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...

Indonesian local government shocks Newmont affiliate

PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara (NNT), a partly-owned affiliate of Newmont Mining Corporation, has expressed its “shock” over a letter from the municipal head of West Sumbawa Regency in Nusa Teggara Barat province, stating he would stop the copper-gold mine operating from April.

The ban will reportedly be implented if the Government of Indonesia does not grant the local government the right to purchase a 7 percent stake currently being offered to the central authorities as required by Indonesian law.

NNT president director, Martiono Hadianto, described the letter as an outcome of an “internal problem” between the central government and the local administration. “PT NNT and foreign shareholders of PT NNT should thus not be involved in the matter,” he said.