Latest News
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Brazilian energy auction to generate $1 Billion in investment
Aneel, the Brazilian regulator of electricity, said that Brazil's first auction focusing exclusively on small and medium dams would generate investments worth around 5.5 billion Reis ($1 billion). Aneel said that the auction resulted in 815 Megawatts (MW) capacity and included 65 plants with a maximum of 50 MW per plant. According to auction rules, these projects, which may include new plants or extensions of existing plants, are contracted for 20 years and will start supplying power in January 2030. At an event in Brasilia the Mines and Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira noted that smaller hydroelectric plants have a limited impact on environment. Silveira stated that Brazil could expand its hydro power from major dams. Silveira said that he had spoken to President Luiz inacio Lula da So about moving ahead with new large hydroelectric projects after Brazil signed an agreement with Bolivia for the Madeira River project, located in the Amazon region. Brazil has stopped building large-scale hydroelectric plants after Belo Monte. This project was controversial because of its impact on the Amazon region and Indigenous communities.
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North Dakota oil production will rise in August, as operators return to reduced output, says state regulator
The state regulator announced on Friday that oil production in North Dakota will increase in August, as operators bring some production back online they had curtailed earlier this year after oil prices fell. Last quarter, oil prices dropped to multi-year lows after U.S. president Donald Trump announced a list of tariffs on April. This led operators in the U.S.to reduce their rig count. In May and June certain operators curtailed production in the State due to the low prices. Nathan Anderson, Director of the North Dakota Department Of Mineral Resources, said that the Department of Mineral Resources believed that the curtailed production would be coming online in the months of August and July. U.S. crude oil futures recovered some of the losses they suffered last quarter. They bounced back to $63.40 per barrel on Friday, after hitting around $57 a barrel on May 5. This was their lowest level since February 2021. "Given the frac crews and completion numbers in summer, I expect to see a significant increase in oil production levels for July. August numbers have been fairly consistent with July's numbers." Justin Kringstad is the director of North Dakota Pipeline Authority. He said, "I do expect two good months to come." The state regulator reported that there are 29 active rigs currently in North Dakota. This is the same as July. The frac crew number is now at 14, compared to 13 in July. North Dakota is the third-largest oil producing state. The latest monthly data released by the North Dakota Industrial Commission shows that oil production increased 39,000 barrels a day in June to reach 1.15 million bpd. (Reporting and editing by Susan Fenton in Houston, Georgina McCartney from Houston)
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Source: Canada will remove many of the retaliatory duties on US goods
Sources familiar with the situation say that Canada will announce Friday it is removing retaliatory duties on U.S. products as a gesture of goodwill to restart stagnated trade talks. Source who asked to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the situation said that Canadian tariffs will continue for the time being on U.S. steel, aluminum and autos. The Prime Minister Mark Carney will hold a press briefing at 16:00 GMT (12:00 Eastern Time) on Friday. News helped extend the Canadian dollar's gains. By 11:05 am, it was up by 0.5% to C$1.3837 per U.S. Dollar or 72.27 U.S. Cents. Canada and the United States have been in talks for several months about a new relationship on economics and security, but they are still far apart. Carney On Thursday, the U.S. president Donald Trump spoke to him for the first since June. His office described it as a productive discussion. Carney's Office did not respond to an inquiry for comment. Reporting by David Ljunggren, Editing by Chizu nomiyama
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Swiss bank Safra Sarasin fined 3 million francs for 'Car Washing' probe
The Swiss Attorney General has fined Swiss bank J. Safra Sarasin SA $4.3 million in a corruption and money-laundering case that lasted for years, involving Brazilian state oil company Petrobras. The highest Swiss prosecutor's office issued a statement in which it said that the bank settled with Petrobras - a claimant - for 16 million Swiss francs. It added that there was no need to pay any further compensation. Safra stated that the "ordinance" of the prosecutors does not represent an admission of guilt, or an acceptance of criminal or civil liability by the bank or its representatives. The statement stated that a former Safra Sarasin worker was sentenced to six months of custody with a suspension for money laundering crimes committed between November 2011, and July 2014, while working for another Swiss Bank, totaling $29.2 millions. It added that the money laundering against which Safra failed to take action around that time totalled $71 million. The statement said that the investigation covered several accounts at Safra, which were used to pay bribes to senior executives of Petrobras in order to secure contracts for 10 companies from the oil and construction sector. In 2019, the prosecutors began their investigation. The prosecution of the "Operation Car Wash" scheme has led to the arrest and imprisonment of the former Brazilian president Luiz inacio Lula da So, among other people. In Brazil, more than 130 businessmen and politicians have been found guilty. The prosecutor added that the fine is based on the corrective actions that the bank took since and that all parties have stated that they won't appeal the penalty.
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Scientist warns that hurricane risk to Gulf Coast is increasing 20 years after Katrina
A new study warns that the Gulf Coast of America is becoming increasingly vulnerable to hurricanes. This comes 20 years after Katrina destroyed New Orleans and hundreds of kilometers of coastline. Marc Bove is a German Reinsurer Munich Re meteorologist who warned that with time, the likelihood of major hurricanes making landfall in the area will increase and the effectiveness post-Katrina of flood defense systems would diminish. Katrina, the worst hurricane to ever hit the United States, made its debut in August 2005. It began in Florida, then intensified when it reached the Gulf of Mexico. The storm caused nearly 1,400 fatalities and a total of $205 billion, inflation-adjusted, in damage. "The hurricane risk is increasing, and it's not just in the Gulf area." Bove told. Bove stated that today's Katrina would cost more, and not just due to inflation. The flood protections in New Orleans will gradually erode due to rising sea levels and sinking ground levels. (Reporting and writing by Alexander Huebner, editing by Rachel More).
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Gold falls with Fed Chair Powell's Speech on Radar
Gold prices fell on Friday, as the U.S. Dollar strengthened. Investors were also awaiting Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to speak at the Jackson Hole Symposium for clues about the central bank's policy. Spot gold fell 0.5% to $3,322.43 an ounce at 8:43 am EDT (1243 GMT) while U.S. Gold Futures fell 0.5% to $3,364.20. Investors backed off rate-cut bets in anticipation of Powell's address at 10:00 a.m. ET (1400 GMT). Powell's speech at the annual Jackson Hole Economic Conference comes amid unprecedented pressure from President Donald Trump on the central banks. However, mixed economic data could pull Powell towards a middle-ground that leaves many major questions unresolved. David Meger is director of metals and futures trading at High Ridge Futures. Any signals about possible rate cuts this year may have a significant impact on gold prices. Even subtle hints will have an impact. "I believe we will see (Powell), take a more cautious stance, considering that two important pieces of economic information, the PCE report and the jobs report, still need to be submitted before the September meeting." CME's FedWatch showed that traders now see a 71.5% probability of a rate cut of 25 basis points in September. This is down from 85.4% one week ago. Gold is usually more profitable in low-interest rate environments, since it offers no yield and looks more attractive compared to other assets that pay interest. In other parts of Asia, gold demand was subdued as price volatility held buyers back. However, jewellers have resumed their purchases in India ahead of the festival season. Silver spot fell 1% to $37.78 an ounce. Platinum fell 1.1% to 1,338.25 and palladium dropped 0.5% to 1115.77. Ashitha Shivaprasad, Bengaluru (Reporting and Editing by Jan Harvey).
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Aldebaran, a Canadian company, plans to invest $1.5 billion in Argentina's copper project
Javier Robeto, the country manager of Aldebaran Resources Canada, said that at least $1.5 billion will be needed to develop the Altar copper project located in northern Argentina. Robeto stated that the company will include this figure in its preliminary assessment of September. This will show Altar has about 32 billion pounds copper resources and approximately 6.7 million ounces gold resources. Aldebaran does not know if it will be able to spend the money in time to qualify under RIGI (the government's incentive program), which provides long-term tax breaks as well as access to international dispute tribunals for investments above $200 million. The scheme will continue to accept applications until July 2026. There is a possibility of an additional year. It's not sure we'll make the cut. What happens if RIGI is stopped? Robeto explained that the tax burden would automatically return to 54%. RIGI has approved only two lithium mining projects so far, both of which were implemented in October by President Javier Milei. Glencore and McEwen Mining, among others who are working on copper projects, have also applied for the program. Robeto has not provided a timeline for the construction and production of Altar. The estimated lifespan is 20-25 years. The economic assessment includes two scenarios of copper production in either cathode or concentrate form. Robeto explained that the idea was to do a trade-off, examining both pros and cons. (Reporting and Writing by Lucila SIGAL, Editing by Jan Harvey).
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Rainforest to retail - Indonesian women protecting nature through work
Women use flowers and plants for ecoprinting Sustainable livelihoods protect at-risk rainforest Families can get help with food and school fees by receiving income By Leo Galuh A group of women who work in a conservation park located in Citalahab Sentral - a small village inside Gunung Halimun-Salak National Park - aims to show that nature protection and earning a living can be compatible. Ambu Halimun (which means "Mothers Of Halimun" is Sundanese) gathers foliage rich in natural colours and tannins. Ecoprinting is a technique that uses the flowers and leaves to transfer pigments onto the fabric. Ambu Halimun sells the skirts, scarves, and tote bag made from the intricately-printed fabric in international markets. The women have carved out a livelihood that is sustainable from the rainforest, without having to cut down trees or hunt wildlife. The group is still a small force, but it is growing. It is aiming to become a powerful enough force to make a difference in protecting Indonesia's natural environment. According to United Nations statistics, Indonesia is a biodiversity hotspot. It has a large share of the global flora, fauna and flowering plants, including 17% of bird species. Orangutans and Javan gibbons, Sumatran Tigers and Sumatran tigers are just a few of the critically endangered species that live in its rainforests. Deforestation caused by mining, agriculture and infrastructure is a serious threat to biodiversity. Global Forest Watch reports that between 2002 and 2024 the country lost 10.7 millions hectares (26,4 million acres) in humid primary forest. The human population is growing but the land is limited. They will now be the ones to lead the conservation effort because they have the knowledge and skills to do so," says Rahayu Oktaviani. She is the co-founder of the Javan Gibbon Conservation group, Konservasi Ekosistem Alam Nusantara. JAVAN GIBBONS Citalahab Sentral, with fewer than 300 inhabitants, relies on small-scale farming and tea farming. Tourism through homestays, forest treks, and other activities is also available but it provides inconsistent income. The KIARA group started offering training to residents in ecoprinting and sewing, natural fertilizer production, English, and public speaking after the pandemic devastated local tourism. Tourism earnings are still far below the pre-pandemic level, despite a slow return of guests since 2022. Yuliana is a mother of 4 and a member of Ambu. She said that the income she received from her husband's homestay was not enough to cover daily expenses. She now prints fabrics with motifs of the flora. Yuliana (who goes by one name) said, "I had no idea that leaves would produce natural colors to make ecoprint." KIARA, together with the women, has identified at least 24 rainforest plants species that contain tannins - natural compounds which bind colors to fabrics and prolong their life. Members of Ambu Halimun sell their products through social media, as well as to tourists. They accept orders via Instagram, and prices range from 250,000 Rupiah ($15) up to 700,000. The group's ecoprint signature is a Javan Gibbon motif. Sharing stories about the gibbon habitat and the threats that it faces due to deforestation, hunting and other factors helps raise awareness of conservation in the local community. The gibbon, a small ape that has silver-grey hair and a black facial pattern, is in danger. According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), there are only 4,000-4500 gibbons left in Indonesia. FOOD AND SCHOOL FEE Ambu Halimun's Wulan says her ecoprint earnings have made a real difference. She said that the majority of her family's expenditure is on food and school fees for her children. If he works for 20 days, her husband, who is a tea picker earns between 800,000.00 ($49) to 1,140.000 ($70). Many families borrow money in order to survive, and end up in debt. Ecoprint pays me 2 million Rupiah (122 dollars) every quarter. "It's enabled me to save," Wulan said as she removed the boiled marigold flower from the fabric. KIARA plans to expand its ecoprinting efforts, but its artisanal character means that its size will be restricted. Harumi Supit is vice president of Amartha Financial's public relations department. Amartha Financial provides services to more than 3.3 million women owned businesses in rural Indonesia. She said that to reach and sell in bigger markets, they require resources, transport and channels of distribution as well as careful planing. She said that maintaining quality standards is a challenge when you want to reach a wider audience. Ambu Halimun sold 41 pieces in 2020, and 237 the previous year. By mid-2025 it had reached 130 sales. Oktaviani said that KIARA’s role is to expand the group, encourage residents – especially women – to adapt to the post-pandemic changes in the economy and to find solutions within the environment. She said that they have an in-depth knowledge of the native plants. She said that the leaves used in ecoprint were often the same ones used traditionally for herbal remedies or as raw food. It's rooted into traditional knowledge which is slowly disappearing. She said that the project is not only helping to keep the forest intact but also empowers women, who "used to be tucked in the kitchen."
Chile's Codelco lowers its production forecast and posts a pre-tax profit decline
Codelco Chile, the world’s largest copper producer and the country’s biggest exporter, lowered Friday its production guidance for 2025 following an accident in its flagship El Teniente Mine, as well as reporting lower pre-tax profits in the first six months of the year.
The miner expects to produce 1,34-1,37 million metric tonnes of copper in 2025. This is down from the March estimate of 1,37-1,40 million tons.
Codelco’s production hit a quarter century low in 2023. The company has struggled to compensate for old deposits and delays with major expansion projects.
The accident that occurred on July 31, at El Teniente mine, Codelco’s most profitable one, was a major blow. It forced the shutdown of mining and smelting for several days, and resulted in a loss 33,000 metric tonnes of copper, which is equivalent to $340 millions.
Codelco warned on Friday that there could be further delays in the mine's ramp-up, stating that the sector still in the process of ramping up "needs to be revised" following the accident which affected the new Andesita Unit.
The accident also caused the company to delay its financial results announcement for the first six months of the year originally scheduled for August 1.
Codelco reported a pre-tax profit between January and June of $429 millions, down 34% on the $653million recorded in the same period a year ago.
The state-owned mining company reported its own production totaled 634,00 metric tons. This is an increase of 9% compared to the same period in 2013. (Reporting and editing by Fabian Cambero, Daina Beth Solon; Sarah Morland).
(source: Reuters)