ETM - Energy Transition Minerals

pops11 said:

New York times business page of today September 1, top article China's grip on REE's make for some great reading and good for GGG

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kgee said:

Sifting thru the news…the god the bad the curious


In review of the Narsaq town meeting on 3/9/09

Source:
http://www.knr.gl/index.php?id=297&...48098&tx_ttnews[backPid]=844&cHash=5dea9b85ac

(Naalakkersuisut = new coalition government)

Naalakkersuisut considers it important that people be consulted on such an important a topic as exploration and exploitation of uranium-containing minerals. It struck Naalakkersuisoq (cabinet member, Ed.) For the Mining Area, Karl Ove Berthelsen solid during his speech during the public meeting yesterday Wednesday in Narsaq hall.

Although today is not permitted to exploit minerals that have higher uranium content than normal background radiation, he sees an opportunity for policy change in the future. In this case the local population to ensure participation, when we talk about potential mining projects involving uranium, he said.

During the public meeting on uranium in Narsaq yesterday there were many listeners, who spoke for and against the opening of uranium mines in Greenland. One of the speakers was Naalakkersuisoq of Mining Area Karl Ove Berthelsen.

- I want to hear all views and I think we should give us ample time to immerse ourselves in the subject. The final decision on efterfoskning and exploitation of uranium-containing minerals may be taken on an informed basis and must ultimately be based on objectivity and societal concerns. The current uranium policy in Greenland doing it today is not permitted to exploit minerals that have higher uranium content than normal background radiation. It also means that some mining projects could not be completed because of the high content of uranium. Otherwise there will be other mining projects that could be implemented within zero tolerance, says Karl Ove Berthelsen.

Naalakkersuisut established after the elections on 24 June common policy.

- We are three parties in the coalition (Inuit Ataqatigiit, Demokraatit and Kattusseqatigiit Partiiat, ed.), And we must obviously find a policy which we can all join us. So far we have jointly announced that the policy on uranium is unchanged, meaning that zero-tolerance policy remains in force, "he continued.

It is therefore Naalakkersuisut position that the public debate which was promised in connection with Inatsisartut processing of uranium-statement must be undertaken with the country's entire population. And public meeting in Narsaq was just a start.

- Local people must be guaranteed participation, when we talk about potential mining projects involving uranium, he said.

Running for and against the debate on the possible reopening of the mine in Kvanefjeld. Has yet taken a position. It is a requirement of the Mining law - and future - that all mining activity will be safety, sanitary and environmentally sound manner and in accordance with best international practice. This means that at least 2-3 years before my start to be compiled extensive environmental studies. Any mining uranium as main or product will require additional precautions.

- It's Naalakkersuisut position that we should use the coming year to implement an effective participation of its citizens in decision making in this important community area. It means that I will hold meetings with citizens in many parts of the country in 2009 and 2010, and I want to clarify that there are decisions taken in the near future - it should not be worried, he concludes, and look forward to a good debate throughout the country in the coming months.

Good News:
Karl Ove Berthelsen the Minister for Industry and Mineral Resources of the Inuit Ataqatigiit party ( who historically have been against uranium mining) seems objective about the idea of mining uranium as a bi-product… “…we are willing to consider the development of uranium as a by-product, subject to certain conditions," said Berthelsen.


Bad News:
He seems to have a 2-3 year time frame on any decision….” Berthelsen said that with so much mineral wealth potential in Greenland in the form of molybdenum, zinc, iron, gold and diamonds, to name but a few, there was no need to rush to pass any uranium-mining policy changes. "Let’s concentrate on opening these mines first, allowing us the necessary time required to evaluate the development if uranium,"””

The Curious:
“and I want to clarify that there are decisions taken in the near future - it should not be worried, he concludes”
Have had a little difficulty translating Danish to English but I’m curious as to what these decisions in the near future are
Possibly 1. Berthelsen quote “ - As the law now is, can not be extended as much as a single gram of uranium. But The Cabinet will shortly come up with a blueprint for amending the law. And when that happens, people will be consulted if and when a change is made.”
Or 2. “At the forthcoming autumn session of parliament, opposition party Siumut will try to create a majority for a proposal to create border values, allowing the uranium to be mined and used as a by-product. “

Other Curiosities
In 2008” A majority in parliament agreed to support the extraction of uranium as a by-product from mines where other minerals are the primary target. Siumut, Atassut and the Democrats all support easing the country's 20-year-old 'zero tolerance' policy regarding uranium mining. Inuit Ataqatigiit and Kattusseqatigiit are both opposed to the proposal. (Sermitsiaq avis Nov. 27, 2008)”

Now the democrats are in coalition with Ataqatigiit even though last year they voted in favour for uranium mining as a by product.

The break down of current govt.

Inuit Ataqatigiit 14 seats
Siumut 9
Demokraatic 4
Atassut 3
Kattuseeqatigiit 1

Now if the parties all followed the same lines as last year we get

Inuit Ataqatigiit 14 seat
Kattuseeqatigiit 1

For 15 votes against uranium…and

Siumut 9
Demokraatic 4
Atassut 3

16 votes for uranium

Note: That’s a pretty big IF !!!

Other Sources


http://sermitsiaq.gl/erhverv/article95662.ece

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kgee said:

Could be an interesting month.

The last few announcements from GGG have carried the footnote

"Any potential change toward the current stance of zero tolerance (uranium) is not expected untill after public consultation and review process is concluded in the coming months"

From memory parliament runs untill the 25th of Nov. So there should be decisions on

1. Siumut's proposal to create border values, allowing the uranium to be mined and used as a by-product. “
2.Minister of mines Berthelsen's "blueprint for amending the law.” (see above post)

Also note one member of parliament switched parties from Inuit Ataqatigiit to siumut So now if we goto vote along old party lines it goes 17 to 14 in favour.
Again Big If !!!!

Please note I'm doing a lot of speculating, its difficult in both getting new's out of Greenland and then translating it to english.
Goodluck to all holders

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