MondayMay 09, 2022 1:42 pm

Report Finds That Coal Plants May Prevent Achievement of Climate Targets

A new report from Global Energy Monitor has found that even after the decrease in the number of coal-fired power plants under development globally, too much coal is still being burned for the planet to stay within safe limits of temperature. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, the use of coal appeared to be declining. However, economic upheaval and lockdowns imposed in different parts of the globe facilitated an increase in new coal projects, especially in China. Since the onset of the pandemic, China has used more coal-generated electricity than the rest of the world combined. In 2021, the total power…

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FridayMay 06, 2022 12:07 pm

Investment in Gold Is Surging

The investment demand for gold is increasing as investors flock back to gold, which is driving the metal’s price even higher. The precious metal’s current performance began in 2015 when the Fed initiated its rate-hike cycle. During the years since, gold has gained significantly, with its best gain extending to 96% in August 2020. Weakening stock markets also bolster investment demand for gold by boosting its use in the diversification of portfolios. This is because the precious metal rallies during stock-market selloffs, making it a good portfolio stabilizer. Investment buys then accelerate the upside momentum of gold, which helps attract…

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ThursdayMay 05, 2022 2:12 pm

Nonprofits Call on EU to Pass Battery Metal Regulations on Responsible Mineral Sourcing

Last week, a coalition of not-for-profit organizations released a statement on proposed battery regulations that require manufacturers and importers to responsibly source the minerals used within batteries. The coalition is comprised of Transport & Environment, Amnesty International, SOMO, Earthworks, RAID, PowerShift, INKOTA, Inclusive Development International, Human Rights Watch, Germanwatch, Finnwatch, Setem Catalunya, Centre d'Aide juridico-judiciaire (Democratic Republic of Congo) and Collectif des organisations de la Société Civile pour la défense des droits des communautés. These regulations would establish compulsory requirements for every battery being sold in the European Union’s market, including industrial, electric car, automotive and portable batteries. The parameters…

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WednesdayMay 04, 2022 3:32 pm

Uranium Still Lures Investors Despite SEC Turning Down Sprott’s Listing Application

Uranium is an essential commodity needed as the world transitions from the use of fossil fuels. Despite this need, the U.S. Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) rejected an application made by the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust that would have allowed the trust to become the first fund to trade on the exchanges in the United States. The SEC stated that a failure to meet listing standards led to this rejection. A statement released by Sprott indicates challenges, including the nature of the physical uranium market and the trust’s structure.  While a failed listing is usually cause for concern, analysts, investors and…

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TuesdayMay 03, 2022 3:30 pm

Ongoing Uncertainty Cements Gold’s Safe Haven Role Over Crypto

As inflation continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly evident that precious metals such as gold are a better hedge against inflation in comparison to cryptocurrencies. The price of gold is up almost 5%, going at about $1,900 per ounce. Meanwhile, the price of Bitcoin has dropped by more than 15% this year, with other cryptocurrencies such as dogecoin, solana and ethereum also declining sharply. In a recently released report, Swissquote analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya stated that cryptocurrencies traded parallel to risk assets, instead of as safe havens, noting that cryptocurrencies were more of crypto-proxies for Nasdaq. Crypto prices have continued…

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MondayMay 02, 2022 2:16 pm

Demand Concerns May Affect Copper’s Rally

The price of copper fell below its $10,000 per ton level at the start of last week on the London Metal Exchange for the first time in weeks. The metal’s risk equilibrium seems to be shifting as funds begin raising bear bets on the CME copper contract. However, supply concerns are still increasing following protests at a pair of big copper mines in Peru. These protests knocked out one-fifth of Peru’s production capacity before the country’s government declared a state of emergency to reclaim control of the Cuajone mine. Over the last few weeks, managers of funds have increased bearish…

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FridayApr 29, 2022 12:40 pm

The West Explores Ways to Disrupt Russia’s Oil Trade

Since Russia invaded Ukraine, the West has imposed tough sanctions against Russia in a bid to force Putin to cease the invasion. American polls show that individuals in Washington want even more to be done to reduce the profits from natural gas and oil sales made by Russia. For instance, a poll conducted by the NORC Center for Public Affairs Research and the Associated Press discovered that more than one-half of its respondents would like President Joe Biden to be tougher on Putin. Former and current U.S. officials and economists state that America could achieve strong results from taking various…

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ThursdayApr 28, 2022 2:15 pm

Can the European Union Survive Without Coal from Russia?

The European Commission recently suggested that it would be banning the purchase of Russian coal. This in response to the alleged war crimes that the Eastern European country committed in Bucha town, Ukraine. Currently, about 70% of the thermal coal imported by the European Union comes from Russia. In figures, this represents almost €4 billion worth of coal annually. Russia is the largest supplier of coal in the European Union and the third largest exporter of coal globally, after Australia and Indonesia. Russia’s metallurgical coal, which is utilized in the manufacture of steel and iron, accounts for almost 30% of…

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WednesdayApr 27, 2022 1:14 pm

The Ukraine War Boosting Coal’s Resurgence

There appears to be a coal renaissance as coal, a fossil fuel that should be phased out and replaced by renewable energies, dominates in various markets. China has steadily grown its output, recording a 15% rise in its March production as compared to the same period in 2021. This is equal to about 12.7 million tons daily, which exceeds the country’s 2022 daily production rate of 12.6 million tons. This increase comes despite the implementation of new lockdowns across China after another coronavirus outbreak. The country is focused on keeping its levels of production high as the uncertainties introduced to…

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TuesdayApr 26, 2022 2:35 pm

Bank of America PROJECTS That Uranium Prices Will Spike More Than 50% in 2022

Last week, Bank of America released a research note showing that spot prices for uranium had increased significantly since Russia invaded Ukraine in February. Russia plays a central role in the international uranium supply chain, making up over 15% of total uranium supplied this year. In terms of enrichment, Russia makes up roughly 45% of global capacity. In conversion, the Eastern European country makes up nearly 30% of the estimated production of this year and about 20% of international capacity. The investment bank expects the mineral to experience further gains in the future as the demand for the use of…

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