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...

FCX makes shock new President Director appointment at Freeport Indonesia

In a shock move, US mining giant Freeport-McMoran Copper & Gold (FCX) has removed the President Director of its 90.68% subsidiary, PT Freeport Indonesia, after the resolution of a dramatic three month's strike by over one-third of the companies 23,000 workers at the Grazberg gold-copper mine in Papua province, Indonesia. Dr Rozik B. Soetjipto, a Commissioner of PTFI since 2000 has been appointed as its new president director, replacing the outgoing Armando Mahler.

He will be assisted by an executive committee chaired by FCX chief executive Richard Adkerson, while Armando will serve as a senior advisor to the committee. “The new management organization will enable us to renew our commitment to operate the Grasberg mine in a safe, efficient and world class fashion for the benefit of our employees, the local community, and the Republic of Indonesia,” the company stated.

Dr Rozik, a mining engineer, previously held senior positions in the Indonesian Department of Energy and Mineral resources, including the posts of Director General of Geology and Director General of Mining, as well as serving a two year term as the nation's State Minister of Public Works. He is a graduate of the Bandung Institute of Technology and obtained masters and doctorate degrees in metallurgical engineering from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven in Belgium.