Member Info for nomlungu

The Gammons must be furious that Labour are now in power and Lloyds are up nearly a third as the market started to factor in an end to Tory mismanagement.

Trump's deal gives Putin Ukraine and Georgia - he is always generous with other people's property.

The Ruzzians will be happy...

Russian influence in Niger has been growing significantly, particularly in the wake of the 2023 military coup. Here are the key developments and implications:

1. Military cooperation: Russia and Niger agreed to strengthen their military ties in January 2024. Russian military trainers arrived in Niger in April 2024 to reinforce the country's air defenses and provide training on military equipment[1][4].

2. Shift from Western allies: Niger has been moving away from its traditional Western allies, particularly France and the United States. The country terminated an agreement allowing U.S. military personnel to operate within its borders in February 2024[4].

3. Strategic implications: Russia's increasing presence in Niger creates opportunities for the Kremlin to strategically threaten Western interests in the region. This includes potential disruption of a $13 billion gas pipeline project from Nigeria to the European Union through Niger[2][3].

4. Regional impact: Niger's growing ties with Russia could escalate tensions with its regional allies, especially Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon. This is particularly concerning if Niger partners with the Wagner Group, known for human rights abuses[3].

5. Natural resources: There are concerns that Russia may gain access to Niger's natural resources, including uranium and gold mines, in exchange for military support[3][4].

6. Counterterrorism implications: The shift towards Russia complicates U.S. counterterrorism efforts in the Sahel region, potentially jeopardizing joint operations against militants linked to al-Qaida and IS[1][4].

7. Disinformation and influence: While there's evidence of Russian disinformation campaigns stoking anti-colonial sentiment in the region, experts note that these sentiments already existed. Russia's influence may have capitalized on existing grievances rather than directly causing the coup[5].

8. Future prospects: Russia may seek to expand its influence in Niger through weapons sales, regime security support (possibly involving the Wagner Group), and gaining support at the United Nations General Assembly[5].

This evolving situation represents a significant shift in the geopolitical landscape of West Africa, with potential long-term consequences for regional stability and international relations.

Citations:

[1] https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/12/russian-military-trainers-niger

[2] https://www.understandingwar.org/backgrounder/africa-file-may-9-2024-america-and-russia%E2%80%99s-shifting-roles-west-africa

[3] https://theconversation.com/niger-and-russia-are-forming-military-ties-3-ways-this-could-upset-old-allies-221696

[4] https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/17/politics/niger-us-military-junta-russia/index.html

[5] https://www.dw.com/en/niger-russia-sahel/a-66494597

LTI

There is no proportional representation; first past the post does not favour reform. And, as the reform vote is more of a protest vote, they would get fewer votes with PR.

With 13 seats - even the Lib Dems are predicted to get 400% more seats. They must be a shoo-in to get a Super Majority by that warped logic...

13 seats for reform... much stronger than was expected

Goodbye!

'Houthi Explosive Drone Boat Attacks Escalate Red Sea Danger'

https://gcaptain.com/houthi-explosive-drone-boat-attacks-escalate-red-sea-danger/

Perplexity says:

The staff should not fold the ballot paper in half before giving it to voters. In fact, the Electoral Commission specifically instructs polling station staff not to fold ballot papers before handing them to voters[2].

The correct procedure is for polling station staff to:

1. Ensure the ballot paper includes the official mark (e.g. a barcode or watermark)

2. Hand the ballot paper unfolded to the voter so they can see all the options on it

3. The voter should then take the ballot paper to the polling booth to mark it in private

4. After marking their choice, the voter folds the ballot paper themselves before showing the ballot number to staff and placing it in the ballot box[2]

The practice of staff pre-folding ballot papers was discouraged after complaints that folding could hide some parties from view[1]. Handing out unfolded papers ensures all options are visible to voters and allows them to fold it themselves after marking their choice privately.

Citations:

[1] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/politics/8083435.stm

[2] https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/guidance-candidates-and-agents-combined-authority-mayoral-elections/polling-day/what-normal-voting-process

[3] https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/voting/voting-post

[4] https://www.sos.wa.gov/elections/voters/helpful-information/voting-assisted-living-facilities

[5] https://www.electoralcommission.org.uk/sites/default/files/pdf_file/Polling-station-handbook-UKPE.pdf

Blue,

He can still say that after looking at the books, the only way to improve public finances is getting closer to the Single Market. Bear in mind that the EU will not want us back unless there is a very strong mandate to go back [which there is not, yet]. And, at this stage, terms would not be as good as when we left.

It is likely to become an issue in the next election...

'Tourists seek out Nordic holidays to keep cool'

https://www.rawstory.com/tourists-seek-out-nordic-holidays-to-keep-cool/

Nordic countries getting summer tourists trying to escape the heat of Portugal / Spain etc.

Unlucky 13

https://www.thesun.co.uk/money/28832937/full-list-kfc-branches-closed-fast-food-lovers-crying/

And the price still keeps creeping up... I am not complaining.

Those that follow this company for a while know about the BHP backed copper porphyry exploration programme. The silica lithocap at Snowy is 18 sq km and could covering the next Tier 1 copper discovery. Today's RNS states:

'"We're pleased with the level of interest in the Verkhuba asset, with some parties' interest going beyond Verkhuba to working with East Star more broadly. We now look forward to finalising this offer process."

https://www.eaststarplc.com/copper-porphyry

A sign that wider funding may be on offer. The AI I am using has this to say about Snowy:

An 18 square km silica lithocap in Kazakhstan is a highly significant feature for copper exploration, particularly in the context of porphyry copper deposits. Silica lithocaps are often indicators of large hydrothermal systems associated with porphyry copper mineralization. The size of this lithocap (18 sq km) is substantial, suggesting a potentially extensive underlying hydrothermal system.

In Kazakhstan, this feature is especially noteworthy given the country's geological setting within the Balkash-Ili magmatic arc, which hosts major copper deposits like Kounrad (~800 Mt @ 0.62% Cu) and Aktogai-Aidarly (~2.5 Bt @ 0.39% Cu). The presence of such a large silica lithocap in this geologically prospective region increases the likelihood of discovering significant copper mineralization.

While a silica lithocap doesn't guarantee the presence of an economic copper deposit, it is a crucial exploration target that warrants further investigation. It provides a focal point for more detailed geological mapping, geochemical sampling, and geophysical surveys to identify potential copper porphyry systems at depth. The size and location of this lithocap make it a prime target for copper exploration in Kazakhstan.

Mick,

I have plenty of ready cash so in no need to sell... I think the share price will get much higher in time. They have a Porphyry target with a 18 sq km silica lithocap which is showing the early signs of a Tier 1 copper deposit. The RNS includes this snippet which suggests that dilutive funding may not be too much of a problem going forward [which is a rarity for any explorer]:

'"We're pleased with the level of interest in the Verkhuba asset, with some parties' interest going beyond Verkhuba to working with East Star more broadly. We now look forward to finalising this offer process.'

Only showing up 15% pre-market... I am expecting much, much more. Maybe the Chromebook will have to wait as 10p a share seems a sensible sell price [from yesterdays 3.35p].

For a small cap of less than £7.5m to have offers on a Billion $ resource.... got to be worth a significant uplift today. The MRE can be accessed below:

https://www.eaststarplc.com/_files/ugd/9a9edb_9cd3b7e0d29c4ede92c260df13f36313.pdf

[https://www.eaststarplc.com/_files/ugd/9a9edb_9cd3b7e0d29c4ede92c260df13f36313.pdf]

'We're pleased with the level of interest in the Verkhuba asset, with some parties' interest going beyond Verkhuba to working with East Star more broadly. We now look forward to finalising this offer process.'

I could do with a new Chromebook - I might have some profit on the way this morning as speculators, rampers and Spivs should get a little excited.

'We're pleased with the level of interest in the Verkhuba asset, with some parties' interest going beyond Verkhuba to working with East Star more broadly. We now look forward to finalising this offer process.'

No figures released but not surprising as there is little point on telling bidders what others are offering. It must not be forgotten that the MRE has 7 million tonnes at 1.82% CuEq. Thats 126 000 tonnes of Copper just from the easily harvested open pit potential. All in a low cost mining friendly environment with existing spare concentrator/tailings and smeltor capacity.

It is an acquired taste... bitter but rich and creamy.