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...

OceanaGold expects copper production at Didipio, Philippines, to commence in 2013

OceanaGold will start producing copper in concentrate from its long-delayed Didipio project in the Philippines in 2013 at 18,000 t/y,  Mick Wilkes, CEO, told Reuters. Gold production from the mine, under construction in Luzon island, will ramp up to 100,000 oz/y by the end of 2014.

Wilkes said compensation agreements were reached with local landowners, a trust fund established and sponsorship of educational scholarships.

"Didipio shows strong economics with cash costs for the first 6 years averaging negative $79/oz, net of by-product copper credits using a $3/lb copper price," he said.

Prospectors first discovered gold and copper at the mine site in the 1970s, with plans to develop a mine passing through several groups before being acquired by OceanaGold in 2006 following a merger with Climax Mining.

The company said enough exploration ground existed around the Didipio site to potentially lift annual output to 200,000 oz of gold and 30,000 t of copper.