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...

Myanmar government encourages private sector mining

The government of Myanmar (Burma) has been stepping up cooperation with the private sector in mineral extraction. According to China's Xinhua newsagency, a new contract reached between the state-owned Myanmar Mining Enterprise (MME)-2 and private company DELCO regarding tin and tungsten product quotas for the Kanpauk Mine, "signified another close cooperation between the Ministry of Mines and the private sector."

Myanmar has been encouraging local and foreign investment in the mining of such minerals as gold, gems, copper, lead, zinc and tin as well as coal.