Long View

In Large Infrastructure Projects, Amongst Nations, Some Outsiders Complain; We Ask: “Is The Glass Half Full Or Half Empty?”

We have found over the decades, a rather fascinating theme, issued out by the Puppet Masters’ Masters [PMMs]: Get ‘Germalists’ to decry the infrastructure projects of others as: too costly; too dangerous; too nefarious; too risky; even ‘too-too’. This, while the projects of PMMs are ‘fondled’ by the Press and presented to the public as: Beneficial; Citizens-worthy; Financially-sound; Growth-enhancing; Patriotic, and any of other self-fulfilling praise they can dream up.

In Colombo, Sri Lanka, China has provided funding for a massive port project that will advance the country into a ‘higher financial profile’. The country should grow logarithmically in terms of: corporate headquarters developments; engineering capabilities, financial services availability; commercial marine services, and the like; this, as the buildings are erected. “Cash Inflow” should become Sri Lanka’s reality with this project. It certainly has ‘location, location, location’ deemed essential by the aforementioned industries.

As we have written before, it is our collective opinions that rather than besmirching the ‘Lender-Borrower’ relationship, understand: “No One Coerced Anyone Into Engaging In The Project [No One]. In the instant case, China helped the Sri Lankans; we are unaware of any other of the billion/trillion dollar investment funds or other nations to do so. That China receives contempt from outsiders, for helping Sri Lanka, is pathetic.

As we look to the high North, far from Sri Lanka, in Siberia, investors are welcome to help provide capabilities and funds to develop infrastructure of this great expanse. We hope that a awareness of the potential profitability of such investments will allow businessmen to stay ‘Non-political”, and abandon the rhetoric of ‘also-rans’ who cannot efficiently run their own countries. At 8.0+% of Earth’s land area [13,100,000 square kilometers (5,100,000 square miles)] Siberia has much to offer. Beyond gargantuan forests are huge deposits of: coal, diamonds, gold, gypsum, lead, natural gas, nickel, molybdenum, oil, ‘rare earths’, silver, zinc, et al. Now, distances and terrain, need to be overcome; which they certainly can be dealt with. This ‘Horn of Plenty’ geography beckons those with a ‘Long View’ of business sustainability; not mere ‘Day-Traders’ as some are in London and New York City.

Siberia, with ‘100,000’ rivers, the largest being the Lena, Ob, and Yenisei, infrastructure, as bridges, will be essential. Airports construction, will also be essential, small or large. The famous “Trans-Siberian Railway”, we expect would have even greater expansion through the area in the future.

Our views are Large Projects require: Comprehension of the problem and a viable solution; Superb design; Quality materials for longevity; Efficient Production; Precise Accounting for cost controls; Maintenance Management; and Proper Funding [at a reasonable loan cost]. By dealing with a nation, such as China, in the aforementioned Sri Lanka project, we think each element of the above stated will be attained. China’s vast projects on its own ‘turf’ have been exemplary.

We think that Africa and South America are ALSO ideal for the “Glass being ‘half-full’; this, rather than Germalists’ writings about another country’s ‘Half-Empty’ [shenanigans] of ‘avarice’, ‘deceit’, ‘hegemonic’ intentions on those continents. As we often ask: “Who else is offering to loan billions of dollars to other Nations’ infrastructure projects? Let them stand up and be counted.”

Before giving kudos to besmirchers, ask: “Who are their PMMs.” One might be surprised at the ‘intercontinental’ answers.

Reality: “Older and Wiser” carries a lot of weight; except for the ‘Arrogant’ who ‘know better’.

Reference: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-59993386

Green Energies Are Myths Marketed As: “‘Free Lunches’ Are Attained”

A SUPERB and IN-DEPTH analysis of realities of Green Energy products used in Green Energy projects: Electric Vehicle productions, Wind Vanes, et al, is the report: “The Dirty Truth About Clean Technologies [Mining The Planet To Death]” by “Spiegel International”. This typical “Spiegel International ” quality “holds no punches and tells it as it is” [which is reflective of attitudes of ‘Miners in the real world’].

Our having been involved, in one way or another, in various mining operations on various continents, in projects seeking different minerals, has allowed us insight into ‘mining realities’. One reality that stands out is “There is NO FREE LUNCH in mining.“ Every aspect of this activity is costly. One easy element to present to the inexperienced is: As mineral quantities are reduced through mining removal for processing, more energy is required to find and bring to process, remaining ores.

The fact that other minerals, which exist in large quantities in other countries, than currently used in gasoline or diesel vehicles in America and Europe in particular, create new environmental problems. For example, South American Lithium ore being extracted for Electric Vehicle batteries require prodigious amounts of water for mining activities; gasoline and diesel fuels do not have this need. Mining for wind vanes have Chilean Copper usage, in their designs, way beyond Coal, Gas, and Oil for energy. Coal, Oil and Gas are not accessibility-limited, since they are void of being NAT {Not Always There} Energies, as are Wind and Solar energy forms. That they need ‘filtration’ no one denies. Technological advances will be made since there is much money to be made in doing so. The “Green Energy” modicum is a excellent stimulus, we think.

When the Green Energies are used, as they should be, but in conjunction with existing RELIABLE ENERGY SOURCES, their ‘cost-footprints’ are made at a great distance from the users, as aforementioned. All of the materials for their production and immediate usage, as when one charges up the car batteries, have required assets from somewhere else. If the vehicle drivers for example, are proud of not polluting their communities, they have already polluted other areas [where their energies were sourced]. We think they should not be smug about their “Greenness”; it is a myth.

When one reads the “Spiegel International” analysis, one cannot but admire “German Technological Comprehension”; it is what it is. We, who have participated in mining activities, for decades must applaud the authors. Maybe, after reading the report, a enlightened public will realize that criticizing nations such as China for presently using Coal, as it migrates to Green Energy, cannot be instantly accomplished. The fact that China had the foresight to comprehend the need for ore processing capabilities reflects excellence in governance; “Sour Grapes” attitudes by ‘Germalists’ writing in other nations, do not ‘cut it’. We ask: Why did your countries’ ‘Billionaires’, if they are so smart, NOT think ahead and go into ore processing? Who stopped them? The sames question for your governments. Were they spending funds for hegemonic actions? All too often jealousy, by mere financial opportunists who NEVER take the ‘Long View’, as the Chinese do, look to make the ‘quick buck’; this is their lot. So be it said, so be it written.

President Putin of Russia, a “Horn of Plenty” country, as to mineral wealth, understands and agrees to forge ahead as to processing of ores. Wisely, he knows that ‘added value’ is the benefit to his fine country and is brought about through processing. As Russia mines, processes and sells its products to others, the country with its existing low national debt, may become the world leader in financial responsibility to its citizens; this we see emanating.

Reality: As the Sheep, being readily influenced by ‘Germalists’, leap into ‘Green Investments’, they should realize the ‘Bleating Wolves pushing projects’, may be trying to snare them, and take their monies [before devouring them].

Reference: https://www.spiegel.de/international/world/mining-the-planet-to-death-the-dirty-truth-about-clean-technologies-a-696d7adf-35db-4844-80be-dbd1ab698fa3

“Trust, But Verify”(TBV) Applies to National, As Well As Private Business ‘Deals’. In Mining, Experienced ‘Professionals’ Can Find The “Realities” That Exist [Good Or Bad].

In the Kingdom of Lesotho in southern Africa, its fabulous diamond mines in the Maluti Mountains, have delivered some very large stones. In fact, at 10+ carats, in size, Lesotho is quite unique in producing larger numbers of diamonds. Today, the government in Maseru, has questions being asked as to the correctness of diamond appraisals by the mining interests operations in the Kingdom. The government realizes it needs a impartial independent appraiser to verify the quality and presumably the carat counts of diamonds mined. Since it behooves all concerned to “TBV” account data submitted to it by the mining companies; so to does it benefit the mine managements. A independent auditor will demonstrate to both the government as well as the population that proper funds are being received for minerals exported.

Another example of TBV is occurring in Peru as the government wants to make certain any mine expansions and production of Gold that is exported, is in full accord with the contracts signed years ago. The American principal mining company management apparently is helping facilitate the Peruvian government’s requests. Wisely so.

A somewhat unseemly situation in Tajikistan is unfolding as to a large gold mining operation there. In Dushanbe, there is concern that approximately 10.0+ billion dollars of gold have been acheived by a North American mining company, with Tajikistan only receiving 1.0+ billion dollars. Now, TBV is being demanded by the attentive President of the Country, Emomali Rahmon. Since Tajikistan has very large deposits of Gold, proper appraisal and auditing is essential for future mining activities. Fortunately, for Tajikistan, as a ‘business behavior contrary’, Chinese entry into other mining activities in the country should benefit it. China’s historical “Long View” of endeavors, diminishes the avarice shown by businessmen in other countries. Han Cultural logic: “The steady rain is better than one downpour”, is very true.

In Argentina, Lithium mining is in ‘full swing’. We hope the mining companies will continue to honor commitments to water preservation and recycling so indigenous peoples in the locales, and fauna, will not suffer. Buenos Aires has the TBV commitment we assume, to keep contractual terms in full force.

The State of Nevada, in America, has a very large Lithium deposit near the Oregon border. At present, the Canadian owned mining company is being evaluated by a U.S. Federal judge as to its assurances that its mining activities desired, will be in full compliance with all laws. This TBV activity benefits all parties, the general public, and the fauna residents in the immediate area.

Reality: As robots, properly programmed, do not err, humans do, (accidentally or ‘on-purpose’); vigilance is, as vigilance does.

Reference: https://lestimes.com/government-to-hire-an-independent-diamond-appraisal/

Manufacturing Reality: Mining For Production Metals Means Masses Must Minimize Hampering Restrictions Of “Quarrying”, If They Want Progress

Over the many decades we have watched ‘Political Fashionability’ overcome ‘Manufacturing Realities’ by those who do NOT UNDERSTAND what it takes to produce ‘Things’. This ignorance, which has placated some of the masses, by curtailing fabrication activities due to: Noise, Smell, Vibration, and will soon be adding “Electronic Radiation of Information Technology Equipment” to this roster. This will encompass ‘Cloud Storage Sites’ we think.

The past few years have ushered in a demand for ores that will make Electronics greater in scope than ever before. Additionally, the pursuit of Electric Vehicles will demand ore mining of Aluminum, Cobalt, Copper, Lithium, Manganese, and other metals in prodigious quantities. To mine these ores, miners need restriction mitigations in many cases. The basic fact of life is: “Mining is cutting in Gaia, and relieving here of mineralizations so they can be processed into items which help Mankind.” As such, Dust, Noise, Odors, Vibrations cannot be totally eliminated in the process. In many cases, reducing those actualities, mean projects are too expensive or otherwise impractical for miners’ profitablities. There is no ‘free lunch’ in any human activity. In Mining, which is the ‘Process Precedent’ to most fabrications, throughout the entire world, one must accommodate the reality; otherwise, there will not be production [like it or not]. This is the way it has been since Man left his cave thousands of years ago. If one wants a clean, clear, absolutely pristine environment, we, in International Business, suggest they go move into a large cavern with running water.

Most mining operations require ‘Outside Capital’ to commence, develop, and prosper. For a investor to risk his money in a project: Proof of valuable mineralization in property must exist or be anticipated; Physical access must be feasible; equipment and personnel must be attainable; and GOVERNMENTAL PERMITS must be attained [this is where the ‘Quicksand’ lies].

Quite often ‘Political Fashionablities’ pounce on and destroy the economic feasibility of mining projects. Since “‘Environmental’ Concerns” are almost always nebulously stated, without verifiable proof, jeopardy to projects are probable. What everyone should realize: “Miners live on Earth also. Miners are INTIMATELY involved in the physical processes involved. As such, they do not desire to hurt themselves physically, nor anyone else. Let them perform their tasks optimally, so ultimately men and women of this Earth can enjoy that which has been invented or that which may be invented.”

“Mining” is a very expensive activity. Only the “‘Financially Serious’ need to apply” to this ‘Many Billions of Dollars’ mileau. We suggest those who are not directly involved in projects, withhold their comments and diatribe until worthwhile projects are completed responsibly [and certainly with remediations]. Take the ‘Long View’ as the Chinese have done for millennia; it works. Do NOT misjudge ‘Chalcopyrite’ as being ‘Aurum’.

Reality: Without Mental and Physical Exertion, nothing is possible; who wants ‘Nothing’?

Reference: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/low-carbon-world-needs-17-trillion-mining-investment-2021-05-10/