Radar satellite imagery from Capella Space, analyzed by Ursa Space, reveals that Russian naval vessels are no longer present at the Tartus Naval Base following the fall of the Assad regime.

Located on the Mediterranean coast, the Tartus Naval Base is one of two key Russian military installations in Syria. The second is the Khmeimim Air Base, situated near the port city of Latakia. Moscow considers both posts to be highly strategic.

If you look at optical satellite imagery over major industrial ports long enough, you’ll likely notice certain stockpiles that stand out due to their distinct, reddish-brown hues. 

These easily recognizable piles probably contain iron ore, the primary ingredient for making steel. Stockpiles mark an intermediate stage in the iron ore supply chain—a temporary pause in the journey from mine to smelter. 

Will China’s latest moves to shore up the country’s ailing property sector prove effective? And if they do, how long will it take?

The answers to these questions are critical not only for China but also for global investors across multiple sectors, given their exposure to the world’s second-largest economy.

One sector particularly affected is commodities. China’s vast industrial base and large population require substantial amounts of energy, agricultural products, and metals.

On September 26, operators at a North Carolina quartz mine halted operations after more than two feet of rain from Hurricane Helene destroyed roads, cut off power and water, and damaged infrastructure.

Even if temporary, the closure is expected to have global repercussions due to the surprisingly significant role this single mine, nestled in the Appalachian town of Spruce Pine, plays in the technology sector.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the sixth in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can effectively monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the fifth in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can effectively monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.

China is not only the world’s largest coal producer, but also its biggest consumer. Although coal's share in China’s energy mix has declined, its overall consumption continues to grow.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the fourth in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can effectively monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.

Although many countries store crude oil in vast underground caverns, China is uniquely subject to an exceptional level of scrutiny for its storage practices.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the third in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can effectively monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.

In the event of a US-led naval blockade or embargo, where would China turn for oil imports if tankers could not arrive?

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the second in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can effectively monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.

Geoffrey Craig, Senior Product Strategist

This article is the first in a series that explores how satellite-based analytics can monitor China’s energy sector for signs of military preparations.