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Now we are into November, let's review the updates / RNS’s that we should expect in November and December

November -

• GCM, Final Results RNS – Due mid-November, you’d like to think that these will also come with a positive write up, and maybe more detail about the up and coming few months ahead….

• PowerChina RNS – Renewal of the PowerChina’s MoU contract, with maybe more detail of what PC and GCM have been working on in the last year.

• New Energy Roadmap – Bangladesh to announce their new Energy Roadmap, which we already know should recommend that the incoming government should use the country’s own coal reserves, hopefully mentioning Phulbari opm, in as much detail as it did in the Coal Seminar back in February 2025.

• GCM.s AGM – A confirmed date for the company’s AGM, in mid-December.

December –

• Bangladesh Election Date – In the first couple of weeks of December the exact date of the elections to be announced. This should give an election date for some time in the first couple of weeks of February.

• GCM, AGM – Result’s of AGM, RNS, and hopefully some positive feedback from those that attend the AGM.

Obviously, you’d expect to see the continued regular press articles mentioning using own coal and Phulbari OPM mentioned directly, and once the election date has been confirmed we may see more info in the different party’s manifesto’s…

We may at any time also see more progress / discussion on the Teesta River project, I’d expect the protests in favour of this project to continue, and now also thinking about it and linking the projects together, with Hasina’s government now ousted, and the people of the north now being educated more than ever about the positives of Phulbari for not only just the north, but for the whole of the country, how great it would also be to see follow up protests on the streets in favour of Phulbari opm .. Now that would be a positive!!

Teesta cries for survival as northern Bangladesh’s lifeline runs dry

According to sources in the Teesta River Protection Movement, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the Ministry of Water Resources, confirmed that work on the Teesta Master Plan will begin in January 2026. The 10-year project will be implemented in two phases at a total cost of Tk12,000 crore — with Tk6,700 crore financed through Chinese loans and Tk2,450 crore from government funds in the first phase.

Teesta River Protection Movement coordinator and BNP Central Organising Secretary Asadul Habib Dulu warned that if the government fails to start the project with its own funds before the election schedule is announced, a larger movement will be launched with Teesta basin residents.

“The government has already allocated Tk2,450 crore for the first phase. It’s time for action, not promises,” he said.

https://www.dhakatribune.com/amp/bangladesh/395166/teesta-cries-for-survival-as-northern-bangladesh%E2%80%99s

Nice !!

Reasons for Phulbari are mounting …..

Poor navigability hits Payra Port though Tk 6,500cr spent on dredging

Take the case of coal transportation for the 1,320MW Payra Thermal Power Plant and the RPCL-Norinco International Power Limited (RNPL) plant established in the area.

Due to the shallowing of the Rabnabad channel, mother vessels can no longer berth directly at Payra Port, and power producers now offload coal at Chattogram Port and transport the fuel by lighter vessels to Payra.

This increases transportation costs. The additional cost is being added to electricity production, ultimately raising power generation expenses and increasing consumer dissatisfaction.

The Payra Power Plant contributes 10 percent of the country’s total electricity demand and consumes over 300,000 tonnes of coal per month.

“Previously, we directly offloaded imported coal from Indonesia at Payra Port using mother vessels,” said Shah Abdul Mawla, project director of Payra Thermal Power Plant.

“But now, with navigability dropping significantly, we are forced to use Chattogram Port as an intermediary. This has increased coal transportation costs to $13-15 per tonne, whereas earlier, it was $10-12 per tonne,” he said.

https://dredgewire.com/poor-navigability-hits-payra-port-though-tk-6500cr-spent-on-dredging-2/

Phulbari OPM, and Teesta River Projects, green light coincidence?

So how much of a coincidence is it, that we now see in the Bangla press, both Phulbari open pit mining, and the Teesta River projects being called to be given the green light by the Interim Government, before the elections in February 2026….

Should be an interesting two or three months ahead….

Plus November share price triggers, as we already know, should be, the Final Results, which are sure to give more updated detail of the project, plus the renewal of the PowerChina MOU, which again, given all the recent Bangla press articles, could again give more updated detail project information, and of course, the all important Energy Roadmap, which is due any time now, which the Energy Minister, Fouzul Khan, has already implied that using own coal, / open pit mining, should be a recommendation…..

Exciting times ahead for GCM holders ………..

How many years is it, since we have seen GCM, Phulbari, and open pit mining mentioned so much in the Bangla press in such a positive way, and so far, with no negative reaction at all …..

quite amazing that we are still at the price that we are…

Interesting article…..

He warned, “It is undeniable that the country is now rapidly heading toward a full-fledged energy famine. Without urgent action, no new industrialization will take place, and many existing industries will shut down, leading to a severe employment crisis.”

Therefore, he emphasized that before the upcoming national election, all major political parties must reach a national consensus on “what must be done in the energy and power sector” to overcome the crisis.

Challenges in Coal Resource Utilization

Since its independence, Bangladesh has failed to utilize its domestic energy resources. The country’s coal-based generation capacity exceeds 7,000 MW, but except for 525 MW at Barapukuria, the rest relies entirely on imported coal.

Operating these plants at full capacity requires importing 18 million tonnes of coal annually—another source of dependence. Experts believe that if the government takes a political decision to extract domestic coal, imports could begin to be replaced within three years. Because local coal is of higher quality, about 30% less would be needed, potentially cutting generation costs by up to 40%.

Geologist Badiuzzaman said: “All feasibility studies for the Phulbari mine have already been completed. If the government gives the green light, production could begin within 24 to 30 months.”

Professor Tamim noted: “Coal extraction poses environmental challenges, but we have no alternative. The GCM Resources study on Phulbari should be re-evaluated, and if findings are positive, the government should not delay.”

Mining engineer Dr. Mushfiqur Rahman said, “Given global shifts, attracting coal investment is difficult, but we have no choice but to face this challenge. Therefore, an urgent political decision is necessary.”

Dr. Masrur Riaz, Chairman of Policy Exchange Bangladesh, added: “Coal is polluting, but we are already importing it to generate electricity, and will continue doing so for another 20 years. To ensure affordable power and reduce import dependence, there is no alternative to using domestic coal.”

https://ep-bd.com/view/details/article/MTIxNjE%3D/title?q=powerless+by+choice

Fuel sector is the main driving force of the national economy

In his speech as the special guest, Additional Secretary of the Energy and Mineral Resources Department Dr. Nurunnahar Chowdhury NDC said that honesty, efficiency and foresight are essential in utilizing the country’s natural resources.

https://dailynewnation.com/fuel-sector-is-the-main-driving-force-of-the-national-economy/

Nice find digit……

That’s not going to help the dollar crisis…..

“Meanwhile, Syed Mohammad Arif, Chairman of the Bangladesh Shipping Agents Association, reported that port expenses for their vessel MV Vesper carrying 30,000 tons of coal have almost doubled from $21,000 to $41,000, which is highlighting the sharp rise in operating costs.”

Public pressure mounts on govt to implement Teesta master plan

https://dailynewnation.com/public-pressure-mounts-on-govt-to-implement-teesta-master-plan/

Public pressure over the long-delayed Teesta River Master Plan has reached a breaking point across Bangladesh in the recent times.

From the northern plains of Rangpur to the coastal campuses of Chittagong, citizens and students have united to demand the government begin work immediately while China signals readiness to proceed.

People of the northern region have urged the interim government to begin the project immediately to save the lives and livelihoods of the people and biodiversity of the northern region.

The project, designed to restore the Teesta’s flow, expand irrigation, and protect river-dependent communities from erosion and floods, has been stalled for years amid bureaucratic delays, funding constraints, and geopolitical tension with India.

On 15 September, Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen met Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam in Dhaka, reaffirming Beijing’s “strong interest” in the initiative.

Yao said a team of Chinese experts would visit Bangladesh in the coming months for an on-site assessment and confirmed that discussions were underway with the Economic Relations Division (ERD) regarding a $550 million loan to finance the project.

Diplomatic sources said China had responded positively to Bangladesh’s request for funding the ‘Comprehensive Management and Restoration of Teesta River Project,’ estimated at $750 million.

The remaining amount would be met through domestic financing. The first phase is expected to begin in 2026 and finish by 2029.

China’s expanding role in the Teesta basin carries geopolitical implications. The river lies close to India’s Siliguri Corridor, a narrow but vital passage to its northeastern states.

New Delhi has remained publicly silent about Beijing’s interest, though diplomats interpret this as quiet unease.

Environmental experts have urged the government to ensure that the project prioritises sustainability and does not harm the river’s natural ecosystem.

However, the urgency of the plan is underscored by years of suffering in the north. Bangladesh receives only a fraction of its required water from upstream India during the dry season.

A 2011 water-sharing deal collapsed due to opposition from the West Bengal government, leaving the issue unresolved.

Now, frustration has turned to fury as protesters in Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Kurigram, Nilphamari, and Gaibandha on 17 October took to the streets with torches, chanting “Jaago Bahe Teesta Bachai” (Rise to Save Teesta).

Demonstrators accused successive governments of neglecting the north, where more than 3,000 families have already lost their homes and farmland to erosion.

“The Teesta is not simply a river of the north-it is the lifeline of Bangladesh,” said one protest organiser in Lalmonirhat.

“If the government

Sorry all, I had it removed because it showed personal details ….

The link is on the Energy and Power website

Teesta returns to political tide: How far will BNP push for mega project?

Highlights

Fresh demand for Teesta mega project as thousands join torch-lit protest along the river

BNP leaders say the movement for fair water distribution and Teesta project implementation will continue until work begins

The Tk12,000 crore project aims to prevent floods and erosion, improve irrigation, and develop modern infrastructure along the river

Environmentalists warn China's proposed design could harm the river's ecosystem, while activists from the region reject these claims

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/teesta-returns-political-tide-how-far-will-bnp-push-mega-project-1266321?amp

Rangpur to pause for 15 minutes to demand action on Teesta’s restoration

As part of the ongoing movement to implement the Teesta Master Plan, the Rangpur Division is set for a symbolic pause on Oct 30, when all activity will stop for 15 minutes.

From 11am, shops will shut, vehicles will stop on the roads, classes will halt, and offices will briefly suspend work -- all in a coordinated act of solidarity to save the Teesta River.

This unique protest is the latest in a series of programmes held across northern districts, where residents have been pressing for government action to restore and protect the vital river.

https://bdnews24.com/bangladesh/aa98cb2f23aa

BNP's torchlight procession to implement Teesta Master Plan

A torch procession of BNP was held on the banks of the Teesta River demanding the implementation of the Teesta Master Plan. Jago Bahe Teesta, Save Teesta, slogans at 8 pm on Thursdsy.

Thousands of BNP leaders and activists led by Lalmonirhat District BNP President and former Deputy Minister Asadul Habib Dulu participated in the torch procession. At this time, District BNP Joint General Secretary AKM Mominul Haque and Organizing Secretary Md. Afzal Hossain, along with district, upazila, union, ward and grassroots level BNP leaders and activists were present

https://dailycountrytodaybd.com/story/bnp%27s-torchlight-procession-to-implement-teesta-master-plan

Madness!!

Payra power plant idle amid coal tender complications, losing BDT 50 million a day

https://en.bonikbarta.com/business/yE8U30qQa2lWYJPU

A new 1,320-megawatt coal-fired power plant has been built on the banks of the Payra River in Kalapara Upazila of Patuakhali, adding to Bangladesh’s electricity generation capacity. Although all infrastructure work has been completed, the plant’s commercial operation date (COD) has been repeatedly delayed due to complications over coal supply and transmission lines.

5 northern districts ablaze with torch rallies demanding Teesta master plan implementation

https://www.tbsnews.net/bangladesh/5-northern-districts-ablaze-torch-rallies-demanding-teesta-master-plan-implementation#lo12c3soe4gmoanil8ciqqi0b5obj8x0i

According to movement sources, over the past few months, river erosion and sandbar formation along the 130-kilometre stretch of the Teesta have displaced many people while farmlands and homesteads have been washed away, and ecological degradation is accelerating due to what they claim is government inaction and negligence

Northern Bangladesh witnessed a wave of torch rallies yesterday evening (16 October) as thousands gathered in five districts of Rangpur division demanding immediate implementation of the long-awaited Teesta River Master Plan.

The torchlight demonstrations were organised under the banner of the ongoing movement "Jaago Bahe Teesta Bachai" (Rise to Save Teesta), and took place simultaneously at 11 points in Lalmonirhat, Rangpur, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha.

BNP leader Asadul Habib Dulu, chief coordinator of the movement, formally inaugurated the events.

He said that people from all walks of life joined the programme in unprecedented numbers, signalling a mass awakening over Teesta's fate.

"The Teesta is not just a river of the north, it is the lifeline of Bangladesh's economy. This is no longer a local issue — it is a national crisis," Dulu said during his speech.

He warned that if the government does not begin implementation of the Teesta Master Plan by November, greater political movements will be launched. "We will bring Rangpur Division to a standstill if our demands are ignored."

Next update from the company should be, either the final results or the update on the MoU agreement with PowerChina …. IMO

That’s really strange, I’ve never known of posts being removed in the evening before….

It looks like there have been two posts removed today, I’m really busy atm, so can’t watch as much as I’d like, and have missed it, but does anyone else know what was the topic of the other post that was removed ?

So, what games do we expect today then ….

I’m guessing yesterday was all about getting mates in at mates rates and hopefully in due course it will be shown to be an institution ….

Let’s see what today brings

Really Interesting article…… quite long though ….

The Mythical Return to Coal

https://thehonestsorcerer.substack.com/p/the-mythical-return-to-coal?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&triedRedirect=true