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Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Lithium Charge: Fisker Karma debuts on Two and a Half Men with Ashton Kutcher's new character ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax

  

  Our ultimate marketing machine for Electric  Cars - Fisker Karma is in action now. Luxury segment of Electric Cars will be driven by the Apple's social status recognition on steroids in this case. CBS's placement of this product in the context of "Internet mogul played by A-list celebrity" will make the headlines and real celebrities will be making news with Tesla Model S and Fisker Karma. 
  Family market will be driven by Nissan Leaf, GM Volt and upcoming Renault and Ampera in Europe. New fashion will help us to cross the gap from early adopters - who are not driven by the primary cost of ownership concerns - into the mass market stage, when the benefits of the electric Cars will be apparent. Technological advance will ensure that celebrities are up to something here again like with iPods few years ago.


  

 "Lithium Charge: Development boosts lithium-ion battery power by 8-fold  With markets volatility on the steroids and mode swings from total depression to the short covering, we continue to advocate our pro life choice and inevitable Energy Transition to the electrification of our transportation. With the insolvent financial system we have, basically, only two choices: try deflation with a strong dollar and run on the insolvent banks and countries or the monetary magic of the FED and ECB with all other alphabet soup in between.  
  We do not know what to do in the case of depression, deflation and coming stone age after riots and our Lithium darlings are already priced for the coming Ice  (Internal Combustion Engine) Age to continue."

AutoBlogGreen:


By Eric Loveday


The hit CBS sitcom Two and a Half Men has a brand new plugged-in star: the Fisker Karma. Last night, Fisker's $95,900-plus plug-in sedan made its debut on the show, with Walden Schmidt - the internet mogul played by A-list celeb Ashton Kutcher, real-life husband of Demi Moore - behind the wheel. Apparently, the Karma will have a reoccurring role on the CBS hit.

Fisker spokesman Roger Ormisher went on record saying that no money exchanged hands between Fisker and CBS. Ormisher claims producers of the show displayed a fondness for the Karma and worked with Fisker's vice-president of sales and marketing, Marti Eulberg, on the vehicle's appearance. And since Fisker didn't dish out even a single coin for the Karma's appearance, Ormisher is correct in saying, "Obviously, it represents great value for money for Fisker!" That's for sure.

To see the Karma's CBS debut, you could click here to watch the full episode of Two and a Half Men. We will suggest, though, that you just skip forward to the nine-minute mark.
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Monday, September 26, 2011

Lithium Charge: Development boosts lithium-ion battery power by 8-fold ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax

  

 With markets volatility on the steroids and mode swings from total depression to the short covering, we continue to advocate our pro life choice and inevitable Energy Transition to the electrification of our transportation. With the insolvent financial system we have, basically, only two choices: try deflation with a strong dollar and run on the insolvent banks and countries or the monetary magic of the FED and ECB with all other alphabet soup in between.  
  We do not know what to do in the case of depression, deflation and coming stone age after riots and our Lithium darlings are already priced for the coming Ice  (Internal Combustion Engine) Age to continue.



  In case if the monetary magic to be unleashed again, consumers will freeze to death with rising Oil prices driven by inflation and Peak Oil. Recent "fall" in Gold, Silver, Copper and Oil provides the opportunity to argue about the lack of Inflation and necessity to save the system again. Scared investors running to the "safety" of US dollar provide such needed "interruption" in Commodity and Real Assets Bull markets and we should see the FED and ECB monetary magic in the nearest future in this case.



  Hopefully, not everything is driven by the quant trading even these days and technological advance will provide necessary leap forward in the Energy Storage technology, which will make Electric cars mass market reality in the nearest future.

"Lithium drive: German Scientists Plan to Halve The Cost Of Electric Vehicles. We are monitoring here the story with DBM Energy  - this German start up is talking about  its wonder Lithium battery: Kolibri, which can make this announcement the very low bar to beat. Question is still whether this technology will be commercially proven and on the market in the nearest future. Recently we have found some more confirmations about its potential break through in Lithium batteries performance and cost. As with all technology once the proper funding will be put in place we can expect the rapid technological advance even without the miracles promised by companies like DBM Energy."


ZDNet:


Development boosts lithium-ion battery power by 8-fold

By Chris Jablonski | September 25, 2011, 11:09am PDT
Summary: Researchers at Berkeley have developed a new kind of anode polymer can absorb eight times the lithium of current designs.
Lithium-ion batteries are the most common type of rechargeable battery. They are found in laptops, smartphones, and increasingly, in electric cars and smart grids.
Although there are many advantages to lithium ion batteries–they maintain full capacity even after a partial recharge and are considered to be more environmentally safe than other battery technologies–their storage capacity can be improved.
A team of scientists at Berkeley Lab have designed a new kind of anode that can absorb eight times the lithium of current designs, and has maintained its greatly increased energy capacity after over a year of testing and many hundreds of charge-discharge cycles.
“Most of today’s lithium-ion batteries have anodes made of graphite, which is electrically conducting and expands only modestly when housing the ions between its graphene layers. Silicon can store 10 times more – it has by far the highest capacity among lithium-ion storage materials – but it swells to more than three times its volume when fully charged, ” said Gao Liu of Berkeley Lab’s Environmental Energy Technologies Division (EETD).
The swelling quickly breaks the electrical contacts in the anode, so the researchers concentrated on finding other ways to use silicon while maintaining anode conductivity. Through a combination of synthesis, spectroscopy and simulation, the team tailored a polymer that conducts electricity and binds closely to lithium-storing silicon particles, even as they expand to more than three times their volume during charging and then shrink again during discharge.
The new anodes are made from low-cost materials, compatible with standard lithium-battery manufacturing technologies.
The research team reports its findings in Advanced Materials, now available online."

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Friday, September 23, 2011

TNR Gold: Los Azules Litigation: U.S. Gold, Minera Andes to merge into McEwen Mining ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax




  Stakes are getting bigger and companies involved in this case as well - we continue to monitor the situation. 



 June 23, 2011

Vancouver B.C.: TNR Gold Corp. (the "Company"). TNR advises that it has taken note of the proposed merger of Minera Andes Inc. with US Gold to form McEwen Mining Inc. or some other similar entity. For further information please see the news release from Mineral Andes dated June 14, 2011.

As TNR is currently engaged in litigation against Minera Andes Inc. and three of its subsidiaries, TNR advises that it will be monitoring the developments with Minera Andes Inc. and intends to ensure that TNR's rights in the litigation are not prejudiced by any changes to the ownership of Los Azules or the identity of the Minera Andes parties.

Additional information can be obtained on the TNR corporate Los Azules webpage - 










 "OTC Equity: Los Azules, TNR Gold and Minera Andes Merger with US Gold  We have an interesting article on Minera Andes and its potential valuation with ongoing preparations for the merger with US Gold. OTC Equity reports on the challengers and potential value drivers for the Rob McEwen's  major Gold, Silver and Copper play. We call it "major", because he is going to put his name on the combined company. It is very encouraging that authors did a very good homework and report some analysis of the litigation situation between Minera Andes and TNR Gold on the property rights surrounding "Big Copper in Argentina" - Los Azules project.

  As you remember, we are covering this story for years and think that all shareholders deserve to receive the all publicly available information on the ongoing litigation. They are smart enough to make their own opinion about the validity of any legal claims and the potential reasons about why Minera Andes shareholders are not getting the proper value by the market for this company and/or any competing bids so far. We are still of the opinion, that more proactive and open minded business approach from the Minera Andes in the past could led to the resolution of this litigation and was in the interest of all parties involved. Now company has moved from the total denial phase into the damage control mode and Rob McEwen's team has acknowledged at the recent AGM the existing risks in this litigation and that it is necessary to clear the Los Azules property title. We do not think that Mr McEwen was personally paying a proper attention to this issue before - with his stellar business reputation he could easily find the fare solution with the junior partner and unlock the proper market value of this promising project for Minera Andes - and  the lawyers involved are driving the show and they have managed to increased the stakes involved in this game.
  You can listen to the Minera Andes AGM web cast in order to receive the first hand information about the huge potential of the Los Azules Copper project, its high leverage to the copper price and general economic assessments."



"Los Azules: Video: TNR Gold litigation at Minera Andes AGM. We would like to share today the link below to the Minera Andes AGM webcast - you can see the description of the Los Azules Copper deposit by Minera Andes, proposal about Merger between Minera Andes and US Gold and the only questions asked at the AGM concerning TNR Gold litigation.


Below is the TNR Gold side of the story:

TNR Gold (Solitario) properties are called Xstrata on the map below and above that line.



Below is the position of Escorpio IV with planed mining facilities on its surface:








Please, do not forget, that we own stocks we are writing about and have position in these companies. We are not providing any investment advise on this blog and there is no solicitation to buy or sell any particular company here. Always consult with your qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.








TORONTO, ONTARIO (September 22, 2011) US Gold Corporation (“US Gold”) (NYSE:UXG – TSX: UXG) and Minera Andes Inc. (“Minera Andes”) (TSX: MAI ‐ OTCBB: MNEAF) are pleased to announce that US Gold and Minera Andes have entered into an arrangement agreement dated September 22, 2011 (the “Arrangement Agreement”), pursuant to which US Gold and Minera Andes will combine to form McEwen Mining.
Under the terms of the Arrangement Agreement (and as previously announced in US Gold and Minera Andes’ joint news release dated September 2, 2011) holders of Minera Andes common shares will receive 0.45 (the “Exchange Ratio”) shares of a subsidiary of US Gold which are exchangeable for common shares of US Gold for each 1 common share of Minera Andes held. This transaction will be carried out pursuant to the Arrangement Agreement under a court‐approved statutory plan of arrangement governed by the Business Corporations Act (Alberta).
The special committees of US Gold and Minera Andes have each obtained a valuation and a fairness opinion from their respective independent financial advisors to the effect that, subject to the assumptions, qualifications and limitations contained therein, the Exchange Ratio is fair, from a financial point of view, to their respective shareholders (other than Rob McEwen). The US Gold and Minera Andes boards of directors have each unanimously determined, based on, among other things, recommendations from their respective special committees, that the transaction is in the best interest of their respective companies and is fair to their respective shareholders. The directors and senior officers of each company (including Rob McEwen) have also entered into a customary support and voting agreement to vote their shares in favour of the arrangement. Closing of the transaction is expected to occur in late 2011.
The Arrangement Agreement includes customary deal protection and non‐solicitation provisions including reciprocal break fees (equal to approximately 3% of the market capitalization for each company as of September 1, 2011) and fiduciary‐out provisions.
The completion of the business combination remains subject to customary approvals, including stock exchange, court approval and approval by shareholders of US Gold and Minera Andes, including minority shareholder approval that excludes the votes of Rob McEwen and certain other interested persons.
The Arrangement Agreement will be filed under each of US Gold and Minera Andes’ profiles on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and EDGAR (www.sec.gov). The terms of the Arrangement Agreement will also be described in detail in the management information circulars of US Gold and Minera Andes to be filed with the regulatory authorities and mailed to US Gold and Minera Andes shareholders in accordance with applicable securities laws. The record date and date of the special meetings of the shareholders of US Gold and Minera Andes will be announced in the near future.
Based on today’s closing price, McEwen Mining would have a market capitalization of approximately US$ 1.3 billion with approximately 267 million shares outstanding. Robert McEwen, current Chairman and President/CEO of each of Minera Andes and US Gold will hold a 25% interest in the combined company valued today at approximately US$ 325 million.
Raymond James Inc. served as the independent financial advisor to the special committee of US Gold and RBC Capital Markets served as independent financial advisor to the special committee of Minera Andes.
ABOUT US GOLD (www.usgold.com)
US Gold’s objective is to qualify for inclusion in the S&P 500 by 2015. US Gold explores for gold and silver in the Americas and is advancing its El Gallo Project in Mexico and its Gold Bar Project in Nevada towards production. US Gold’s shares are listed on the NYSE and the TSX under the symbol UXG, trading 1.9 million shares daily during the past twelve months. US Gold’s shares are included in S&P/TSX and Russell indices and Van Eck’s Junior Gold Miners ETF. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 20% of the shares of US Gold.
ABOUT MINERA ANDES (www.minandes.com)
Minera Andes is an exploration company exploring for gold, silver and copper in Argentina with three significant assets: a 49% interest in Minera Santa Cruz SA, owner of the San Jose Mine in close proximity to Goldcorp's Cerro Negro project; 100% ownership of the Los Azules copper deposit and 100% ownership of a large portfolio of exploration properties in Santa Cruz province, Argentina, including properties bordering the Cerro Negro project in Santa Cruz Province. As of June 30, 2011, Minera Andes had $22 million in cash and short‐term investments, with no bank debt. Rob McEwen, Chairman and CEO, owns 30% of the shares of Minera Andes.
Forward Looking and Cautionary Statements
This press release contains certain forward‐looking statements and information by each of US Gold and Minera Andes, including "forward‐looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward‐looking statements and information express, as at the date of this press release, US Gold and Minera Andes' estimates, forecasts, projections, expectations or beliefs as to future events and results. Forward‐looking statements and information are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties, risks and contingencies, and there can be no assurance that such statements and information will prove to be accurate. Therefore, actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements and information. Risks and uncertainties that could cause results or future events to differ materially from current expectations expressed or implied by the forward‐ looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, the completion of the proposed business combination between Minera Andes and US Gold (including the numerous approvals required in connection with such a business combination), risks related to business integration as a result of a successful business combination, factors associated with fluctuations in the market price of precious metals, mining industry risks, risks associated with foreign operations, risks related to litigation including specifically but not limited to Minera Andes' Los Azules property which if resolved adversely to Minera Andes (or the combined company, as the case may be) would materially affect Minera Andes’ ability to develop the Los Azules project, property title, the state of the capital markets, environmental risks and hazards, uncertainty as to calculation of mineral resources and reserves and other risks. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward‐looking statements or information. Neither US Gold nor Minera Andes undertake any obligation to reissue or update forward‐looking statements or information as a result of new information or events after the date hereof except as may be required by law. See (i) US Gold's Annual Report on Form 10‐K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2010 and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, under the caption "Risk Factors"; and, (ii) Minera Andes' Annual Information Form as
US Gold and Minera Andes – September 22, 2011 News Release
filed on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and form 40F/A filed with the SEC, for the period ended December 31, 2010, for additional information on risks, uncertainties and other factors relating to the forward‐looking statements and information. All forward‐ looking statements and information made in this news release are qualified by this cautionary statement.
The TSX has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release, which has been prepared by management of US Gold and Minera Andes.
Additional Information About the Proposed Transaction
In connection with the Arrangement Agreement, US Gold will file a preliminary proxy statement and a definitive proxy statement with the SEC. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE DEFINITIVE PROXY STATEMENT WHEN IT BECOMES AVAILABLE AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT MATERIALS FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY IN THEIR ENTIRETY BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR INVESTMENT DECISION WITH RESPECT TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES THERETO.
The definitive proxy statement will be mailed to US Gold’s stockholders seeking, among other things, their approval of the issuance of US Gold’s shares as consideration in the Arrangement Agreement, including the US Gold shares issuable upon exchange of certain exchangeable shares that will be issued in connection with the transaction. US Gold’s stockholders may also obtain a copy of the definitive proxy statement free of charge once it is available by directing a request to: US Gold Corporation at (647) 258‐0395 (Toll Free: (866) 441‐0690) or Investor Relations, at 99 George Street, 3rd Floor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M5A 2N4. In addition, the preliminary proxy statement, the definitive proxy statement and other relevant materials that will be filed with the SEC will be available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov or stockholders may access copies of such documentation filed with the SEC by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of US Gold’s website at http://www.usgold.com.
US Gold and its respective directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies in connection with the proposed transaction. Information regarding the names, affiliations and interests of certain of US Gold’s executive officers and directors in the solicitation will be available in the preliminary proxy statement and definitive proxy statement relating to the proposed transaction to be filed with the SEC. Information about US Gold’s executive officers and directors is also available in the US Gold’s definitive proxy statement relating to its 2011 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed with the SEC on April 29, 2011."

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Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Lithium drive: Future of Electric Vehicles according to Russ Keene of Plug-In Texas ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax


  With the honest help and endorsement from the State or without it EV revolution is making its way.


"Lithium drive: World Bank: ditch 50 billion a year fossil fuel subsidies to address climate change  Here we go...50 billion dollars a year towards fossil fuels subsidies with record high oil prices! With these kind of subsidies towards fossil fuels all Electric Cars subsidies look like a drop in the bucket. If we put the real price of Oil based on warsneeded to protect the supplies, the total price we are paying for our Oil addiction will be really staggering. There is a way to end it and make Energy Transition for real - Electric Cars can bring to us today the real freedom in our mobility. 
  Now it has become the geopolitical issue - China is moving fast into new strategic industries based on  New Energy and Electric Cars - Western world does not have the luxury any more to fall behind."






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Lithium drive: World Bank: ditch 50 billion a year fossil fuel subsidies to address climate change ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax



  Here we go...50 billion dollars a year towards fossil fuels subsidies with record high oil prices! With these kind of subsidies towards fossil fuels all Electric Cars subsidies look like a drop in the bucket. If we put the real price of Oil based on wars needed to protect the supplies, the total price we are paying for our Oil addiction will be really staggering. There is a way to end it and make Energy Transition for real - Electric Cars can bring to us today the real freedom in our mobility. 
  Now it has become the geopolitical issue - China is moving fast into new strategic industries based on  New Energy and Electric Cars - Western world does not have the luxury any more to fall behind.
  





  Can Warren Buffett be right again, this time with his call Electric Cars? It is happening, it is happening now.



 "Lithium Drive: Warren Buffett: "In not many years, you are going to see a clear change towards Electric Cars"    Warren Buffett first pronounced in November 2009: "In 20 years, all cars on the road will be electric" Now we can hear his call on Electric Cars from the Master himself. He has invested in BYD - Chinese auto maker and Lithium battery company, which promise to bring its Electric Cars to U.S. BYD has made later investment in Lithium producer in China. We are in a very good company with our Lithium Dreamz."





theguardian:



Leaked documents seen by Guardian say rich countries should use money to help poorer countries adapt to climate change

John Vidal

Leaked World Bank documents propose that rich countries should eliminate the $50bn a year they give in fossil fuel subsidies, in order to financially help poor countries address climate change.

The documents, due to be presented to the G20 finance ministers in November, also suggest that countries redirect "climate aid" money already pledged, towards the propping up ailing carbon markets.

The Mobilizing Climate Finance paper, seen in draft form by the Guardian, has been prepared at the request of the world's leading economies. It is likely to provide a template for action in the UN climate talks that resume in Panama next week, in preparation for a major meeting of 194 countries in Durban in November.

According to the confidential paper, there is little likelihood that in the current economic climate, public money will be available for raising the $30bn rich countries have pledged for the 2010-2012 period, and the $100bn a year that must be found by 2020. Instead, says the paper, "the large financial flows required for climate stabilization and adaptation will, in the long run, be mainly private in composition".

It says: "A starting point should be the removal of subsidies on fossil fuel use. New OECD estimates indicate that reported fossil fuel production and consumption supports in Annex II countries [24 OECD countries] amounted to about $40-$60bn per year in 2005-2010 ... if reforms resulted in 20% of the current level of support being redirected to public climate finance, this could yield $10bn per year.

"Reform of fossil fuel subsidies in developed countries is a promising near-term option because of its potential to improve economic efficiency and raise revenue in addition to environmental benefits."

New analysis, says the paper, suggests that half the $50bn-a-year fossil fuel subsidies go to the oil industry, and around a quarter to coal and natural gas. It says: "About two-thirds of total fossil fuel support in 2010 was estimated to be for consumer support, with a little over 20% being producer support."

Developing countries are increasingly frustrated by the refusal of rich countries to meet their climate finance pledges. But they are unlikely to approve of the bank's innovative proposal that some of the money pledged to them should be used to prop up struggling carbon markets.

The report proposes: "Governments could make innovative uses of climate finance to sustain momentum in the market while new initiatives are being developed. They could, for example, dedicate a fraction of their international climate finance pledges to procure carbon credits for testing and showcasing new approaches, such as country programme concepts, new methodologies, CDM reforms and new mechanisms.

"This would be a cost-efficient use of climate finance as it would target least cost-options and would be performance-based. It would also help build up a supply pipeline for a future scaled-up market, preventing future supply shortages and price pressures."

It also appears to back a levy on aviation and maritime fuels. "Increasing from zero a tax on an activity that causes environmental damage is likely to be a more efficient way to raise revenue than would be increasing a tax that already causes significant distortion."

"A globally implemented carbon charge of $25/tonne CO2 on fuel used could raise around $13bn from international aviation and around $26bn from international maritime transport in 2020, while reducing CO2 emissions from each industry by around 5 to 10%. Compensating developing countries for the economic harm they might suffer from such charges ... seems unlikely to require more than 40% of global revenues. This would leave about $24bn or more for climate finance or other uses," says the paper.

Last month, the UK shipping industry's trade body roundly rejected calls to be brought into the EU's carbon trading scheme, saying that any solution to reducing the industry's emissions must be global."
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Lithium drive: Living with an ElectricCar Video ilc.v, tnr.v, czx.v, rm.v, lmr.v, abn.v, asm.v, btt.v, bva.v, bvg.v, epz.v, fst.v, gbn.v, hao.v, jnn.v, ks.v, ktn.v, kxm.v, mgn, mxr.v, rvm.to, svb, ura.v, nup.ax, srz.ax, usa.ax










Living with an Electric Car, presented by Robert Llewellyn of Red Dwarf and Scrapheap Challenge fame, answers your questions about electric vehicles. 

  It is the education time for the potential electric cars owners and investors in the Next Big Thing.




"Patient investors could reap big rewards from Lithium - Chris Berry While lithium equities might not set pulses racing in the short term, House Mountain Partners founder Chris Berry makes his case that over the longer term the element will be in very strong demand."

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