SE Asia Consulting ’s Post

The Sahel in Africa, namely Mali, Niger & Burkino Faso taking back control of mines. I can never understand how a continent so rich in minerals allows itself to be stripped of its inherent wealth whilst pleading poverty? It's the same old story: taking back control of the mines means money siphoned into the hands of the elite and politicians; or nationalising the mines but not reinvesting so that the derelict mines are bought dead cheap by some global mine company in exchange for dodgy licences and/or military deals. #mining #investments #investor #gold #stocks #FTSE #Nasdaq #jewellery https://lnkd.in/efdxWhNC

China’s tightening grip across Latin America. The Chinese government is increasing its foothold in Latin America through various investments, including deep-water ports, energy, and mining resources, among other key areas, Washington-based think tank Atlantic Council said. “China’s advances in Latin America are in critical areas such as strategic infrastructure, investments in sensitive technologies, logistical points, and in the military and defense field.” Read more on #ExtremaRatio https://lnkd.in/d3ThPdTt

Military grade ore could again be mined in Hants County 🇨🇦 Military Metals Corp explores reopening the historic West Gore antimony mine in Nova Scotia. With antimony prices doubling and its critical role in military & green tech, this project could reshape supply chains. 🗞 Bill Spurr via The Chronicle Herald: https://bit.ly/3D8HUIi ( 🇨🇦 MILI | 🇺🇸 MILIF | 🇩🇪 QN90) #Antimony #CriticalMinerals #Mining

Turning North to Canada-> This #CBC article discusses how the U.S. military has a history of moving military cash directly into Canadian #mining during times times of unrest over raw material shortage fears. An interesting read. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gY9gbw4j #graphite

Domestic mining of antimony is key to U.S. defense and its economy 🇺🇸 Antimony: A critical mineral essential to U.S. defense and economy. From military tech to renewable energy, its strategic value is unmatched. Why rely on imports when domestic reserves hold the key to independence? 🗞 James Spider Marks via The Washington Times: https://bit.ly/4f9uAAQ ( 🇨🇦 MILI | 🇺🇸 MILIF | 🇩🇪 QN90) #Antimony #CriticalMinerals #Mining

Russia has extensive reserves of rare earths, but with a production of less than 3,000 tons, it plays a secondary role in this sector globally. Plans were already published in the summer of 2020 to make the country the second-largest producer after China. However, the development of the key deposit, Tomtor, in the east of the country appears to be stalled, according to a report from the Russian news agency Interfax. #rawmaterials #criticalminerals #rarearths #mining

Military juntas in the Sahel are intensifying pressure on Western mining companies, driven by the rising gold prices and the need for revenue to finance military campaigns against jihadist groups. J.S. Held government relations and geopolitical expert Tiffany Wognaih commented to Le Monde Afrique that these efforts are reshaping the mining landscape, promoting resource nationalism to gain support. As seen in Burkina Faso, where gold makes up 12% of gross domestic product (GDP), and in Niger, which has suspended uranium mining permits, these moves are pushing Western investors out and creating opportunities for non-Western players like Russia and Turkey. For additional insight into African mining geopolitics, contact Tiffany at tiffany.wognaih@jsheld.com. To read the original article in French, visit: https://lnkd.in/e6GveX2m #50andForward #Mining #Africa #GlobalMarkets

Diversifying access to base and other metals to a small area deep in the high seas is sensible. It is good for planetary health and can help bridge the economic gap between the global north and south. These minerals are needed for renewable energy and are vital for our civilization's functioning. Implementing this move requires the establishment of a closed-loop material supply chain through recycling, allowing for the repeated utilization of atoms of nickel, copper, manganese, and other rare earth and base metals. The crucial question we face, which demands immediate attention, revolves around determining the mining methods that will have the least detrimental impact on the planet. Polymetallic nodules offer a promising alternative to conventional mining techniques. These nodules eliminate the need for blasting or digging, result in minimal waste production, and do not release harmful toxins or tailings. Terrestrial mining has proven to be highly damaging, contributing to climate change, exploiting child labor, polluting freshwater sources, toxic tailings, among other factual documented downsides. The unique composition of polymetallic nodules positions them as an appealing source alternative. While some uncertainties may remain regarding the collection of these nodules, a large increase in EIS studies over recent years show the potential environmental impact pales in comparison to the extensive damage inflicted by terrestrial mining. Opting for a more sustainable approach to sourcing metals is imperative for meeting the needs of our expanding population and reducing our environmental footprint. Saying “no” is not an option without alternative solutions. Understanding the environmental implications is assured by international treaties and decades of ongoing research. The regulatory framework provided by the Law of the Sea International Seabed Authority that governs their extraction. Taking lessons learned from Industrial Revolution and building on a number of recent international conventions we now understand the criticality of minimizing waste generation, energy consumption, and environmental disturbances. Additionally, advancing recycling processes to recover metals from end-of-life products and electronic waste will reduce the pressure on virgin metal resources and contribute to a circular economy. First we must obtain enough material to populate a metal supply chain with enough for all people. Educating the public with facts and not speculation is paramount. The shift towards diversifying access to base and other metals to international waters also presents an opportunity for equitable sharing of wealth through the new legal principal called “ the common heritage of mankind,” codified in the Law of the Sea. Collecting Polymetalic nodules may offer the most sustainable equitable alternative that can meet the material demands of our civilization while minimizing environmental impact.

⛏️ Afghanistan’s vast reserves of copper, iron, and rare earth elements place it at the center of a global race for critical minerals. As nations compete to secure supply chains, China leads the way, with the US, EU, and others seeking to catch up. Since 2021, the Taliban have awarded over 200 mining contracts, securing $7B+ in investments from China, Qatar, Turkey, Iran, and the UK. Yet, with limited transparency and oversight, questions remain about who truly benefits from these deals. Afghanistan’s mineral wealth could drive growth – or fuel conflict and repression. Without clear regulations and accountability, corruption and exploitation threaten to undermine progress. A multilateral approach is essential to ensure these resources contribute to stability and economic development for all Afghans. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eXk5Kc8E Marcena Hunter | Paddy Ginn CBE #Mining #CriticalMinerals #Geopolitics #Afghanistan

#Why? I recently shared an article on the U.S. vision or version of how to keep China Inc. hands off the metals in the DRC. First, let's be clear, it's too late. China is ten plus years ahead of the game. Anyway, here is a follow up by the same authors to the ongoing story. Now the U.S. is urging a "friendly" company, in this case, Mercuria, a Swiss based trading house to buy the mines other groups didn't want. The mines are still productive but obviously because of a lack of interest from other "friendly" groups, there is not much mining life left. The current details are quite complex; the article will explain those better. #Sancioned #Israeli #Billionare