Mining provision getting yanked from Republican megabill
The House-passed bill would reverse Biden-era mining limits in Minnesota's Superior National Forest near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The legislation would also reinstate leases for a stalled copper and nickel mining project from the company Twin Metals, which were canceled by the Biden administration.
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House Republicans are now moving to scrap the provisions without having to vote again on the 'One Big Beautiful Bill Act' before formally sending it to the Senate.
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Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Yahoo
Built by coal: Sask. community fights to keep burning fuel in face of an uncertain future
The rolling Prairie hills around Estevan reveal deep layers of black rock, a vast deposit of coal that has been mined in this part of Saskatchewan for more than 100 years. The natural resource that powers the local economy, keeps the lights on and is a central part of the local identity was expected to be left in the ground going forward, with the anticipated shutdown of two nearby power plants within the next five years. Mayor Tony Sernick, who grew up near a coal mine on the outskirts of the city, said the outlook for a future without coal was initially bleak. "It's our livelihood, it's in our DNA," he said. "There was no optimism on the horizon. Everybody was kind of planning for the worst." But the worst case appears to have been avoided, at least for now. The Saskatchewan government recently announced plans to extend the life of its coal-fire power plants for decades, arguing Ottawa doesn't have jurisdiction over electricity generation in the province. Fear of losing a third of the population Estevan sits just north of the U.S. border, about 185 kilometres southeast of Regina. Known as the Energy City because of the coal, oil and gas industries, Estevan was once projected to lose a third of its population of about 11,000 people. About 400 homes went up for sale as the economy contracted and some residents began to leave. Like many small coal towns across Canada, the community was bracing for the phase out of coal-fired power plants. A looming federal deadline, with commitment by the province, set a target of eliminating the polluting fossil fuel by 2030. Some feared Estevan could become a "ghost town." The community worked to find ways to diversify its economy and was selected by the Saskatchewan government as the site of a small modular nuclear reactor. But Sernick said an extension of coal was still needed and is welcome news. "It was good to see you kind of filled that gap, and it really gives us that time to transition into whatever the next big thing is," he said. The business community is also looking for ways to adapt. Merissa Scarlett, executive director of the Estevan Chamber of Commerce, said the news the plants would keep running came as a "relief." "Even with coal being back in, we're still going to move to nuclear. The world's changing, right?," she said. "We have to diversify the economy." The city has received millions of dollars from the federal and provincial governments to help support a transition away from coal to new economic opportunities. One of those ideas: a research project underway to see if the area's coal can be turned into graphite. 'I think we're safe' Outside Estevan's grocery store, residents are clear: they don't want coal to go without an alternative for the economy. Lynn Senchuk said she believes coal will keep burning, even if the federal government tries to wind down operations. "I think we're safe," she said. Derrick Helm said he supports bringing in a nuclear power plant, but believes coal should keep going until it's no longer needed. "It's nonstop in the ground. Just keep pulling it out and burning it," he said. "I have no problem with that." The fight over coal The local push to keep burning coal, along with continued support from the province, could leave Estevan as one of the last places in Canada to use the fossil fuel. In 2016, Ottawa gave provinces until 2030 to phase out coal-fired power plants. Those fitted with carbon capture technology receive an exemption, including one unit at the Boundary Dam 3 station outside Estevan. But Saskatchewan recently announced plans to run all three of its plants well beyond the deadline, arguing that the federal government lacks jurisdiction over power generation. The decision is already facing a legal challenge in court. Brett Dolter, an economist and expert on climate change policy at the University of Regina, said it's unclear how much the province might need to invest in refurbishing the plants and keeping them running. "There was a plan, and now we have this possibility of wasting a lot of money to switch horses midstream to go with reinvesting in what is an outdated technology," he said. "We know that burning coal is the dirtiest way to produce power. We have many, many other options and it really is short-sighted to think that's the best option for Saskatchewan." Saskatchewan has Canada's second-most emissions-intensive electricity system, trailing only Alberta. Despite being only three percent of the country's population, it's responsible for about a quarter of all electricity emissions, according to the federal government. Alberta's last coal plant powered down last year. "We're only three per cent of the population, but we're the last holdouts to phase out coal," Dolter said. "So we're this dirty island of electricity." A spokesperson for the federal Minister of Environment and Climate Change said Saskatchewan has an agreement with Ottawa on emission reduction measures. It's set to expire at the end of next year. If the terms are not respected, "it can be terminated, thus bringing the federal regulations back into full effect," Keean Nembhard wrote in an email. Premier Scott Moe said the province wants to see the federal rules change. "We're going to be operating those plans into the future to provide affordable, reliable power for Saskatchewan residents and Saskatchewan industries, as we transition to a much cleaner nuclear power source," he said at a recent news conference. Relief for now On Fourth Street, Estevan's main drag, residents and business owners are breathing a sigh of relief for now. The 400 homes for sale has dropped to 50, and hundreds of workers are expected to arrive in the city to help refurbish the power plants and eventually build the nuclear facility. "Things are looking up," said Lori Smith, outside her downtown embroidery shop. "It's scary when they were talking about closing and how many people were going to leave town. But I know that there's a lot of power behind the energy sector in Estevan." Lynda Chamney's fiancé works at one of the plants. "It's so nice that they'll be keeping their jobs," she said. "It's been around forever and, and I'm glad it's staying."
Associated Press
7 hours ago
- Associated Press
Global Times: China Port Watch: From a small harbor to a global logistics powerhouse as Lianyungang expands global connectivity under China's Belt and Road Initiative
BEIJING, Aug. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- At the dock, a pure electric tugboat lies quietly at a berth. Stepping into the cabin, there is none of the roar or vibration of a traditional fuel-powered tug, only the faint hum of electric currents as the equipment runs. Crew members are checking the systems, with screens displaying real-time data on energy consumption and operational status. When mooring operations begin, a single press of a switch on the bridge sets the vessel in motion, and within minutes, the tug departs smoothly from the dock to precisely assist a large ship in berthing or unberthing. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric model in Lianyungang, the largest port in Jiangsu Province, offers zero emissions and quiet, low vibration operation, greatly improving air quality and crew comfort. They can operate for 1-2 days, meeting the demands of port tug-assist operations, and can be fully recharged within 2-3 hours using high-voltage fast charging at dedicated berths. Thanks to intelligent energy management, they use only one-third of the energy consumed by traditional fuel tugs and require fewer crew members, saving the port about 2-3 million yuan annually in fuel and labor costs. This is part of China's first all-electric tugboat fleet, a three-vessel lineup that forms a key element of Lianyungang's technological and green transformation to become a modern port of global significance, playing a crucial role in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). On September 13, 2022, a signed article by President Xi Jinping titled 'Build on the Past to Make Greater Strides in China-Kazakhstan Relations' was published on the Kazakhstanskaya Pravda newspaper ahead of his state visit to Kazakhstan, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The article noted that at the China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Base in the eastern Chinese port of Lianyungang, products from Kazakhstan set sail for the Pacific Ocean. The China-Europe freight trains are running through Kazakhstan via more routes, making an important contribution to the stability of global industrial and supply chains. Small port to global hub Yin Deming, captain of the electric tugboat who has worked at the port for 18 years, has taken a front seat to witness the transformation of Lianyungang from a small port to a global hub. Compared with traditional fuel-powered tugboats, the electric tugs feature higher automation and simpler operation, Yin told the Global Times as he skillfully adjusted the tug's angle with a simple control stick in the wheelhouse, smoothly guiding it toward an incoming cargo ship. 'In the past, starting the tug required multiple steps and coordination across departments, making it time-consuming and complex. Now, a single command from the bridge starts everything, eliminating the need for on-site manual operations and improving efficiency,' Yin said, adding that the time from receiving the operation notice to the tug leaving the dock has been cut from 8-10 minutes to less than 2 minutes. The electric tugboat is just one example of the changes at Lianyungang. Xue Xilei, executive deputy general manager of LYG-PSA Container Terminal Co.,Ltd, is well placed to illustrate the transformation of the port. Over the past decades, he has seen it evolve. 'About 30 years ago, the port had only about three companies and an annual throughput of 10 million tons... Today it handles more than 300 million tons of cargo per year, with a vibrant cluster of enterprises, and has become a hub of international trade.' The BRI has given Lianyungang a new launching pad. In 2017, President Xi pointed out in his speech during his state visit to Kazakhstan that the opening of the freight train of China-Kazakhstan cross-border transportation not only brings benefits to China and Kazakhstan but also provides more convenience for transportation and cooperation opportunities for the countries along the 'Belt and Road,' showcasing the organic integration of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Xinhua reported. On the large screen at the dispatch center of the China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, information on destinations, origins, and cargo of China-Europe (Central Asia) freight trains between China and Kazakhstan was displayed and updated in real time. And, it provides live video footage of the Horgos Dry Port, known as the 'Eastern Gateway.' 'Now, transport capacity, train frequency, and operational efficiency have all improved a lot compared to 10 years ago,' said Kong Xiangwei, vice general manager of Lianyungang China-Kazakhstan International Logistics Co., Ltd, noting that what once took four hours to load a freight train, can now be done in only two hours, with a maximum daily throughput of seven trains. The China-Kazakhstan (Lianyungang) Logistics Cooperation Base, which is part of Lianyungang's free trade zone, is only one key aspect of city's broader integration into the BRI. Since the approval in August 2019, the city's free trade zone has focused on building an Asia-Europe transport hub and promoting cooperation with BRI partner countries, Wang Yunlong, director of the Institutional Innovation Bureau of the Lianyungang Free Trade Zone, told the Global Times. Although occupying only 0.27 percent of the city's total area, the free trade zone contributes nearly one-third of the city's actual foreign investment utilization, one-fifth of its import and export trade, and one-eighth of newly established enterprises. Greater connectivity Besides its role in the BRI, Lianyungang is also strengthening cooperation with many developing countries, helping to promote their high-quality and sustainable development. Located about 13 kilometers from the port in the Lianyungang Economic Development Zone, a local factory was buzzing with activity. It is producing massive wind power blades over 100 meters long for both domestic and overseas market. The factory now operates seven such blade production lines. Some steps in the firm's operations are now automated, Qiao Xiaoliang, general manager of Zhongfu Lianzhong Wind Power Blade (Lianyungang) Co., Ltd, told the Global Times, adding that automated processes include trimming, grinding, painting, and transportation. In recent years, with the promotion of high-quality development of the BRI, the company's wind power blades have gained popularity in overseas market. Taking advantage of its close proximity to Lianyungang Port, the company's export business is expanding quickly. Its products reach countries from Bolivia in South America, to Bosnia and Herzegovina in Europe. There are currently two factories in Lianyungang producing around 240 blades per month. If production runs smoothly, the capacity could rise to 280 blades, Qiao said. Another factory also showcases the industrial muscle of this bustling trade city. At Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co., Ltd, which produces everything from warp- and weft-knitted blankets to delicate thin velvet throws, only a handful of workers dot the vast factory floor. 'Our level of automation is very high — from the equipment to the production lines, almost everything is developed and manufactured in-house. The current automation rate has reached 70-80 percent,' Xu Yingxi, general manager of Lianyungang Feiyan Blanket Co, told Global Times. The company's products have gained a reputation for high quality in many parts of the world, including BRI partner countries, with business presence in regions such as South Africa and several in South America. Lianyungang maintains very close ties with many BRI partner countries. Kong told the Global Times that Lianyungang's advantage lies in its dual role as both a port and a freight train hub, making it a key international logistics hub connecting Japan, South Korea, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, said Kong. Transported cargo includes used cars, auto parts, and other high value-added products. Resilient trade From Lianyungang's sea port and freight-train logistics hub to its manufacturing facilities, the city is promoting global cooperation with an open and forward-looking mindset. The efforts underscore Lianyungang's rising prominence as a promising freight trade hub. In the first half of 2025, Lianyungang's foreign trade reached 119.22 billion yuan, with exports totaling 26.27 billion yuan, marking a year-on-year increase of 17.9 percent, according to data from China's General Administration of Customs. Lianyungang has made strides in propelling foreign trade growth, while continuously expanding a network of international partners. Trade with the BRI partner countries has grown by over 20 percent annually for four consecutive years, surpassing 100 billion yuan for the first time in 2024 and setting a historic high, according to Lianyungang Municipal Government. This year, Lianyungang has witnessed many 'firsts.' In July, the Xin Xin Hai 1, a cargo ship, set sail from Lianyungang, marking the first voyage of the China-Russia Arctic 'Ice Silk Road' to Arkhangelsk. In May, the Anji Ansheng, the world's largest car carrier built by China, left Lianyungang on its maiden trip to Europe, showcasing China's automotive sector strength. 'While China is opening more and more shipping routes and our network of foreign trade partners is expanding, our port is leveraging the momentum to continue building, transforming, and upgrading,' Xue said. Although unilateralism and protectionism have brought short-term pressures to global trade, Xue expressed confidence in the resilience and strength of Chinese manufacturing and trade. He noted that exports to ASEAN and other markets have continued to grow, with trade becoming more active under the RCEP framework. For example, cold-chain imports at Lianyungang are on the rise, driven by growing demand for fruit and frozen products from Southeast Asian countries. Looking into the future, Xue noted that the port is embracing automation, which will unleash greater potentials. 'The automated terminal area has already broken ground, though full automation has yet to be achieved, and work is progressing steadily,' Xue said. Pointing to a 90,000-square-meter space now under construction, he described the tall quay cranes and blue yard cranes in view, noting that they will eventually operate without human intervention, consolidating Lianyungang's position as a major trade hub. View original content: SOURCE Global Times
Yahoo
7 hours ago
- Yahoo
Galiano Gold Inc. (GAU) Reports Drilling Results for Abore Deposit; Scotiabank Reiterates ‘Hold' Rating
With significant hedge fund interest and a share price under $5, Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) secures a place on our list of the . A close-up of a hand placing a block of gold into a safe. On July 14, 2025, Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) reported results from a deep step-out drilling initiative at the Abore deposit, which is a part of the Asanko Gold Mine in Ghana. Abore is located strategically along the haul road to the processing plant with 638,000 ounces in Measured and Indicated Resources. Mineralization over a 1,200-meter strike length, extending 200 meters below the current Mineral Reserve pit shell and remaining open in all directions, was intercepted across all four holes in the 1,907-meter campaign. The results highlight potential for bulk underground mining, posing significant expansion opportunities. Building on the Phase 1 momentum achieved in May, Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) has initiated a Phase 2 infill drilling program. Under this second phase, the company will further test extensions immediately below existing Mineral Reserves and Resources. Following the results, Scotiabank reiterated its 'Hold' rating on Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) with a $2.54 price target. Operating through its Asanko Gold Mine, Galiano Gold Inc. (NYSE:GAU) explores for and produces gold. It is included in our list of the Best Penny Stocks. While we acknowledge the potential of GAU as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you're looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. READ NEXT: 10 Best AI Stocks to Buy Under $3 and Bill Ackman Stock Portfolio: Top 10 Stock Picks. Disclosure: None.
