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...

Field work starts at Cikoleang project, Indonesia

London-listed Central China Goldfields plc has started field work at the 7,981 ha Cikoleang gold project in Indonesia. The property is located approximately 100 km southwest of Jakarta, the national capital, in Banten province within the famous Bayah Dome gold mining area. which hosts the Cikotok, Cirotan and Gunung Pongkor mining operations.

In December the company announced it had signed an exclusive option agreement over the property with a local partner company PT Fino Bersaudara with a view to entering a definitive joint venture agreement within six months.

The initial work program will concentrate on detailed geological mapping with the aim of extending the existing area of mineralization ahead of more detailed analysis which is likely to include drilling later in the year.

Exploration work is being supervised by Mr Iswan Kadir, CCG’s Senior Geologist with over 20 years of experience working mainly on epithermal gold deposits in Indonesia for various major western companies including Barrick and Newcrest. Technical Director, Jun Angeles, recently visited Jakarta and several of the exploration areas to oversee the start of the exploration program.

The detailed geological mapping will focus on both surface and underground exposures of known gold vein areas and will include grid- based soil geochemical surveys. The aim is to extend known gold rich veins as well as identify further enrichment zones and new areas of mineralization outside of the known veins.