In his fifth state of the nation address, Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr elevated AI-driven Pax Silica project, fresh Malampaya gas discovery and renewed interest in nuclear power as key economic bets, even as protests grow over resource strains and possible community impacts.
Laotian authorities say they’ve seized illegal wildlife products and launched investigations, but conservation groups argue enforcement remains too limited to disrupt the broader network.
The US and the European Union have intensified efforts to secure the minerals needed for a clean energy transition. But as investment grows, so does conflict throughout the sector.