The New York Times has an interesting piece on how AI is upending the electricity markets. Nationally, the average electricity rate has risen more than 30 percent since 2020, increases mostly driven by utilities' grid maintenance and upgrades. But, in the coming years, A.I. is expected to accelerate those increases, with some estimating rates will rise an average of 8 percent nationwide by 2030 and as much as 25 percent in places home to more data centers.
All eyes are on Alaska today, and various outlets are refuting rumors out of the British newspaper The Telegraph that rare earths may be a part of President Trump's discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine during Friday's Summit in Alaska. Asked about the rumors during a Thursday oval office press conference, President Trump did not directly answer whether a rare earth mineral deal would be part of Friday's negotiations but did say that his goal in the discussions is to save lives.
Looking globally at the latest in minerals news, India's Prime Minister said today the country is accelerating efforts to achieve self-sufficiency in critical minerals, with exploration campaigns underway at more than 1,200 locations across the country. The Prime Minister linked this push to India's broader goal of energy independence, noting the economic burden of relying on imports.
That's your mining minute for this morning, highlighting some of the mining-related matters that are on our minds here in Washington and beyond.
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