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...

Vietnam moots export tax on coal to follow July hike on iron-ore

Vietnam's Finance Ministry is considering raising the export tax on coal from 15% to 20% to protect dwindling reserves, news website VnExpress reported. It cited a ministry source as saying a higher tax rate will help restrict exports as coal reserves are thinning and the country, a major coal exporter, imported coal from Indonesia for the first time last week.

State-owned Vinacomin plans to import about 10 Mt of coal in 2012, and this is expected to gradually increase to 100 Mt by 2020, the report said.

The ministry recently issued a circular raising the export duty on iron ore to 40% from 30% now to ensure raw material supplies for the domestic steel industry. The new tax rate will come into effect on 2 July.