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...

Modern mining ok for environment

Rebutting criticism by environmentalists, Australian government officials said mining could pose minimum risk to environment as long as it is conducted legally with modern equipment and in-depth study.

"I agree with accusation by non governmental organizations about environmental damage caused by mining but it refers to small, illegal and traditional mining, not modern and legal," Australia's Senior Trade Commissioner for Indonesia Rod Morehouse told Xinhua newsagency.

He said that good mining companies think about long term work, not just short benefit.

Paul Martins, ASEAN Mining Team Leader and Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner at the Australian Trade Commission, said that modern mining companies completed with high technology play an important role for sustainable mining.

"They have an integrated approach that is important to minimize damage. They also have innovations such as in mining software that reduces cost and increase safety," he said.

Martins said that approximately 60% of the world's mines use mining software that was developed in Australia.