All articles tagged with #natural resources
The Maryland Natural Resources Police reported numerous enforcement actions from September to November 2025, including arrests and citations for illegal hunting, fishing, and wildlife violations such as spotlighting, hunting out of season, illegal baiting, oyster overharvesting, and firearm violations, highlighting ongoing efforts to enforce natural resource laws.
Greenland, rich in natural resources including critical raw materials like lithium and rare earth elements, has significant mineral and hydrocarbon potential due to its complex geological history. However, climate change-induced ice melt exposes these resources but complicates sustainable extraction, raising environmental and geopolitical concerns amid increasing interest from countries like the US and Denmark.
President Donald Trump issued his first vetoes of his second term, rejecting two bipartisan bills related to water infrastructure and tribal land control, which appeared to be acts of political retaliation, especially against supporters like Rep. Lauren Boebert and the Miccosukee Tribe, amidst ongoing debates over Epstein files and immigration issues.
Massive floods in Sumatra, Indonesia, caused over 700 deaths and were worsened by deforestation, climate change, and mismanagement of natural resources, with local leaders blaming illegal logging and plantation expansion for ecological destruction.
Canada has announced a C$6.4 billion initiative to boost its mineral sector, aiming to strengthen its position in the global race for critical resources amid increasing competition with China.
During a lunch meeting at the White House with leaders from five West African countries, Donald Trump faced criticism for interrupting a speech and making dismissive remarks, which was seen as humiliating. The meeting focused on natural resources and US-Africa trade, with Trump highlighting his role in regional peace and trade initiatives. The event underscored US interest in Africa's untapped resources and potential for broader diplomatic engagement.
A massive gold deposit containing around 1,000 metric tons of high-quality ore, valued at approximately US$83 billion, has been discovered in central China's Hunan Province. This find, potentially the largest ever, surpasses South Africa's South Deep mine. The discovery has contributed to rising gold prices amid global economic uncertainty, as China continues to dominate the gold market. The deposit's quality and potential size suggest significant economic implications for the region and the global gold industry.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) held elections seen as a test for President Felix Tshisekedi's commitment to peace and development. Despite Congo's vast mineral wealth, many Congolese, like 27-year-old motorbike taxi driver Georges Bamue, have seen little improvement in living conditions and struggle to find employment. The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by fighting between armed groups, causing displacement and insecurity. The outcome of the election is of global importance due to Congo's status as a major producer of natural resources. Countries like China, with significant economic interests in the DRC, prefer to remain silent about the situation. The DRC has a history of turbulent politics, and decades of war, corruption, and mismanagement have hindered economic progress. Despite recent economic growth, the cost of living has increased, and millions of Congolese require humanitarian assistance.
Scientists in Lorraine, France have discovered potentially massive deposits of natural hydrogen, also known as white hydrogen, deep underground. White hydrogen is considered one of the cleanest-burning fuels and could be a game changer in the fight against climate change. Governments and companies worldwide are investing in hydrogen as a substitute for fossil fuels, but the current methods of producing hydrogen are either carbon-intensive or expensive. Natural hydrogen, continuously generated by the earth, could provide a sustainable and abundant source of clean energy. Similar deposits have been found in other parts of the world, sparking excitement in the clean fuel industry. However, questions remain about the size of the deposits and the economic viability of extraction. The cost of white hydrogen production and its competitiveness with green hydrogen are also factors to consider. Despite these uncertainties, the discovery has the potential to significantly impact society's transition to clean energy.
Panama has been rocked by protests over a government contract that allows a Canadian company, First Quantum Minerals, to expand its copper mining operations in the country. The protests raise questions about the future of Panama's natural resources and whether the country should continue to surrender its advantages to foreign investors. Supporters argue that the deal will create jobs and boost the economy, while opponents argue that mining should be eliminated to protect the country's natural resources. The protests, the largest since 1987, have resulted in clashes with police and the suspension of school. President Laurentino Cortizo defends the contract as a necessary compromise, but opponents are calling for a Panama without mining. The contract is now before the Supreme Court, which could rule on its constitutionality next month.
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Secretary-designee Adam Payne has announced his resignation, citing the need to spend more time with his aging parents and support his wife as a caretaker. Payne, who was appointed by Governor Tony Evers less than a year ago, expressed his admiration for the agency and its employees in his resignation letter. He had been vocal about addressing water quality issues and was involved in the debate on the wolf management plan. Payne's departure will not impact the upcoming wolf management vote, and Governor Evers is expected to appoint a replacement soon.
Russian occupation of Ukrainian territories has resulted in the plundering of Ukraine's natural resources, including iron ore, coal, titanium, manganese, gold, natural gas, oil, kaolin, salt, gypsum, zirconium, uranium, and lithium. The seizure of these strategically important resources has had a devastating impact on Ukraine's economy, with steel production and exports plummeting. Russia's motive for seizing these resources is to weaken Ukraine's economic potential and gain control over global resources, as well as counter the EU and NATO. The European Union had established a strategic resource partnership with Ukraine, recognizing its potential as a key supplier of natural resources for the EU's green energy transformation.
Chinese engineers have begun drilling super deep boreholes in their search for natural resources hidden deep underground. The latest project in the Sichuan Basin aims to reach a depth of 10,520 meters, while another project in the Tarim Basin plans to go even deeper at 11,100 meters. These boreholes, if completed, would be among the deepest in the world. The drilling is not only aimed at understanding the Earth's formation but also tapping into potentially lucrative energy reserves. China, being the world's second-largest economy and biggest carbon emitter, has a strong need for energy security.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has signed a $1.9 billion deal with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to develop at least four mines in the eastern part of the country. The agreement, signed with state mining company Societe Aurifere du Kivu et du Maniema (Sakima), aims to construct industrial mines in the provinces of South Kivu and Maniema. The deal follows a 25-year contract signed in December between the DRC and UAE firm Primera Group for export rights of artisanally mined ores. The initiative seeks to combat mineral smuggling and improve the livelihoods of informal miners in the region.
Tavi Costa, portfolio manager at Crescat Capital, advises investors to allocate capital towards undervalued natural resources, which have been neglected compared to equities and fixed income. Despite potential bumps in the market, Costa believes that investing in this sector could lead to a generational wealth period.