US Approves Wyoming Coal Expansion Amid Environmental Concerns

The U.S. government's approval of a large coal expansion in Wyoming has sparked environmental concerns due to its detrimental effects on biodiversity and public health, with calls for reversing the decision in favor of cleaner energy alternatives. In Alaska, significant investments by Alaska Native corporations into Graphite One Inc. highlight the strategic importance of developing domestic graphite supplies for battery production, despite community concerns about environmental impacts and lack of tribal consultation. Efforts to improve small-scale mining regulation in Ghana emphasize the need for exploratory permits to ensure mining viability and environmental safety, suggesting government-funded geological surveys to support miners. Additionally, the Trump administration is providing substantial federal funding to support antimony mining in Alaska, aiming to reduce reliance on foreign sources for this critical mineral used in munitions and other technologies. These developments reflect a broader tension between advancing domestic mineral resource development crucial for national security and energy transition, and addressing environmental and community impacts associated with such projects.