Stories for January 8th 2010
Falkland Islands: Drilling preparations step up a gear onshore
AS the semi-submersible drilling rig Ocean Guardian, contracted by Desire Petroleum from Diamond Drilling, continues to make its way south, a number of oil operators are scheduled to visit the Falklands to meet with government officials this month.
PM Brown reaffirms Falklands’ sovereignty and support for oil development
Prime Minister Gordon Brown in his New Year message reaffirmed UK sovereignty over the Falkland Islands and “the principle of self determination that underlies it”, emphasizing there will be “no negotiations (with Argentina) on the Islands sovereignty unless and until such a time as the Islanders wish”.
Excellent rain-timing anticipates record crops in Brazil of coffee and soy
Brazil's coffee crop may beat the 48.48 million bag record this year, the country's crop supply agency said in a report which also raised forecasts for the newly-begun soybean harvest.
Barrick Gold mine project threatens glaciers claims Chilean government
Canadian mining giant Barrick Gold, the owner of what would be Chile’s largest gold mine, Pascua Lama, could face legal sanctions after Chile’s national water commission (DGA) reported that the company is failing to comply with Chile’s environmental laws.
Mrs. Kirchner gets her way and will pay debts with Central bank reserves
Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner and her cabinet signed Thursday a disputed decree removing Central Bank President Martin Redrado from office amid a fight over the use of bank reserves to pay debt due this year.
China surprise move to control liquidity sends markets plunging
China's central bank surprised markets on Thursday by raising the interest rate on its three-month bills for the first time since August, intensifying its grip on liquidity a day after it promised to keep credit growth in check.
