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...

Subhash Projects starts Indonesian production

Subhash Projects & Marketing, India's Kolkata-based infrastructure company, will start commercial production of coal from its block in Indonesia in April, chief operating officer Rishabh Sethi said.

The company had begun mining at the PT Bism mine in December. “We were waiting for the barge load conveyors to be readied,” he said. The conveyors are used to move the coal to a barge which then takes it to the buyer.

The company plans to initially sell its coal locally and then export it to Asia. “We are looking at mining about 50,000—60,000 t a month initially,” Sethi said. SPML is looking at mining 3 Mt/y at a later stage.

The mine, which SPML bought with power equipment maker Emco in 2008 for $40 million, has reserves of over 100 Mt. SPML holds 55% and Emco the rest. Both the companies will invest about $4-5 million in the mine in 2010-11.