Stories for February 2011
Mining companies increase investments in Chile in spite of rising costs
Two major mining companies, Barrick Gold and Collahuasi, both plan to dramatically increase investments in their northern Chile gold and copper operations despite rising inflation and increased production costs.
Iran ambassador and Palestinians in Chile ‘monitored’ with Israel collaboration
Israeli special defence forces – concerned about what they saw as an increased Iranian presence in South America – collaborated with Chile’s government to monitor “unusual activity” within the Iranian and Palestinian communities, a newly released cable from Wikileaks has shown.
Magnetic observatory in South Georgia to track the “South Atlantic Anomaly”
A magnetic observatory is being re-established on South Georgia to provide vital data on the 'South Atlantic Anomaly' as scientists monitor a possible reversal of the earth's magnetic field. This field, generated deep within the planet, shields against particle radiation from space.
Marijuana ingredient helps chemotherapy patients recover taste and appetite
New studies explain that patients who have experienced chemotherapy and have difficulties eating may not notice those difficulties much longer. The active ingredient in marijuana, THC or tetrahydrocannabinol, has been shown to drastically increase appetite levels and help individuals enjoy the idea of eating once again.
Using a mobile phone stirs brain metabolism, says US medical report
Using a mobile phone for 50 minutes stirs brain metabolism, although the health consequences are unknown and need to be studied further, U.S. researchers said.
Moody cuts Japan’s credit rating to “negative” citing concern over debt levels
Moody's Investor Services has cut its outlook on Japan's credit rating to “negative” from “stable” citing concerns about debt levels. Moody's currently rates Japan's government debt at an Aa2 level.
Argentina insists trade restrictions “in no way represent an obstacle for Mercosur partners”
Argentine Industry Ministry officials assured Wednesday that non-automatic licenses currently being applied to imports “in no way represent an obstacle for our Mercosur partners” and they have been implemented to monitor imports from outside the region.
Airlines face “very serious challenge” because of soaring oil prices, says IATA
Surging oil prices due to political turmoil in the Middle East spell “very, very big challenges” for airlines, said International Air Transport Association chief Giovanni Bisignani on Wednesday.
Libya: Peru cuts links; Cuba, Venezuela support Gadaffi, blame “imperialist states”
Peru announced it has suspended diplomatic relations with Libya over the use of force against civilians there. It is the first country to take such a step since the anti-government protests erupted in Libya last week.
South Georgia ready to launch the world’s biggest rodent eradication campaign
The world’s biggest ever attempted rodent eradication campaign to be launched in South Georgia is only a few weeks away according to the South Georgia Heritage Trust's (SGHT) Habitat Restoration Project and reported in the January edition of the South Georgia newsletter.
