Global Cobalt Reserves 2023
November 7th, 2024
Via Mining Visuals, a look at at where the world’s cobalt reserves are located: Cobalt is a critical mineral, essential for the production of lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), smartphones, and other renewable energy applications. As the world transitions to greener technologies, the demand for cobalt is projected to rise sharply. At the […]
Read more »Russia’s Oil Fleet and the Floating Armories That Help Keep Profits Flowing
November 5th, 2024
Via Bloomberg, an article on the floating armories that are helping Russia profit enormously from its oil trade despite widespread sanctions: Somewhere off the coast of Eritrea on July 20th last year, the Vernadsky Prospect — stocked with 730,000 barrels of Russian crude — started broadcasting a message: “Armed guard on board.” The 250-meter long […]
Read more »Moscow’s African Gambit: How Russia is Challenging Western Powers on the Continent
October 23rd, 2024
Via Modern Diplomacy, an article examining the growing influence of Russia in Africa and its implications for global security and stability: Abstract: This article examines the growing influence of Russia in Africa and its implications for global security and stability. It traces the historical roots of Russia’s engagement with African countries, from the Cold War era […]
Read more »Mercenaries of Influence: How Russian PMCs Redefined Power Projection
October 21st, 2024
Via Geopolitical Monitor, a report on the influence of Russian private military companies in Africa: Russian use of hard power has been displayed on the global stage for nearly 20 years. Since the invasion of Georgia in 2008 and subsequent invasion of Ukraine, the Kremlin’s apparent tool of choice in foreign policy has been military […]
Read more »This $2.4 Billion Lithium Mine Is Caught Between Russia and the West
September 30th, 2024
Courtesy of the Wall Street Journal, an article on U.S. suspicion that Rio Tinto’s project in Serbia has been hit by a Russian disinformation campaign: This summer, tens of thousands of protesters in Serbia took to the streets to oppose a proposed lithium mine. Fueling the protests: suspected Russian disinformation. Russia is likely playing a […]
Read more »Russia Approves Construction of Fuel Pipeline in Republic of Congo
September 23rd, 2024
Via The Moscow Times, a report on a new planned fuel pipeline in Republic of Congo: Russia has approved the construction of a petroleum product pipeline in the oil-rich Republic of Congo, as Moscow continues efforts to strengthen its influence in Africa. The project will involve a joint venture between Russian pipeline builder ZNGS Prometey, which will […]
Read more »Focusing primarily on The New Seven Sisters - the largely state owned petroleum companies from the emerging world that have become key players in the oil & gas industry as identified by Carola Hoyos, Chief Energy Correspondent for The Financial Times - but spanning other nascent opportunities around the globe that may hold potential in the years ahead, Wildcats & Black Sheep is a place for the adventurous to contemplate & evaluate the emerging markets of tomorrow.