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...

Indonesia seizes 5 tonnes of illegal tin ore

Police in Bangka-Belitung province, Indonesia's main tin-producing area, have confiscated five tonnes of illegal tin ore. Dian Harianto, West Bangka police chief, told media that the tin ore had been seized from a warehouse as the owner did not have a proper license to stockpile tin ore and could not verify the source of the ore.

The combination of the police crackdown on illegal tin mining and wet weather has hit supplies of tin ore for members of PT Bangka-Belitung Timah Sejahtera, a consortium of seven smelters. "Tin ore supplies to our members have been halved because many tin mines are flooded while the police operation has discouraged individual miners from mining tin," said Johan Murod, director of the consortium.