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...

Eight global miners look to partner Coal India

Rio Tinto, Massey Energy and seven other international miners have reportedly "evinced keen interest" in partnering with state-owned Coal India Ltd. “Nine global mining firms, including Rio Tinto, Massey Energy have presented as many as 30 multi-billion-dollar proposals to Coal India for partnership (either in joint mining abroad or through joint ventures),” a senior executive of a global mining firm told The Economic Times.

Coal India produces over 80% of India's domestic coal output and the proposals made to it are for projects across Australia, Indonesia, South Africa and the US. The company's aim is to bring coal from foreign JVs at rates cheaper than the prevailing cost of imported coal and to bridge the domestic demand-supply gap, which is currently 70 Mt/y.

"Coal demand is expected to cross 730 Mt by March 2012, whereas supply would be only around over 600 Mt," the newspaper commented.