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...

About AJM

Specialist reporting on Australia-Asia-Pacific minerals and energy exploration, mining and manufacturing projects, people and politics for the advanced supply chains of smart infrastructure & renewable energy.


AJM RESOURCES PUBLISHING was established in 1986 by marketing and media entrepreneur Geoffrey Gold to launch the Australian Journal of Mining. The following year, the Singapore-based Asia Pacific Mining magazine was acquired and merged with AJM to create the Australia, Asian and Pacific Journal of Mining and its companion annual, the Asia/Pacific Mining Yearbook.

In 1993, the magazine was unbundled to re-establish the Australian Journal of Mining and the Asian Journal of Mining as separate publications.

In Indonesia, Geoffrey Gold developed a local joint venture to co-publish a series of special publications in association with the Ministry of Mines and Energy including the Indonesian Mining Handbook series and the Indonesian Minerals Exploration and Mining Directory.

AJM Resources Publishing also conducted major mining industry conferences in Sydney and Brisbane, Australia, Jakarta, Indonesia, Manila, Philippines and Singapore.

In 1998 the Australian Journal of Mining was sold to Informa plc in Australia. Geoffrey Gold retained the AJM trademark and published the Asian Journal of Mining from other markets.

From the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Rim AJM, now the AsiaPacific Journal of Mining, continues to publish research and analysis to exploration and mining companies, mining technology and service businesses, national and regional governments, media, sponsors and advertisers.

AJM’s commentary and analysis also provides the latest news about projects and insights for minerals and energy professionals through private bespoke commercial reports and public newsletters and websites:
AsiaPacific Journal of Mining - regular analysis and reports on the projects, people and politics of mining in Asia (archived)

AsiaPacific Mining on Twitter - updates, referrals and two-way information flow through social media.

AsiaPacific Mining on LinkedIn - professional discussions and networking group (entry by approval).

AsiaPacific Journal of Mining on Facebook