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...

Singapore ramps up Indonesian sub-bit coal swaps

The Singapore Exchange (SGX) became the first exchange to clear over-the-counter Indonesian sub-bituminous coal swaps last November and business is reportedly booming.

"We're seeing brokers jumping up and wanting to join in," Zenny Tran, the leader of Singapore-based broker Ginga Petroleum's coal team, told Business Times. "They now believe the market liquidity is sufficiently big enough for them to come in," she said.

This week, BGC Radix Managing Director Richard Tan said his oil-broking firm here aims to start a physical broking desk for coal within the next six months and, in London, Tullett Prebon announced it will open its Singapore-based Asian coal desk in August led by Greg Kublikowski.

The Business Times described Singapore, as "at the centre of the vibrant Asian coal trade"  and noted Straits Asia Resources and Noble Group as coal producers listed on the SGX.