China's Underwater Data Centre: A Bold Step to Reduce Cooling Costs and Carbon Footprint

China is testing an underwater data centre off Shanghai to reduce cooling costs. The pod uses ocean currents for low temperatures and mostly renewable energy. The underwater servers stay cool without energy-heavy air or water cooling. This project is a global first and aims to reduce the carbon footprint of China's data infrastructure. The Shanghai pod is built onshore and installed in the sea, relying mostly on power from nearby offshore wind farms. Over 95% of energy will come from renewable sources.

Two resource companies, Saturn Metals and James Bay Minerals, have launched capital raising initiatives, capitalizing on the recent rally in gold prices. These moves aim to bolster exploration efforts and potentially fund mergers and acquisitions within the sector. Saturn Metals is focused on gold exploration, developing its Apollo Hill project. James Bay Minerals is an exploration company focused on lithium properties in Quebec, Canada.

Saturn Metals has announced a $35 million placement priced at 58 cents per share, representing a 15.9 per cent discount to its last closing price. Canaccord Genuity and Petra Capital are acting as joint lead managers for the placement, with bids due by 4 pm Tuesday. This capital injection will support the ongoing development of Saturn’s Apollo project in Western Australia, an area proximal to gold mines operated by Northern Star, Gold Fields, and AngloGold Ashanti.

Saturn Metals has experienced substantial growth this year, with its shares increasing by over 220 per cent. The company’s strategic positioning near established gold producers has contributed to investor confidence and market interest. The placement is designed to further advance the Apollo Hill project and potentially facilitate strategic acquisitions in the gold sector.

Meanwhile, gold prices have been scaling new highs in 2025, delivering double-digit returns for Indian investors. This surge can be attributed to several factors, including central bank buying, U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, geopolitical risks, rising investment demand, and rupee depreciation. Experts advise that gold should be treated as a strategic hedge rather than a speculative bet, recommending an allocation of 5–10 per cent of one's portfolio to gold.

Zijin Gold International Co. also capitalized on the gold rally with a $3.2 billion IPO in Hong Kong, raising $3.2 billion in the world's largest IPO since May. Shares surged 68 per cent on debut, signaling renewed momentum for Hong Kong's listings market. The proceeds will fund the purchase of a Kazakhstan mine and finance expansion and upgrades over the next five years.

These moves highlight the significant potential for growth and investment in the gold sector, driven by the current bull market and strategic positioning of key players.