Green Options

With an economic crisis knocking at the front door and an energy crisis knocking at the back, the Department of Interior is working to responsibly balance development of conventional energy sources and the accelerated development of clean, renewable energy while at the same time protecting the treasured landscapes, wildlife, and cultural resources that claim America as their home.

One of the biggest stories in the UK at present is the relationship between democracy and the police – or as it has been expressed several times by Nick Hardwick, chairman of the Independent Police Complaints Commission - the police needed to remember that they were “servants, not masters” of the public.

Plant officials at a sewage treatment plant in Japan say they have found about 2 mg per metric ton of the ash that remains after incinerating sludge — this is about 50 times as much gold than what’s found at Japan’s Hishikari Mine, one of the world’s largest gold mines.

The officials said the gold makes its way into the sewers because manufacturers use gold when making certain precision instruments. The big question is, could the same gold be found in sewage treatment plants across the world? And if so, can we start recycling the gold we have and stop mining — or at least stop opening new mines?

Earlier this week, Mongolia’s parliament announced that it was permitting the Mongolian government  re-open talks with international mining companies about the Oyu Tolgoi gold and copper mine and the Tavan Tolgoi coal deposits.

Potential investors include Ivanhoe Mines and Rio Tinto, claim that an agreement on the Oyu Tolgoi gold mine would increase Mongolia’s GDP by 34%.

Argentinian President Cristina Fernández vetoed a previously passed bill aimed at protecting Argentina’s glaciers.