Andy Whitmore
@more-whit.bsky.social
International man of mystery .. oh no, sorry - campaigning on indigenous peoples and extractive industries (& not enough on music, UK politics & nonsense)
Ah the joy of UK privatised trains ... New timetable means LNER passengers can get off trains at my local station but we cannot board them!
Always passengers as a first priority
Always passengers as a first priority
January 16, 2026 at 2:56 PM
Ah the joy of UK privatised trains ... New timetable means LNER passengers can get off trains at my local station but we cannot board them!
Always passengers as a first priority
Always passengers as a first priority
Highlighting this part of the article "... key aspects remain unknown, including the quality of the minerals. Mining the mud had previously been seen as too expensive to be viable"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
Japan is turning to the seabed to reduce its reliance on China
Tokyo hopes the plan to mine as much as 16 million tonnes of rare earths will help reduce its reliance on China, but will it work?
www.abc.net.au
January 16, 2026 at 11:40 AM
Highlighting this part of the article "... key aspects remain unknown, including the quality of the minerals. Mining the mud had previously been seen as too expensive to be viable"
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
🇧🇪 Belgium wants to host the #BBNJ, while supporting deep-sea mining🤯 What a contradiction.
44 NGOs to Belgium: back a precautionary pause. After all, deep-sea mining is the BBNJ treaty's first test
17 EU states have already acted. Belgium, it's your turn
seas-at-risk.org/publications...
44 NGOs to Belgium: back a precautionary pause. After all, deep-sea mining is the BBNJ treaty's first test
17 EU states have already acted. Belgium, it's your turn
seas-at-risk.org/publications...
January 16, 2026 at 9:45 AM
🇧🇪 Belgium wants to host the #BBNJ, while supporting deep-sea mining🤯 What a contradiction.
44 NGOs to Belgium: back a precautionary pause. After all, deep-sea mining is the BBNJ treaty's first test
17 EU states have already acted. Belgium, it's your turn
seas-at-risk.org/publications...
44 NGOs to Belgium: back a precautionary pause. After all, deep-sea mining is the BBNJ treaty's first test
17 EU states have already acted. Belgium, it's your turn
seas-at-risk.org/publications...
Generally good, but "the unprecedented scale of the seizures has also exposed unresolved questions about the data underpinning the campaign, how much of the land involved is actually oil palm, and what will happen to seized plantations and mines after enforcement"
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/indo...
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/indo...
Indonesia says 4 million hectares of plantation, mining lands reclaimed in crackdown
JAKARTA — Indonesia has reclaimed more than 4 million hectares (9.9 million acres, about the size of Switzerland) of land nationwide that had been used for plantations, mining or other activities insi...
news.mongabay.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:56 AM
Generally good, but "the unprecedented scale of the seizures has also exposed unresolved questions about the data underpinning the campaign, how much of the land involved is actually oil palm, and what will happen to seized plantations and mines after enforcement"
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/indo...
news.mongabay.com/2026/01/indo...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
ICE kidnapped 4 Native Americans, 3 are still missing.
January 16, 2026 at 9:21 AM
ICE kidnapped 4 Native Americans, 3 are still missing.
Holy moly! American citizens must be so embarrassed (& I saw this as a British citizen where we had the general misfortune/stupidity to put Boris Johnson in charge!)
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has given her Nobel Peace Prize medal to President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House, saying it was a recognition of his commitment to her country's freedom
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Machado presents Trump with her Nobel award at White House meeting
Trump thanked Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, calling it "a wonderful gesture of mutual respect".
www.bbc.com
January 16, 2026 at 9:03 AM
Holy moly! American citizens must be so embarrassed (& I saw this as a British citizen where we had the general misfortune/stupidity to put Boris Johnson in charge!)
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Latest on 'Honest' Bob Jenrick joining Reform.
January 15, 2026 at 12:50 PM
Latest on 'Honest' Bob Jenrick joining Reform.
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
😍 Meet the giant isopod (Bathynomus spp). These beauties act as scavengers, feeding on “marine snow” and larger food falls from above.
The deep sea is home to countless special species like this, facing growing pressure from mining proposals.
Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#DSMC #StopDSM
The deep sea is home to countless special species like this, facing growing pressure from mining proposals.
Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#DSMC #StopDSM
January 16, 2026 at 6:29 AM
😍 Meet the giant isopod (Bathynomus spp). These beauties act as scavengers, feeding on “marine snow” and larger food falls from above.
The deep sea is home to countless special species like this, facing growing pressure from mining proposals.
Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#DSMC #StopDSM
The deep sea is home to countless special species like this, facing growing pressure from mining proposals.
Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#DSMC #StopDSM
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
67% of Reform MPs have previously been elected as representatives of the Conservative Party. They broke the country last time; do you trust them to fix it?
January 15, 2026 at 6:07 PM
67% of Reform MPs have previously been elected as representatives of the Conservative Party. They broke the country last time; do you trust them to fix it?
A good reminder of some of the difficulties around oil from Venezuela
“Just because this hydrocarbon exists doesn’t mean that it should be marketed or taken out of the ground”
insideclimatenews.org/news/0701202...
“Just because this hydrocarbon exists doesn’t mean that it should be marketed or taken out of the ground”
insideclimatenews.org/news/0701202...
‘The Dirtiest, Worst Oil’ Is in Venezuela - Inside Climate News
The country’s “extra heavy” oil packs some of the highest associated greenhouse gas emissions of any crude oil.
insideclimatenews.org
January 15, 2026 at 6:13 PM
A good reminder of some of the difficulties around oil from Venezuela
“Just because this hydrocarbon exists doesn’t mean that it should be marketed or taken out of the ground”
insideclimatenews.org/news/0701202...
“Just because this hydrocarbon exists doesn’t mean that it should be marketed or taken out of the ground”
insideclimatenews.org/news/0701202...
Clear articulation of concerns, and how people feel ignored, in this short interview on the US plans to mine near Guam & the Northern Mariana islands
www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
Thousands sign petition opposing U.S. governments move to start deep sea mining - ABC Pacific
More than 3000 people in the Northern Mariana Islands have signed a petition opposing the United States government's move to start deep sea mining in the area.
www.abc.net.au
January 15, 2026 at 5:47 PM
Clear articulation of concerns, and how people feel ignored, in this short interview on the US plans to mine near Guam & the Northern Mariana islands
www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
www.abc.net.au/pacific/prog...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
'This is one more rat leaving a sinking ship
'The Conservatives have run out of ideas and Reform only have bad ones'
Ed Davey comments on Robert Jenrick's sacking and allegations he will become the latest Tory to defect to Nigel Farage's party
'The Conservatives have run out of ideas and Reform only have bad ones'
Ed Davey comments on Robert Jenrick's sacking and allegations he will become the latest Tory to defect to Nigel Farage's party
January 15, 2026 at 1:02 PM
'This is one more rat leaving a sinking ship
'The Conservatives have run out of ideas and Reform only have bad ones'
Ed Davey comments on Robert Jenrick's sacking and allegations he will become the latest Tory to defect to Nigel Farage's party
'The Conservatives have run out of ideas and Reform only have bad ones'
Ed Davey comments on Robert Jenrick's sacking and allegations he will become the latest Tory to defect to Nigel Farage's party
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
It is time for parts of the US Government to step up & ensure that Trump isn't only constrained by his "morality and his mind".
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
US senators introduce bill to stop military from occupying Nato territories
Legislation would prevent American forces from using congressional funds to annex Greenland
www.ft.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:13 PM
It is time for parts of the US Government to step up & ensure that Trump isn't only constrained by his "morality and his mind".
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
January 15, 2026 at 8:35 AM
It is time for parts of the US Government to step up & ensure that Trump isn't only constrained by his "morality and his mind".
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
US senators introduce bill to stop military from occupying Nato territories
Legislation would prevent American forces from using congressional funds to annex Greenland
www.ft.com
January 14, 2026 at 7:13 PM
It is time for parts of the US Government to step up & ensure that Trump isn't only constrained by his "morality and his mind".
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
For the sake of the rest of the world it is time to show that America isn't a monarchy.
www.ft.com/content/c8b3...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Imprisoned hunger striker linked to Palestine Action tells friend: ‘I’m dying’
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Imprisoned hunger striker linked to Palestine Action tells friend: ‘I’m dying’
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 10:51 AM
Imprisoned hunger striker linked to Palestine Action tells friend: ‘I’m dying’
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Francesca Nadin visited Heba Muraisi, 31, in a Wakefield prison at the weekend and says ‘her body is shutting down’
www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026...
Attempts to push through #deepseamining is stirring up strong opposition in Guam and islands ...
www.guampdn.com/news/groups-...
www.guampdn.com/news/groups-...
Groups collect over 60K petitions, letters opposing deep-sea mining
More than 60,000 petitions, letters, and comments in opposition to the Trump administration’s plans to allow deep-sea mining near the Mariana Trench have been collected from Guam and the Commonwealth
www.guampdn.com
January 14, 2026 at 10:37 AM
Attempts to push through #deepseamining is stirring up strong opposition in Guam and islands ...
www.guampdn.com/news/groups-...
www.guampdn.com/news/groups-...
46 civil society organisations have written to Glencore to stress the legal and reputational risks concerning their off-take agreement with The Metals Company, if TMC mine via a US licence in international waters
dsm-campaign.org/civil-societ...
dsm-campaign.org/civil-societ...
Civil society groups urge Glencore to reconsider links to deep-sea mining - Deep Sea Mining Campaign
The Deep Sea Mining Campaign has coordinated a joint letter signed by 46 civil society organisations from around the world, raising serious concerns about The Metals Company (TMC) and its application ...
dsm-campaign.org
January 14, 2026 at 10:16 AM
46 civil society organisations have written to Glencore to stress the legal and reputational risks concerning their off-take agreement with The Metals Company, if TMC mine via a US licence in international waters
dsm-campaign.org/civil-societ...
dsm-campaign.org/civil-societ...
January 14, 2026 at 9:53 AM
No surprise there... More proposed destruction in the Nimba mountain range
An unpublished environmental impact study obtained by @climaterights.bsky.social concludes that a massive iron ore project in the Nimba Mountains in Guinea could have major negative environmental, climate, and human impacts. 👇
Guinea: Iron Project Threatens Forests and Communities
Leaked Study Explains How World Heritage Site Would Be at Risk
cri.org
January 13, 2026 at 10:44 PM
No surprise there... More proposed destruction in the Nimba mountain range
Interesting report stressing the growth in critical minerals policies globally ... noting that "market-distorting interventions may exacerbate volatility unless accompanied by cross-border coordination."
www.mining.com/over-60-of-c...
www.mining.com/over-60-of-c...
Over 60% of critical minerals demand met through global trade: IEF
The IEF report predicts global demand for copper, nickel, cobalt, lithium and rare earths rising from 28 million tonnes in 2021 to nearly 41 million by 2040.
www.mining.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Interesting report stressing the growth in critical minerals policies globally ... noting that "market-distorting interventions may exacerbate volatility unless accompanied by cross-border coordination."
www.mining.com/over-60-of-c...
www.mining.com/over-60-of-c...
I would argue around 80% of all mined commodities are on the US's critical minerals list is at least partly because different miners, and/or industries, have lobbied hard to have them included & gain benefits.
Are 80% of minerals really 'critical'?
www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
Are 80% of minerals really 'critical'?
www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
Every mineral is critical in the new metals age
The U.S. Geological Survey's (USGS) updated critical minerals list now encompasses 60 different materials, representing around 80% of all the mined commodities on the periodic table.
www.reuters.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:44 PM
I would argue around 80% of all mined commodities are on the US's critical minerals list is at least partly because different miners, and/or industries, have lobbied hard to have them included & gain benefits.
Are 80% of minerals really 'critical'?
www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
Are 80% of minerals really 'critical'?
www.reuters.com/markets/comm...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Sorry, Trump and Farage – London is no lawless ‘warzone’. Violent crime is lower than ever
Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Sorry, Trump and Farage – London is no lawless ‘warzone’. Violent crime is lower than ever | Sadiq Khan
Reform’s new candidate for mayor claims people pity Londoners for living in an unsafe capital. But the evidence is clear: we’re making our streets safer, says mayor of London Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:31 PM
Sorry, Trump and Farage – London is no lawless ‘warzone’. Violent crime is lower than ever
Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Sadiq Khan
www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
"The United Nations’ 1962 Declaration on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources was born of this experience, asserting that nations have the right to control their own wealth for the benefit of their people. Six decades on, that principle is being tested again"
asiatimes.com/2025/12/us-i...
asiatimes.com/2025/12/us-i...
US-Indonesia minerals deal points to new global trade era - Asia Times
The new geopolitics of trade is no longer written in tariffs alone. It is etched into nickel seams, coded into battery supply chains and negotiated
asiatimes.com
January 12, 2026 at 12:35 PM
"The United Nations’ 1962 Declaration on Permanent Sovereignty over Natural Resources was born of this experience, asserting that nations have the right to control their own wealth for the benefit of their people. Six decades on, that principle is being tested again"
asiatimes.com/2025/12/us-i...
asiatimes.com/2025/12/us-i...
Reposted by Andy Whitmore
Much of the deep ocean floor is made up of extremely fine sediment. Fine particles from dsm would stay suspended for long periods, smothering life, disrupting feeding, and altering ecosystems far from where mining occurs.
👉 Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#MindblownMondays #StopDSM #DSMC
👉 Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#MindblownMondays #StopDSM #DSMC
January 12, 2026 at 6:28 AM
Much of the deep ocean floor is made up of extremely fine sediment. Fine particles from dsm would stay suspended for long periods, smothering life, disrupting feeding, and altering ecosystems far from where mining occurs.
👉 Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#MindblownMondays #StopDSM #DSMC
👉 Learn more: linktr.ee/nodeepseamin...
#MindblownMondays #StopDSM #DSMC