Latest news with #Fremen
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Don't blame privatisation for our water crisis
There are few things as perfectly emblematic of the United Kingdom's endemic governance crisis than the fact that an island nation with almost 20,000 miles of coastline and 800-to-1200mm average rainfall a year has broadly the same attitude to water as Dune's Fremen. Water companies are saying that they might need to 'restrict usage' as the combination of a changing climate and a rapidly-expanding population put mounting pressure on Britain's water resources. But whilst those things might be the proximate cause, the true root of the problem is our usual stubborn resistance to building things – or in this case, to digging some holes in the ground. Our newest reservoir, Carsington, was opened over three decades ago. Since then, our population has grown by over ten million people; in that same time, our reservoir capacity has not increased by so much as a drop. Who's to blame? The water companies are easy targets; the Daily Telegraph's own report refers to 'underinvestment in water reservoirs since privatisation' as the root of the problem. The real picture, however, is quite different. As Robert Colvile of the Centre for Policy Studies has shown, privatisation actually delivered consistently higher investment in water infrastructure than under the nationalised regime, to the extent that we actually invest more in 'repairing and upgrading' our water infrastructure than any European nation. Why is this? Because rather than having to rely on the Treasury deciding to make unglamorous, long-term investments, water companies are obliged to heavily reinvest revenue in their networks. If you want something properly funded, make sure it isn't competing with pensions and the NHS for cash every year. Privatisation has also boosted productivity by 64 per cent, according to a report by Frontier Economics, which translates to lower bills. Of course, politicians might have held them even lower had the state retained direct control – but that would have meant less revenue and less investment. No, the real culprit is planning. Abingdon Reservoir, which when complete will hold 150 million cubic metres of water, was first proposed by Thames Water almost two decades ago. Yet unlike in the golden age of British infrastructure, private companies cannot simply buy land and build things we need. Time and again, the reservoir has been rejected, with a broad swath of England subject to avoidable droughts year after year just to avoid upsetting Vale of White Horse District Council. Ah, but what about leaks? Surely, we wouldn't need all these reservoirs (read: perfectly pleasant lakes) if we could only fix the leaks? This line is peddled often by local campaigners trying to stop a reservoir, but it is nonsense. First, it is worth pointing out that the sector's performance on leaks has improved since privatisation; just since 2019, when Ofwat ditched the previous 'sustainable economic level of leakage' (SELL) regime, we have seen a double-digit reduction. The ideal amount of water lost to leaks would obviously be zero. But that is an impossible – or at least, ruinously expensive – target. Much of Britain's water infrastructure is Victorian; does anybody seriously think it's plausible to dig up and replace every pipe in the nation? We don't even know exactly where they all are. Moreover, the Victorians were not as exercised as we about leaks for a sensible reason: unlike oil, sewage, or other pollutants, mains water leaks don't damage anything. The water simply returns to the water table. Fixating on leaks is sensible if you're in a water-scarce environment; in the UK, which would have abundant water if it would only dig some holes to store it in, it is a sign of madness. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Awalé Completes Drilling on BBM Satellite Targets at the Odienné Project
HIGHLIGHTS 2,416 metres of RC drilling in 28 holes completed over the BBM satellite targets, with initial results expected in Q2 2025. The program comprised of 4 scout drill lines consisting of approximately 7 shallow RC holes over higher order geochemical anomalies within the BBM trend. Satellite targets hold potential for new discoveries within 1 to 3 kilometres from BBM. Awalé also awaits results from drilling at the Charger, Empire, Fremen, and Lando targets. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - April 2, 2025) - Awalé Resources Limited (TSXV: ARIC) ("Awalé" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the completion of a 28-hole, 2,416-metre reverse circulation ("RC") scout drill program targeting potential satellite mineralization along strike from the BBM discovery at the Odienné Project ("Odienné" or the "Project") in Côte d'Ivoire. These targets represent new prospective zones for potential discoveries in close proximity to BBM, which have been drilled as part of a broader 18,000m drill campaign across multiple targets at the Project. The BBM discovery and its potential satellite targets reported in this release lie along the same structural corridor spanning over 15km, extending from Awalé's 100%-owned Fremen target in the southeast to the Lando target in the northwest. The satellite target program comprised 4 scout RC drill lines consisting of approximately 7 shallow RC holes per line over higher order geochemical anomalies within the BBM trend (see Figure 1 below). Each drill fence is targeting a potential satellite discovery within 1 to 3 kilometres of the BBM discovery zone. A recently completed Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysics survey along the BBM trend helped refine the drill program by delineating structural targets coincident with the Company's soil and termitaria anomalies. The RC drilling and IP surveys are a continuation of the previously announced 5km IP survey at the Fremen target (see February 11, 2025 news release). Assays from this program are expected in Q2 2025. The Company also eagerly awaits results from drilling at the Charger, Empire, Fremen, and Lando targets throughout the second quarter of 2025. "Exploration is advancing rapidly at the Odienné Project, where the Company is close to completing a 18,000-metre diamond and RC drill program. The RC drill program commenced at the Fremen target and has since progressed onto the properties joint ventured with Newmont, where we have recently completed 28 holes over potential satellite targets in close proximity to the BBM discovery. Satellite discoveries near BBM represent potential incremental resources for the BBM zone. We look forward to releasing results from this program in Q2 2025. Since completion of this program, the rigs have mobilized to the Lando target, the last target from our 18,000m program, where Awalé will continue to apply its disciplined, systematic exploration approach as it works to unlock new discoveries and deliver long-term value for shareholders," commented Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awalé Resources. Figure 1: Induced Polarization 'Chargeability' image with the BBM and Fremen targets shown. Scout drill lines for the BBM target are shown as black lines. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Awalé Resources Awalé is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on discovering large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. Exploration activities are currently underway in the underexplored regions of Côte d'Ivoire, where the Company is exploring the Odienné Copper-Gold Project ("Odienné" or the "Project"), covering 2,489 km2 across seven permits. This includes 796 km2 in two permits held under the Awalé-Newmont Joint Venture ("OJV"). Awalé manages all exploration activities over the OJV, with funding provided by Newmont Joint Ventures Limited ("Newmont"). Awalé has discovered four gold, gold-copper, and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum mineralized systems within the OJV and has recently commenced exploration on its 100%-owned properties following an $11.5 million capital raise in April 2024. The Odienné Project is underexplored and has multiple pipeline prospects with similar geochemical signatures to Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive-related mineral systems with substantial upside potential. The Company benefits from a skilled and well-seasoned technical team that allows it to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district-scale discoveries. Abbreviations Used in this Release IP Induced Polarization km Kilometres m Metres RC Reverse circulation Qualified Person The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geoscientists (SEG). Mr. Chubb has over 25 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation. AWALÉ Resources LimitedOn behalf of the Board of Directors "Andrew Chubb"Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Andrew Chubb, CEO(+356) Ardem Keshishian, VP Corporate Development+1 (416) The Company's public documents may be accessed at For further information on the Company, please visit our website at Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding, the Company's presence in Côte d'Ivoire and ability to achieve results, creation of value for Company shareholders, achievements under the Newmont JV, works on other properties, planned drilling, commencement of operations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit
USA Today
03-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
How many Oscars did 'Dune: Part Two' win? See how sci-fi epic fared at 2025 Academy Awards
Sci-fi epic "Dune: Part Two," directed by Denis Villeneuve, was thrust back into the national spotlight Sunday night, winning two Oscars at the 97th Academy Awards in Los Angeles. "Dune: Part Two" was in running for the night's biggest prize – best picture – alongside "Anora," "A Complete Unknown," "Conclave," "I'm Still Here," "The Substance," "Dune: Part Two" and "Nickel Boys." "Anora" ultimately won that award. USA TODAY's Brian Truitt gave the film three and a half stars out of four, saying that the "sci-fi epic gets it right the second time around." "Even though it snagged six Oscars (and a best picture nomination), the previous 'Dune' was a mixed bag with lackluster storytelling – even David Lynch's crazypants 1984 adaptation was a more entertaining exercise," Truitt wrote. "But 'Part Two' rights the cosmic battleship with plenty of staggering visuals, all the gigantic sandworms you'd ever want, plus a deeper thematic exploration of power, colonialism and religion." 'Dune 2' review:Timothee Chalamet sci-fi epic gets it right the second time around Rate your 'Film of the Year': Join our Movie Meter panel and make your voice heard! Based on Frank Herbert's celebrated novel of the same name, the film explored "the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a path of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family," per Warner Bros. and Legendary Pictures. Here's how the film fared at the Oscars. How many Academy Awards did 'Dune: Part Two' win? "Dune: Part Two" won two awards in total during Sunday's ceremony. The film won in the following categories: Best sound Best visual effects The film did not win in the following categories: Best picture Best cinematography Best production design In comparison, "Dune: Part One" won six Academy Awards and was nominated for 10 awards. Oscars winners live:See who got awards, including Zoe Saldaña and 'Wicked' When did 'Dune: Part Two' release? "Dune: Part Two" released in cinemas on March 1, 2024. "Dune: Part One," meanwhile, released on Oct. 22, 2021. 'Dune: Part Two' cast The cast of "Dune: Part Two" includes: Timothée Chalamet as Paul Atreides as Paul Atreides Zendaya as Chani as Chani Rebecca Ferguson as Jessica as Jessica Javier Bardem as Stilgar as Stilgar Stellan Skarsgård as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen as Baron Vladimir Harkonnen Florence Pugh as Princess Irulan as Princess Irulan Austin Butler as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen as Feyd-Rautha Harkonnen Josh Brolin as Gurney Halleck as Gurney Halleck Léa Seydoux as Lady Margot Fenring as Lady Margot Fenring Dave Bautista as Beast Rabban as Beast Rabban Anya Taylor-Joy as Alia Atreides Contributing: KiMi Robinson, USA TODAY Saman Shafiq is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at sshafiq@ and follow her on X and Instagram @saman_shafiq7.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Awalé Provides Progress Update for Odienné Project
HIGHLIGHTS Completed 2,014m scout RC drill program across 22 holes over high-priority geochemical and IP anomalies at the 100%-owned Fremen target, with initial results expected in April 2025. Completed a 150-line-km IP geophysics survey covering over 15km of strike along the BBM trend, with final processed images expected in March 2025. Commenced up to 4,000m of RC drilling on the BBM extensions, with initial results expected in April/May 2025. Completed 6,380m of DD across 22 holes and one re-entry hole at BBM. Continuing with 2,500m of DD in 10 holes at Charger, testing the fold model, with results expected in April/May 2025. Completed 1,168m of DD in 6 holes at Empire, targeting the top 120 vertical metres to increase confidence in the structural model, with results expected in April/May 2025. Preparing to commence drill program at Lando, with a plan for 5 DD holes for 1,000m and 20 RC holes for 1,600m. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - February 27, 2025) - Awalé Resources Limited (TSXV: ARIC) ("Awalé" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its exploration activities at the Odienné Project ("Odienné" or the "Project") in Côte d'Ivoire (Figure 1). At the start of the year, the Company set an ambitious work program that included commencing drilling at its 100%-owned Fremen property, advancing de-risking efforts at the BBM and Charger targets, resuming work on the Empire and Lando targets, and expanding its regional exploration focus to unlock the full potential of Odienné. Andrew Chubb, CEO of Awalé Resources, commented: "With multiple active exploration fronts, Awalé remains committed to delivering consistent updates and advancing its high-grade gold-copper targets at Odienné. Most recently, the completion of 2,014m of drilling at the 100%-owned Fremen target and geophysics along the BBM trend mark another important milestone in our systematic exploration approach to unlocking the potential of the Odienné Project. We look forward to updating the market as results become available and as we continue advancing exploration of the Odienné Project." Current Target Summary Fremen Target (100% Awalé) Completed 2,014m scout reverse circulation ("RC") drill program across 22 holes over high-priority geochemical and IP anomalies (Figure 2), with initial results expected in April 2025. BBM extensions Commenced up to 4,000m of RC drilling on the BBM extensions, targeting key structural trends identified from previous drilling and geophysical surveys, with initial results expected in April/May 2025. BBM trend Completed a 150-line-km Induced Polarization ("IP") geophysics survey covering over 15km of strike along the BBM trend, extending from the Fremen target in the southeast to the recently identified Boba and Fett targets in the north (Figure 3), with final processed images expected in March 2025. BBM Target Completed a total of 6,379.9m of diamond drilling across 22 holes and one re-entry hole, with pending assay results from 18 drill holes. Results continue to meet expectations, returning robust gold and copper mineralization with consistent broad width and grade and further confirming the continuity of mineralization at BBM and its potential as a significant near-surface resource. Charger Target Drilling continues with 2,500m of DD in 10 holes, testing the fold model, which has previously returned 57m @ 26 g/t Au in hole OEDD-83 and 59m @14.7 g/t Au in OEDD-100. Eight holes have been completed, with results expected in April/May 2025. Empire Target Empire was the Company's first high-grade gold discovery, with previous results including 15m @ 13.1 g/t Au in hole OEDD-24. Exploration had covered approximately only 5km of 20km trend. Completed 1,168m of DD in 6 holes at Empire, targeting the top 120 vertical metres to increase confidence in the structural model, with results expected in April/May 2025. Lando Target Lando is a large 4km-long copper-gold soil anomaly, located 10km northwest of BBM. Preparing to commence a 5 DD holes for a 1,000m and 20 RC holes for 1,600m program. Figure 1: The Odienné Project - 2,462 square kilometres, showing targets for the project area. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 2: Induced Polarization 'Chargeability' image with the BBM and Fremen gold footprint superimposed in red. Drilled RC lines for the Fremen target are shown as black lines P1 to P4. Top right in an inset of the Fremen target. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Figure 3: The 15km-long BBM shear - A 15km trend with Fremen to the southeast, BBM, and Boba and Fett targets to the north. To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: About Awalé Resources Awalé is a diligent and systematic mineral exploration company focused on discovering large high-grade gold and copper-gold deposits. Exploration activities are currently underway in the underexplored regions of Côte d'Ivoire, where the Company is focused on the Odienné Copper-Gold Project ("Odienné" or the "Project"), covering 2,489 km2 across seven permits. This includes 796 km2 in two permits held under the Awalé-Newmont Joint Venture ("OJV"). Awalé manages all exploration activities over the OJV, with funding provided by Newmont Joint Ventures Limited ("Newmont"). Awalé has discovered four gold, gold-copper, and gold-copper-silver-molybdenum discoveries within the OJV and has recently commenced exploration on its 100%-owned properties following an $11.5 million capital raise in April 2024. The Project is underexplored and has multiple pipeline prospects with similar geochemical signatures to Iron Oxide Copper Gold (IOCG) and intrusive-related mineral systems with substantial upside potential. The Company benefits from a skilled and well-seasoned technical team that allows it to continue exploring in a pro-mining jurisdiction that offers significant potential for district-scale discoveries. Abbreviations Used in this Release Au Gold DD Diamond drilling g/t Grams per tonne IP Induced Polarization RC Reverse circulation km Kilometres m Metres Qualified Person The technical and scientific information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved for release by Andrew Chubb, the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Chubb is the Company's Chief Executive Officer and holds an Economic Geology degree, is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG), and is a Member of the Society of Economic Geoscientists (SEG). Mr. Chubb has over 25 years of experience in international mineral exploration and mining project evaluation. AWALÉ Resources LimitedOn behalf of the Board of Directors "Andrew Chubb"Chief Executive Officer FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Andrew Chubb, CEO(+356) Ardem Keshishian, VP Corporate Development+1 (416) The Company's public documents may be accessed at For further information on the Company, please visit our website at Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, plans, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. All statements that are not statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release include but are not limited to statements regarding, the Company's presence in Côte d'Ivoire and ability to achieve results, creation of value for Company shareholders, achievements under the Newmont JV, works on other properties, planned drilling, commencement of operations. Although the Company believes any forward-looking statements in this press release are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations and assumptions in such statements will prove to be correct. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Company's management's discussion and analysis as filed under the Company's profile at Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as required by applicable securities laws. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
The Guardian
21-02-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Why Dune: Part Two should win the best picture Oscar
A common complaint I've heard about Dune: Part Two is that it is too similar to the first Dune, Denis Villeneuve's audacious gamble to adapt just half of Frank Herbert's beloved sci-fi tome and hope for another greenlight from Warner Bros. This is correct. Part Two, like its predecessor, is arcane, surprisingly weird, oddly structured and deeply uninterested in pandering. This is actually a compliment, because though I have seen Part Two six times and still do not totally understand the Bene Gesserit, the film, like its predecessor, is a strange creature in modern cinema: a true blockbuster – a cinematic behemoth that makes millions, generates memes and cements the ever-vanishing movie star – that harnesses the full power of the art form. That is no small feat – this is a movie with many moving parts and much potential for off-putting density. (An honest reader of the book will tell you: Herbert frequently gets in his own way. The rich source material itself is no guarantee of quality storytelling.) If Part One was a thrilling immersion into a rare universe that felt genuinely alien and remote from our times, Part Two is the spaceship hurtling at full speed – and that spaceship, gloriously designed and rendered in sleek silver, landing on a planet in one of Villeneuve's signature shots of great, arresting contrasts in scale. Part Two revels in such latitude of spectrum, the vertigo of vast swings – huge spice harvester next to palm-sized desert mouse, sonorous Hans Zimmer score to pin drop silence, intergalactic political intrigue in the extraction of water from one single human body. Giant sandworm, tiny prince, mountains of sand and flickers of spice. Timothée Chalamet as tremulous, humble young interloper to genocidal dictator bent on revenge, Zendaya from barely a presence to probable hero – plus a dose of (bald) Austin Butler as a memorably bizarre and magnetic villain and Florence Pugh, with her uncanny ability to appear natural in every setting, as an inscrutable princess in this game of thrones. To wit, Part Two is, frame by frame, a beautiful film to behold, another feat of mesmeric alien vibes – a movie that I want to watch on repeat, at any level of sobriety, on any screen size, though preferably Imax, which was my single greatest sensory experience of 2024. It is not a perfect movie, at times it is too remote and lucid for its own good, its politics a little too shrouded by the sands (and with too few Arab actors for a people, the Fremen, clearly modelled on the Bedouin). But it is a spectacular one – a visual feast of bombastic and striking flair, a collision of forces too large for our world. All while maintaining a precise balance of angsty self-seriousness, self-awareness and pageantry that makes me laugh and clap my hands at the screen. Chalamet's Paul wrangling a giant sandworm through walls of sand? Austin Butler's Feyd-Rautha fighting to the death under Giedi Prime's black sun? Fremen blowing up enemy helicopters? Chalamet yelling in a made-up language and then declaring 'I am Paul Muad'Dib Atreides, Duke of Arrakis!' to 10,000 followers and one disappointed Zendaya? Delights! I live! As I argued three years ago for Dune as best picture, watching either film provokes a guileless sense of wonder, an earnest appreciation for living at a time when such spectacle is possible – and convincing – on screen. Particularly in a year of unconvincing films (The Substance), or highly flawed (Emilia Pérez), devolving (love The Brutalist, but the second act …) and questionably lit ones (Wicked), Dune: Part Two is all the more refreshing. I'm doubling down on my argument for Part One, because Part Two is thankfully doubling down on its strengths: if the Oscars are, in theory if not usually in practice, an occasion to reward excellence in the collaborative art of film-making, to celebrate the fantastic illusions such collaborations can achieve, then it's finally time for Dune.
