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Amnesty, Exxon Mobil Corp, gas, gold, Gold prices, Greenpeace, mining, natural gas, news, oil, petroleum, President Putin, Russia, Russian President Vladimir Putin, United States
NB: The most recent post is on top, such that daily readers did not need to scroll down. This is a continuation of: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/07/the-ongoing-saga-7-news-updates-tidbits-trivia/ It continues here: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/20/the-ongoing-saga-9-news-updates-tidbits-trivia/
Thursday, 19 December 2013
As we said, a few days ago, they will have time to get home for Christmas, unless they are taking the boat:
“UPDATE 1-Russian amnesty to benefit Pussy Riot, Greenpeace 30
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:23:07 GMT
* Greenpeace activists now likely to avoid trial (Adds parliament adopts amnesty, quotes, context)” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/VI283zITsTU/story01.htm
“Draft pollution law seeks to tackle lethal European air
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 10:25:24 GMT
BRUSSELS (Reuters) – EU policymakers on Wednesday unveiled a draft law to tackle air pollution, which every year is linked to 400,000 premature deaths in Europe and costs of tens of billions of euros.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/-NwuH-PLzpQ/story01.htm
The article says: “The health benefits alone of the proposals will save society 40 billion euros per year, 12 times the cost of pollution abatement, which is expected to reach 3.4 billion euros per year in 2030, the Commission said.
The Commission calculates that adopting its proposed measures would reduce the annual death toll from pollution-related disease by 58,000 by 2030, as well as protecting fragile ecosystems and boosting the clean-technology industry.”
But then the article later whines that it will be hard on the EU govs:
“But the tighter proposed limits on PM will pose problems for EU governments, many of which have struggled to meet the existing caps. Up to a third of Europeans are exposed to dangerous levels of PM pollution, official figures show.”
Comment: What the bleep does that mean? It saves lives, saves medical bills, and boosts sales of clean tech. It means that neither big companies nor individuals want to pay for filtration?
“Delhi blanketed in thick smog, transport disrupted
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:39:54 GMT
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Delhi residents woke on Wednesday to a third day of thick gray smog in one of the worst episodes this year, which disrupted dozens of flights and train services and caused a rash of health complaints.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INtopNews/~3/mGmlGWiOO54/story01.htm
Do or don’t do! We are tired of hearing that air pollution is bad and killing us — something that some of us knew intuitively from birth– and then nothing done about it! Lethal sounds even worse than killing us! What happened to the various air quality laws? Especially the ones against chimney smoke? It seems some laws, in some countries, have actually been revoked, turning back the hands of time! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_quality_law Then they must be enforced, 24/7.
Oh, and then (not in this article) they remind us that inside air is worse, because of the off gassing of various materials, dust mites, mold, viruses, and outside air that is stuck and concentrated inside. What are we supposed to do? Not breathe at all? The pollution can get into our skin by air and water, too.
How come there are issues everywhere with wood burning stoves? Shouldn’t they be made with proper filters according to law? Filters have been around for a long time. And why are people burning down forests instead of using biofuel? Is this prehistoric times? How many are actually burning newspapers, garbage or advertisements? In Europe there are biofuel options. Has all of Europe gotten into the habit of overheating? Once upon a time, not so long ago, in the Nordic areas of Europe they were extremely economical of heat and hot water because the cost of fuel was high. They were pretty frugal on the continent. In much of Europe it really is not that cold in winter and there is no air cooling in summer. There are many cinder block (beton) housing units which hold in heat. With high-rise cinder block (beton) housing, the challenge should be keeping cool in summer and not keeping warm in winter. There is no sense in housing using wood burning heaters in urban areas, such that when one goes out to walk one comes back smelling like a smoked salmon or herring, even when the town produces hydro and is downwind to a few nuclear power plants, and one uses biofuel heat oneself. A little something extra lethal is people walking with their cigarettes leaving a trail of smoke for everyone else instead of smoking themselves. And chimney smoke wafting into one’s residence. Does this make any sense? Something is wrong with this picture.
That’s much of what is wrong with the world, especially the increasingly urbanized world – no respect for one’s neighbors.
In some ways corporate pollution habits are reflective of an overall lack of consideration for the rights of others. An overall lack of civility.
Or, they need to do something the world over, or they need to lie to us like Japanese officials and tell us that it is no problem, and even as some media nit-wits in the US say that radiation is good for you.
Well, tell us that air pollution is good for us (as was actually tried recently by media in China and people got upset) or do something about it! And, promptly! Why did they not address winter air pollution before the winter came? And, they need to enforce the laws which exist!
To tell us it is bad and do nothing makes the health effects worse (Unless they intend for people to stay locked in their homes with a hepa filter air purifier because their selfish or thoughtless neighbors overheat with wood burning stoves or furnaces, and greedy corporations and individuals alike don’t want to install filters on chimneys. Don’t get us going on polluting, noisy, scooters, and polluting vehicles larger than people’s homes. A fan on a hepa air purification filter will probably suck more smoke into the average home. And, they are very expensive. Why does the person wanting clean air have no rights?) They are adding psychological damage on top of the physical damage by telling us it is bad and failing to take action. A very unnecessary source of pollution is fireworks and bonfires, the former of which is mentioned in the article on India, but is also a problem elsewhere.
And people need to make the IAEA and the Japanese gov get a grip on Fukushima and handle that properly. They need to filter the water, tritium and all, and not dump it out incrementally, into the ocean, as the IAEA recently told Japan they can do. Tritium can be processed to helium which could be sold. Japan was looking for someone to do the filtration and then the IAEA came along recently and said it is ok to do a controlled release of tritium! If Fukushima is not handled properly, we may all die promptly, if the ocean plants which emit oxygen are all killed. If that is the case we had better do as the Japanese gov says and smile and think pleasant thoughts: Eat, Drink, and be Merry for tomorrow we die.
If we survive, and there are no changes, we are really moving toward a scenario of total destruction of the commons, where the rich and any plants will be living in bio dome bubbles with filtered air and water, and the poor, the have-nots, will live in the garbage dump commons, where the well to do throw their (toxic) wastes, filtration devices, etc. Those outside of the bio dome will live short lives and die painful deaths of cancer or lung disorders. If you disobey the powers that be, they can cast you out of the biodome. Eventually, there will be no life in the commons and being cast from the biodome, banishment, will be a death penalty. What if economic crisis, losing your job, and home meant not even having access to air to breathe?
Is this the future we want? This is the direction we are headed. Prophecies are based on the current direction. If people change direction, before it is too late, then they change outcome.
Is this what these experiments are really about?
Biosphere 2, photo by Johndedios via Wikimedia
Article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biosphere_2
“JSW Steel’s main plant battling iron ore shortage
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:39:23 GMT
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – JSW Steel Ltd said its 10 million-tonne-per-year plant in Karnataka will not operate at more than 80 percent capacity in the near future as mining restrictions have stifled the supply of iron ore, a key feedstock. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INtopNews/~3/LDxwTJgh1VI/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-EU regulators investigate EDF British nuclear project
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 08:38:21 -0500
* EU to assess if plant can be built without UK government support http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/YX0L-dU6VOE/eu-britain-nuclear-idUSL6N0JX26R20131218
CORRECTED-UPDATE 1-Antarctica may have a new type of ice – diamonds
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 11:59:22 -0500
* Scientists find kimberlite rock, often a source of diamonds http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/A4ytdjiRm_M/antarctica-diamonds-idUSL6N0JW3Q020131218
UPDATE 2-EU probes green charge exemptions for German industry
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 10:04:40 -0500
* Industry faces prospect of paying back billions of euros http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/yAeOOfEqL5k/eu-stateaid-germany-idUSL6N0JX26I20131218
UPDATE 1-WPX Energy adds investor nominee to board as CEO departs
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 09:05:46 -0500
Dec 18 (Reuters) – Natural gas producer WPX Energy said it would add a nominee of hedge fund shareholder Taconic Capital Advisors LP to its board, a day after the company announced the sudden departure of its CEO. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/inj88gVvMJc/wpxenergy-board-idUSL3N0JX30520131218
UPDATE 2-Fighting spreads to near flashpoint South Sudan town
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:00:43 GMT
* Clashes revive memories of bloody ethnic rifts in 1990s (Recasts with clashes in flashpoint town) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/e5aZk1KkonM/story01.htm
UPDATE 6-Brent rises ahead of Fed decision; spread widens
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:45:06 GMT
* U.S. crude stocks drop 2.9 mln bbls, distillates also fall -EIA http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/TcnOjliosDo/story01.htm
Nigeria’s NNPC owes gov’t $12 bln, not $50 bln – cbank
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:40:24 GMT
ABUJA, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s central bank said on Wednesday the state-oil company NNPC had not paid $12 billion it earned from oil sales into government accounts, not $50 billion as it had earlier stated http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/CHaBPewtuXE/story01.htm
African ministers seek to end South Sudan clashes
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:37:55 GMT
ADDIS ABABA, Dec 18 (Reuters) – A group of East African foreign ministers will travel to South Sudan on Thursday to seek an end to days of fighting, the first foreign mission to enter the country since the eruption of the conflict that has killed up to 500 people. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/b8xXTlDGMhQ/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Ex-BP engineer found guilty in Gulf of Mexico spill case
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 17:23:47 GMT
NEW ORLEANS, Dec 18 (Reuters) – An engineer charged with obstructing justice in connection with the 2010 BP well blowout in the Gulf of Mexico was found guilty of one count by a federal jury on Wednesday, officials said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/w-5f_TJLK0g/story01.htm
UPDATE 4-South Sudan president ready to talk as clashes spread
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:32:53 GMT
* Fighting revives memories of bloody ethnic rifts in 1990s (Recasts with president saying he is ready for dialogue) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/BuGb7rKGMrI/story01.htm
U.N. warns that South Sudan violence could spread
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:22:30 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, Dec 18 (Reuters) – U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday said the violence in South Sudan that has claimed hundreds of lives in recent days could be spreading to other parts of Africa’s youngest country. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/bDIZmeEUh4Y/story01.htm
Argentina calls in British envoy over Falklands energy dispute
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 16:08:35 GMT
LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Argentina summoned Britain’s ambassador in Buenos Aires for a meeting about a row over oil and gas drilling in the waters around the disputed Falkland Islands, a British spokeswoman said on Wednesday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/BfvXiSTv4ME/story01.htm
South Sudan president says ready for talks with rival
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 15:48:33 GMT
JUBA, Dec 18 (Reuters) – South Sudanese President Salva Kiir said on Wednesday he was ready for any dialogue with the former vice president whom he accused of being behind a coup attempt, Kiir’s spokesman said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-2Wf8dwlUbU/story01.htm
COLUMN-Obama could lift U.S. oil-export ban without Congress: Kemp
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:39:02 GMT
(John Kemp is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/unz0gDj3LPc/story01.htm
Russia’s Gazprom may gain despite cheaper gas to Ukraine
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:38:55 GMT
* Ukraine deal seen political, but still may offer Gazprom economic benefits http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/brPV9pa3OyA/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-WPX Energy adds investor nominee to board as CEO departs
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:05:46 GMT
Dec 18 (Reuters) – Natural gas producer WPX Energy said it would add a nominee of hedge fund shareholder Taconic Capital Advisors LP to its board, a day after the company announced the sudden departure of its CEO. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/KkUq0ey1bcI/story01.htm
Colombia aims to raise $2.6 billion in 2014 oil auctions -gov’t
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:01:38 GMT
BOGOTA, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Colombia hopes to raise $2.6 billion dollars by auctioning more than 22 million hectares for oil exploration and production in 2014, the National Hydrocarbons Agency (ANH) said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-lmKtb0vqec/story01.htm
Newly reliable Buzzard calms oil prices
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 14:00:54 GMT
* Buzzard output largely stable since August – Reuters tally http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Z3TkMx5fY7k/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Pacific Rubiales targets oil and gas output growth of 15-20 pct
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 12:56:42 GMT
Dec 18 (Reuters) – Pacific Rubiales Energy Corp, the largest private oil producer in Colombia, said it is targeting 15-20 percent growth in production in 2014.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/azYLldewhKE/story01.htm”
Wednesday, 18 December 2013
Today’s new post, to counter those who want to say everything’s ok at Chernobyl, radiation is good, etc. https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/18/radiation-and-cataracts-in-birds-at-chernobyl/ It really wasn’t so easy to find this very sad info. That itself is mind-boggling. Prior to internet, the challenge used to be finding info. With internet, one has the impression that the challenge is sorting info. But, for some serious topics, like this, the challenge is once again finding the info. That being said, for us, this did not require running from library to library, interviews or going to another country to find info. The wonders of internet. However, for the original researchers, it required going into a dangerous zone at Chernobyl, and risking their health, to get this information out.
Our new post yesterday was: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/17/regulatory-capture-of-the-self-perpetuating-nuclear-industry-in-japan-and-the-usa/
This is SO evil. BP is evil. No getting around that. They don’t want to pay for the mess they have made and are wasting people’s precious time and money to get out from under it. Think of that before you fill up a vehicle (ditto for Chevron below). Surely, many of the fishermen impacted were very small, living hand to mouth:
“UPDATE 1-BP files fraud suit to cut oil spill seafood fund payout
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:46:39 GMT
HOUSTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – BP Plc filed a fraud lawsuit in U.S. court on Tuesday to halt some of the $2.3 billion it set aside to compensate commercial fishermen for losses claimed after the British oil company’s 2010 offshore oil spill, the biggest in U.S. history.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Cf7tz_4xblE/story01.htm
From the Reuters Article:
“BP, which still faces potential fines under the Clean Water Act, has filed numerous lawsuits to curb payouts related to the spill after taking provisions for $42.4 billion to cover the clean-up, compensation and fines.
The filing was made in U.S. court for the Eastern District of Louisiana, where a jury could soon reach a verdict in the trial former BP engineer Kurt Mix, who allegedly deleted text messages and voice mails about the estimated size of the spill. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of obstruction of justice.”
“US EPA cites Chevron for environmental violations from 2012 fire
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 01:20:23 GMT
HOUSTON (Reuters) – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Tuesday notified Chevron Corp. that it found dozens of failures to comply with federal environmental laws in an investigation stemming from a 2012 fire at the company’s Richmond, California, refinery, according to documents provided by EPA. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/30hURNBnhSk/story01.htm
“UPDATE 1-U.S. safety board urges new rules for California refineries
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:30:22 GMT
* Calif. officials weigh possible new rules for refineries (Adds Chevron statement, details throughout on Safety Board’s action) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/to7zsxoAEhw/story01.htm
Judges re-open Chevron-Ecuador enforcement action in Canada
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:41:04 GMT
TORONTO, Dec 17 (Reuters) – An Ontario appeals court ruled on Tuesday that a group of Ecuadoreans can seek enforcement in Canada of a $9.5 billion judgment against U.S. oil company Chevron Corp, overturning a lower court decision from earlier in the year.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/tewHKjHJHFU/story01.htm
Seems like they aren’t too interested in dealing with the US debt. They only want to give handouts to the oil and gas industry:
“UPDATE 2-U.S. drops royalty hike plan for some drilling; taxpayers hit -study
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:32:08 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – U.S. taxpayers will forgo more than $1 billion in revenue in the next decade now that officials have dropped plans to increase royalty rates for drilling on federal land, a report released on Tuesday concluded.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-c5_LX-dLE4/story01.htm
Ok, we will, with great effort, refrain from using bad words for the UK PM, who also wants the UK to have new nuclear:
“UK’s Cameron to EU: Don’t stifle fracking with new laws
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 16:20:46 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) – British Prime Minister David Cameron has warned the European Commission not to propose European Union-wide legislation to regulate the nascent fracking industry, saying such a move could create uncertainty and stifle investment.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/PAVA3p_Afu0/story01.htm
“U.S. lawmakers want hearing on natural gas methane emissions
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:36:08 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Democratic lawmakers concerned about the growing U.S. reliance on natural gas for electricity on Tuesday called for a congressional hearing on emissions of methane – a potent greenhouse gas – from oil and gas production.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/8YeNr5W2jJM/story01.htm
“RPT-UPDATE 2-Shale boom could bring record US oil output in 5 years-EIA
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 22:39:19 GMT
(Overwrites previous update. Adds factbox link. No changes to text) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-OFu_H66sZI/story01.htm
“Supreme Court rejects oil spill contempt case
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:21:57 GMT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Interior Department will not be held in contempt over its actions in the aftermath of the 2010 Gulf of Mexico oil spill after the Supreme Court declined on Monday to review an appeals court ruling in the government’s favor.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/I3H196Lv7Os/story01.htm
“INTERVIEW-TransCanada expects Jan. 22 start for Gulf Coast pipeline
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:13:48 GMT
(Adds details on Keystone XL project in final paragraphs; updates shares)” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/nbAchNBY68g/story01.htm
This doesn’t mean mining right away. It’s not just diamonds either. But, Greenland, which is also large, ice covered and pristine, is set to start-up uranium mining:
“UPDATE 1-Antarctica may have a new type of ice – diamonds
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 13:08:33 -0500
* Scientists find kimberlite rock, often a source of diamonds” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/V35pEcSuQy8/antarctica-diamonds-idUSL6N0JW3Q020131217
London Government Trying to Keep Scottish Oil and Gas! And, Probably Mining too as English companies do not have to clean up old mines, only Scottish ones do:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_Parliament
The Scots traditionally produced good economists. The English gov, banks and cos, world class imperialist fleecers:
“Scottish oil and gas exports put at £30bn
The figures were described as “experimental” and showed £17.5bn of oil and gas was exported in 2012”
Entire article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-business-25013272
“Independent Scots would face 1.6 bln stg tax shortfall – UK government
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 00:01:00 GMT
LONDON, Dec 18 (Reuters) – Scottish taxpayers could face an annual bill of 1.6 billion pounds ($2.6 billion) to pay for three policy commitments of the Scottish government if the country votes to leave Britain, the finance ministry said on Wednesday.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/no8nEKc8zZM/story01.htm
Regarding Scottish Independence: If you are from anywhere in the EU and are resident in Scotland, you can vote for if Scotland should leave the UK. If you are Scottish living in England or Europe, you aren’t allowed to vote. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scottish_independence_referendum,_2014 So, it is pretty clear that the Scottish diaspora, unjustly kicked out, won’t get a say, if those who have recently crossed the border in search of jobs will get no say!
With the way Cumbria is being treating by the UK gov, they should leave the UK, perhaps joining Scotland. The borders regions share cultural continuity, historically. Of course, the UK will not let Scotland leave with the oil and gas.
“Opencast mine owners cannot walk away from clean up, court rules
12 December 2013 Last updated at 21:27 GMT
From the article:
“This whole saga underlines yet again why Scotland should be drawing a line under the extraction and use of fossil fuels such as coal.”
“The Scottish Opencast Communities Alliance warned the ruling may make little practical difference to the prospects of Scotland’s current abandoned mines being restored”
“…This court decision only stops Scottish-registered companies abandoning mines when they go bust.”
“Companies registered in England have always had the legal right to abandon sites, and unfortunately almost the whole of the opencast industry in Scotland is now owned by English-registered companies. So we still have the same problem.”
Entire article here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-25352375
“Rebellious Scots to crush‘
The Battle of Culloden (1746) by David Morier, oil on canvas
“The National Anthem of ‘God Save the King’ appeared in print in 1745, to a tune by Thomas Arne. It became popular in London theatres in reaction to the Jacobite Rebellion that year. It is said that the song was first sung in support of King George II shortly after he was defeated by Charles Edward Stuart’s Jacobite army at the Battle of Prestonpans. ‘God save our lord the king: A new song set for two voices’ was published in ‘The Gentleman’s Magazine’.
General Wade has the distinction of featuring in its second verse, which is now considered anti-Scottish and is no longer sung.
The words of the offending verse are:
Lord, grant that Marshal Wade
May by thy mighty aid
Victory bring.
May he sedition hush and like a torrent rush,
Rebellious Scots to crush.
God save the King.
Another verse begs Wade to ‘confound their politics, Frustrate their knavish tricks…’ This verse was rewritten to cover all enemies of Great Britain.” http://www.educationscotland.gov.uk/scotlandshistory/jacobitesenlightenmentclearances/rebelliousscots/index.asp
Scotland would more likely leave the UK if England had not systematically deported those who rebelled or even protested. They did this to the English too. The premise of the book-movie “Captain Blood” is all too true. A doctor trying to bind the wounds of English rebels gets deported as a slave to the Caribbean. England also outlawed use of bagpipe, gaelic language, as well as dress. So, those attached to the gaelic culture of Scotland were forced into exile. The Highlanders were later deported in a massive land-grab allegedly for sheep but probably for mining:
“Dress Act 1746
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The dress act was part of the Act of Proscription which came into force on 1 August 1746 and made wearing “the Highland Dress” including tartan or a kilt illegal in Scotland as well as reiterating the Disarming Act. The Jacobite Risings between 1689 and 1746 found their most effective support amongst the Scottish clans, and this Act was part of a series of measures attempting to bring the warrior clans under government control. An exemption allowed the kilt to be worn in the army, continuing the tradition established by the Black Watch regiment.
The law was repealed in 1782. By that time kilts and tartans were no longer ordinary Highland wear, ended by enforcement of the law and by the circumstances of the Highland clearances, but within two years Highland aristocrats set up the Highland Society of Edinburgh and soon other clubs followed with aims including promoting “the general use of the ancient Highland dress”. This would lead to the Highland pageant of the visit of King George IV to Scotland…
The Act
Abolition and Proscription of the Highland Dress 19 George II, Chap. 39, Sec. 17, 1746:
That from and after the first day of August, One thousand, seven hundred and forty-six, no man or boy within that part of Britain called Scotland, other than such as shall be employed as Officers and Soldiers in His Majesty’s Forces, shall, on any pretext whatever, wear or put on the clothes commonly called Highland clothes (that is to say) the Plaid, Philabeg, or little Kilt, Trowse, Shoulder-belts, or any part whatever of what peculiarly belongs to the Highland Garb; and that no tartan or party-coloured plaid of stuff shall be used for Great Coats or upper coats, and if any such person shall presume after the said first day of August, to wear or put on the aforesaid garment or any part of them, every such person so offending … For the first offence,shall be liable to be imprisoned for 6 months, and on the second offence, to be transported to any of His Majesty’s plantations beyond the seas, there to remain for the space of seven years. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dress_Act_1746
The prohibition included speaking the native gaelic language and playing bagpipes. Contrary to what this wiki article implies, the clearances continued on well after the dress was relegalized. Clearances continued until at least the mid1800s. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Highland_Clearances While the Highlanders were being romanticized in Edinburgh, the real Highlanders, including the elderly and infirm, were being burned out of their homes. If the sick said that they would move when they were well, the English troops threw them out in the ditch, and burned the house. This occurred up to at least the mid 1800s. This wasn’t long ago. Cruel with no mercy.
“Market forces shifted rare earth availability- Pentagon report
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:45:15 -0500
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – The 2011 scare about Chinese control of rare earth elements critical for defense manufacturing has faded, with market forces boosting production outside China and prompting a shift to alternative substances, according to a new Pentagon report. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/40HA4F8GOjA/usa-pentagon-rareearth-idUSL2N0JW27320131217 (Bold added to emphasize that alternative substances have been found).
From the article: “China has repeatedly said rampant overmining has caused untold ecological damage and that it no longer wants to pay the environmental costs of supplying the vast bulk of the world’s rare earths.”
“UPDATE 1-Braskem to buy Argentine-Brazilian unit of Belgium’s Solvay
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:14:40 -0500
SAO PAULO, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Braskem SA, Latin America’s largest petrochemical company, reached a deal on Tuesday to buy plastic maker Solvay Indupa, largely by taking on debts of the Argentine-Brazilian unit of Belgium’s Solvay SA , a unit valued at $290 million.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/Gd2XsQf6Yw4/solvay-indupa-braskem-idUSL2N0JW23420131217
“Mysterious bald eagle deaths under scrutiny in Utah
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:49:09 -0500
Dec 17 (Reuters) – A number of unexplained bald eagle deaths in Utah when hundreds of the government-protected birds have migrated to wintering grounds in the central Rocky Mountains has wildlife officials worried. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/E3n20oEEl_M/usa-eagles-utah-idUSL2N0JW1Z120131217
“UPDATE 1-Barrick Gold announces departure of two more directors
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:44:46 -0500
TORONTO, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Barrick Gold Corp said in a surprise announcement on Tuesday that two long-time directors, Donald Carty and Robert Franklin, have resigned from the company’s board with immediate effect. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/g7PydK6vhZ4/barrick-board-idUSL2N0JW23I20131217
COMMODITIES-Sugar tumbles on fund selling; gold down before Fed
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 17:12:45 -0500
By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Global sugar futures hit 3-1/2 year lows on Tuesday as funds continued to sell against a backdrop of excess supplies and most other agricultural markets fell too, pushing the commodities broadly lower. Precious metals also closed down, joining copper and crude oil in negative territory, as the Federal Reserve’s policy-setting two-day meeting continued, which could help answer when the central bank will begin trimming the U.S. stimulus.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/zGVpPyOZRMs/story01.htm
Oil (and probably mining) at stake:
“UPDATE 5-U.N. told up to 500 killed in South Sudan clashes -diplomats
Posted:Wed, 18 Dec 2013 01:41:28 GMT
JUBA/UNITED NATIONS, Dec 17 (Reuters) – The United Nations received reports from local sources in South Sudan on Tuesday that between 400 and 500 people had been killed and up to 800 wounded in the latest violence, and the government said it had arrested 10 politicians in connection with a “foiled coup”. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/i5or_sdtNMA/story01.htm
CORRECTED-Russian bailout wins Ukraine economic respite but deepens political rift
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 23:37:33 GMT
* Kiev needs to fund $17 bln foreign funding gap next year http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/RpJS7bp4VKg/story01.htm
UPDATE 3-Noble Energy sees opportunity in Mexico, 2014 capex higher
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:44:59 GMT
* Company to spend 70 percent of budget on U.S. onshore operations http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/8Tud9ICyQaE/story01.htm
UPDATE 10-Oil slips as Fed news awaited, Brent-WTI spread narrows
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:19:02 GMT
* TransCanada Gulf pipeline expected in service on Jan. 22 http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/kucnIdfWNEY/story01.htm
COMMODITIES-Sugar tumbles on fund selling; gold down before Fed
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 22:12:45 GMT
By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Global sugar futures hit 3-1/2 year lows on Tuesday as funds continued to sell against a backdrop of excess supplies and most other agricultural markets fell too, pushing the commodities broadly lower. Precious metals also closed down, joining copper and crude oil in negative territory, as the Federal Reserve’s policy-setting two-day meeting continued, which could help answer when the central bank will begin trimming the U.S. stimulus.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/zGVpPyOZRMs/story01.htm
More Mining Stakes:
“Clashes over Congo Republic security official killed at least 22
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 21:30:06 GMT
BRAZZAVILLE, Dec 17 (Reuters) – At least 22 people were killed when security forces raided the house of Republic of Congo’s former deputy intelligence chief and clashed with his security guards, a morgue official said.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Avop915y5KA/story01.htm
REFILE-UPDATE 1-Commod assets lost record $88 bln value through Nov -Barclays
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:15:04 GMT
Dec 17 (Reuters) – Commodity assets lost $88 billion in value through November, the largest decline for the first 11 months of the year on record, from a combination of investor exits and from price drops that took place mostly in gold, Barclays said on Tuesday. In terms of withdrawals alone, investors took out a net $36.3 billion in the 11 months of the year so far, setting another record over that time period, the London-based investment bank said in a research note. A table on commodi http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/tAjpE0V2d7E/story01.htm
UPDATE 5-Russia agrees $15 bln bailout of Ukraine, fuelling protests
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:07:50 GMT
MOSCOW, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Russia agreed a $15 billion bailout for Ukraine and slashed the price of gas exports on Tuesday under a deal that keeps the cash-strapped country in Moscow’s orbit but fuelled street protests in Kiev. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/UzYMMp_fmiI/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-U.S. orders some diplomats out of South Sudan because of unrest
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 19:08:58 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department said on Tuesday it ordered its non-essential officials to leave South Sudan because of violence, warned U.S. citizens not to visit and urged those already there to leave immediately. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Q-_-I_Uh95E/story01.htm
UPDATE 3-South Sudan says arrests 10, hunts ex-VP over “foiled coup”
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:59:54 GMT
JUBA, Dec 17 (Reuters) – South Sudan said on Tuesday it had arrested 10 senior political figures and was hunting for its ex-vice president, accusing him of leading a “foiled coup” in the oil-producing nation’s capital, where gunfire rang out for a second day. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/OsRbrBHOM-M/story01.htm
UK says Argentina using Falklands row to distract from economic woes
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:43:54 GMT
LONDON, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Britain accused the Argentine government on Tuesday of talking up a dispute over the sovereignty of the Falkland Islands to try to divert voters’ attention away from the South American country’s severe economic problems. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/NoCq8qua9_I/story01.htm
Azerbaijan detains election watchdog chief
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:38:01 GMT
BAKU, Dec 17 (Reuters) – Azerbaijan on Tuesday detained an activist in what his lawyer said was political retribution for his reporting of violations in elections in which President Ilham Aliyev won a third term. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/VDB8R59cOeA/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Chile court halts 350-MW Endesa plant to mull fishermen’s appeal
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 18:14:29 GMT
SANTIAGO, Dec 17 (Reuters) – An appeals court has halted operations at a 350 megawatt Endesa Chile plant in the south of the Andean country to study a request by local fishermen who say the coal-fired complex has polluted the area. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/CbAr0UBUfh0/story01.htm
Brent eases towards $109, gains prompt selling ahead of Fed meet
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:34:47 GMT
* U.S. factory activity gains steam, euro zone ends year on a high http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/NrppAuTyNAw/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Two more officials at PetroChina parent held in graft probe
Posted:Tue, 17 Dec 2013 03:00:29 GMT
HONG KONG/BEIJING, Dec 17 (Reuters) – The Chinese government has detained two more senior executives of China National Petroleum Company (CNPC) as part of a wider graft investigation into the state energy giant, two people with direct knowledge of the matter told Reuters. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/yYorA266QbE/story01.htm
Rice Energy files for $800 mln IPO
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:24:03 GMT
Dec 16 (Reuters) – Natural gas exploration and production company Rice Energy Inc filed with U.S. regulators on Monday to raise up to $800 million in an initial public offering of its common stock. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/fuuv-AvpC8w/story01.htm
Oil trader Vitol applies for London Metal Exchange membership
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:28:52 GMT
LONDON, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Swiss trading house Vitol, which is seeking to diversify into other commodities from its main business in oil, has applied for membership of the London Metal Exchange (LME). http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/FprxzwDSW3I/story01.htm
UK accuses Argentina of commercial bullying over Falklands drilling
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 17:08:49 GMT
LONDON, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Britain on Monday accused Argentina of “bullying tactics” over what it said were baseless attempts by Buenos Aires to outlaw oil and gas drilling in the waters around the Falkland Islands, a disputed British Overseas Territory. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/JpsuOEA45dM/story01.htm
UPDATE 9-Oil rises on Libyan outages, EU data signals demand
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 20:29:29 GMT
* Coming up: API oil data, 4:30 p.m. EST on Tuesday (Updates with settlement prices, adds details on oil inventory poll) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/rONdqLRmnzs/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-Kinder Morgan applies to expand Trans Mountain pipeline
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 23:13:50 GMT
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Kinder Morgan Energy Partners LP filed an application with Canadian regulators on Monday to nearly treble the capacity of its Trans Mountain crude oil pipeline to 890,000 barrels per day. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/78JQbGksseg/story01.htm
Tuesday, 17 December 2013
More endless scandals to run up everyone’s blood pressure:
This first reuters title and some of its content is misleading. The real story is that the big bad Germany companies that supported the Nazis and used slave labor have not had to pay the green tax to subsidize green energy in Germany. THEY, the biggest energy consumers, have been let off the tax hook and the green subsidies have landed on the backs of small businesses and the general public. The EU wants to make the big companies pay into the green fund retroactively since their not paying functions like an unfair tax subsidy. So, how is that undermining green energy? They are also investigating unfair subsidies to the nuclear industry in the UK. Note that the UK says that nuclear “is not affordable without government help”. Government help — that means the taxpayer! Both rulings are due out on Wednesday.
“UPDATE 1-Regulators pose threat to EU green energy and industry
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 09:54:18 -0500
* Commission expected to announce formal probe on Wednesday” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/AcwsTHa0mWY/stateaid-idUSL6N0JV29Q20131216
From the reuters article:
“Some 2,300 German heavy energy users, including chemical and steel firms such as BASF and ThyssenKrupp, have been exempt from a green surcharge ordinary consumers have to pay.”…..”Britain says it needs carbon-free nuclear power if it is to generate enough energy and also to lower emissions. Even though nuclear is a mature form of energy, it is not affordable without government help.”
Some additional info on these companies and their relationship to the Nazis, especially as Hitler rearmed himself: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BASF#IG_Farben http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Krupp http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vereinigte_Stahlwerke_AG http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heinrich,_Baron_Thyssen-Bornemisza_de_Kászon
And, a 2004 article about the official documents tying Bush’s grandfather to the Thyssens and the Nazis:
“How Bush’s grandfather helped Hitler’s rise to power: Rumours of a link between the US first family and the Nazi war machine have circulated for decades. Now the Guardian can reveal how repercussions of events that culminated in action under the Trading with the Enemy Act are still being felt by today’s president
By Ben Aris in Berlin and Duncan Campbell in Washington
The Guardian, Saturday 25 September 2004 23.59 BST http://www.theguardian.com/world/2004/sep/25/usa.secondworldwar
Here’s a huge scandal. A company that leased a US owned nuclear fuel enrichment facility, for about 25 of the 50 or so years it was in existence, recently just handed it back, waste and all, for the US taxpayer or nobody to clean up. It was also hit by a tornado less than a month ago. The company was also building an 80 percent taxpayer funded project, apparently incomplete, which it is handing back to the US gov. It is declaring bankruptcy. According to wikipedia USEC has a bad track record for shutdown at another site:
“UPDATE 2-Uranium company USEC says expects to file for bankruptcy
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 10:14:43 -0500
Dec 16 (Reuters) – USEC Inc, a supplier of enriched uranium for commercial nuclear power plants, said it expected to file for bankruptcy protection as part of a deal with its bondholders, sending the company’s shares down as much as 52 percent.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/oqk-wlETdvk/usec-bankruptcy-idUSL3N0JV2CI20131216
From the reuters article:
“The company said in November that government funding for its $350 million American Centrifuge Project in Ohio would end in January.
The project, which is 80 percent funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is designed to produce low-enriched uranium used to make nuclear fuel. It was scheduled to be completed this month.”
Articles cited at Wise Uranium about now-bankrupt USEC:
“Commercialization of American Centrifuge Plant not economically viable without additional government support
USEC Inc. stated this week that additional government funding might be needed beyond the American Centrifuge Plant’s ongoing research, development and demonstration work to keep the project moving toward full commercial deployment. The company talked about the need in its announcement of third-quarter financial results this week, stating it has been experiencing cost pressures because of delays over time in deploying the centrifuge project amid changing market conditions.
“The economics of the project are severely challenged by the current supply/demand imbalance in the market for low-enriched uranium and related downward pressure on spot market prices for (Separative Work Units, the measure of product produced that is used to fuel nuclear power plants), which are now at their lowest levels in more than a decade,” a news release from the company stated. “At current market prices, we do not believe that our plans for (the American Centrifuge Plant) commercialization are economically viable without additional government support.” (Chillicothe Gazette Nov. 5, 2013)” http://www.wise-uranium.org/epusecc.html
Our comment: So much for tightening the US budget.
Wise Uranium continues:
“U.S. House of Representatives rejects proposal to cut funding for American Centrifuge Plant
The House today overwhelmingly rejected a proposal to strip $48 million from a proposed uranium centrifuge in Piketon, Ohio. The money, tucked into a $30 billion bill for federal energy and water projects, would pay for the completion of a research and development project at a proposed uranium centrifuge in Piketon. (Columbus Dispatch July 10, 2013)
Commercial demonstration cascade of American Centrifuge enrichment plant project completed
On Apr. 3, 2013, USEC Inc. announced that it has completed the construction of its 120-machine American Centrifuge commercial demonstration cascade.
DOE and USEC announce deal to provide more funds for development of American Centrifuge project
After years of waiting, the Energy Department and USEC Inc. have announced a deal that will provide money for a uranium centrifuge plant in Piketon. The announcement came Wednesday (June 13) morning and said the two entities signed agreements to bring $350 million for research and development in the American Centrifuge project in Piketon.
According to the agreement, DOE will provide 80 percent of the $350 million, while USEC will provide the remaining 20 percent, or about $70 million. DOE will provide $88 million in the first year to take and dispose uranium tails from USEC, which will provide $22 million for the first phase. The funding has been approved by the House and the Senate Appropriations Committee, but hasn’t been finalized. (Chillicothe Gazette June 13, 2012)
House Appropriations subcommittee approves $100 million for American Centrifuge project
A key House committee yesterday (Apr. 18) agreed to include $100 million in a spending bill for the struggling uranium-enrichment plant in Piketon, a move that could keep it alive. The House Appropriations subcommittee on energy and water approved spending the money on the American Centrifuge Plant at the request of House Speaker John Boehner, R-West Chester, and Rep. Steve LaTourette, R-Bainbridge Township, according to a Capitol Hill source. The move by the subcommittee is likely to be approved by the full House.
The $100 million is just part of what USEC – a Maryland-based company that would operate the plant – has said it needs to launch the project. USEC had urged the Obama administration during the past three years to approve a $2 billion loan guarantee. (The Columbus Dispatch April 19, 2012)
As expected, President Barack Obama recently signed a six-month continuing resolution on a spending measure that contains an annual rate of funding of $100 million for the ongoing RD&D program. USEC’s cost share is 20 percent of the full RD&D program. (Chillicothe Gazette Oct. 2, 2012)
American Centrifuge project offered short-term funding fix
Federal energy officials have agreed to give USEC access to $44 million in research and development funds needed for its Piketon uranium enrichment initiative. That money is enough to keep USEC’s American Centrifuge Project alive for another few months, buying crucial time for Congress to find another $106 million needed to ensure the technology is viable and push the project toward commercialization.
In a letter to Sen. Sherrod Brown on Friday (Jan. 13), Energy Secretary Steven Chu said his department would assume liability for $44 million of USEC assets in the form of uranium “tails,” a byproduct of enrichment. That will free up money on USEC’s books, allowing the company to continue funding the centrifuge research in the short run. (Chillicothe Gazette Jan. 14, 2012)
U.S. Government to fund further development of American Centrifuge Plant
The Department of Energy said Friday (Oct. 21) that it plans to work with the developer of a uranium enrichment project in southern Ohio on research and development to reduce technical and financial risks that have held up the developer’s application for a $2 billion loan guarantee.
The loan guarantee application from USEC Inc. is still pending. But, the government and the Bethesda, Md. -based developer of the planned American Centrifuge Plant in Piketon have agreed on a potential project that would involve testing and building clusters of machines used to enrich uranium, Richard Kauffman, senior adviser to the Energy secretary told The Associated Press on Friday. The government’s part of the funding of the research and development would be capped at $300 million and would have to be approved by congressional committees. (Washington Post Oct. 21, 2011)” http://www.wise-uranium.org/epusecc.html
Information from the US gov regarding the Paducah facility and its lease to the USEC, which is declaring bankruptcy:
“DOE leases Paducah processing facilities and other site areas to the United States Enrichment Corporation ( USEC ) for commercial uranium enrichment operations
More than 50 years of uranium enrichment operations and support activities generated hazardous, radioactive, mixed (both hazardous and radioactive), and non-chemical (sanitary) waste. Past operations also resulted in soil, groundwater, and surface water contamination.
Today, DOE’s site missions include environmental cleanup, waste disposition, depleted uranium conversion, decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) inactive facilities, and long-term stewardship.
The 1992 Energy Policy Act created what would become USEC to restructure and transition the government’s uranium enrichment operations to the private sector. Initially, a government-owned corporation, USEC became a private company with the passage of the USEC Privatization Act in 1998. DOE leases Paducah’s enrichment operations facilities to USEC , which is regulated by the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.” http://www.pppo.energy.gov/paducah.html
Article by a concerned citizen who notes that Paducah is a failed poisoned experiment in privatization:
“Countdown to Nuclear Ruin at Paducah
Geoffrey Sea | May 22, 2013
Neighbors for an Ohio Valley Alternative
By Geoffrey Sea
Disaster is about to strike in western Kentucky, a full-blown nuclear catastrophe involving hundreds of tons of enriched uranium tainted with plutonium, technetium, arsenic, beryllium and a toxic chemical brew. But this nuke calamity will be no fluke. It’s been foreseen, planned, even programmed, the result of an atomic extortion game played out between the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the most failed American experiment in privatization, the company that has run the Paducah plant into the poisoned ground, USEC Inc.”
The entire article is here: http://ecowatch.com/2013/05/22/countdown-to-nuclear-ruin-at-paducah/
More recent updates on Paducah, includes July info on shutdown and tornado (end of November 2013) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paducah_Gaseous_Diffusion_Plant
“BHP halts some operations at Australian nickel mine
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 21:11:41 -0500
SYDNEY, Dec 17 (Reuters) – BHP Billiton said on Tuesday it would stop operations in the sub-level cave at its Perseverance mine due to safety concerns after a small earthquake at the Western Australian nickel mine in October.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/PNUitCreYZU/bhp-nickel-idUSL3N0JW0FC20131217
France and its uranium mine:
“France criticises CAR leader Djotodia after government reshuffle
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 10:00:13 -0500
PARIS, Dec 16 (Reuters) – France on Monday criticised the dismissal of three ministers by the interim leader of the Central African Republic as having broken the agreement on how the transitional government would work and said the move could trigger sanctions. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/-KB_pRrsrus/centralafrican-france-idUSL6N0JV2SS20131216
Oil rises on Libyan outages, EU data signals demand
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:05:40 GMT
NEW YORK (Reuters) – Brent crude oil rose by more than 1 percent on Monday, boosted by expectations for rising demand from positive European economic data, while supplies from Libya remained sharply curtailed. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/JDrErH8VwEI/story01.htm
Gold rises on short-covering rally, Fed in focus
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 20:07:16 GMT
NEW YORK/LONDON (Reuters) – Gold rose for a second consecutive session on Monday as crude oil’s gains and a dollar drop prompted funds to buy back their bearish bets as they adjusted positions ahead of a U.S. Federal Reserve policy meeting later this week. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/MDpHDv8F3zU/story01.htm
Oil trader Vitol applies for London Metal Exchange membership
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 12:28:52 -0500
LONDON, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Swiss trading house Vitol, which is seeking to diversify into other commodities from its main business in oil, has applied for membership of the London Metal Exchange (LME). http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/wNREJjgdkrg/vitol-lme-idUSL6N0JV3T020131216
There is more energy news. We have saved it and will add later.
Monday, 16 December 2013
Not satisfied with making one island a radioactive disaster area, Toshiba-Westinghouse, along with Hitachi, are pouncing on another island:
“Toshiba’s Westinghouse to buy stake in UK’s NuGen nuclear site -FT
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 21:13:31 GMT
Dec 15 (Reuters) – Toshiba’s U.S. unit Westinghouse is close to announcing plans to buy Spanish utility Iberdrola’s 50 percent stake in British nuclear consortium NuGen for over 100 million pounds ($163 million), the Financial Times reported, citing sources.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/X1KbUYAGYn4/story01.htm
Here is French state owned EDF and other nasty companies to make us more cross:
“INSIGHT-Wall St’s energy rivals: Big Oil, a French utility, the Koch brothers
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 15:00:00 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 15 (Reuters) – As a historic oil and gas boom transforms the U.S. energy sector, Wall Street is losing the battle to remain the partner of choice for energy producers and major consumers seeking to protect themselves against volatile prices. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/MX9wLFEBOhE/story01.htm
Analysis: Tronox, Anadarko fight over cleanup costs may be just getting started
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 14:06:48 GMT
NEW YORK (Reuters) – A court ruling that holds Kerr-McGee Corp liable for billions of dollars in environmental cleanup costs brought to a close a months-long trial over its spinoff of Tronox Inc, a paint materials maker that later went bankrupt.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/vZAsjyKTxCY/story01.htm
This means Andarko-Kerr McGee is trying to get out from under the Cimarron Kerr-McGee nuclear site, made notorious by the Killing of Karen Silkwood, and many, many more contaminated sites (approximately 2,000). US gov or no one cleans it up if they are not held responsible. But one example: http://www.nrc.gov/info-finder/decommissioning/complex/kerr-mcgee-cimarron-corporation-former-fuel-fabrication-facility.html
“Commodity traders step up investments as prices decline -Trafigura
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 19:00:01 -0500
Dec 15 (Reuters) – The golden era for commodities is far from over and declines in previously overheated prices offer opportunities for trading houses to extend ownership of assets while still betting on continued growth in China and Africa, top player Trafigura said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/r5uZRZSMgO8/traders-trafigura-idUSL6N0JU0LO20131216
Australia’s AWE rejects $672 mln offer from Senex
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 00:24:37 GMT
SYDNEY, Dec 16 (Reuters) – Australian oil and gas explorer AWE Ltd said it has rejected a A$750 million ($672 million) conditional scrip-based offer from Senex Energy Ltd , arguing the approach undervalued the company and disadvantaged its shareholders.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/pMDZnV2p2TI/story01.htm
More on the French gov and its uranium mines:
“UPDATE 2-Central African Republic leader in talks with militias
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 18:36:14 -0500
* Anti-Seleka militia demanding amnesty, role in government” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/cJvEM6QiG3s/centralafrican-france-idUSL6N0JU0BB20131215
This uses up precious resources and makes toxic waste. Reuse and recycling needed:
“Emerging nations overtake West in dumping electronic trash
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 02:00:00 -0500
* Electronic waste set to surge by 33 percent from 2012-17 http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/99XkqSQBhPI/environment-electronics-idUSL6N0JR3RC20131215
UPDATE 1-S.Korea’s Nov Iranian oil imports up, but still meet sanctions waiver target
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 03:00:11 GMT
* Total Nov crude imports at 10.2 mln T, down 7.9 pct y/y http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/vBL3OkYynMc/story01.htm
East Libyan autonomy leader says will not reopen seized oil ports
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:50:50 GMT
AJDABIYA, Libya, Dec 15 (Reuters) – The leader of an autonomy movement in eastern Libya said on Sunday he will not order his militia troops to end the blockade of several oil-exporting ports. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/W5SeHAciruQ/story01.htm
No whiff of dissent in Turkmenistan’s first multi-party vote
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:45:45 GMT
ASHGABAT, Dec 15 (Reuters) – The Central Asian state of Turkmenistan, described by rights groups as one of the world’s most repressive, proclaimed its first multi-party elections on Sunday; but both parties vowed loyalty to its leader and opponents remained in exile. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/OmsefYIcQIE/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-EU says suspends work with Ukraine on trade agreement
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 11:29:28 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 15 (Reuters) – The European Union said on Sunday it was suspending further work with Ukraine on an ambitious trade and cooperation agreement because the government in Kiev had failed to give a clear commitment to signing the deal. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/2QTKF8JUsZ8/story01.htm
As America enjoys cheap gas, Asia’s top buyers to pay more
Posted:Sun, 15 Dec 2013 21:00:55 GMT
* Already paying world’s highest gas prices, Asia buyers set to pay more http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/ZAfZdJs-sIE/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Brent rises above $109 on Libya, gains capped ahead of Fed meet
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 05:34:31 GMT
* East Libyan autonomy group will not reopen oil ports, challenges Tripoli http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/rONdqLRmnzs/story01.htm
China Nov crude oil output up 0.36 pct y/y – trade website
Posted:Mon, 16 Dec 2013 02:26:42 GMT
BEIJING, Dec 16 (Reuters) – China’s November crude oil output inched up 0.36 percent from a year ago to 17.27 million tonnes, while natural gas production rose 6.44 percent to 10.01 billion cubic metres, according to a trade website that carries data from the National Statistical Bureau. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/FTY8rqqLCn8/story01.htm
Sunday, 15 December 2013
Our new post: https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/15/japanese-fascism-and-trying-to-plug-the-leaks-about-leaks-at-fukushima/
“Crude test flows begin on Iraqi Kurdistan-Turkey pipeline-sources
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 15:23:15 GMT
ISTANBUL, Dec 14 (Reuters) – Test flows in Iraqi Kurdistan’s new crude oil pipeline via Turkey started on Friday, but no exports have yet been scheduled, energy sources close to the matter said on Saturday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/BwmchGbSOIg/story01.htm
Earthquake with 5.5 magnitude shakes buildings in Tokyo
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 04:18:23 GMT
TOKYO (Reuters) – An earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.5 hit eastern Japan on Saturday but no tsunami warning was issued, Japan’s national broadcaster said.” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/5gf-K7C-kIk/story01.htm
The cost of protecting French state-owned AREVA’s Niger Uranium Mines:
“UPDATE 3-Two peacekeepers killed as suicide bomb hits bank in northern Mali
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 15:18:30 GMT
* French foreign ministry condemns attack By Adama Diarra and Tiemoko Diallo http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/fLZysIfEpDk/story01.htm
Russia’s Lavrov says provocateurs behind “hysteria” of Ukrainian protests
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 12:04:04 GMT
MOSCOW, Dec 14 (Reuters) – Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Ukrainian demonstrators were overreacting to the country’s policy swerve to Russia and criticised the West for excessive involvement in the protests in Kiev’s Independence Square. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Eg4DTbhb2rI/story01.htm
Five Total refineries in France stay open despite strike
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 11:29:19 GMT
PARIS, Dec 14 (Reuters) – Workers at five oil refineries run by Total in France voted to stay open on Saturday, operating near minimum levels on the second day of a strike over wages. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/tmfY5iosN70/story01.htm
Car bomb destroys only bank operating in northern Mali town
Posted:Sat, 14 Dec 2013 08:40:46 GMT
BAMAKO, Dec 14 (Reuters) – A car bomb destroyed the only operating bank in the northern Malian town of Kidal on Saturday, two witnesses said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/cNSsyQ03e_c/story01.htm
Saturday, 14 December 2013
Another coal mine disaster; 21 dead:
“Coal mine blast in western China kills 21
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 15:58:45 GMT
BEIJING, Dec 13 (Reuters) – A blast at a coal mine in China’s far-west Xinjiang province killed 21 people on Friday, state agency Xinhua said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/P-t2RXzXlkE/story01.htm
Now this is too ridiculous. There is a waste dump on fire near a totally unlined radioactive waste dump, in an urbanized area, on a river in the USA…They seem to want to test out our question of what happens when radioactive waste dump catches fire.
“More radioactive waste found at Bridgeton landfill” December 09, 2013 10:45 pm http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/more-radioactive-waste-found-at-bridgeton-landfill/article_370a9595-daa9-5efa-84ac-3950739e2d39.html
France still looking after the uranium mine of its majority state controlled Areva. In short, France pretty much is Areva, so it is France’s uranium mine. 4% belongs to Kuwait via their investment fund. They need to supervise it, but let’s call it what it is!
“UPDATE 1-World watching, will act on C.African Republic crimes – UN
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:27:57 -0500
* PM confirms he will not stand at next elections (Recasts with U.N. warning, adds French minister, AU troops, UN aid supplies) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/X_7Z0MSQuPE/centralafrican-idUSL6N0JS34T20131213
Gold rises 1 pct on bargain hunting, posts weekly gain
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:54:42 GMT
LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) – Gold rose 1 percent on Friday, helped by bargain-hunting after a sharp two-day plunge, but analysts said the market remains vulnerable to the downside ahead of the all-important Federal Reserve policy meeting next week. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/ggkgyRpBIF0/story01.htm
Petrobras scrambles diesel armada from India after refinery fire
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:54:31 GMT
HOUSTON/NEW DELHI (Reuters) – Brazil’s state-run Petrobras has booked extra cargoes of fuel from India, most of it diesel, market sources said on Friday, after a fire two weeks ago shut down its fifth-largest refinery. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/W3cO_1Og5QY/story01.htm
Petrobras imports, refining losses may rise on new rules
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:10:29 GMT
RIO DE JANEIRO (Reuters) – The outlook for cutting money-losing fuel imports at state-run oil company Petrobras dimmed on Friday after Brazil’s petroleum regulator said it plans to tighten safety rules and that repairs at the damaged REPAR Refinery will only partly restore capacity. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/MTuYnCnYusM/story01.htm
EU to probe German renewable energy discounts -draft letter
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 19:40:24 GMT
BERLIN (Reuters) – The European Commission is opening an investigation into the discounts German industries get on renewable energy surcharges, according to a draft letter sent to Berlin, which could lead to higher costs for thousands of firms in Europe’s biggest economy. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/n-MOykadZxw/story01.htm
Scottish Power becomes third firm to scrap UK offshore wind farm
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 14:04:47 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) – Scottish Power scrapped plans for a huge offshore wind farm on Friday due to tricky ground and wave conditions and the presence of protected sharks, making it the third utility in two weeks to drop a wind project in British waters. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/L0nCyV88iTQ/story01.htm
Contrary to what this says and to what Greenpeace say they could still go home for Christmas. The Russian parliament could still give them amnesty in time for Christmas. There are 10 days and surely they will fly home, won’t they? Or are they taking the boat?
“Greenpeace says Russia won’t let activists go home
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 12:49:14 GMT
MOSCOW (Reuters) – Russian investigators have indicated foreign activists facing trial for a protest against Arctic oil drilling cannot leave the country, meaning they won’t be home for Christmas despite an international court ruling, Greenpeace said on Friday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/7jy-pQbE3ck/story01.htm
“UPDATE 1-American missing in Iran was probing possible money laundering – lawyer
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 23:58:14 GMT
(Rewrites throughout with details from lawyer and White House spokesman’s comment) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/bg9YEQ-O6f8/story01.htm
“Keystone XL pipeline loses support from U.S. customer
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 22:29:14 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Continental Resources, one of the companies that has committed to ship crude on TransCanada Corp’s proposed Keystone XL pipeline, now says the controversial pipeline is no longer needed. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/BTO1Y6W9vNY/story01.htm
UPDATE 9-U.S. oil slips on Fed tapering speculation
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 21:42:42 GMT
* East Libya group to negotiate with government on oil ports http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/x3P0QPxHerk/story01.htm
COMMODITIES-Rally in natgas ends on profit-taking, copper and gold up
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 21:38:19 GMT
By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Natural gas fell on Friday for the first time in five days with investors taking profits on a rally driven by frigid weather in the United States. U.S. crude oil slipped too, pushing the commodities complex lower. Gasoline, sugar and corn also posted losses, after concerns about higher inventories and lower demand. Not all major commodities ended lower though. Copper touched a six-week peak in a sixth straight session of gains in Lo http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/0P8kp16D7AE/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Canada looks to require emergency response plans for oil by rail
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 21:34:24 GMT
OTTAWA, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Canada is considering classifying crude oil as a higher-risk, dangerous product requiring emergency response plans for shipment by rail following a train accident that leveled the heart of a Quebec town in July, a government official said on Friday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/9eQxOeNESXc/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-East Libya group allows one day for talks on reopening oil ports
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 21:10:17 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 13 (Reuters) – A group that has seized oil ports as it seeks autonomy for East Libya said it would negotiate with government officials for a greater share of the country’s wealth but if its demands were not met by Sunday, it would try to sell crude on its own. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-_7KrXu0Y9c/story01.htm
Gabon says to publish more transparent oil law in 2015, later than planned
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 16:10:13 GMT
LIBREVILLE, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Gabon will apply a more transparent and rigid oil law in early 2015 and may revoke licences of companies that do not respect contractual obligations, its oil minister said, revealing a delay in legislation previously expected this year. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/EbIJwEHRLvE/story01.htm
UPDATE 3-Strikes hit five Total refineries in France over wages
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:10:18 GMT
* Three refineries near minimum output (Updates with final offer details) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/3KaVMuUOrK8/story01.htm
Gunmen shoot dead 18 oil workers in northeast Iraq – medical, local sources
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:31:02 GMT
BAQUBA, Iraq, Dec 13 (Reuters) – Masked gunmen shot dead 18 oil and gas workers, most of them Iranians, outside the northeastern Iraqi town of Muqdadiya on Friday, medical and local sources said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/-Rwusnsv0EE/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-Gunmen kill Iranian gas workers in Iraq – witnesses
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 20:57:51 GMT
* Sunni Muslim al Qaeda in area, sectarian violence rising” http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/sDg6VkL5tGA/story01.htm
Coal Mining:
“UPDATE 1-Rothschild backs Bumi split in last-minute peace deal
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 20:29:20 GMT
* Rothschild deal allows him to nominate a non-executive director http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/pJdKQsPNjTA/story01.htm
Friday, 13 December 2013
We have a new post about Hilda Murrell who was murdered just before testifying against Sizewell Nuclear Power Plant in the UK. She felt that nuclear waste was the Achilles heel of the nuclear industry. Her nephew has researched the case for decades and just published a book recently. https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/the-murder-of-hilda-murrell-critic-of-uk-nuclear-policy/
The theory that she was murdered because of her opposition to the nuclear industry, and a subsequent coverup, looks especially plausible considering that it was 1) during the Cold War and 2) the current way the UK gov is handling nuclear energy and the dump question. One scenario is that someone was trying to steal her documents and was surprised by her. There were many companies who benefited from the construction of the power plant in question. Many are still benefiting from nuclear (e.g. Areva-French state). Any one of these might have had her murdered.
Here are some recent posts-reblogs about the placing of the nuclear dump in the UK. UK Minister Michael Fallon has testified that the national consultation on the nuclear dump is over, whereas it was extended because they lost an unknown number of submissions. It is still ongoing. The Cumbria County Council voted no against the dump for multiple reasons. So, the UK national gov wants to change the level of government which decides. http://cumbriatrust.wordpress.com/2013/12/11/they-think-its-all-over/ http://cumbriatrust.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/they-think-its-all-over-contd/ https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/her-majestys-government-plot-cumbrian-nuclear-dump/ https://miningawareness.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/lords-select-committee-treated-to-nuclear-porky-pies-by-michael-fallon-mmm-tasty/ For non-British readers, porky pies are lies.
We still can’t find any news on the outcome of Russia’s amnesty. It would be nice if Russia and President Putin use the 20th anniversary of the new constitution not simply to amnesty those who have been unfairly incarcerated, but to start allowing more free speech and protest, so that no one needs amnesty in the future.
“Amnesties mark Russian constitution anniversary
12 December 2013, 19:37
The consitution of the Russian Federation was inaugurated 20 years ago on December 12, 2013.. To mark the date, the Russian President Vladimir Putin proposed a large scale amnesty that could free Greenpeace Arctic campaigners and members of the Pussy Riot band among others. VoR’s Dasha Chernyshova reports.” http://voiceofrussia.com/uk/news/2013_12_12/Amnesties-mark-Russian-constitution-anniversary-8245/
See links for full reports:
Anadarko, Kerr-McGee liable for Tronox cleanup costs -U.S. judge
Posted:Fri, 13 Dec 2013 01:17:06 GMT
* Anadarko on hook for between $5 bln and $14.17 bln in damages http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/F6gvr4kgtpM/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Chevron and PGNiG to cooperate on shale gas in Poland
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:24:59 GMT
WARSAW, Dec 12 (Reuters) – U.S. energy major Chevron will join forces on shale gas exploration in south-eastern Poland with local state-controlled gas firm PGNiG to lower costs and speed up the work, PGNiG said in a statement on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/JDG8XTSPAzo/story01.htm
Gold prices fall; premiums steady
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 10:33:07 GMT
MUMBAI (Reuters) – Gold futures edged lower by half a percent on Thursday, while silver fell more than a percent in line with overseas market, while premiums stayed steady in the physical market. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/0lblSQxV5Do/story01.htm
Deutsche Bank under scrutiny in gold price-fixing probe – FT
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 20:48:49 -0500
Dec 13 (Reuters) – German banking regulator Bafin has demanded documents from Deutsche Bank as part of a probe into suspected manipulation of benchmark gold and silver prices by banks, the Financial Times reported, citing sources. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/_Rgjo2lfamE/metals-probe-deutschebank-idUSL3N0JS0A020131213
Exxon says pinhole pipe leak repaired at Texas refinery
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 14:42:26 GMT
(Reuters) – Exxon Mobil Corp said on Thursday that an earlier reported spill event at its 344,500 barrel-per-day refinery in Beaumont, Texas has ended after a small pinhole leak was repaired. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/FSVGzRYFJA0/story01.htm
Wildlife experts probe shooting of endangered Florida panther
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:56:27 GMT
ORLANDO, Florida (Reuters) – Wildlife forensic experts will examine the remains of an endangered Florida panther to determine who shot and killed the animal recently in the Big Cypress National Preserve near Miami, Florida. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/environment/~3/93qzjTZkyqY/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-S.African NUM union announces pay deal with top platinum firm Amplats
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 16:24:02 -0500
JOHANNESBURG, Dec 12 (Reuters) – South Africa’s National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) said on Thursday it had agreed a two-year wage deal for pay increases of 7.5 to 8.5 percent with Anglo American Platinum, the world’s top producer of the precious metal. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/Xxrsfqjgqts/amplats-agreement-idUSL6N0JR4D820131212
COMMODITIES-Gold tumbles on firm US data; natgas up again on cold
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 16:58:35 -0500
By Barani Krishnan NEW YORK, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Gold tumbled 2 percent on Thursday as upbeat U.S. retail sales data stoked expectations of a cut soon in the Federal Reserve’s stimulus program, and natural gas prices rose for a fourth straight day as colder weather gripped the United States. Coffee and silver were among other commodities that posted major price moves. Robusta coffee, grown primarily in Vietnam and traded in London, hit a near 3-1/2 month high after a drawdown in excha http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/puMugqt8anw/commodities-markets-idUSL1N0JR25H20131212
Workers at China firm’s oil block in Niger start 48-hour strike
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 17:05:12 GMT
NIAMEY, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Around 600 workers at a China National Petroleum Corporation oil block in Niger began a 48-hour strike on Thursday to protest pay and conditions, the National Union of Petroleum Workers said. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/TwURYMqpkd8/story01.htm
Ukraine turmoil should not block Slovak pipeline deal -Oettinger
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:52:03 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Political turmoil will not stop Ukrainian and Slovak authorities from going ahead with a reverse-flow pipeline deal designed to reduce Ukraine’s reliance on Russian gas, Europe’s Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/fvznUIMgS_E/story01.htm
CORRECTED-Exxon pushes for U.S. oil exports – WSJ
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 15:50:05 GMT
(Corrects paragraph 1 to show that the comment on U.S. oil exports was based on an interview with an Exxon executive, not the company’s energy outlook report) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/AS1qAH2saME/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-Exxon expects N. American liquids output to rise 40 pct by 2040
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 18:17:30 GMT
Dec 12 (Reuters) – North American liquids production is expected to rise by more than 40 percent between 2010 and 2040, driven by technological advancements that enable increased output from sources such as oil sands, Exxon Mobil Corp said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/S4GijshDN5A/story01.htm
UPDATE 10-Brent falls on Libya supply, Fed; spread narrows
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 20:42:49 GMT
* U.S. dollar strength weighs on Brent oil prices (Updates with Brent post-settlement price drop, heating oil prices, paragraphs 5, 12, 13) http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/WkM4x5mLsIY/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Exxon upbeat on Mexico oil reform, BHP sees potential
Posted:Thu, 12 Dec 2013 20:03:33 GMT
HOUSTON, Dec 12 (Reuters) – Opening Mexico’s oil sector to foreign investors would be a “win-win” for all involved, an Exxon Mobil Corp executive said on Thursday. http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/s1UMp8Ce7Q8/story01.htm
Halkbank unable to resume processing India payments for Iran oil
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:58:11 GMT
ISTANBUL (Reuters) – Turkey’s state-run Halkbank can only resume processing Indian oil payments to Iran once Western sanctions are officially lifted following an interim deal in Geneva last month, a senior Halkbank official said on Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/GEu9cM9WIFc/story01.htm
Oil sinks below $109, market eyes U.S. data
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 12:54:19 GMT
LONDON (Reuters) – Oil edged down below $109 a barrel on Wednesday, shrugging off forecasts of surging global demand from the west’s energy watchdog, while the market awaited U.S. data that is expected to show a drop in crude stockpiles.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/xbg0QkY-JmM/story01.htm
Indian gold premiums fall from peak
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:37:32 GMT
MUMBAI (Reuters) – Gold premiums in India eased to $120 an ounce on Wednesday from their peak of $160 last week on supplies from the Multi Commodity Exchange, though gold futures remained steady.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/hzrXWLvWBRE/story01.htm
Nov trade deficit narrows on falling gold, oil imports
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 10:19:11 GMT
NEW DELHI (Reuters) – India’s trade deficit narrowed in November as exports rose, while imports hit the lowest level in more than two-and-a-half years after gold shipments from overseas fell sharply, according to the trade ministry on Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/INbusinessNews/~3/07cSi7cUUwA/story01.htm
Current Feed Content
UPDATE 1-Ukrainian police take back part of square from protesters
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 01:38:48 GMT
KIEV, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Ukrainian riot police moved in force early on Wednesday into part of the Kiev square where protesters are demonstrating against a government decision to rebuild trade ties with Russia rather than move closer to the European Union.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/4jwuQzfQdNY/story01.htm
Indonesia tin output to recover to 90,000 T in 2014, says ITRI
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 05:02:11 -0500
PANGKALPINANG, Indonesia Dec 11 (Reuters) – Tin output in Indonesia will rebound by as much as 6 percent to 90,000 tonnes next year, industry group ITRI said on Wednesday, as teething problems associated with a new trading regulation in the world’s top exporter are ironed out.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/GhvYVzzLOcs/indonesia-tin-itri-idUSL3N0JQ1L520131211
China’s Shenhua, Russia’s En+ to jointly develop coal deposit
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 04:09:03 -0500
BEIJING, Dec 11 (Reuters) – China’s Shenhua Group, the country’s biggest coal producer, has been awarded a license to explore for coal in Russia in a joint venture with the country’s En+ Group, the Russian firm said on Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/JTpvRKxP-3c/china-coal-russia-idUSL3N0JQ1YH20131211
Australian offset scheme hits milestone but future uncertain
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 02:26:33 -0500
Dec 11 (Reuters) – Australia this week surpassed 3 million credits issued under its carbon offset scheme for agriculture, forestry and waste, but uptake of new projects is low with regulatory uncertainty weighing heavily on project developers, experts say.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/ZO80gDjHhvc/australia-carbon-idUSL3N0JQ1FX20131211
Australia shares drop to 3-1/2 month low, Oz Minerals plunges
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 00:24:25 -0500
(Updates to close) SYDNEY, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Australian shares fell 0.8 percent to a 3-1/2-month low on Wednesday as big banks and miners weighed on the market, while gold miners jumped on firmer bullion prices. Oz Minerals, Australia’s third-biggest copper producer, finished down 15.2 percent at an 11-year low after earlier diving as much as 31 percent after a disappointing production forecast. The S&P/ASX 200 index fell 39.4 points to 5,104.2, its lowest level since August 30. Th
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/5zdC-5Jw1VI/markets-australia-stocks-idUSL3N0JQ11B20131211
COLUMN-Investors may be buying BHP, Rio cost-cutting story: Clyde Russell
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 23:58:27 -0500
LAUNCESTON, Australia, Dec 11 (Reuters) – It’s taken some time but there are signs that the cost-cutting efforts by major commodity producers such as BHP Billiton and Rio Tinto are starting to convince investors.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/oa9cq4yNVCM/column-russell-commodity-companies-idUSL3N0JQ0LY20131211
China cuts more red tape, paves way for NDRC slim-down
Posted:Tue, 10 Dec 2013 22:46:01 -0500
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/NWi0wZpRBPQ/china-regulation-idUSL4N0HN2N120131211
COMMODITIES-Natgas rallies as cold hits U.S.; NY crude oil down
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:09:21 -0500
NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Natural gas futures hit 7-month highs on Wednesday after cold weather forecasts bumped up expectations for heating demand in the United States, while U.S. crude prices tumbled on a report showing a build in gasoline inventories.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/MiL0yluM9P4/commodities-markets-idUSL1N0JQ1TK20131211
UPDATE 2-Mining slump weighs on Joy Global’s profit forecast
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:54:20 -0500
* Expects FY 2014 earnings of $3-$3.50/share vs. est $3.68
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/ebK4QwQVDh0/joyglobal-results-idUSL3N0JQ2IA20131211
Return of fourth player shakes EU stainless steel recovery hopes
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 13:45:10 -0500
* ThyssenKrupp expected to put Terni, VDM plant up for sale again
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/basicmaterialsNews/~3/vlOe7fvHfRg/stainless-outokumpu-thyssenkrupp-idUSL6N0JP4E420131211
UPDATE 1-Fortis to buy UNS Energy for about $2.5 bln
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:41:34 GMT
Dec 11 (Reuters) – Fortis Inc has reached a friendly deal to buy Arizona-focused utility UNS Energy Corp for about $2.5 billion in cash, the Canadian power company said on Wednesday, as it looks to expand its presence in the United States.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/PeQEHdaIFkE/story01.htm
Chevron sets 2014 budget at $39.8 bln
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:33:14 GMT
Dec 11 (Reuters) – Chevron Corp, the second-largest U.S. oil company, said it plans to spend $39.8 billion on projects and exploration in 2014, about 5 percent below the expected 2013 spending.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/asfc7Ul3ZFk/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-In Podesta, a Keystone skeptic returns to White House
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:17:42 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 11 (Reuters) – John Podesta’s return to the White House could dim prospects for the Keystone XL pipeline’s approval, environmentalists said Wednesday, as the Democratic Party elder and Keystone critic crafts policies to curb climate change.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/x8zLJPvyMAk/story01.htm
COMMODITIES-Natgas rallies as cold hits U.S.; NY crude oil down
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:09:21 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Natural gas futures hit 7-month highs on Wednesday after cold weather forecasts bumped up expectations for heating demand in the United States, while U.S. crude prices tumbled on a report showing a build in gasoline inventories.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/xWmL8QM80mg/story01.htm
UPDATE 7-Brent crude rises, U.S. crude falls as spread widens
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 22:02:03 GMT
* Brent-WTI spread nearly five weeks (Updates prices to settlement, recasts lead)
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/OmP6zbqmmVY/story01.htm
Fortis to buy UNS Energy for about $2.5 bln
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 21:50:19 GMT
Dec 11 (Reuters) – Canadian power company Fortis Inc said it agreed to buy utility firm UNS Energy Corp for about $2.5 billion in cash to expand its presence in the United States.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/tZggzWeytl8/story01.htm
As U.S. gov’t cuts back on biofuel, some rue ‘collateral damage’
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 21:46:26 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Ben Wootton was just getting ready to bring his company out of bankruptcy last month when word from Washington stopped him in his tracks.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/P1Rn9wvulb0/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-Mining slump weighs on Joy Global’s profit forecast
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:54:20 GMT
* Expects FY 2014 earnings of $3-$3.50/share vs. est $3.68
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/MJp7wR20kX4/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Verbund says needs more time to decide on gas plants
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 19:23:39 GMT
* Restructuring, cost cuts in Italy, France (Adds comments from spokeswoman, background)
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Xger3WPb-JM/story01.htm
UPDATE 2-Encana to raise gas liquids output by 30 pct
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 18:05:06 GMT
CALGARY, Alberta, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Encana Corp, Canada’s largest natural gas producer, will boost liquids production by 30 percent in 2014 as it moves to execute a plan from its new chief executive to concentrate spending on regions rich in high-value gas liquids and oil.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/lJCM6nVN-Eg/story01.htm
Nigeria Senate orders probe into NNPC oil sales
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 17:29:51 GMT
ABUJA, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Nigeria’s Senate launched an investigation on Wednesday into a letter written by the central bank (CBN) which said that the state-oil firm NNPC failed to pay $50 billion of revenue from oil sales into government accounts.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/xYlC7Cqqyeo/story01.htm
EXCLUSIVE-Heavy industry to challenge EU CO2 permit quotas
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:21:07 GMT
LONDON, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Europe’s heavy industry is firing a barrage of legal challenges to cuts in the carbon permits they will get up to 2020 – subsidies worth over 4 billion euros ($5.5 billion) – with at least nine firms opening the assault in a Dutch court.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/fLtUjs15z8M/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Libya PM expects ports to reopen, rejects autonomy chief
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:12:14 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Libya’s government expects eastern tribes to reopen three oil ports this weekend as pledged but refuses to deal with an autonomy movement demanding a share of oil exports, Prime Minister Ali Zeidan said on Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/Lsr2KESNFwY/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Fortum near sale of Finnish grid for more than 2 bln euros -sources
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:04:31 GMT
STOCKHOLM, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Finnish utility Fortum is in exclusive talks to sell its power grid in Finland for more than 2 billion euros ($2.75 billion) to a consortium led by the First State and Borealis infrastructure funds, two people familiar with the matter said.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/owB0cuBLPdw/story01.htm
U.S. gasoline futures fall to session low after EIA data
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 16:00:35 GMT
NEW YORK, Dec 11 (Reuters) – U.S. gasoline futures fell to a session low after U.S. government data showed an inventory build much higher than analysts’ expectations.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/DikD9QcZjaU/story01.htm
Mexico Senate OKs energy reform, pends lower house approval
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 15:36:01 GMT
MEXICO CITY, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Mexico’s Senate on Wednesday signed off on an energy bill that aims to lure private capital into the state-run oil and gas industry in the biggest shake-up since a 1938 nationalization, sending it to the lower house for debate and final approval.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/P17HGvgEXjI/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Halkbank unable to resume processing India payments for Iran oil
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 14:48:45 GMT
ISTANBUL, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Turkey’s state-run Halkbank can only resume processing Indian oil payments to Iran once Western sanctions are officially lifted following an interim deal in Geneva last month, a senior Halkbank official saidon Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/yuO0HfRPw5I/story01.htm
UPDATE 1-Exxon offers rare gasoil term contract from S.Arabia
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 12:12:04 GMT
* Sign of Saudi Arabia becoming self-sufficient in meeting gasoil needs
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/o5QrQPxG50g/story01.htm
More refinery closures on the cards for 2014 -IEA
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:32:38 GMT
* Natural gas liquids, biofuels to displace refined products
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/wRACO6A0coU/story01.htm
Joy Global profit slumps as mining equipment orders fall
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:21:09 GMT
Dec 11 (Reuters) – Mining equipment maker Joy Global Inc reported an 87 percent fall in quarterly profit as it took a big charge and coal miners cut spending due to a supply glut and weak prices.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/zdMKCNKyxLQ/story01.htm
Libya’s oil security force expects eastern ports to reopen Sunday
Posted:Wed, 11 Dec 2013 11:12:57 GMT
TRIPOLI, Dec 11 (Reuters) – Libya’s oil security force expects an eastern autonomy movement to reopen seized export ports this weekend as promised, the force’s commander said on Wednesday.
http://feeds.reuters.com/~r/reuters/USenergyNews/~3/s7gJBzS_reE/story01.htm
Mining Awareness + 
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