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...

West Papua gold-copper exploration license

Australian-listed Hillgrove Resources Limited announced that its Indonesian partner, PT Akram Resources, has been granted an Exploration Mining Business Licence (IUP Eksplorasi) for its 99,230 ha project in the Indonesian province of West Papua. Hillgrove has an 80% economic interest in the gold-copper prospect.

The license gives PT Akram Resources the right to continue its exploration programs and, subject to positive feasibility studies, is convertible into a Production IUP for an initial period of 20 years and extendable for a further 20 years (by way of two 10 year extension periods).

“With our partners, we now hold almost 2,000km² under IUP’s over the Bird’s Head and Sumba Projects which contain some of the most prospective exploration ground in Indonesia. Both these projects will be the subject of extensive drilling campaigns in 2010,” David Archer, Managing Director of Hillgrove Resources, said.