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...

Pakistan province threatens cancellation of Barrick-Antofagasta copper-gold project

Pakistan's southwestern province of Baluchistan plans to cancel a $3 billion joint venture copper and gold project owned by Canada's Barrick Gold and Chilean copper miner Antofagasta. The two companies are partners in Tethyan Copper Co  which has a 75% interest in the Reko Diq project and holds the exploration license for the site. The provincial government holds the remaining 25%.

According to Reuters, cancellation of the license is "meant to ease anger in Pakistan's poorest province over outsider exploitation of its natural resource" but would damage Pakistan's image as a destination for foreign investment.

"The cabinet has said they wanted to cancel the exploration license but it has not been finalized," Mushtaq Ahmed, secretary for the provincial mining ministry, told the newsagency. He said there was a chance the deal would not be canceled, and that the situation should be clarified in coming days.

The deposit holds more than 11 billion pounds of copper and 9 million ounces of gold.