U.S. Bill Boosts Policing of Natgas, Power Markets

Source: Reuters, Tom Doggett (3/25/09)

"It will allow FERC to act more like a cop catching a robber in progress, instead of trying to piece together what happened at a crime scene after the fact."

U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell on Wednesday pushed for passage of her legislation to give federal energy regulators more authority to curb manipulation in U.S. electricity and natural gas markets.

Cantwell, a Democrat from Washington, introduced legislation this week to give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission authority to issue cease and desist orders to stop manipulation schemes while they are happening, instead of taking action after the damage has been done.

"It will allow FERC to act more like a cop catching a robber in progress, instead of trying to piece together what happened at a crime scene after the fact," Cantwell said at a Senate Energy Subcommittee hearing on energy market transparency.

Cantwell, who chairs the subcommittee, pointed out that the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission already have cease-and-desist authority.

The bill also allows FERC to freeze the assets of any trader or firm suspected of market manipulation. The agency also could change or suspend power rates for 30 days in an energy emergency caused by market manipulation.

Cantwell said the legislation "provides the FERC with the tools to stop bad actors before they wreak havoc on energy consumers and the economy."

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Source: Streetwise Reports (07/13/2020)

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

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."