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's Vinacom wants lower coal export tax

The Vietnam National Coal, Mineral Industries Holding Corporation (Vinacomin) has petitioned the Vientam government to reduce the coal export tax from 20% to 10% this year to help the corporation avoid further losses.

As of last month, coal stockpiles had reached 8.5 Mt, according to Nguyen Van Bien, deputy general director of Vinacomin. Despite this, Bien said, Vinacomin had incurred losses of VND8 trillion (US$380 million) every year on average for several years, because it sells coal for power production at below market prices under a Government subsidy program.

Importers still wanted to buy coal from Vietnam but offered buying prices lower than the production cost, said Bien. "As a result, Vinacomin dare not continue signing new export contracts because we're afraid of suffering further losses.”