruction to lost economic potential. Which path should be chosen? Katherine Teh of Spektrum Development addressing the 2024 ACFID Conference WE ARE AT a crossroads in the energy transition. The gap between what the mining industry promises and what it delivers has been widening, creating not only delays but the potential for significant socio-economic and environmental risks. As the demand for critical minerals like copper, graphite, and lithium increases, we’re facing mounting challenges in securing these resources quickly enough to support the transition to renewable energy. The Problem...

China's gold production jumps 11.34%

China's gold output jumped 11.34% to a record of 313.98 t in 2009, the China Gold Association has announced. "Gold output reached above 300 tonnes for the first time," the association said, adding that China maintained its position as the world's top gold producer for the third straight year in 2009.

According to Reuters, China had more than 700 gold producers in 2009, down from more than 1,200 firms in 2002 as the industry consolidated. Nearly 60% of China's gold output in 2009 came from the top five producing provinces -- Shandong, Henan, Jiangxi, Fujian and Yunnan.

The CGA gave no figures for last year's consumption, but China consumed 395.6 t of gold in 2008.

China said last April its official gold holdings had risen to 1,054 t from 600 t in 2003, with the increase attributed to purchases of domestically produced gold to help soak up unsold output.