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...

Caterpillar sees immediate growth potential in Asia

With revenues of $60 billion last year following a huge merger with Bucyrus, US earthmoving equipment manufacturer, Caterpillar Inc, saw a 83% increase in profits to almost $5 billion, up 83% from last year. According to its annual report, the company is also bullish about the immediate future:

“We expect mining to continue to be strong globally, and we have a sizable order backlog for mining equipment. We expect sales to increase in 2012 and are in the process of adding production capacity for many of our mining products. However, we expect sales to be constrained by capacity throughout 2012 ...

“We expect improving world economic growth to increase demand for commodities. Our outlook assumes most commodity prices will increase slightly in 2012 and continue at levels that encourage investment ...

“We expect economic growth in Asia/Pacific will exceed 6.5 percent in 2012, about the same as in 2011. Growth should improve in Australia and Indonesia, the result of recent interest rate cuts ..

"For 2012, we are expecting economic growth in China of about 8.5 percent. We have seen the Chinese government begin to ease lending policies and expect that will continue in 2012 ..."