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...

Freeport adds $1m scholarship to Papua CSR

A $1 million scholarship program for Papuans to study in the USA, part of PT Freeport Indonesia’s corporate social responsibility program, has been welcomed by Indonesia's Deputy Minister of National Education, Fasli Jalal. “[This program] is strategic for Papua because the standards of Papuan universities, such as Universitas Cendrawasih and Universitas Negeri Papua, can increase through cooperation,” he said.

Freeport will not require recipients of the grants to work for the company.

Freeport will also continue to support the American-Indonesian Exchange Foundation's Fulbright program, which sent 22 masters degree scholarship recipients from Papua province to study in the USA between 1998 and 2009. This latest program will be valid for the next five years, from 2010 to 2015.