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...

Bangladesh coal workers finish strike

More than 1,100 striking workers at Bangladesh's state-owned Barapukuria Coal Mine Co Ltd (BCMCL) have returned to work after their demand for demand higher wages and shorter hours was met. The five day strike affected coal production at the Barapukuria mine, 415 km north of the capital, Dhaka.

"All the miners have resumed work with satisfaction as their basic demand to raise wages was fulfilled," the company's CEO, Mohammad Kamruzzaman, told Reuters. "We have agreed to raise the wages of the miners by 22%," Kamruzzaman said by telephone from the coal mine site.

The coalfield produces about 2,000 t of coal a day, supplying two power plants with a total capacity of 250 MW. CMCL developed the coal field with technical assistance from Chinese coal firm China National Machinery Import and Export Corporation.

Bangladesh has six coal fields with around 2.55 Bt of reserves.