China en route to being world’s largest LNG import market
Natural Gas News, February 21, 2019
China became the largest single gas importer in 2018 as demand again easily outstripped production. This raises two questions. How much more imported gas will it need in coming years, and how much will comprise LNG? The International Energy Agency’s World Energy Outlook 2018, published in November, projects a near-tripling in Chinese gas demand to 708bn m3 by 2040. Imports are projected to rise from 42% of gas supply in 2017 to 54% over this period. China’s voracious demand for LNG over the next decade is expected to underpin global investment in LNG production capacity.
US-China trade dispute puts a chill on American natural gas export boom
Tom DiChristopher, CNBC, February 22, 2019
- The global gas market experienced fewer disruptions than feared this winter after China slapped tariffs on U.S. liquefied natural gas.
- However, the ongoing trade dispute has halted Chinese purchases of U.S. LNG and put a chill on some new American export terminals. It threatens to sideline billions in investment.
- At least one U.S. LNG export terminal delayed a final investment decision, and analysts say the trade war could hold up other projects.
Canada’s Barrick Gold considers hostile $19 billion bid for Newmont Mining
Melanie Powers, Reuters, February 21, 2019
Canada’s Barrick Gold Corp is considering a hostile bid for Newmont Mining Corp for about $19 billion in stock, in what would potentially be one of the largest-ever mining deals, the country’s Globe and Mail newspaper reported.
Our Take: Barrick Gold is the biggest gold mining company in the world and the parent company for the Donlin project in Alaska.
90-day comment period for Pebble mine review is inadequate, Sullivan says
Becky Bohrer, Associated Press, February 21, 2019
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan said a 90-day comment period is inadequate for a draft environmental review of a large copper and gold mine near the headwaters of a major Alaska fishery. “It’s a very legitimate request from my perspective to have more time to do the due diligence on a project of this size,” the Republican Sullivan told reporters Thursday, noting he would likely make a formal request for additional time.
