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In France, two people were killed and 500 arrested during the celebrations of PSG's win
The interior ministry reported that more than 500 people had been arrested during the Champions League celebrations. Two people died and 192 were injured, it said, as Sunday's festivities were to continue. Paris St Germain's first-ever Champions League victory was celebrated in the French capital, and even beyond. On Sunday morning, the interior ministry estimated that 559 arrests had taken place, with 491 of those in Paris. This led to 320 individuals being held in police custody. Of these, 254 were in Paris. A young man in his 20s died after colliding with a car, said police chief Laurent Nunez. In the southwest city of Dax a 17-year old died due to stab wounds. "A judicial inquiry will determine if it (the death in Paris) is related to the festivities. Nunez stated that at this point, the incident appears to be related to the celebrations. The Champs Elysees, a boutique-lined avenue, was shattered by bus shelters and projectiles were hurled towards riot police who used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. On Sunday, the interior ministry reported that hundreds of fires had occurred. More than 200 vehicles were also destroyed. Around 22 security personnel and 7 firefighters were injured. Nunez warned more skirmishes may occur on Sunday, as PSG parades on the Champs-Elysees and celebrates the title at the Parc des Princes Stadium with its fans. Nunez stated that "we're at the half-time mark, in a sense, because this afternoon, we have a parade on the Champs-Elysees." Only those who are attending the parade can enter. The maximum number of attendees has been set at just over 100,000. Anyone beyond this limit will not be permitted to enter. This evening there will also be a party at the Parc des Princes. We expect a gathering around the Place de la Porte de Saint Cloud. We will also respond in a measured, but firm manner if there are any attempts to block or attack law enforcement officers, or cause additional damage. Nunez said that Paris had deployed 5400 officers to prepare for celebrations after a PSG victory. (Reporting and editing by Juliette Jabkhiro, Julien Pretot and David Holmes).
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In France, two people were killed and 500 arrested during the celebrations of PSG's win
The interior ministry reported on Sunday that more than 500 people had been arrested during the Champions League celebrations. Two people died and 192 were injured. Paris St Germain's first Champions League victory was celebrated in France and elsewhere on Saturday evening. However, skirmishes between police officers threatened to ruin the celebrations. As of Sunday morning, the interior ministry estimated that 559 arrests had taken place, with 491 of those in Paris. This led to 320 individuals being held in police custody. Of these, 254 were in Paris. The Champs-Elysees was a scene of violence as riot police fired tear gas, water cannons and other projectiles at the crowds. On Sunday, the interior ministry reported that hundreds of fires had occurred. More than 200 vehicles were also destroyed. Seven firefighters and 22 members of security forces were injured. (Reporting and editing by Kirby Donovan; Juliette Jabkhiro)
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The death toll from the Indonesia quarry collapse is now 17.
The search and rescue agency Basarnas announced that Indonesian authorities would continue their search on Sunday for the eight people who are trapped in the rock collapse of a West Java quarry, where 17 have died, with six others injured. In a late-night statement, the agency stated that the toll reported by victims' families is only provisional. West Java Governor Dedi Mullyadi wrote on Instagram that the site of the Friday's collapse is dangerous, and "doesn't meet safety standards for employees". In a press release, the Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry stated that it would investigate the cause and assess the potential for further landslides. Muhammad Wafid said that Cirebon Regency was prone to soil movements, particularly when rainfall is above average. The area where the collapse occurred also has a steep slope. Wafid stated that the steep slope and undercutting technique used in the open mine area may have also played a part in the collapse. Wafid stated that "rescuers" should pay attention to weather conditions and steep slopes and avoid carrying out any activities in the area during or after heavy rain because the area is still prone to further landslides, which could hit and bury officers. (Reporting and editing by William Mallard in Jakarta, Bernadette Cristina in Jakarta)
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Saudi Arabia and Qatar will provide financial support for Syria's government employees, Saudi Foreign Minister says
Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal Bin Farhan Al Saud announced on Saturday that Saudi Arabia and Qatar will offer financial support jointly to Syrian state employees. Bin Farhan, speaking at a press briefing in Damascus with Asaad Al-Shibani, his Syrian counterpart, said that the kingdom and Qatar would provide joint financial support for state employees in Syria. He did not give details about the amount of financial support that Riyadh or Doha will provide. It echoes the sentiments of a Similar Move In a joint statement released by Saudi Arabia on Saturday, the two countries said that they would provide financial support over a period of three months. The move was a result of an earlier contribution Saudi Arabia and Qatar settled Syria's outstanding arrears to the World Bank of approximately $15 million in April. The Saudi Foreign Minister's visit follows a U.S. surprise announcement made on Lifting sanctions On Syria's islamist-led government that overthrew former president Bashar al Assad in December. U.S. president Donald Trump The decision was made during his recent Middle East visit. It was said to be at the request of Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, whose nation was the main advocate of lifting sanctions. Recent economic sanctions against Syria were also lifted by the European Union. Bin Farhan spoke of his country's contribution to the lifting of economic sanctions against Syria and said that Saudi Arabia will continue to be a major supporter of Syria in its efforts to rebuild and recover economically. He claimed that a high-level delegation of the Kingdom's economic sector was accompanying him to "hold discussions (with the Syrians) to strengthen aspects of cooperation in different fields". He said that Saudi businessmen would visit Syria in the next few days to discuss investment in energy, agriculture and infrastructure, among other sectors. After the fall of Assad, the Syrian leadership wants to improve ties with Arabs and Western leaders. The state hopes that a flood of aid and investment from Gulf neighbors after the lifting of sanctions will help rebuild a country ravaged by conflict. The Syrian President's Office reported that Sharaa, the Syrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, is scheduled to visit Kuwait this Sunday, upon an invitation from Kuwait's Emir, Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah. The source stated that Sharaa will discuss various aspects of economic and political cooperation during his first official trip to Kuwait. Menna Alaa and Muhammad Al Gebaly, Menna Alaa and Jaidaa THA (Reporting and Writing)
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Wildfire smoke exposure may shorten lung cancer survival
A large California study, presented on Saturday at a major medical conference, found that exposure to wildfire smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer patients dying, especially among non-smokers. However, certain cancer treatments may mitigate this effect. Researchers followed up on more than 18000 people diagnosed with non-small-cell lung cancer, the most common type of lung cancer. This was between 2017 and 2020. Researchers found that those who lived in areas with high levels of air pollution caused by wildfires in the first year following their cancer diagnosis had a higher risk of dying from the disease. Researchers reported that patients who inhaled high levels of small particulate matter, with a diameter of less than 2.5 microns and can penetrate deep into the lungs, had a 20% higher risk of lung cancer death. Researchers found that people with advanced cancer stage 4 who have never smoked are particularly affected. Researchers found that their risk of death from cancer increased by 55% if they were exposed high levels of air pollution caused by wildfires. This study relied on advanced modeling to estimate the daily air quality of patients' homes, using data from satellites. weather models, smoke predictions, and air quality monitors. Researchers also found that wildfire exposure did not have a significant impact on the survival of Stage 4 lung cancer patients who had smoked in the past and were being treated with immunotherapy drugs. Researchers said that this surprising trend indicates that changes caused by smoking in the body could interact with certain treatments. Further study is needed to understand this phenomenon. Smoke from wildfires is more toxic than air pollution. It contains soil particles, biological materials and traces of metals, plastics, and other synthetic materials. Surbhi Singhal, a researcher at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, Sacramento, California, said: "As wildfires are becoming more intense and frequent in California and elsewhere in the U.S. we need to develop targeted health strategies that protect cancer patients as well as those with other serious health issues." Reporting by Nancy Lapid, Editing by Bill Berkrot
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EU Commission regrets'strongly,' the announcement of an increase in US Steel Tariffs
The European Commission announced on Saturday it regrets "strongly" the increase in U.S. steel tariffs that was announced and that they are prepared to take countermeasures. Donald Trump, the U.S. president, said on Friday that he would increase import tariffs for steel and aluminum from 25% to 50%. This will put more pressure on steel producers around the world and intensify his trade war. In an email, a spokesperson for the European Commission said: "We regret the announcement of the increase in U.S. steel tariffs from 25% up to 50%." The spokesperson stated that the decision "adds further uncertainty to global economies and increases costs for businesses and consumers on both sides" of the Atlantic. "The tariff increase also undermines the ongoing efforts to find a negotiated resolution." The spokesperson stated that the European Union has paused their countermeasures in order to allow for further negotiations. The spokesperson stated that "the EU is ready to take countermeasures in response to the recent tariff increases by the United States". The European Commission is in the process of finalising consultations regarding expanded countermeasures. "If no solution can be reached that is mutually acceptable, existing EU measures and any additional EU actions will take effect automatically on 14 July - or earlier if the circumstances demand," they said. Reporting by Lili Bayer, Editing by Kirsten Doovan
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OPEC+ has agreed to a 411,000 bpd increase in July oil production, according to sources
OPEC+ has agreed to increase July oil production by 411,000 barrels a day (bpd), the same as it did in May and June. Due to the sensitive nature of the subject, all sources declined to provide their names. Eight OPEC+ member countries are removing 2.2 million bpd of voluntary curbs that they imposed over and above earlier cuts. OPEC+ is a group of OPEC members, as well as allies like Russia. The current round of production increases began in April. Some of the eight producers are asked to reduce their production to compensate for past overproduction. Kazakhstan said Thursday it would not reduce production, leading to speculation that OPEC+ could go for a larger increase in July than 411,000 bpd. In April, oil prices dropped to a 4-year low. They fell below $60 per barrel as OPEC+ announced that it would triple its production increase in May. Meanwhile, tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump raised fears about the global economy. Prices were just below $63 per barrel on Friday. According to a Friday poll, the average global oil demand will grow by 775,000 barrels per day (bpd) in 2025. The International Energy Agency, in its most recent outlook, predicted an increase of 740,000 barrels per day.
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BP Lines Up Noble Rig for North Sea CCS Drilling Job
BP has hired Noble Corporation’s Noble Innovator jack-up rig for a drilling job related to carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in the North Sea.Under the contract, Noble Innovator will drill six firm wells for the Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) project in the North Sea.BP provides operatorship services to NEP, with project partners Equinor and TotalEnergies. The contract is expected to start in the third quarter of 2026.It also contains an option for two additional wells, and is in direct continuation of Noble’s current contract with BP.To remind, the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA) issued its first carbon storage permit to NEP for the CCS project off the coast of Teeside in December 2024. The partners also reached a financial investment close for the execution of the project.Permits and Funding in Place for UK’s First Offshore CCS ProjectThe project has the potential to store up to 100 million tonnes of CO2. The first CO2 injection could come as early as 2027, according to NSTA, with a permitted injection rate of 4 million tonnes per year.Averaged over a duration of 25 years, this could reach a total of 100 million tonnes, equivalent to taking 58.8 million cars off the road for a year. "Supporting the Northern Endurance Partnership advances our role in delivering the well infrastructure behind the UK’s net-zero ambitions. This award reinforces our leadership in offshore carbon storage, and we value the continued trust that bp places in our crews,” said Blake Denton, SVP Marketing and Contracts at Noble Corporation.
Andy Home: A gallium-lens on China's mineral dominance, and how to end it
Since China began restricting the exports of exotic metals in August 2023, the price of gallium is on an upward trend.
It is not surprising that China holds a near-monopoly in the global production of gallium, as well as across a wide range of critical materials.
What should we do about the fact that the price for something few people know is at a 14-year high?
According to the United States Geological Survey, global production was only 760 metric tonnes last year. The world market is worth only $550 million, even at the current high prices.
Metal is used in so small quantities that it has no impact on the price of a cell phone or electric vehicle.
If you are in the semiconductor industry, it is important. It's even more important to U.S. defense planners. That's why China selected element 31 as a metal pressure point.
The Multiplier Effect
The economic impact of China's export bans is multiplied by the fact that gallium is used to make so many gadgets.
USGS estimates a suspension of Chinese exports for a year would result in a hit to the U.S. economic system of $3.1 billion.
The semiconductor industry would account for about half of this decrease, while the remaining half will come from downstream industries like computers, printed circuit assemblies and electric vehicles.
China hasn't completely suspended exports but has banned direct sales into the United States. Outbound flows are down since 2023, when dual-use regulations came into effect.
The USGS projections also assumed that gallium prices would increase by more than 2,5 in the event of an export stop.
Gallium prices have more than doubled since July 2023, when they were $350 per kilogram. They are now $725 per kilogram and still increasing.
As more gallium is kept on the Chinese market, the Chinese price falls. Other times, physical arbitrage could close the price gap. But not when China's Ministry of Commerce is guarding the gate.
THE MILITARY ANGLE
Gallium is of even greater importance to U.S. military planners.
The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, or DARPA, was responsible for the development of a compound known as gallium arsenide. This compound is used in precision-guided and radar weapons. More recently, DARPA has been involved with the next-generation semiconductor chip, gallium nitride.
According to The Center for Strategic and International Studies (a non-profit research organization), the latter "revolutionizes modern radar by allowing new modules to track smaller and faster threats, and to be more numerous from a distance nearly doubled."
The U.S. Army is deploying gallium nitride-enhanced Radars in its Lower-Tier Air and Missile Defense Sensors (LTAMDS), which are an integral part Patriot missile defence units, and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
There's likely a lot more we don't even know.
Gallium, like many other critical metals, has a small market but a wide range of applications. Many of these are at the forefront of semiconductor design.
It's not a coincidence that China announced their export controls as a direct response to U.S. sanctions on next-generation chip imports to China.
THE CHINA CHALLENGE
Can the West break China’s grip on gallium?
The solution to the problem is right in front of us, or better yet, in the tailings pool.
Gallium isn't particularly rare on the surface of the Earth, but it only occurs at concentrations high enough to be extracted as a byproduct from other minerals.
China's gallium dominance has increased along with its massive expansion of aluminum capacity. China accounts for 60% global aluminium production and all of that metal requires alumina which is produced from bauxite.
Gallium can be produced by other refineries than China's. Western companies have stopped producing gallium after China took over the market in the first decade of this century.
That's changing.
Rio Tinto and Indium Corporation just announced that they had successfully extracted pure gallium out of a waste stream from Rio's Vaudreuil Alumina Refinery in Quebec. The next step will be to build a pilot plant that can produce 3.5 tons of gallium per year.
METLEN, a Greek aluminium manufacturer, plans to increase its bauxite-and-alumina processing capability to 50 tons annually by 2028. This is one of 47 strategic mineral projects in the European Union.
Two key lessons can be learned from this article for other mineral markets that are being affected by Chinese export restrictions.
First, it is likely that the West already produces many of these materials but has not appreciated their value until now.
Rio Tinto has begun extracting tellurium and scandium at its Kennecott Copper Smelter, Utah, as well as titanium from its operations in Quebec.
The two plants had been in operation for several years before anyone thought it necessary to separate the metals from the waste stream.
Second, it's clear that Western operators have to learn or, in the case gallium, re-learn the processing technologies needed to separate them and refine them.
It will take some time, especially since China restricts the export of this technology in many cases.
The higher prices that result from China's export restrictions are encouraging more and more Western companies back to metallurgy.
The author is a columnist at
(source: Reuters)