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 resolves centre-provincial mining dispute

Pakistan's parliamentary committee on constitutional reforms has resolved the issue of sharing mineral and natural resources between the provinces and the federal government as it recommended joint control by the two levels of government with a 50% share in profit.

According to PakTribune sources, nationalist parties demanded to amend Article 172 of the Constitution and wanted ownership of minerals and ports by provinces instead of the federal government. However, stiff resistance to the proposal came from the Punjab government and from both the factions of the Pakistan Muslim League.

Article 172 reads: “Any property which has no rightful owner shall, if located in a province, vests in the government of that province, and in every other case, in the federal government. (2) All lands, minerals and other things of value within the constitutional shelf or underlying the ocean within the territorial waters of Pakistan shall vest in the federal government.”

Sources said after the resolution of the main issue on authority of controlling natural resources, the constitutional reforms committee is inching towards consensus on the issue of provincial authority.