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...

Coal India closing in on foreign coal mines

India is accelerating its program to invest in some 15-20 thermal coal mines in Australian, India and the USA, with state-owned Coal India aiming to finalise a deal in the next six months. Coal India chairman Partha Bhattacharyya said due diligence on the two best investment proposals in each country will start soon.

According to Matt Chambers in The Australian, Hancock Prospecting and Rio Tinto are among Australian miners talking to Coal India, whose domestic production already makes it the world's biggest coal producer. "Within six months we'll start closing deals," Mr Bhattacharyya was quoted as saying.

In July, Coal India called for expressions of interest from potential coalmining partners to cater to unprecedented growth in local demand. Under its 11th five-year development plan, India aims to provide all villages and houses below the poverty line with power and to boost economic growth to 10% by 2011-12.