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The latest updates are on top. This is a continuation of: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/11/24/the-ongoing-saga-6-news-updates-tidbits-trivia/
It continues here: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/the-ongoing-saga-8-news-updates-tidbits-trivia/

Thursday, 12 December 2013

New post: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/12/upper-big-branch-mine-disaster-2010-29-died-on-easter-monday/ It is about a mining disaster, three years ago, in West Virginia, USA, and how it could have and should have been prevented. If governments are unable and sometimes unwilling to control the coal industry, what happens when they don’t control the nuclear industry? Far more could die. Look at Fukushima!

Due to time constraints we will be late posting most news. However, we post this from Greenpeace because it will be decided today:
“Greenpeace: Current draft of Russian amnesty does not include Arctic 30
Press release – December 11, 2013
Amsterdam, 11 December 2013 – Lawyers for Greenpeace International believe the draft text of a Russian amnesty to be voted on by the Duma (the Russian parliament) would be unlikely to benefit the Arctic 30.
In its present form, the proposal would apply only to people who have either been convicted of hooliganism, or people who are on trial and will be convicted within the six month period after the amnesty decree is adopted.

The Arctic 30 fall into neither category, but could be granted amnesty if the text is only slightly amended“. Entire article and detailed explanation here: http://www.greenpeace.org/international/en/press/releases/Greenpeace-Current-draft-of-Russian-amnesty-does-not-include-Arctic-30/

Wednesday, 11 December 2013
(News: complete stories at links)

Some good news:

“Putin amnesty may free Greenpeace 30
9 December 2013 Last updated at 18:46 GMT
Thousands may be amnestied by Mr Putin
An amnesty drafted by Russian President Vladimir Putin could free the two jailed Pussy Riot protesters and the Greenpeace Arctic 30 campaigners.
Russian media say some opposition activists involved in unrest in May 2012 could also be released.
Mr Putin’s amnesty bill has been submitted to parliament, to mark the Russian constitution’s 20th anniversary on Thursday.” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-25308640

Our new post: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/1939-74-years-ago-smoking-causes-cancer-drs-alton-ochsner-sr-and-michael-debakey/ is related to:
Too Disgusting: Mad-Hatter Corporations wasting tax payer monies and research donations dragging the EPA and American Lung Association through court to try to evade putting improved mercury filters:
“EPA tells court U.S. mercury, toxics rule is legally justified
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 23:45:09 GMT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. environmental regulator argued in court on Tuesday that its rule limiting mercury and hazardous air pollutants is “appropriate and necessary,” not an improper interpretation of the federal Clean Air Act as industry groups and some states contend.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/nNJLUC72JHc/story01.htm

“Human-generated sources, such as coal-fired power plants, emit about half of atmospheric mercury, with natural sources such as volcanoes responsible for the remainder. An estimated two-thirds of human-generated mercury comes from stationary combustion, mostly of coal. Other important human-generated sources include gold production, nonferrous metal production, cement production, waste disposal, human crematoria, caustic soda production, pig iron and steel production, mercury production (mostly for batteries)…[11] (references at wiki link) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercury_poisoning From our understanding the mercury in cremation comes mostly from mercury amalgam teeth fillings.

“U.S. justices voice support for air pollution regulation
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:07:22 GMT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – U.S. Supreme Court justices offered President Barack Obama’s administration some encouragement on Tuesday as they weighed the lawfulness of a federal regulation limiting air pollution that crosses state lines, mostly emissions from coal-fired power plants.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/oDDv1NcHkSw/story01.htm

The American Lung Association is trying to help protect clean air, in the US, and by extension, everywhere. If you would like to make a donation, they could certainly put it to good use: http://www.fightingforair.org/news/#press-releases

“Ex-BP supervisors win dismissal of some manslaughter charges
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 01:14:36 GMT
(Reuters) – Two former BP Plc supervisors won the dismissal on Tuesday of some of the manslaughter charges facing them over the Gulf of Mexico drilling rig explosion that killed 11 people in 2010.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/WtHjRHH_Ty0/story01.htm

“Government of Ecuador Shuts Down Fundación Pachamama
Written by The Pachamama Alliance
Wednesday, 04 December 2013 19:00
Source: The Pachamama Alliance
This morning, the government of Ecuador entered the offices of Fundación Pachamama in Quito and shut down their services. Backlash against our indigenous allies and partners at Fundación Pachamama has heated up since last Thursday’s announcement of the failure of the XI Round oil bidding process. On Saturday, in his weekly telecast to the nation of Ecuador, President Correa accused our allies of fomenting dissent and violence. In defense of its work to defend human rights and the rights of nature, Fundación Pachamama released the statement below on Monday. Please stay tuned as we learn more.” See statement-article here: http://upsidedownworld.org/main/news-briefs-archives-68/4591-government-of-ecuador-shuts-down-fundacion-pachamama

“UPDATE 1-Trafigura says has no plans to sell warehousing unit
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 12:14:23 -0500
* Traders have logistical reasons for owning warehouse firms http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/iLYWOeaaBqA/trafigura-warehouses-idUSL6N0JP3L520131210

Uralkali’s CEO moved to house arrest in Moscow
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 10:45:19 -0500
MOSCOW, Dec 10 (Reuters) – The head of Russian potash producer Uralkali, extradited to Russia from Belarus last month, has been moved from a detention centre in Moscow to house arrest, the company said on Tuesday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/2ew4Hm-uiQ8/russia-uralkali-idUSL6N0JP3AD20131210

Kolar Gold may get stake in Mumbai-listed miner
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:56:53 -0500
Dec 10 (Reuters) – Kolar Gold Ltd, which aims to develop the historic Indian gold fields after which it is named, is considering a complex deal that could give it a slice of an enlarged Mumbai-listed exploration and development company. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/CrSKgTXMv6M/kolargold-deccangold-idUSL3N0JP2HW20131210

UPDATE 1-China buys nearly a quarter of global germanium output
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 09:45:45 -0500
LONDON/HONG KONG, Dec 10 (Reuters) – China has bought nearly a quarter of global production of germanium, which is used in fibre optics and semiconductors, in a move that is likely to prop up prices while demand is weak, traders said on Tuesday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/UB_7Wdu5HcM/germanium-srb-idUSL6N0JP2H920131210

Regarding aluminum:
“UPDATE 2-UK bribery trial collapses in blow to anti-fraud agency
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 08:29:44 -0500
* Case addressed alleged high-profile corruption in Bahrain http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/BP2m-q9Ws7Q/britain-bahrain-trial-idUSL6N0JP2FL20131210

Gold futures recover; jewellers struggle for supply
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 12:38:54 GMT
MUMBAI (Reuters) – Gold futures in India recovered on Tuesday in line with overseas markets and a weaker rupee, though jewellers still struggled with limited stocks in the peak wedding season, supporting premiums. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/6qWJbIQJ7Lo/story01.htm

Oil recovers to $110 after biggest fall in five weeks
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 12:21:47 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) – Brent crude oil rose to around $110 a barrel on Tuesday, recouping some of the previous session’s sharp losses as the U.S. dollar weakened. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/wbGfv33Lp2c/story01.htm

Brent holds above $109 ahead of China data
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 04:19:42 GMT
SINGAPORE (Reuters) – Brent crude hovered above $109 a barrel on Tuesday ahead of data from China that may reaffirm signs of stabilising growth and fuel demand in the world’s second largest oil consumer. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/iWmgcU9hTy0/story01.htm

Yesterday we hear about Canada and the Arctic; Today Russia:
“Russia’s Putin orders military complete Arctic plan by year end
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 13:05:06 -0500
MOSCOW, Dec 10 (Reuters) – President Vladimir Putin ordered Russia’s military to increase its focus on the Arctic and finish plans by the end of the year to upgrade military bases in the resource-rich region where world powers jostle for control. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/w6WYaJat-P0/russia-arctic-putin-idUSL6N0JP40520131210

UPDATE 1-Australia clears way for China’s Yanzhou Coal to buy out local unit
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 01:11:14 GMT
* Australia says China’s Yanzhou not required to cut stake http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/IyAvERKUyvQ/story01.htm

BHP says has received good interest for U.S. Permian assets
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:00:29 GMT
MELBOURNE, Dec 11 (Reuters) – BHP Billiton has received bids for the Permian oil and gas acreage it has put up for sale in the United States, and expects to be able to sell them, as it looks to focus on liquids-rich shale acreage in the area. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/3x5m5gkPO3Q/story01.htm

COMMODITIES-Coffee rallies, gold, silver, U.S. oil rise too
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:58:53 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Coffee rallied on Tuesday on tight supplies of robusta beans in top producer Vietnam, and gold and silver surged too, pushing the commodities complex broadly higher.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/YTLe49A87Yc/story01.htm

“Nigeria’s NNPC hasn’t accounted for $50 bln in oil sales – cbank
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:52:35 GMT
* Nigeria is Africa’s 2nd largest economy, top oil producer http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/RENB6DuuST8/story01.htm

UPDATE 9-U.S. crude gains $1 on anticipated inventory draw
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 21:50:23 GMT
* Protest group in Libya discusses possible end to blockade http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/R_kwqw3Whtc/story01.htm

This could be positive:
“RPT-UPDATE 1-Former Clinton aide Podesta joining White House to advise Obama
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:49:49 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) – John Podesta, a former chief of staff to President Bill Clinton, is returning to the White House to advise President Barack Obama as he struggles to regain his footing after the flawed healthcare law rollout.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/omJjRUtYpY0/story01.htm
Podesta is apparently affiliated with this think tank (according to the above article): http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/green/view/ http://www.americanprogress.org

This is potentially very worrisome! What happens if fracking meets old underground quarries? We looked extensively and didn’t even find anything about this in French. The only research refers back to US research. Most of the risk management stuff for the Ile de France region seems to have been produced in the mid 2000s, before fracking became such an issue. Still, around 20 to 25 years ago there was oil exploration in the Paris region, which was and is absolutely mind boggling for many reasons. The way the French government runs Areva, no telling WHAT they are up to with this new environmental law!

“French mining code revamp aims to smooth environment spats
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:34:52 GMT
PARIS, Dec 10 (Reuters) – France hopes a revamp of its mining regulations unveiled on Tuesday will reconcile demands for stricter environmental rules with the interests of oil, gas and commodities firms who complain about an unstable legal framework, ministers said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/5NRkKTs5JDg/story01.htm

UPDATE 3-East Libya tribes set deadline to reopen ports, union warns of more strikes
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 20:22:48 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Leaders of a movement seeking autonomy for Libya’s eastern Cyrenaica region said on Tuesday they could allow oil exports to resume on Sunday from several ports, if Tripoli meets their demands and allows the region to take its share of crude. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/IasLqBC0bpQ/story01.htm

UPDATE 2-BHP says U.S. shale business to generate cash by 2016
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:16:18 GMT
* To focus spending on Australia, US, Trinidad and Tobago http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/kVlCxNLbX7M/story01.htm

Entergy’s rocky road to MISO may revive Gulf Coast power trading
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:02:31 GMT
HOUSTON, Dec 10 (Reuters) – The U.S. Gulf Coast region may see a rebirth in power trading as Entergy Corp and utilities in four states join the Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO), one of the world’s largest grid operators and wholesale energy markets, later this month. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/ecrroCfOskM/story01.htm

Libya oil union says will close ports if separatists reopen them
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:40:20 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Libya’s oil workers union threatened on Tuesday to close its eastern ports again if regional separatists decide to reopen them on Dec. 15. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/HiFK_iQLRgc/story01.htm

UPDATE 2-Iran, India meet to discuss oil exports, payments
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 18:21:38 GMT
(Adds comment from Turkish government official in 10th par) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Pai8lbwDO0U/story01.htm

Update 2 Tuesday, 10 December 2013
(Really update 3 because we added a picture of Teddy Roosevelt further down-below a few minutes after today’s update)

Endangered Florida Panther Shot:
“The Florida Panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the United States“.
Everglades National Park Florida Panther
Florida Panther in Everglades National Park

Interestingly enough, in the Reuters article further down (below), which discusses problems of human encroachment upon Florida Black Bear territory, there is also mention of problems of encroachment upon the Florida Panther. However, this one was shot in a park! Bears and Panthers in Florida? Who would guess?

“Reward Offered for Information Regarding Florida Panther Death
Date: December 8, 2013
Contact: David Fireman, 239-695-1108
Contact: Bob DeGross, 239-695-1107
The National Park Service is requesting assistance with an investigation involving the suspected illegal take of a Florida Panther that was recently found dead. The federally protected panther was found with a suspected gunshot wound on December 7, 2013, in the Turner River Unit of Big Cypress National Preserve in Collier County, Florida.

Anyone with information that directly leads to an arrest, a criminal conviction, a civil penalty assessment, or forfeiture of property on the subject or subjects responsible for the suspected unlawful take of this Florida Panther may be eligible for a reward.

“The Florida panther is one of the most endangered mammals in the United States. This is a serious incident and we are asking the public to assist us with discovering details related to this incident.” stated Pedro Ramos, Superintendent, Big Cypress National Preserve.

The Florida Panther is protected under The Endangered Species Act. The maximum criminal penalties for the unlawful taking of a Florida Panther are one year imprisonment and $100,000 fine per individual. Anyone with information on the death of this panther or any others, past or future, is urged to contact Special Agent David Mayeski through NPS Dispatch at 1-800-788-0511.” http://www.nps.gov/bicy/parknews/reward-offered-for-information-regarding-florida-panther-death.htm
Florida Panther Kittens at White Oak
Florida Panther Kittens at White Oak. By Michael Stone via Wikimedia

Tuesday, 10 December 2013

Various News on Environment, Mining, Energy
(Full articles at links)

“Nuclear repository could end up in Arctic
A near surface trench in the permafrost sandstones here at the southern island on the Novaya Zemlya archipelago is one of the options for a future nuclear waste repository. Ten pre-selected locations in Northwest-Russia are now under consideration, including permafrost sites on Novaya Zemlya and Nenets Autonomous Okrug. Norway wants to have a say before any decisions are taken.
By Thomas Nilsen November 27, 2013
What happens if thousands of cubic meters of radioactive waste that need to be kept safe for thousands of years is buried in permafrost that could melt away due to climate changes? This is one of the tricky questions to be answered before nuclear waste repositories are built in the Russian Arctic“. Read article here: http://barentsobserver.com/en/nature/2013/11/nuclear-repository-could-end-arctic-27-11

Thanks to Louisiana Sinkhole Bugle for pointing this out: http://lasinkhole.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/mon-2/
“December 9, 2013
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission has activated its incident response center in Arlington, Texas, following the declaration of an Unusual Event at the Arkansas Nuclear One nuclear power plant. The plant, operated by Entergy Operations, Inc., is located in Russellville, Ark.
The Unusual Event was declared by operators at 8 a.m. CST after Unit 2 experienced a transformer explosion in an electrical switchyard. The interruption of electrical power to Unit 2 caused protective systems to shut down the reactor.
Operators will keep the Unit 2 reactor offline while the cause of the explosion is investigated and a determination is made on what repairs are necessary. Unit 1 remains operating at about 95 percent power.
No radiation releases have been reported. Power is being supplied to Unit 2 by an emergency diesel generator and one source of offsite power and plant conditions are stable. There are normally two sources of offsite power.
An Unusual Event is the lowest of four nuclear emergency classifications and means events indicate a potential degradation of the level of safety of a plant. The NRC ‘s senior resident inspector assigned to the site is inside the plant’s control room monitoring the licensee’s response to the event.” http://www.nrc.gov/reading-rm/doc-collections/news/2013/13-037.iv.pdf

According to Arkansas news the fire was extinguished:
“Fire breaks out at Arkansas Nuclear One
By Christina Huynh
This article was published today at 8:59 a.m. Updated today at 10:45 a.m.
A fire that had been reported Monday morning at an Entergy auxiliary transformer at Arkansas Nuclear One Unit Two in Russellville has been extinguished, a company official said.” Article here: http://www.arkansasonline.com/news/2013/dec/09/fire-entergy-nuclear-power-site-russellville/

“Description
An Entergy spokesperson has confirmed reports of a Monday morning fire at Arkansas Nuclear One. Donna Gregory said Unit 2 is offline due to an early morning fire in a transformer. Unit One is still online. The fire is being contained, and there are no reports of any injuries, Gregory said. More information will be added to this report as it becomes available. The London Volunteer Fire Department has confirmed the fire is “under control” and the department remains on scene“. http://hisz.rsoe.hu/alertmap/site/index.php?pageid=event_desc&edis_id=NC-20131209-41903-USA#
Does this mean that the volunteer fire dept. is the one responsible in the event of a fire?

Sabha, Libya
“UPDATE 2-U.N. to inspect Libya’s uranium stocks amid worsening security
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 14:51:20 -0500
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 9 (Reuters) – A U.N. nuclear team will visit Libya this month to assess the safety of thousands of barrels of milled uranium – known as yellowcake – amid concerns about the country’s deteriorating security situation, a U.N. official said on Monday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/WaoebyMdnj8/libya-nuclear-un-idUSL1N0JO15520131209

“UN inspectors to assess Libya’s uranium stockpiles
9 December 2013 Last updated at 23:51 GMT” http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-25309559

Alfejej - Oase Gabrun, Dattelpalme mit See
Gaberoun Oasis, with a large lake located in the Sabha District, Fezzan, southwestern Libya.

“Sabha or Sebha /ˈsɛb.hɑː/ (Arabic: سبها‎ Sabhā) is a city in southwestern Libya with a population of about 130,000. It was historically the capital of the Fezzan region and the Military Territory of Fezzan-Ghadames and is now capital of the Sabha District.[3]
Sabha is about 640 kilometres (400 mi) south of Tripoli.[4]
With a relatively large population, and growing fast, Sabha’s importance is due to its being the air and road transport hub of the Fezzan, a military base, and the centre of a remarkable agricultural industry in the desert.
Sabha is famous for the Fort Elena castle,[5] which is the castle featured on the reverse of the ten dinars banknote of Libya. Fort Elena was previously known as Fortezza Margherita, built during the Italian colonial period. Currently the Italian-built fort is a military institution.
Sabha is known as the place where Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi announced “the dawn of the era of the masses”.[6]
…..
Military
In a 2004 report by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the Sabha base was linked with Libya’s nuclear weapons program.[8]….” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabha,_Libya

“There are legal and illegal passenger buses that pass through the district from the southern Sahara/Maghreb/Sahel countries – such as Niger. The journey can take seven days from the border to Sabha city. It can be one of the more dangerous routes in the country, as it goes through the Libyan Desert. Bus drivers can lose their way and passengers sometimes die from lack of food or water. People from Ghana, Togo, and Sudan also come through Sabha to work in Libya, or in Europe via Tripoli and other North African Mediterranean Sea port cities.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabha_District (Full articles and references at the two wiki links)
Alert Canada
“Canada to lay claim to North Pole amid Arctic resources rush
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 19:47:10 GMT
OTTAWA, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Canada intends to lay claim to the North Pole as part of a bid to assert control over a large part of the resource-rich Arctic, Foreign Minister John Baird said on Monday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/tpMLVixg4GE/story01.htm

“The Canadian Arctic Archipelago, also known as the Arctic Archipelago, is a Canadian archipelago north of the Canadian mainland in the Arctic. Situated in the northern extremity of North America and covering about 1,424,500 km2 (550,000 sq mi), this group of 36,563 islands comprises much of the territory of Northern Canada – most of Nunavut and part of the Northwest Territories.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canadian_Arctic_Archipelago (Full article and references at link)

“Canada’s claim to Arctic riches includes the North Pole
Leona Aglukkaq and John Baird talk about the science behind Canada’s bid
By Max Paris Environment Unit, CBC News Posted: Dec 09, 2013 12:51 PM ET Last Updated: Dec 09, 2013 8:08 PM ET
….
“The geographic North Pole is 817 kilometres north of Alert, Nunavut, the world’s northernmost settlement and home to a Canadian Forces station and Environment Canada station.”
….” http://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/canada-s-claim-to-arctic-riches-includes-the-north-pole-1.2456773

NOAA - Alert observatory
Weather Observatory in Alert http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alert,_Nunavut

Canada and Denmark claim pieces of the Arctic
Canada is soon expected to apply to the United Nations Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for exclusive rights to 1.7 million square kilometers of Arctic sea floor. Denmark and Greenland submitted their claim last week. By Trude Pettersen December 02, 2013” Read article here: http://barentsobserver.com/en/arctic/2013/12/canada-and-denmark-claim-pieces-arctic-02-12

Keystone-pipeline-route
Keystone Pipeline Route. By Meclee via Wikimedia

TransCanada begins filling Gulf Coast oil pipeline
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 16:34:52 GMT
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Transcanada Corp said on Monday that it has begun filling its new 700,000 barrel per day Gulf Coast pipeline with oil but gave no indication on when it expects the line to begin commercial service. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/37DxpNZLkNI/story01.htm

“As Keystone ruling nears, Canada short on time for climate plan
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 19:49:53 GMT
WASHINGTON/CALGARY (Reuters) – Canada is running out of time to offer U.S. President Barack Obama a climate change concession that might clinch the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, as the country’s energy industry continues to resist costly curbs on greenhouse gas emissions“. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/hhIG2DKRMnI/story01.htm

“Arctic thaw tied to European, U.S. heatwaves and downpours: study
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 18:06:17 GMT
OSLO (Reuters) – A thaw of Arctic ice and snow is linked to worsening summer heatwaves and downpours thousands of miles south in Europe, the United States and other areas, underlying the scale of the threat posed by global warming, scientists said on Sunday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/plNzGDqZazk/story01.htm

Drawing the Line
TheodoreRooseveltTeddyBear
Teddy Roosevelt Refusing to kill a Mississippi Black Bear, which gave us “Teddy Bears”.

Sorry, we have to say it. No matter what is endlessly chanted by news media and some religious institutions, more population is a problem and not a solution. Population growth is a pyramid scheme. If the population is at replacement of 2, it still will take many years to make zero population growth. That’s the main reason China’s population continued to grow even under the short-lived one child policy. Most of the financially wealthier countries are at replacement or below. However, many countries and people are recklessly procreating. If people suggest birth control, those having as many children as they please too often whine genocide and extermination. If some people are having one or two children and others are having four to twenty children, who is exterminating who? It is clear whose genes will disappear. And, the animals? The trees? Under the dogma of growth, wealthier countries are increasing their populations by letting in some of the new 80 million people (births minus deaths) who inhabit the earth each year. Without birth control, most people can easily have 10 to 12 children, at least. Sometimes 15 or 20. Most people do not want that many anyway, so better to cut off the births at two and try to save the world. Some types of birth control are unhealthy, but not more so than pregnancy. More people means that more jobs must be created, more resources are consumed, if the people want to live with even a few modern conveniences (i.e. housing, plumbing, food, toilet paper, clothes). There is a new trend of saying that there can be more people in poor countries because they are less hard on the environment. But, most people want minimal niceties which make them live higher than animals. And, the many children have many children and populations grow exponentially. People are very hard on the environment and with constant growth, no matter how dense housing is, there will eventually be no more room. Better to stop now, while there are still trees and animals, like the black bear.
A Florida Black Bear
A Florida Black Bear

The Mississippi Black Bear “Teddy Bear”s Florida cousin’s territory is being encroached upon:
“Central Florida’s suburban sprawl bumps into resurgent bears
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 17:20:35 GMT
ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) – Guess who’s coming to dinner? In the leafy far suburbs of Orlando, the uncomfortable answer increasingly is a Florida black bear. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/v63zcxJ0veQ/story01.htm

Pollution in one place impacts other places. Pollution does not respect territorial borders:
“U.S. Northeast states ask EPA to crack down on Midwest pollution
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:26:10 GMT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Eight Northeastern and mid-Atlantic governors on Monday petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to require “upwind” states in the Midwest and South to curb ozone-forming pollution from their power plants, which they say travels downwind and poses health risks to their citizens.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/-MwjyCDCS60/story01.htm

From the news we read, at least China is making some efforts in the area of renewables. They appear to be making more efforts in renewables than most countries. It is interesting and good that their government is being so self-critical. It is not good for the environment that they have relaxed the one child policy. But, who can blame them when most of their neighbors have so many children:
“China says poorly prepared to fight impact of climate change
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 07:47:13 GMT
BEIJING (Reuters) – China is poorly prepared to tackle the impact of climate change that presents a serious threat to the country, thanks to a lack of planning and public awareness, the government said on Monday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/yiC0zA9e36w/story01.htm

“Ancient farming seen curbing extinctions of animals, plants
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 01:02:13 GMT
OSLO (Reuters) – Ancient farming practices, such as raising fish in rice paddies in China or Aboriginal Australian fire controls, will get a new lease of life under plans to slow extinctions of animals and plants, experts said on Monday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/GvK0ysfbP6o/story01.htm

“UPDATE 2-Ecopetrol, Talisman announce large oil find in Colombia
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:50:40 GMT
BOGOTA, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Colombian state-owned oil company Ecopetrol and Canada’s Talisman Energy Inc said on Monday they had discovered an estimated 1.3 billion barrels of oil in southeastern Colombia and that about a tenth of it was likely to be recoverable. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/6rr7RkRoXYg/story01.htm

UPDATE 2-Mexico Senate panels OK energy reform; leftists oppose
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:54:58 GMT
By Adriana Barrera MEXICO CITY, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Mexican Senate committees on Monday gave general approval to a draft energy bill allowing private investment in the world’s No. 10 oil producer in what would be the biggest opening of the state-controlled sector in its 75-year history. The bill, unveiled by senators from the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) and opposition conservatives on Saturday, would let private firms partner with ailing state oil firm Pemex via profit- http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/8sR40fJz4gA/story01.htm

COMMODITIES-Natgas, nickel surge, oil drops, index slightly up
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:45:22 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 9 (Reuters) – U.S. natural gas futures surged to 6-month highs on Monday on cold weather forecasts, while nickel rallied on a planned ban on Indonesian exports of the metal, boosting commodities to a slightly higher close despite a drop in crude oil. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/514-dMonUmE/story01.htm

Australia shares seen subdued, miners may buoy on metals prices
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:27:36 GMT
SYDNEY, Dec 10 (Reuters) – Australian shares are seen subdued at the open on Tuesday after touching eight-week lows in the previous session as investors remained wary over when the U.S. will begin to taper its stimulus programme, while a rise in metals prices may support mining stocks. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/1l2PoV0s7pY/story01.htm

UPDATE 1-Brazil union plans Petrobras refinery strike after fire
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 22:26:50 GMT
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec 9 (Reuters) – A Brazilian oil union said Monday that it plans to go on strike to protest allegedly unsafe conditions at state-run oil company Petroleo Brasileiro SA’s REPAR Refinery, the site of a Nov. 28 fire that shut more than 10 percent of Brazil’s fuel output. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/2VHlBbp-1mk/story01.htm

RPT-UPDATE 1-BHP to pay 41 pct more to China copper smelters in H1 charges-sources
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:41:19 GMT
* H1 TC/RCs settled at $99 per tonne and 9.9 cents per pound http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/_tDl0NF6f-k/story01.htm

UPDATE 10-Brent slides 2 percent, narrowing premium to U.S. oil
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 20:30:43 GMT
* China trade data brightens outlook for global demand (Adds analyst comment, updates to settlement prices) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/_tDl0NF6f-k/story01.htm

Massachusetts settles Alpha coal blast lawsuit for $265 million
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 13:08:54 -0500
BOSTON, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Massachusetts on Monday announced a $265 million deal with Alpha Appalachia Holdings Inc to settle allegations that the coal miner artificially inflated its stock price by misrepresenting its safety record ahead of a deadly 2010 mine explosion. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/N9qHBHgz9Gc/massachusetts-alpha-settlement-idUSL6N0JO3PN20131209

Michelin, Tereos aim to use crops to make rubber for tyres
Posted:Mon, 09 Dec 2013 12:49:47 -0500
PARIS, Dec 9 (Reuters) – Michelin and Tereos said they would join forces to develop a rubber derived from sugar beet, grain and waste that could replace some of the natural and oil-based synthetic rubber used in tyres. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/ztUJjF0Vuew/story01.htm

Monday, 7 December 2013

Our new post: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/mining-for-mangos-in-haiti/

Chevron resumes Romania shale search operations after protest
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 02:35:15 -0500
BUCHAREST, Dec 8 (Reuters) – U.S. oil major Chevron started work again at its shale exploration site in eastern Romania on Sunday, a day after hundreds of anti-fracking protesters stopped operations there. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/MAzTghQ8Xmo/romania-shale-chevron-idUSL6N0JN02X20131208

REFILE-Mexico’s Senate committees to start debate on revamped energy reform
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:58:32 GMT
By Alexandra Alper and David Alire Garcia MEXICO CITY, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Mexico’s Senate committees begin debate on Sunday on an energy bill that would open up the world’s 10th-biggest oil producer to private investment by allowing new types of contracts, marking the industry’s most dramatic overhaul in 75 years. The bill, announced by centrist ruling party and opposition conservative lawmakers on Saturday, would let private firms partner with ailing state oil firm Pemex via profit-shari http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/0vd6lf-1tho/story01.htm

As Keystone ruling nears, Canada short on time for climate plan
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 13:00:00 GMT
WASHINGTON/CALGARY, Dec 8 (Reuters) – Canada is running out of time to offer U.S. President Barack Obama a climate change concession that might clinch the controversial Keystone XL oil pipeline, as the country’s energy industry continues to resist costly curbs on greenhouse gas emissions.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/FvrLqj-2nb4/story01.htm

“United States Files False Claims Act Complaint Against Washington Closure Hanford LLC, Federal Engineers And Constructors Inc, And Laura Shikashio”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEDecember 6, 2013
Spokane – On Friday, the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington filed a civil complaint under the False Claims Act alleging that Washington Closure Hanford LLC (WCH) and others falsely claimed credit for awarding tens of millions of dollars-worth of federal subcontracting business to small businesses including woman-owned small businesses. The complaint alleges that WCH claimed such small businesses would perform subcontracted work, but that those companies were used merely as pass-throughs and the actual work was performed by another subcontractor, Federal Constructors Inc. (FE&C). WCH is a prime contractor of the Department of Energy (DOE) at the Hanford Site and is owned by URS Corporation, Bechtel National Inc., and CH2M Hill Companies Ltd.” http://www.justice.gov/usao/wae/news/2013/2013_12_06_Savage.html

For those who missed this news:
“Government told to come clean on energy subsidies
MPs urge coalition to be honest about oil, gas and nuclear subsidies and restate commitment to end fuel poverty
Terry Macalister
The Guardian, Monday 2 December 2013 http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/dec/02/government-told-come-clean-energy-subsidies-fuel-poverty

European commission inquiry into Hinkley Point deal could delay project
Brussels to look at UK state aid for nuclear power plant after government offers EDF Energy a set price for 35 years
Sean Farrell
The Guardian, Monday 2 December 2013 20.18 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/dec/02/european-commission-inquiry-hinkley-point-deal

Sellafield executives to face MPs as nuclear clean-up bill rises over £70bn
Public accounts committee to scrutinise private consortium accused of spending cash ‘like confetti’
Terry Macalister
The Guardian, Sunday 1 December 2013 20.40 GMT” http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/dec/02/government-told-come-clean-energy-subsidies-fuel-poverty

This seems non-eco and most likely very, very bad:
“Short-cut to produce hydrogen seen as step to cleaner fuel
Posted:Sun, 08 Dec 2013 17:20:44 GMT
OSLO (Reuters) – Scientists have produced hydrogen by accelerating a natural process found in rocks deep below the Earth’s surface, a short-cut that may herald the wider use of what is a clean fuel, a study showed on Sunday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/XMMmOx4iG60/story01.htm

Sunday, 6 December 2013

New Post here about Enbridge British Columbia, Canada Pipeline. It endangers rainforest too: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/08/first-nations-gain-powerful-new-allies-in-fight-against-%E2%80%A8enbridge-northern-gateway-pipeline-tankers/

“Stop Japan’s Fukushima Censorship – Harvey Wasserman
At a critically dangerous moment, Japan is poised to take a giant step toward officially shrouding Fukushima in the deepest possible secrecy.
At least two petitions are being circulated in opposition (www.nukefree.org).
One is addressed to the Japanese government and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (http://www.nukefree.org/stop-japans-fukushima-secrets-act).
The other goes to the new US Ambassador, Caroline Kennedy (http://www.nukefree.org/ask-ambassador-kennedy-oppose-fukushima-secrets-…)” See entire post here: http://flyingcuttlefish.wordpress.com/2013/12/06/fukushima-censorship/

“Six held over Mexico ‘nuclear’ truck theft
7 December 2013 Last updated at 05:42 GMT http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-latin-america-25277278

“Spill of contaminated material at Ranger uranium mine; locals fear for Kakadu National Park
Updated Sun 8 Dec 2013, 1:03am AEDT” http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-07/spill-at-nt-uranium-mine-near-kakadu/5142148

“Major radioactive spill
Ranger danger: massive spill says it’s time to end uranium mining in Kakadu December 7, 2013
Environment groups have called for an immediate halt to operations at the Ranger uranium mine in Kakadu following a major contamination leak.
Around one million litres of highly acidic radioactive slurry has escaped from the mine’s containment area following the collapse of a tank in the processing area early on Saturday morning.” http://www.acfonline.org.au/news-media/media-release/ranger-danger-massive-spill-says-its-time-end-uranium-mining-kakadu

As expected:
Texas Brine, Bayou Corne Louisiana Sinkhole Still Sinking Assumption Parish Police Jury http://assumptionla.com/
December 6, 2013 2:45 p.m. Update
Texas Brine advised that the tagging of Cavern 3 is at 4,010′ which is 141′ lower than the tagging performed two weeks ago. As information becomes available, it will be shared here. http://assumptionla.wordpress.com

Chevron halts Romania shale work after protest
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 09:54:39 -0500
* Romania holds estimated 51 trln cubic feet of shale gas http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/4ajnXC6Lb-M/romania-shale-chevron-idUSL5N0JM07D20131207

Camp Lejeune water contamination linked to birth defects
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 01:21:16 GMT
FAYETTEVILLE, North Carolina (Reuters) – Water pollution at the Camp Lejeune military base in North Carolina has been linked to increased risk of birth defects and childhood cancers, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/hyeuSLA-PWg/story01.htm

Peru aims to privatize up to 49 pct of state oil company
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 22:53:20 GMT
LIMA, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Peru’s state oil company would be allowed to privatize up to 49 percent of Petroperu through share offerings on the local stock market under a bill soon to be submitted to Congress, a top official said on Saturday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/KvMaaLdG_-Q/story01.htm

Mexico energy reform draft allows payment in percentage of output
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 20:33:42 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Companies which enter Mexico’s energy sector could be paid with a percentage of production obtained under production-sharing contracts, according to an energy reform draft obtained by Reuters on Saturday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Fxy7GjVbr04/story01.htm

Mexican leftist leader to leave hospital after heart surgery
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:59:38 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Mexican leftist leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will be released from the hospital on Saturday after a heart attack sent him into surgery earlier this week, undermining his ability to lead protests against a controversial energy reform. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/qyAdhb_s4yA/story01.htm

UPDATE 2-Libya lost $7 billion to oil strikes, must find new buyers
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:57:20 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 7 (Reuters) – Libya has lost more than $7 billion and faces new competition from Algeria and Nigeria in oil markets due to strikes at oilfields and ports drying up exports, Oil Minister Abdelbari al-Arusi said on Saturday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/QiMl4TTtWPk/story01.htm

BP investors lose bid for class status in Gulf spill case
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 18:45:47 GMT
Dec 7 (Reuters) – A U.S. federal judge has refused to allow investors to proceed as a group in a lawsuit accusing BP Plc of fraud by misleading them – before and after the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill – about the company’s ability to respond to an accident“. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/FAHDwDB3r_8/story01.htm

This is most likely related to drilling for oil:
“More than 10 killed in militia battles in northern Kenya
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 15:43:30 GMT
ISIOLO, Kenya Dec 7 (Reuters) – More than 10 people were killed on Saturday in fighting in the town of Moyale in northern Kenya where troops have been sent to stop a week of fighting between rival ethnic groups that has sent thousands fleeing into Ethiopia, residents said”. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/ub5XE8zhlC4/story01.htm

Chevron halts Romania shale work after protest
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 14:54:39 GMT
* Romania holds estimated 51 trln cubic feet of shale gas http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/YIVkgRNF0x0/story01.htm

UPDATE 4-Mexico nears energy bill, oil to remain in state hands
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 03:11:59 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Mexican senators on Friday neared agreement on a bill that would allow private investors to drill for oil and market the country’s black gold, but keep ownership of the crude in state hands. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-smYqpsMhFg/story01.htm

Saturday, 5 December 2013

Note, update: Ipanda.com seems to have multiple channels after all.

Two or Three Days of Mining, Energy and Environment News: A Cruel, Crazy, Corrupt World.

Johnny Clegg is right, it is still “A Cruel Crazy Beautiful World” (see video below). But, something’s got to change or it won’t be beautiful for much longer. There are not just crooked politicians but also crooked companies. However, the former often enable the latter. (Note that full articles are at links)

France has gone in to defend its Bakouma uranium mine (Areva Resources Southern Africa, formerly UraMin) in the Central Africa Republic and to help keep its arms dealers in business. During the first “Gulf War”, War again Iraq, France was sending its drafted 18 year olds to fight Iraq, while its companies were still selling arms, etc. to Saddam Hussein. In that instance, the French government did tell them to stop. Certainly we don’t want the uranium mine to fall into the hands of Muslim extremists, but if there were no uranium mine it wouldn’t be a problem now would it? While not discussing Areva, Reuters does mention that the “Central African Republic is rich in gold, diamonds and uranium but decades of instability and spillover from conflicts in its larger neighbors have kept it mired in crisis“:
“French launch Central African Republic mission but deaths mount
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 21:55:40 GMT
BANGUI (Reuters) – France rushed troops to Central African Republic on Friday but violence between Muslim and Christian militias continued unabated, spiraling into widespread killings of civilians.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/Reuters/worldNews/~3/J_g-03sk4Vw/story01.htm

The environmental protection and forestry agency of Kyrgyzstan is suing Centerra Gold of Canada for ecological damage including pollution emission and waste dumps. Kumtor Operating Company (KOC) is the Centerra subsidiary. The Kumtor mine is in the Tien Shan mountains and bisected by a glacier. It is the largest gold mine in Central Asia run by a Western company and contributes 12% to the GDP:
“UPDATE 1-Kyrgyzstan files $304 mln ecology damage suit against Centerra
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 11:59:09 -0500
* Kyrgyzstan ups pressure, wants 67 pct in proposed venture” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/bGgYgq9s0f4/gold-kyrgyzstan-centerra-idUSL5N0JL3B120131206

Although this is about the possibility of pathogens blowing across the Atlantic in dust, this shows the way we are all connected. Dusts from uranium and other mines can be blown across the Atlantic too. We are all connected on earth. Norwegian reindeer are still impacted from the Chernobyl accident, even though Chernobyl is far away in time and in space:
“Florida researcher to study high-altitude dust for health risks
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 22:57:58 GMT
ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) – A Florida researcher is preparing to test massive dust storms in the upper atmosphere that roll in from Africa to see whether pathogens raining down on the state could be responsible for plant, animal or human disease.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/4zvkb8S51PU/story01.htm

“Pilot whales head back to sea after beaching in Florida
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 22:37:24 GMT
MIAMI (Reuters) – Most of the pilot whales that were stranded in the Florida Everglades swam into deeper water on Thursday while rescuers tried to chase the rest out to sea by banging on pipes and revving their boat engines.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/ZCHYP5K1x_U/story01.htm

This remains shocking for a country where everything appears to be done well. But, it seems that appearances in Japan have been sometimes deceptive:
“Insight – Fukushima water tanks: leaky and built with illegal labor
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:25:09 GMT
NAHA, Japan (Reuters) – Storage tanks at the Fukushima nuclear plant like one that spilled almost 80,000 gallons of radioactive water this year were built in part by workers illegally hired in one of the poorest corners of Japan, say labor regulators and some of those involved in the work.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/T5JebwBZiE0/story01.htm

This helps keep up “appearances”:
“Japan enacts strict state secrets law despite protests
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:34:57 GMT
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan enacted a state-secrets law toughening penalties for leaks on Friday, despite public protests and criticism that it will muzzle the media and help cover up official misdeeds. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INtopNews/~3/QxydfMXMWrY/story01.htm

Deutsche Bank is keeping precious metals commodity-trading but giving up base metals, coal, iron ore, energy and agriculture:
“COLUMN-Commodity traders face consolidation: Kemp
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 12:50:16 GMT
LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Deutsche Bank’s decision to quit trading in most commodity markets is another sign of the excess capacity across the commodity-trading sector and likely foreshadows further consolidation over the next two to three years.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/fkNgP6ncTCQ/story01.htm

“UPDATE 4-Deutsche Bank quits commodities under regulatory pressure
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 17:52:26 -0500
LONDON, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Deutsche Bank AG pulled the plug on its global commodities trading business on Thursday, cutting 200 jobs as it becomes the first major bank to exit the once lucrative sector due to toughening regulations and diminished profits.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/QCc3d5caXQo/deutsche-commodities-idUSL5N0JK3ST20131205

This is interesting as it deals with accusations of commodities fraud. London Metal Exchange, LME, owned by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Ltd., Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. JP Morgan Chase, Glencore Xstrata are among those accused of manipulating warehousing of aluminum to increase the price. There are approximately 30 lawsuits and a US Justice Department investigation. Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chse and Hong Kong Exchange have denied the allegations:
“LME wants aluminum warehousing suits heard in New York
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 19:29:07 -0500
LAS VEGAS, Dec 5 (Reuters) – The London Metal Exchange asked a panel of U.S. judges on Thursday to assign a federal court in Manhattan to handle a series of antitrust lawsuits that allege the world’s largest metal exchange, two of Wall Street’s biggest banks and big commodity merchants conspired to raise the price of aluminum.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/WzJZ6J25KUc/usa-courts-aluminum-idUSL2N0JL00B20131206

This appears a related form of fraud. Warehouse owners drag their feet delivering metals, meanwhile charging rent. This cost gets passed on to consumers. Banks and trade houses own many warehouses. These include Glencore-owned Pacorini, Trafigura’s NEMS and Goldman Sachs’ Metro:
“London Metal Exchange’s bared teeth warn warehouses off steep rent rises
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 13:15:52 -0500
* Steep rises could be flagged for investigation – sources http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/qcush54qAcE/lme-warehousing-idUSL5N0JK3YR20131205

“Flights delayed as air pollution hits record in Shanghai
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 10:18:41 GMT
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Hundreds of flights were delayed or cancelled on Friday in China’s commercial hub of Shanghai as record levels of air pollution shrouded the city in smog, prompting authorities to issue the highest level of health warning.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/IM6kr9VyCCg/story01.htm

“Asian LNG buyers to head to China for more price talks in Feb – sources
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 14:46:08 GMT
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Asian liquefied natural gas (LNG) buyers plan to meet again in China in February to continue looking for ways to leverage their buying power for lower prices, industry officials said at the end of talks here on Friday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/rxICXd6PzNk/story01.htm

“COMMODITIES-Oil and most markets rally on US jobs data
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 23:14:39 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) – U.S. crude oil ended up for a sixth day on Friday in its longest rally since July and gold and many other commodities rose too as stronger-than-expected hiring by American employers in November boosted confidence in the No. 1 economy.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/R4XrkdfyNI4/story01.htm

“UPDATE 9-Oil rises on U.S. jobs data, but Fed timing weighs
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:28:15 GMT
(Adds analyst’s quote, Philadelphia Fed president comments, updates to settlement prices)” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/IHDUZ6FrFTE/story01.htm

“Goldman tells oil market U.S. is the new China as cycle reverses
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 17:23:17 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) – The oil market is on the cusp of a new cycle, Goldman Sachs said on Friday, with demand in the United States growing at a faster pace than in emerging economies such as China and India for the first time in a decade http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/T2mn5NYQJf4/story01.htm

“UPDATE 4-Mexico nears energy bill, oil to remain in state hands
Posted:Sat, 07 Dec 2013 03:11:59 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Mexican senators on Friday neared agreement on a bill that would allow private investors to drill for oil and market the country’s black gold, but keep ownership of the crude in state hands.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-smYqpsMhFg/story01.htm

“UPDATE 3-Mexico near energy reform deal but presentation delayed”
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 22:08:21 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Mexican senators on Friday were near agreement on offering private companies lucrative contracts to drill for oil, but the draft constitutional reform’s presentation was delayed to allow details to be hammered out.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/H8SRyuSB_SM/story01.htm

“Islamists demand fall of Libyan govt, end to oil blockades
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 20:27:48 GMT
BENGHAZI, Libya, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Around 300 Islamists took to the streets of the Libyan port of Benghazi on Friday demanding the fall of the government and an end to strikes and sit-ins stopping crude exports – the first sign of public opposition to the blockades in the oil-rich east.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/hVqAFVVoegY/story01.htm

“Brazil judge puts hold on plan for joint OSX, OGX bankruptcies
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:12:00 GMT
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 6 (Reuters) – A Brazilian state judge suspended a plan to unify the bankruptcy protection petitions of tycoon Eike Batista’s oil producer and shipbuilder, saying the joint petition could hurt the interests of a creditor that opposed the plan. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/6t2WFGtQ9II/story01.htm

“UPDATE 1-ConocoPhillips sets 2014 budget of $16.7 billion
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:01:37 GMT
Dec 6 (Reuters) – ConocoPhillips, the largest independent oil and gas company, said on Friday that it expected to spend $16.7 billion next year, with more than half earmarked for shale projects in North America. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/vFnbhBWfcAg/story01.htm

MOL is a Hungarian Oil and Gas Group:
“UPDATE 1-Former MOL legal counsel sues CEO over share price fall
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 17:15:01 GMT
* Case comes as MOL, Croatia in row over INA group (Adds more detail from court, comment by Hernadi) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Om7d-SKTQrY/story01.htm

Not good news. We suppose that the chances for amnesty of the Greenpeace 30 are also dampened?
“UPDATE 1-Russian PM dampens amnesty chances for Khodorkovsky, Pussy Riot
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 16:58:23 GMT
* Prosecutor says new Khodorkovsky cases could go to court (Adds report about possible new charges, trial over anti-Putin protest)” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/MmswVcu0N8c/story01.htm

“CORRECTED-EU officials to decide in early 2014 on Opal’s Russian gas limit
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:15:09 GMT
(Correct lead to clarify that gas flows from Nord Stream into Opal, adds background in paras 3-4)” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/HCI_D-d9dJ0/story01.htm

At least some of this appears related to oil drilling:
“Kenya sends troops to end militia fighting in north
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 15:09:35 GMT
* Local officials say 10 killed, residents say more than 20” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/n4bplApIHms/story01.htm

The government of India wants to also sell 5 percent of Coal India and 10 percent of Indian Oil corp:
“Sale of India’s Power Grid gets bids for 6.7 times stock on offer
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:26:39 GMT
* Bids reach 6.7 times the $1.2 bln worth of shares on offer http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/2cllGlON_T8/story01.htm

“UPDATE 1-E.ON limits UK energy price rise after policy change
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 12:54:34 GMT
LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) – E.ON is to raise energy prices for British households by 3.7 percent, announcing the lowest price hike of the “big six” utilities after factoring in the government’s removal of some environmental and social levies from bills.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/nbxaWa6TDGo/story01.htm

“UPDATE 2-Total buys stake in Papua New Guinea bloc
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 12:05:25 GMT
PERTH/PARIS, Dec 6 (Reuters) – France’s Total has agreed to buy a stake in InterOil’s Papua New Guinea gas fields, which could include the construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) export plant in a deal worth up to $3.6 billion.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/faHYuyec4pc/story01.htm

This European “infrastructure” includes pipelines and wind farms:
RPT-Investors join gold rush for European infrastructure
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 11:04:31 GMT
* Pension funds, others compete with equity funds to invest http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/a2MUGLI3F_M/story01.htm

“COMMODITIES-Oil and most markets rally on US jobs data
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 18:14:39 -0500
NEW YORK, Dec 6 (Reuters) – U.S. crude oil ended up for a sixth day on Friday in its longest rally since July and gold and many other commodities rose too as stronger-than-expected hiring by American employers in November boosted confidence in the No. 1 economy. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/5Y2j4k3-zMI/commodities-markets-idUSL2N0JL25I20131206

“Brazil judge puts hold on plan for joint OSX, OGX bankruptcies
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:12:00 -0500
RIO DE JANEIRO, Dec. 6 (Reuters) – A Brazilian state judge suspended a plan to unify the bankruptcy protection petitions of tycoon Eike Batista’s oil producer and shipbuilder, saying the joint petition could hurt the interests of a creditor that opposed the plan. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/s0_7eZp4S4I/brazil-bastista-bankruptcies-idUSL2N0JL1BO20131206

“UPDATE 1-Anglo American boss to flesh out miner’s recovery plan
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 13:01:35 -0500
LONDON, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Four months after branding Anglo American’s performance “unacceptably poor”, Chief Executive Mark Cutifani is to tell investors on Thursday how he plans to improve the miner’s operations and hit ambitious 2016 performance targets. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/d4FKDUMDxFw/angloamerican-strategy-idUSL5N0JL3LW20131206

“Schools close in smog-enshrouded eastern China
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:15:50 GMT
SHANGHAI (Reuters) – Hazardous air pollution forced schools to shut or suspend outdoor activities in at least two cities in eastern China, where residents complained of the yellow skies and foul smells that are symptomatic of the country’s crippling smog crisis.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/vGV1XpU2DSY/story01.htm

“Japan may set up UK-style decommission agency for Fukushima plant
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:01:13 GMT
TOKYO (Reuters) – Japan’s ruling party could set up a British-style agency to shut down the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant, taking control of a project now managed by the station’s embattled operator, a senior party policymaker said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/7Cb1d4Q6b4Y/story01.htm

Over 100 “incidents” involving thefts, etc. of nuclear and radioactive material are reported annually to the IAEA:
“Mexico finds stolen radioactive material amid dirty bomb fear
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 00:39:48 GMT
VIENNA/MEXICO CITY (Reuters) – Mexican police have found dangerous radioactive medical material stolen by thieves that the United Nations said could provide an ingredient for a “dirty bomb,” the country’s national nuclear safety commission CNSNS said on Wednesday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/RtlCiUbUe04/story01.htm

“Investors dismayed as new Barrick chairman talks diversification
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:31:24 -0500
TORONTO, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Barrick Gold Corp investors have taken in stride news that the world’s largest gold producer may consider hedging its gold exposure, but they are roundly panning its plan for more diversification into other commodities. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/q6TDsGBA8fI/barrick-investors-idUSL2N0JK0RP20131205

“UPDATE 2-Miner Vale to sell 15-25 pct stake in coal operations
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 16:03:32 -0500
(Adds comments from Vale CEO, details and comments on Serra Sul project and on Vale iron ore strategy) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/Z4Ow87l5X5M/vale-idUSL5N0JK4WS20131205

Has to do with aluminum:
“Bahraini minister tried to intervene in UK bribery case, court hears
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 12:14:48 -0500
LONDON, Dec 5 (Reuters) – A deputy prime minister of Bahrain sought to intervene in a British bribery prosecution by writing to the head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and to the British government’s legal adviser, a London court heard on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/PZHY-x6f30M/britain-bahrain-trial-idUSL5N0JK46L20131205

Kangur.rudy.drs

OK, here we go. More poo. Kangaroo poo, aka “roo poo” No joke. This however is no good. Why not recycle? Instead they wish to dig more and deeper in Australia and Canada and other old mining areas. Perhaps this is better than ocean mining, digging under glaciers, etc. But, better to recycle. This is using everything from technology to evaluating “roo poo” to see what minerals may be in an area:
“FEATURE-From kangaroos to SQUID, new technologies transform hunt for minerals
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 10:33:20 -0500
* New technologies target deposits “hidden” by soil, rock, ice” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/-M7RQaPkdn8/mining-hiddendeposits-idUSL5N0JE3FH20131205

“Ukraine crisis spells trouble for region’s struggling steelmakers
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 08:10:38 -0500
MOSCOW, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Ukraine’s choice of closer ties with Moscow, spurning a trade pact with the EU, could rub its struggling steelmakers up against Russia’s own beleaguered metals firms, who will resist Kiev’s attempts to export its way out of trouble”. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/yHSotq46hFc/ukraine-russia-steel-idUSL5N0JJ2GP20131205

Regarding to rules which require processing of ore before export, in order to increase value of exports:
“Indonesia ore export ban will kill off domestic mining – industry
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 07:04:20 GMT
JAKARTA, Dec 6 (Reuters) – Indonesia’s mining industry will be killed off by a planned ban on unprocessed mineral exports, a domestic miners’ association said, accusing the government of favoring international firms that can more easily adapt to the new rules.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/EVh5tqCo_LQ/story01.htm

Reaction of Newmont and Freeport Indonesia:
“Newmont ready to supply
copper concentrate to Indosmelt
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Business | Thu, December 05 2013, 8:04 PM http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/12/05/newmont-ready-supply-copper-concentrate-indosmelt.html

Freeport to supply local smelters
Amahl S. Azwar, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Business | Wed, August 14 2013, 12:05 PM” http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/08/14/freeport-supply-local-smelters.html

Regarding the construction of the Dunkerque Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal:
“France struggles in EU to stem low-cost foreign workers
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 06:30:00 GMT
* France hosts over 200,000 posted workers, up 23 pct in a year” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/V79qfn8TJFE/story01.htm

“UPDATE 1-Brent edges up over $111; all eyes on U.S. jobs report
Posted:Fri, 06 Dec 2013 06:18:34 GMT
* Severe weather cuts oil production in Europe, United States http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/IHDUZ6FrFTE/story01.htm

“UPDATE 8-Brent falls, U.S. crude gains as spread trade unwinds
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 20:32:49 GMT
* Q3 GDP revised up more than expected, jobless claims fall http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/C050nhAwDLw/story01.htm

What is Brent Crude anyway?
“Brent Crude is a major trading classification of sweet light crude oil that serves as a major benchmark price for purchases of oil worldwide. Brent Crude is sourced from the North Sea, and comprises Brent Blend, Forties Blend, Oseberg and Ekofisk crudes (also known as the BFOE Quotation). The Brent Crude oil marker is also known as Brent Blend, London Brent and Brent petroleum.
The other well-known classifications (also called references or benchmarks) are the OPEC Reference Basket, Dubai Crude, Oman Crude, and West Texas Intermediate. Brent is the leading global price benchmark for Atlantic basin crude oils. It is used to price two thirds of the world’s internationally traded crude oil supplies.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brent_Crude

“BP and Shell face new allegations of rigging oil prices in US lawsuit
Companies among five accused by oil traders of repeatedly trying to rig spot price for Brent crude. By Fiona Harvey, environment correspondent. The Guardian, Wednesday 6 November 2013 21.26 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/06/bp-shell-rigging-oil-prices-us

Oil traders claim crude prices fixed
BP and Shell among companies that conspired to manipulate Brent spot prices for more than a decade, lawsuit alleges.” theguardian.com (Bloomberg) Wednesday 6 November 2013 08.51 GMT http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/06/oil-traders-claim-crude-prices-fixed

The 46664 Arctic Concert held 11 June 2005 in Tromsø, Norway

Cruel Crazy Beautiful World – “You gotta live with the crooked politician”.

HOW IS THIS SUPPOSED TO WORK? HOW IS HAITI WHICH HAS FOOD SHORTAGES SUPPOSED TO GIVE $1.2 BILLION OF FRUIT AND COFFEE TO VENEZUELA? Good news is that this must mean fruit trees instead of mining, although we doubt Lamothe has figured this out yet. Bad news is that poor Haitians need food instead of oil or mines. Also, Haiti needs to not allow or stop fracking, which could pollute the food. How is this going to work anyway? The fruit is on public land? Or, are they going to give the new oil from Venezuela to large landowners in exchange for fruit, which will be used to pay the old debt, while generating new debt. Then the large landowners will sell the oil for profit? How the bleep IS this going to work? How about investigating the various allegations of corruption as a start in seeking repayment monies? As for claims that they have info on their web site. They have names of projects but not detailed breakdown of cost:
“Haiti defends oil program, seeks to repay Venezuela debt with food
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 23:46:13 GMT
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Haiti has begun servicing its oil debt with Venezuela which now stands at $1.2 billion, and is exploring ways to make payments in kind with agricultural products rather than cash, a senior Haitian official said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/jEps7iDCXmM/story01.htm

This is interesting but just where can this study be found? We looked for it!

“UPDATE 1-Canada must do more to engage aboriginals on pipelines -report
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 23:08:46 GMT
VANCOUVER, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Canada must do more to build trust with aboriginal communities to win their support for resource projects such as oil pipelines and natural gas terminals, a government report said on Thursday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/XvAO82z03Fo/story01.htm

“First Nations Gain Powerful New Allies in Fight Against 
Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline, Tankers
December 5, 2013
~Solidarity Accord aligns First Nations with supporters from across Canadian society ahead of a Joint Review Panel decision on the project ~” http://yinkadene.ca/index.php/media/first_nations_gain_powerful_new_allies_in_fight_againstenbridge_northern_ga

“46664 (four, double six, six, four) is a series of AIDS charity concerts played in honour of Nelson Mandela by South African musicians in the 2000s.

Mandela was imprisoned on Robben Island in 1964, and was the 466th prisoner to arrive that year. The prison administration’s scheme of numbering prisoners was to follow the sequence number of the prisoner (466 in his case), with the last two digits of the year (64).[1] The number was imposed on him by the prison for over 25 years, until his release in 1990. “Prisoner 46664” continues to be used as a reverential title for him. Shortly before Joe Strummer’s death, he and U2’s Bono co-wrote the song 46664 for Mandela as part of the campaign against AIDS in Africa.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/46664_(concerts)

Investors dismayed as new Barrick chairman talks diversification
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:31:24 GMT
TORONTO, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Barrick Gold Corp investors have taken in stride news that the world’s largest gold producer may consider hedging its gold exposure, but they are roundly panning its plan for more diversification into other commodities. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/92RfN90MWPM/story01.htm

“UPDATE 2-Miner Vale to sell 15-25 pct stake in coal operations
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 21:03:32 GMT
(Adds comments from Vale CEO, details and comments on Serra Sul project and on Vale iron ore strategy) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/sn3fP7MaZSU/story01.htm

“Argentina, Repsol in talks regarding YPF compensation -Argentina
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 20:17:07 GMT
BUENOS AIRES, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Argentina has begun talks with Repsol about compensation to the Spanish oil major for last years nationalization of the South American country’s top oil company, YPF, a government official said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/5-7Fa_f_pfc/story01.htm

“Argentina-Brazil patch up on trade, look to Europe deal
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 18:47:26 GMT
BUENOS AIRES, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Argentina’s recent Cabinet shuffle has smoothed trade friction between South America’s two largest economies and clears the way for a united proposal for free trade with the European Union, Brazilian Trade Minister Fernando Pimentel said on Thursday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/blEpFnnVghY/story01.htm

“UPDATE 3-Eni’s CEO first to meet with Iran oil minister
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 18:32:28 GMT
VIENNA, Dec 5 (Reuters) – Paolo Scaroni of Italy’s Eni met with Iranian Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh on Thursday, the first Western oil CEO to do so publicly with the minister since last month’s interim nuclear deal. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/UDKLMwZYBWw/story01.htm

“Shell pulls out of gas-to-liquids project in Gulf Coast
Posted:Thu, 05 Dec 2013 18:14:52 GMT
Dec 5 (Reuters) – Royal Dutch Shell Plc said it would not move forward with its proposed 140,000 barrel per day Gulf Coast gas-to-liquids (GTL) project in Louisiana, despite ample supplies of natural gas in the area. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/pUC5Hmn0aXA/story01.htm