Growing Haze over Coal Ash

Source: Associated Press, Dylan Lovan (9/29/10)

"Opponents and supporters sound off on coal ash regulation."

Citizens, activists and energy and manufacturing workers responded to the federal government's call Tuesday for input on proposed regulations of ash produced by coal-fired power plants. The EPA hosted a public comment hearing Tuesday in Louisville.

The agency has proposed national rules for disposal and management of the ash, which contains mercury, cadmium and arsenic. Citizens and environmental activists said the ash is a health hazard and called on the EPA to impose tougher restrictions.

"It's destroying the health of our communities," said Thomas Pearce, a Sierra Club member who used to live near a coal ash storage site in Louisville. Pearce said the ash can't be left to state monitoring.

"Kentucky will never regulate coal ash, it will never happen," he said.

Industry workers argued the ash can be recycled and used in the manufacture of drywall and concrete, claiming stiffer environmental rules would hurt business by placing a stigma on the substance, also called fly ash. They said 15 million tons of the ash is used by the concrete industry each year.

"Coal ash does not classify as a toxic material," said John Ward, a member of Citizens for Recycling First, a pro-industry group.

The EPA's proposal would classify coal ash as hazardous waste, bringing it under direct federal enforcement. Under a second option, favored by coal and manufacturing industries, the ash would be considered non-hazardous and regulation of standards set by the EPA would be left to the states and citizens' lawsuits.

The EPA has said contaminants in coal ash leach into groundwater and migrate to drinking water, creating "significant public health concerns."

The disposal of coal ash became a national issue after 5.4 million cubic yards of the waste spilled into and around a Tennessee river in 2008, causing one of the nation's worst environmental disasters.

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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