Since this is the beginning of summer, I thought it be would fun to relax with some current events that remind us permitting problems are nothing new, and mining has never been more important.
And you thought California was slow . . .
After 137 years a building permit has finally been issued by the City of Barcelona for the spectacular Basilica of the Sagrada Familia.
Although the first stone was laid in 1882, the building has been under illegal construction for 137 years. Antoni Gaudi personally submitted the signed application and blueprints in 1885.
But the permit doesn’t include the project’s external access staircase. It will continue to be studied by local residents and organizations.
Construction is on track to be completed in 2026, and will commemorate the centenary of Mr. Gaudi’s death.
It would be fun to see a copy of the permit application displayed in the planned museum space!
Musk looks at mining
In case you missed Elon Musk’s annual meeting last week, he unveiled his “cyberpunktruck” (electric pickup), but that it wasn’t much good without the scaling of battery production. He mentioned he “might” have to get into the mining business. He apparently laughed a little when he said it, but his Boring Company knows how to dig, and Space X is on its way to asteroid mining. Mmmm . . . I’m waiting for his reaction when he confronts his first “environmental space protectors” protesters!
What’s holding up the China trade agreement?
Well, it could be that China is playing the rare earths card. Currently they supply 80% of what the US imports, and if they threaten to cut off supplies that affects everything from smart phones to electric vehicles, wind turbines, medical equipment, defense, aircraft, electronics, and much more. This could get interesting though, if the US decides to pursue more related mining. In addition, there are at least 4 other countries that are getting ready to gear up in a big way. Demand for rare earths and other minerals will also continue alongside the growth of developing countries.
Have a sparkling Fourth!