BHP reduces Yeelirrie’s proposed uranium by an ‘uneconomic’ third
BHP cuts Yeelirrie uranium estimate Matt Chambers : The Australian February 09, BHP Billiton has cut projections for its proposed Yeelirrie uranium mine in Western Australia by nearly a third, ruling out a heap acid leach component at the site as uneconomic. Continue reading
2010 not looking good for uranium prices
An Un-Happy New Year For Uranium 2/02/2010 Nine MSN By Andrew Nelson January was tough on uranium, with U3O8 prices dropping more than 5%, or US$2.25/lb to $42.25/lb from the prior month. The price is now at its lowest level since March 2009.The fairly steady decline that has been seen over the past few months is primarily the function of supply and demand fundamentals, with a high availability of stock not being helped by increasingly low-priced supply and light, mostly discretionary demand………….with demand remaining discretionary in nature, buyers are only really moving to lock in lower prices. Unfortunately, this demand is being met by an ever increasing willingness on the part of some sellers to lower prices further in order to close sales.
Time for Australians to invest in renewable energy
As always, the market will shift suddenly when it does and being exposed to the wrong companies well, just remember you were told.
WAKE UP AUSTRALIA: Seize the low-carbon opportunity Business Spectator -by Paul Gilding 28 Jan 2010 “……………There is no realistic scenario for Carbon Capture and Storage being able to deal with carbon emissions at a time and a price that will prevent renewable energy winning the market for clean energy. Continue reading
Is nuclear energy a reasonable option for Australia?
Nuclear power and Australia John Quiggin January 21st, 2010 There’s been a bit of discussion about nuclear power lately, but it tends very much to the abstract. I thought I would look into the question of when, if ever, nuclear power might be a reasonable option for Australia to consider, and how we should go about it.
An obvious starting point is the Switkowski report commissioned by the Howard government, which I’ve uploaded here. There are three main points which allow me to provide an answer to the question, at least for the next decade or so.
(i) In the absence of a substantial carbon price nuclear power is not competitive with coal
(ii) First-of-a-kind (FOAK) nuclear plants are likely to be very expensive (above $80/MWh), not competitive with wind or gas (even with CCS)………………minimal conditions can’t be met before 2025 at the earliest.
The US, which has been attempting for a decade to restart its nuclear industries is still at the pilot stage, exploring a number of technologies, and offering to subsidise the construction of three plant designs for each major option. Most of the proposals are on existing sites, only six have reached the point of a plant actually being ordered, and none is anywhere near starting construction……..
……That suggests that Australia should forget about nuclear power entirely for at least the next five years. If things are going well for nuclear, and not so well for renewables, that would be the time to start setting up regulatory structures, looking for sites and so on. http://johnquiggin.com/index.php/archives/2010/01/21/nuclear-power-and-australia/
ERA uranium shares fall, less output and lower grade ore
Energy Resources Shares Fall After Drop in Uranium Oxide Output By James PatonJan. 13 (Bloomberg) — Energy Resources of Australia Ltd., the uranium producer controlled by Rio Tinto Group, fell the most in 2 1/2 months after saying fourth-quarter output dropped 30 percent as it processed lower grades of ore. Continue reading
Sustainable investment fund looks to the long term
The company now has an office in Australia because it sees the Australian superannuation industry as likely to be attracted to its philosophy.
In the wind: America’s drive towards clean technology Sydney Morning Herald ANNE DAVIES, WASHINGTONJ anuary 9, 2010 “….Barack Obama, facing the steepest downturn since FDR’s time, wants to transform America into a green machine, Continue reading
Ziggy Switkowski’s nuclear plan would cost $225 billion or more
This could cost about $225 billion in today’s money, or close to half a trillion dollars for 50 reactors……….
Nuclear economics just don’t add up Sydney Morning Herald MICHAEL R. JAMES December 24, 2009 -“……. it was inevitable that the federal Opposition would revisit nuclear power as an option for a low-carbon future in Australia. Given the recent sobering Government report on carbon capture and storage, “clean coal” seems less and less as the likely saviour………… Continue reading
Uranium price prospects not looking too good
Oz Uranium Sector ninemsn Money 14/12/2009 3 By Chris Shaw The spot uranium price is now US$45 per pound, which is down 5% from 3-month ago levels and compares to a spot price of US$52.50 per pound as at the end of last year. Continue reading
Shareholders protesting BHP’s uranium mining
BHP chief takes on shareholder activists ABC Radio PM Annie Guest reported this story on November 26, 2009
The protestors outside and shareholder activists inside raised concerns about uranium mining and storage……..PROTESTOR: Mr Argus… that would be millions of tonnes of radioactive waste… Continue reading
Four Mile uranium mine stalled by quarrels
Four Mile partners still squabbling
QUASAR Resources is asking shareholders of joint venture partner Alliance to urge the company’s board to move ahead on the Four Mile uranium mine soon. Continue reading
Nuclear power uneconomic for Australia
Peak Energy: Crikey’s Bernard Keane has the next installment of his series on why nuclear power is unlikely to be seen in Australia – 20 Nov 09
To those who say “beaudy nuke”: why should taxpayers suffer? What would it cost Australia to go nuclear? Good question. Excellent question, in fact, because no one really knows. Continue reading
Low uranium prices stopping new projects
Uranium too low to incentivise new mines Mining Weekly By: Liezel Hill17th November 2009 TORONTO– Uranium prices still will need to firm significantly to justify the development of many of the mining projects being considered around the world, Jean Nortier, the CEO of Vancouver-based Uranium One, reiterated on Monday……… Continue reading
Solar energy to pay off for homes and farms
New solar scheme to shine on energy-efficient households THE LAND NICOLA BELL16 Nov, 2009 FARMS and households generating their own renewable energy Continue reading
Australian uranium company’s big revenue loss
oilweek Nov 12, 2009 Paladin Energy suffers big loss; revenue down almost US$14M (Paladin) Ca PERTH, Australia _ Continue reading
Miners’ tunnel vision: profits before survival
Miners digging their own graves to preserve profits
November 10, 2009
QUEENSLANDERS, particularly in the regions, have been pounded with ads from the mining industry Continue reading






