Regulators, Oil Firms Still in Uneasy Alliance

Source: The Wall Street Journal, Siobhan Hughes (9/24/10)

"The government's reliance on industry technology to contain spills will continue."

Oil-industry executives and Obama administration officials debated Wednesday how best to avoid a repeat of the Gulf of Mexico oil spill, circling an issue that's uncomfortable for both sides: The industry and government need each other.

"We need to understand this is always going to be a collaboration," said Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen, who led the federal response to the spill from BP PLC's Macondo well. "Industry needs to be there—they have the technology."

Michael Bromwich, Director of the Interior Department's offshore-drilling oversight agency, said that must change. Mr. Bromwich has also said that his agency lacked the expertise to effectively monitor increasingly complex offshore drilling operations.

The government has long relied on the industry to provide the technology and materiel to contain spills, and that reliance will continue.

"Just as the U.S. industry respects the role government plays in oil-spill response, so should government encourage and support the strengths of the industry and utilize our unique capability in incident prevention and response," said Exxon Mobil Corp.

Exxon Mobil, Chevron Corp., Royal Dutch Shell Plc (NYSE:RDS.A) and ConocoPhillips announced in July that they were forming a joint venture to design, build and operate a rapid-response system to capture and contain up to 100,000 barrels of oil a day flowing 10,000 feet below the surface of the sea. The companies' plan is to create a strike force to stanch oil spills in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico in a bid to regain the confidence of the White House.

None of the speakers explicitly called for a lifting of the moratorium, but Mr. Tillerson pointed out the Gulf's significance to the nation's economy. Gulf of Mexico offshore oil production accounts for 30% of total U.S. crude oil production, according to the Energy Information Administration.

Announcing Streetwise Live! Events
Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

Streetwise Reports is offering 100 investors—at no charge—the opportunity to meet via Zoom with executives of precious metals companies as they discuss recent developments at their companies and upcoming catalysts.

"China's export quota could be opportunity for Canadian miners"

Latin America: Six Gold Juniors Amass 100M+ Ounces
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (05/25/2010)

Latin America, the world's last great mineral frontier for prolific gold discoveries, is proving a godsend for some lucky investors.

Mexico: Gold's Next Powerhouse Player
Source: Marc Davis, BNW News (11/03/2009)

As the world's key gold producing nations struggle mostly in vain to replenish dwindling below-ground supplies, Mexico is bucking the trend in a big way.

Where Have All the Gold Mines Gone?
Source: Brent Cook, Exploration Insights (04/14/2009)

Given the declining global gold production, mining companies’ demand for reserve replacement and the acute dearth of new gold discoveries, there is no doubt that real economic discoveries will be exceptionally valuable. . .the opportunity for stellar profits is the best it has probably ever been. Identifying the few successes, however, will require vigilant and constant technical assessment of geology and drill results, always with an eye to mine economics.

Congo Completes Mining Review, Says Majors Quit Talks
Source: Reuters (12/20/2008)

"Review process is extended an additional 45 days to allow six companies to return to the negotiating table for direct talks with government ministers."

I haven’t spoken to my old mining stock friend, noted and universally respected gold stock guru, Bob Bishop, about Rare Element in a year, but I hear he is still a supporter and very large shareholder. I don’t believe he will hold it against me to remind you that this was one of his favorite holdings when he left the newsletter writing business. . .

It's Only the Beginning for Uranium
Source: www.financialinsights.com (06/03/2005)

Dr. Richard S. Appel, author of Financial Insights, first became bullish on uranium in mid-2003, when it appeared obvious that its supply versus demand equation was fated to seriously drive higher its price. Since then, a series of events in the uranium industry has led Appel to believe that uranium prices will reach never before seen levels.

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