World Business Report Why will the world use more coal than ever this year?
Dec 17, 2025
Ro Dhawan, CEO of the International Council on Mining and Metals, discusses the need for responsible mining to meet the demand for critical minerals in the green transition. Gideon Long, a BBC reporter, provides insights on Venezuela's oil economy and the implications of potential U.S. sanctions. Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell, analyzes oil price dynamics and the competitive landscape for Amazon as it seeks to expand into the chip market against giants like NVIDIA. A mix of energy, regulation, and market trends keeps the conversation lively.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Record Coal Use And Mining Demand
- The IEA expects global coal use to hit a record 8.85 billion tonnes in 2025, the first increase in 15 years.
- Replacing coal requires far more mining for critical metals to build clean energy infrastructure.
Mining Is Critical For The Green Transition
- The green transition depends on a big rise in mining to supply critical minerals for clean energy.
- Ro Dhawan argues mining can be done responsibly but needs better oversight and standards.
Use Credible Standards To Speed Permits
- The EU will speed permitting for projects that demonstrate high environmental and social standards.
- Ro Dhawan says following credible standards can unlock faster permits without lowering safeguards.