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...

Timah to Apply 'Block System' in tin mining

Indonesia's state-owned tin miner, PT Timah Tbk is to apply the "block system" in its tin mining area in Bangka Belitung province this year to increase efficiency in mining and protect the environment. "The block system will be applied on on-shore mines by creating a canal around our 20-50 hectare mining area for greater efficiency in our mining operations and protect the environment. The block system would also make it easier to determine the volume of production and delineate PT Timah’s mining areas and prevent theft, a company director, Wahid Usman, told Antara newsagency.


Encircled by a canal as part of the block system, the mining areas will also be easier to watch over because supervisors can then focus on certain points in the field. "The block system will also allow us to dispose of mining waste and facilitate reclamation or restoration of land damaged by mining activity," he said.

Usman added that PT Timah is determined to become a world-class mining company and a leader in the global tin market. "Right now, the tin price is determined by traders. We produce the tin but others determine the price and this is clearly not to our benefit. This condition can not be avoided because it is part of the market mechanism. To increase tin production which has declined lately, we will maximize production of such goods as soldering tin or ‘chemical tin’," he said.