Breaking
Bond Anchor
Author

admin

Browsing
Politics

Republican doctors clash with RFK Jr over vaccines in tense Senate showdown

Senate Democrats found unlikely allies in Senate Republicans during a fiery hearing, where Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was grilled for his stance on vaccines.

Kennedy’s testimony before the Senate Finance Committee on Thursday was billed as a discussion on President Donald Trump’s healthcare agenda, but it quickly turned into a tongue-lashing from lawmakers, who accused the secretary of lying to the panel about how he would operate the HHS and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

While a barrage of heated exchanges between Kennedy and Democrats were expected, it was heat from Senate Republicans on the panel, including a pair of doctors turned legislators, who stood out.

‘I support vaccines. I’m a doctor. Vaccines work,’ Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, R-Wyo., said. ‘Secretary Kennedy, in your confirmation hearings, you promised to uphold the highest standards for vaccines. Since then, I have grown deeply concerned.’

‘The public has seen measles outbreaks, leadership at the National Institutes of Health questioning the use of mRNA vaccines, the recently confirmed director of Center for Disease Control and Prevention fired,’ he continued. ‘Americans don’t know who to rely on.’  

When asked what he would do to ensure that vaccine guidance was clear, Kennedy said, ‘We’re going to make it clear, evidence-based and trustworthy for the first time in history.’

The hearing came on the heels of a week of turmoil at the CDC, where Kennedy fired former CDC Director Susan Monarez, which led to several senior officials resigning from the agency. Before that, the secretary had cleaned out the federal government’s vaccine recommendation panel and handpicked his own members to serve, and he also moved to cancel $500 million in mRNA vaccine contracts.

Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., also serves as the chair of the Senate’s health committee and was the decisive vote to confirm Kennedy. He argued that Kennedy’s actions on vaccines appeared to counter his support for Trump’s Operation Warp Speed, a sweeping executive program by the Trump administration at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic that jump-started the production of vaccines.

He noted that both Trump and Kennedy have vowed ‘radical transparency’ when it came to the administration’s healthcare agenda, but countered that the secretary’s move to put new members on the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices appeared to be a conflict of interest.

‘I am concerned though, because many of those that you have nominated for the [Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices] board… have received revenue as serving as expert witnesses as plaintiffs for attorneys suing vaccine makers,’ Cassidy said. ‘If we put people who are paid witnesses for people suing vaccines, that seems like a conflict of interest, real quickly do you agree with that?’

‘No I don’t,’ Kennedy said, arguing that while it may seem like a bias, it was not a conflict of interest.

Not every Republican doctor on the panel went after Kennedy. Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., has long been an ally of the secretary’s and gave him room to address accusations that he was anti-vaccine.

‘Saying I’m anti-vaccine is like saying I’m anti-medicine,’ Kennedy said. ‘I’m pro-medicine, but I understand some medicines harm people, some of them have risks, some of them have benefits that outweigh those risks for certain populations, and that’s true with vaccines.’

Marshall agreed that he was not ‘anti-vax either,’ and he listed several vaccines that he believed were good but argued that it was the transparency and approach to vaccines under the HHS and CDC that he was after.

‘What I feel the difference is sometimes my friends across the aisle feel like there’s a one-size-fits-all, that they should be telling parents what to do,’ Marshall said. ‘And what you and I are fighting for is that we want to empower parents to make these decisions.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Politics

Trump’s midterm convention is the seismic shift that will reshape America

President Donald Trump has never played by the stale rules of Washington and Americans are grateful for it. His bold call for a 2026 pre-midterm convention is a political masterstroke that will cement America First policies, energize the Republican base, and ignite Generation Z voters. 

This convention is a seismic shift that sends a clear message to every politician: fight for the American people or step aside.

The GOP’s victories, from retaking the White House and strengthening congressional majorities to delivering real wins on border security, tax cuts, a stronger economy and energy independence, set the stage for Trump’s call for a pre-midterm national convention that breaks political tradition. 

While establishment Republicans cling to fundraising dinners, closed-door sessions and tired speeches that leave voters disengaged, Trump has mastered turning rallies into movements, from the electrifying 2016 campaign that flipped battleground states to the packed arenas of 2024 that reenergized the base. A pre-midterm convention would unite delegates from all 50 states to celebrate achievements, set a clear agenda and ignite voters. 

The contrast is clear. Conservative values of law and order through Trump’s National Guard blueprint to combat crime, economic freedom that fuels innovation, and family-first policies that honor tradition stand in sharp contrast to Democrat failures, including 9.1% inflation in 2022, open borders that allowed more than 11 million illegals, and foreign policy disasters that emboldened adversaries. 

By highlighting Republican successes like cutting gas prices through energy independence and appointing judges who defend constitutional rights, this convention would rebuke the Washington elite and prove Republicans deliver results while Democrats deliver excuses.

Unity is part of the strategy, but this is also a pivotal opportunity to mobilize Gen Z, the 68 million young Americans born between 1997 and 2012 who are increasingly open to conservative policies but need a reason to show up. A midterm convention can be that reason. 

Their frustration with the Left is clear: sky-high inflation, record crime and the relentless push of woke ideology. The 2025 Harvard Youth Poll found that 75% of young voters believe the country is headed in the wrong direction, with 62% citing a worsening economy under current policies and nearly half naming cost of living such as housing, food and gas as their top concern. A Yale Youth Poll revealed 35% now favor Republicans in the midterms, a notable increase from past cycles. 

Gen Z does not trust institutions and is disillusioned by political posturing. They crave authenticity while being bombarded by liberal propaganda in schools, on social media and from Hollywood. They see through empty promises of equity, knowing it means higher prices, fewer jobs and more division, with nearly 60% of Gen Z college graduates unemployed compared to just 25% of prior generations. 

President Trump understands this. A high-energy convention featuring conservative stars like Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., and Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., along with influencers such as Charlie Kirk and Anthony Raimondi, known as Conservative Ant, can deliver messages tailored for TikTok and X. 

These voices can speak directly to Gen Z’s entrepreneurial spirit with policies that support small business tax cuts, energy independence to cut gas prices and unapologetic defenses of freedom. That spark could boost Gen Z turnout by 10% to 15% in the midterms, making them the GOP’s secret weapon. Failure to capture their energy risks apathy or a drift toward third parties.

This convention will energize the grassroots and unify the Republican Party. The GOP is already outpacing Democrats in record-breaking fundraising, but a unified front delivers more than dollars. It locks in a clear midterm agenda, quashes internal battles and promises a surge of support as Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other Republican stars deliver high-profile speeches that draw major contributions. 

By showcasing Republican successes in safety, job growth, lower gas prices and judicial appointments that protect constitutional rights, against Democrat failures like open borders and green energy disasters, the convention will mobilize voters. With the economy rebounding and Trump’s approval rising, it ensures Republicans avoid complacency and secure dominance.

A midterm convention also challenges GOP lawmakers to deliver results or leave Washington. Voters are demanding accountability, expecting politicians to prove their commitment to the America First agenda by securing the border, cutting red tape and prioritizing American workers, while elevating rising stars who represent the next wave of conservative leadership. This moment is an opportunity to purge establishment Republicans who align with elites and replace them with fighters for the American people, reshaping the future bench of Congress. 

Meanwhile, Democrats are leaderless and floundering in internal chaos and deeply unpopular policies. A 2025 CNN poll shows that while 72% of Democrats say they are motivated to vote, only 58% view their party favorably, compared to 76% for Republicans. Trump’s call for a midterm convention is another power move that highlights Democratic disarray, exposing their lack of leadership, failed policies and overall weakness.

Trump’s midterm convention is not just about exposing Democratic failure, it is about building the future of the movement and securing a foundation that lasts for generations. It is now or never for conservatives. 

A pre-midterm GOP convention led by Trump represents the next chapter in his revolution, timed to capture Gen Z’s openness to conservative ideas. By rallying young voters with authenticity and real solutions to their everyday struggles, amplifying momentum, and holding Republican leaders accountable, this convention can turn frustration into lasting America First policies. 

The GOP cannot afford to let woke politics or establishment complacency derail America’s future. Seizing this moment ensures 2026 delivers not just a victory but a generational turning point that will shape the direction of this country for decades to come.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Politics

Venezuelan military jets buzz US Navy ship in ‘highly provocative’ move, Pentagon says

The Defense Department confirmed on Thursday night that two Venezuelan aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters. The incident, which the department called a ‘highly provocative move,’ comes as the Trump administration ramps up its anti-narco-terrorism efforts.

‘Today, two Maduro regime military aircraft flew near a U.S. Navy vessel in international waters. This highly provocative move was designed to interfere with our counter narco-terror operations,’ the Defense Department wrote in a statement posted to X. ‘The cartel running Venezuela is strongly advised not to pursue any further effort to obstruct, deter or interfere with counter-narcotics and counter-terror operations carried out by the U.S. military.’

On Friday, Reuters reported that the U.S. 10 F-35 fighter jets to a Puerto Rico airfield as part of its efforts to combat drug cartels.

s

Venezuela’s actions followed an unprecedented U.S. Marine strike Tuesday on a cartel-operated vessel. The Trump administration later said 11 members of the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua – a U.S.-designated terrorist organization – were killed in the strike.

Prior to the strike on Tuesday, U.S. efforts to counter cartels and international gang organizations had taken place largely in the form of seizure and apprehension operations. The strike, however, appeared to signal that the Trump administration was shifting towards a tougher new approach.

On Thursday, during a visit to Ecuador, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that two gangs were being reclassified as foreign terrorist organizations. Rubio also slammed the Venezuelan leadership’s involvement in the drug trade. He went on to condemn Nicolás Maduro as an ‘indicted drug trafficker’ and a ‘fugitive of American justice.’

‘Maduro is indicted by a grand jury in the Southern District of New York. That means the Southern District of New York presented the evidence to a grand jury, and a grand jury indicted him. And then a superseding indictment came out that was unsealed about a year and a half ago that specifically detailed Maduro’s actions,’ Rubio said on Thursday. ‘So, number one, let there be no doubt he, Nicolás Maduro, is an indicted drug trafficker in the United States, and he’s a fugitive of American justice.’

Rubio also seemed to indicate that the U.S. and its allies were working together on this tougher approach to cartels and international gang organizations. He said that ‘cooperative governments’ would help the U.S. identify drug traffickers and ‘blow them up, if that’s what it takes.’

Fox News Digital’s Caitlin McFall contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Keep Reading
By
Investing

CoTec Holdings Corp. Notes HyProMag USA Press Release Regarding Capacity Expansion Concept Study

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to note today’s press release by HyProMag USA, LLC (‘HyProMag USA’), its U.S.-based joint venture rare earth permanent magnet recycling and manufacturing company.

HyProMag USA announced the commissioning of a Concept Study to evaluate the expansion of its operations into Nevada and South Carolina in collaboration with Intelligent Lifecycle Solutions, LLC (‘ILS’)[i]. The Concept Study will be completed by PegasusTSI Inc. and BBA USA Inc. and will define design and capital requirements for additional Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (‘HPMS’)[ii] capacity and up to four new magnet production lines. The expansions are planned to complement the phased build-out of the first Texas Hub to optimize HyProMag USA’s hub-and-spoke configuration in the United States.[iii]

Julian Treger, CEO of CoTec, commented: ‘We are very excited to begin formally expanding and optimizing the footprint of HyProMag USA to Nevada and South Carolina collaborating with our partner, ILS. HyProMag USA’s NPV for the Texas hub is circa $600 million based on recent expansion plans, and the economics of expanding the hubs are linear which provides a potential 3x increase in company value with additional hubs.

Furthermore, given the recent strong increase in the price of rare earths and their associated magnets, the valuation of the Company continues to strengthen as detailed engineering, supply of feedstock and offtake discussions continue at pace. With the recent significant steps by the U.S. Government to support domestic supply and reshoring of rare earth magnet production, HyProMag USA is well positioned to support U.S. demand growth with commercial operations targeted in H1 2027. HyProMag USA continues to develop strategic partnership discussions with all stakeholders to accelerate financing, commissioning and product verification timelines.’

For further information, please refer to HyProMag USA’s press release, available at: www.hypromagusa.com

About HyProMag USA

HyProMag USA LLC is owned 50:50 by CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’) and HyProMag Limited. HyProMag Limited is 100 per cent owned by Maginito Limited which is owned on a 79.4/20.6 per cent basis by Mkango Resources Ltd. (AIM/TSX-V:MKA) and CoTec.

About CoTec

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains for the United States and its allies.

CoTec’s mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening U.S. economic and national security. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.

From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a game-changing platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca

For further information, please contact:
Braam Jonker – (604) 992-5600

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are ‘forward-looking statements’ which involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to the Company’s interest in and the proposed expansion of HyProMag USA and management’s expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments, including HyProMag USA, and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements, due to known and unknown risks and uncertainties affecting the Company, including but not limited to resource and reserve risks; environmental risks and costs; labor costs and shortages; uncertain supply and price fluctuations in materials; increases in energy costs; labor disputes and work stoppages; leasing costs and the availability of equipment; heavy equipment demand and availability; contractor and subcontractor performance issues; worksite safety issues; project delays and cost overruns; extreme weather conditions; and social and transport disruptions. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company please refer to ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company assumes no responsibility to update forward-looking statements in this press release except as required by law. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release and are encouraged to read the Company’s continuous disclosure documents which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

[i] https://www.cotec.ca/news/hypromag-usa-enters-into-agreement-with-global-electronics-recycler-intelligent-lifecycle-solutions-for-feedstock-supply-and-pre-processing-site-share-in-south-carolina-and-nevada

[ii] Patented Hydrogen Processing of Magnet Scrap (HPMS) technology developed at University of Birmingham, which liberates NdFeB magnets from end-of-life scrap streams in a cost effective and energy efficient way

[iii]https://cotec.ca/news/hypromag-usa-expands-detailed-engineering-phase-to-include-three-hpms-vessels-and-initiates-concept-studies-for-further-expansion-and-complementary-long-loop-recycling

Source

Click here to connect with CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSXV:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Empire Metals Limited Announces Interim Results

Empire Metals Limited (LON:EEE)(OTCQX:EPMLF), the resource exploration and development company, is pleased to announce its interim results for the six-month period ended 30 June 2025.

Highlights:

  • Pitfield confirmed as the world’s most significant new titanium discovery, with unparalled scale, consistency of high-grade and purity.
  • Largest drilling campaign to date launched at the Thomas Prospect delivered outstanding results and identified a large high-grade near-surface core, averaging ~6% TiO₂ over a continuous 3.6km strike.
  • Metallurgical testwork achieved a 99.25% TiO₂ product, demonstrating a highly efficient and potentially lower-cost processing route.
  • Process development work has confirmed that Pitfield’s weathered ore is ideally suited to conventional mineral separation and refining, differentiating it from ilmenite-based projects which typically face lower recoveries, higher costs, and significant environmental challenges.
  • Maiden Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’) on track for release in the coming weeks.
  • £4.5m raised in May 2025 to accelerate Pitfield development, with strong institutional support.
  • Further strengthening of board and technicial team with appointment of Phil Brumit as Non-Executive Director, Alan Rubio as Study Manager and Pocholo Aviso as Hydro-metallurgist.
  • Commenced US trading on the OTCQX in the US, broadening international investor access.

Shaun Bunn, Managing Director, commented:‘The first half of 2025 has been a period of remarkable activity and momentum for Empire. Pitfield is no longer just a discovery story – it is fast becoming recognised as a project of global importance, with results that continue to exceed expectations. Our drilling campaigns have delivered some of the highest TiO₂ grades we’ve seen to date, confirming not only the exceptional quality of the deposit but also its scale consistency and simplicity.

‘Metallurgical testwork has shown that we can achieve a product of extraordinary purity using straightforward, conventional processing methods.This rare combination of scale, grade and simplicity underpins our confidence that Pitfield can emerge as one of the world’s leading titanium projects, capable of supplying high-value sectors such as aerospace and defence for decades to come.

‘From an operational standpoint, we are now on the cusp of delivering our maiden MRE, which we believe will firmly establish Pitfield among the world’s leading titanium assets. Beyond that, the pathway is clear: complete our expanded testwork, progress to pilot-scale operations, and begin engaging directly with end-users – particularly in high-value markets such as aerospace and defence, where titanium’s strategic importance is growing rapidly.

‘It is also encouraging to see the strength of market support for what we are building and I am confident that Empire can bring this once-in-a-lifetime discovery to commercial fruition in an expedient manner. With a world-class asset, a strengthened technical team, and strong financial backing, we are exceptionally well positioned for the next phase of growth.’

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this announcement.

For further information please visit www.empiremetals.com or contact:

CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

The progress we have made during 2025 at our flagship Pitfield Project in Western Australia has been nothing short of transformational, positioning the Company at the forefront of what we believe is the most significant titanium discovery globally. This represents a generational opportunity rapidly moving from exploration success toward commercial reality.

Over the past six months, our team has demonstrated not only technical excellence but also the ability to deliver results that have redefined the perception of the Company in the market. We have moved from exploration to successfully establishing Pitfield’s potential to support long-term, large-scale, and high-value titanium supply. This achievement is reflected in the strong support we continue to receive from institutional investors, with £4.5 million raised in May 2025, and in the remarkable performance of our share price, which has risen more than 500% since the beginning of the year in response to a series of consequential milestone achievements.

What sets Pitfield apart is not just its extraordinary scale, but the exceptional quality of its titanium mineralisation. Unlike many other titanium projects around the world, Pitfield benefits from high-grade mineralisation from surface which has been proven to be of exceptional purity, being very low in deleterious contaminants but also amenable to simple, conventional mining methods due to its unique geological profile. Equally important, our metallurgical work has confirmed that simple, conventional processing can deliver an exceptionally pure titanium dioxide product, grading 99.25% TiO₂.

This combination of scale, grade, purity, and processing simplicity puts Pitfield in a league of its own. The Project is also located in Western Australia – a Tier One mining jurisdiction with world-class infrastructure, stable governance, a skilled workforce and a deeply rooted mining culture. Together, these advantages create a foundation for Pitfield to become a globally significant source of titanium supply.

During the first half of 2025, we advanced Pitfield across multiple fronts. A major drilling campaign was launched in February that provided not only the bulk metallurgical samples that enabled a significant scale-up of our metallurgical test work programme during the period, but also represented the next step towards defining a Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’) for Pitfield.

A further drill campaign was launched in June 2025, the largest at Pitfield to date. The programme covered more than 11 square kilometres and targeted high-grade titanium mineralisation within the in-situ weathered cap at the Thomas Prospect, with the objective of delivering the MRE. This programme delivered some of the highest titanium dioxide grades recorded to date, with selected intercepts including: 44m @ 7.87% TiO2 from surface (AC25TOM159); 50m @ 7.84% TiO2 from 4m (AC25TOM130); 54m @ 7.41% TiO2 from surface (AC25TOM118); 98m @ 7.05% TiO2 from 2m (RC25TOM062); and 98m @ 7.05% TiO2 from 2m (RC25TOM068). A large, high-grade central core was identified from this drilling which averaged ~6% TiO2 across a continuous 3.6km strike length. In addition, nearly two thirds of all drillholes averaged > 4% TiO2, with over 90% exceeding a 2% TiO2 cut-off grade.

We are now on the cusp of delivering our maiden MRE, which is expected in the coming weeks. Based on the results to date, we expect the MRE to be world-class and to serve as a foundation for the next phase of project development including mine scoping studies.

Following the process development breakthrough announced post period end in August 2025, we are progressing through the bench-scale and large-scale batch metallurgical testwork programme, which we expect to complete by early 2026. This work will feed into the design of a continuous pilot plant, enabling us to refine the commercial flowsheet and to produce bulk samples for evaluation by prospective end-users.

While most of the world’s titanium feedstock is used to produce titanium dioxide for pigments in paints, coatings, and plastics, Pitfield’s unique quality opens doors to higher-value markets. In particular, titanium sponge (for use in titanium metal production) stands out as a strategic growth opportunity. Titanium metal is essential in defence and aerospace applications due to its remarkable strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to extreme conditions. These attributes make it critical for fighter jets, naval vessels, spacecraft, and next-generation technologies.

At a time when the geopolitical landscape is shifting rapidly, the security of titanium supply has never been more important. China has tripled its titanium sponge output since 2018 and now controls nearly 70% of global supply. The United States is 95% reliant on imports of titanium sponge and 86% reliant on imports of mineral concentrates. Similarly, the European Union is exposed to supply risks, with no meaningful domestic production. Pitfield therefore represents a unique opportunity for Empire to establish itself as a secure, Western-aligned generational supplier of titanium. This strategic positioning is already resonating strongly with investors and potential industry partners.

Corporate

As Pitfield advances toward development, we have made strategic additions to our team to ensure we have the right expertise in place. In January 2025, we were delighted to welcome Phil Brumit to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair of our Technical Committee. Phil brings more than 40 years of operational and project management experience across leading global mining companies, including Freeport-McMoRan, Lundin Mining, and Newmont Corporation. His proven track record in overseeing large-scale projects from development through to production will continue to be invaluable as we pursue an expeditious development of Pitfield.

Following the period end, we further strengthened our technical leadership with the appointments of Alan Rubio as Study Manager and Pocholo Aviso as Hydrometallurgist. Alan brings nearly three decades of experience in project evaluation and development, and will play a central role in assessing mining and infrastructure scenarios, as well as overseeing key economic studies. Pocholo, with his background in the TiO₂ pigment industry and metallurgical expertise, will lead the product development programme, optimising process flowsheets and assessing market pathways. Together, these appointments significantly enhance our ability to quickly advance Pitfield toward feasibility study stage with confidence and precision.

Alongside our operational and corporate progress, we have also been proactive in broadening awareness of the Empire investment proposition to a wider international audience. A key part of this strategy was our decision to commence trading of our shares on the OTCQB Market in the United States in March 2025. We were particularly pleased to be upgraded to the OTCQX Market only a few months later, which is a significant step forward in providing US investors with greater visibility of, and access to, Empire.

Trading on OTCQX opens the Company to a deep and diverse pool of new shareholders, many of whom are actively seeking exposure to strategic metals. Titanium is formally recognised as a critical mineral in numerous jurisdictions, including the United States, and our marketing initiatives across North America have confirmed the strong appetite for high-quality investment opportunities in this sector. Empire is therefore exceptionally well positioned to capture growing international investor interest as Pitfield advances toward commercialisation.

Financial

As an exploration and development group which has no revenue, we are reporting a loss for the six months ended 30 June 2025 of £1,704,821 (30 June 2024: loss of £1,389,318).

In May 2025, the Company announced that it had raised £4.5 million before expenses by way of a placing of 47,368,423 new ordinary shares of no par value to new and existing investors at 9.5p per share.

The Group’s cash position as at 30 June 2025 was £6.3 million.

Outlook

The months ahead will be a busy and exciting time for Empire Metals. The maiden MRE will provide a foundation for detailed project evaluation, while ongoing metallurgical testwork will further optimise our flowsheet and advance our understanding of Pitfield’s product potential. As we transition into the pilot testing phase, we will be engaging more closely with potential customers, including those in the titanium metal supply chain, to position Pitfield as a long-term, strategic source of secure supply.

At the same time, we will continue to strengthen our team and capabilities to match the scale of the opportunity before us. With a world-class asset, a highly experienced team, strong financial backing, and a supportive market, we are exceptionally well placed to deliver on the unprecendented opportunity Pitfield presents.

I would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and confidence in Empire. The progress we have made in such a short time has been extraordinary, and I firmly believe we are only at the beginning of a highly rewarding journey that will see Pitfield become established as one of the most important titanium projects globally.

With Pitfield, we are building the foundations of a secure, generational-scale titanium supply business that has the potential to reshape the global titanium industry. The coming months promise to be both exciting and defining, and I look forward to updating you on our continued progress.

Neil O’Brien

Non-Executive Chairman

3 September 2025

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME


NOTES TO THE INTERIM FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. General Information

The principal activity of Empire Metals Limited (‘the Company’) and its subsidiaries (together ‘the Group’) is the exploration and development of precious and base metals. The Company’s shares are quoted on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange. The Company is incorporated in the British Virgin Islands and domiciled in the United Kingdom. The Company was incorporated on 10 February 2010 under the name Gold Mining Company Limited. On 10 October 2016 the Company changed its name from Noricum Gold Limited to Georgian Mining Corporation and subsequently on 10 February 2020 changed its name from Georgian Mining Corporation to Empire Metals Limited.

The address of the Company’s registered office is Craigmuir Chambers, PO Box 71, Road Town, Tortola BVI.

2. Basis of Preparation

The condensed consolidated interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the AIM Rules for Companies. As permitted, the Company has chosen not to adopt IAS 34 ‘Interim Financial Statements’ in preparing this interim financial information. The condensed interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024, which have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union.

The interim financial information set out above does not constitute statutory accounts. They have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the recognition and measurement criteria of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union. Statutory financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 were approved by the Board of Directors on 5 June 2025. The report of the auditors on those financial statements was unqualified.

Going concern

The Directors, having made appropriate enquiries, consider that adequate resources exist for the Group to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future and that, therefore, it is appropriate to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the condensed interim financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2025.

The factors that were extant in the 31 December 2024 Annual Report are still relevant to this report and as such reference should be made to the going concern note and disclosures in the 2024 Annual Report.

Risks and uncertainties

The Board continuously assesses and monitors the key risks of the business. The key risks that could affect the Group’s medium-term performance and the factors that mitigate those risks have not substantially changed from those set out in the Group’s 31 December 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements, a copy of which is available on the Group’s website: https://www.empiremetals.co.uk. The key financial risks are liquidity risk, foreign exchange risk, credit risk, price risk and interest rate risk.

Critical accounting estimates

The preparation of condensed interim financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, income and expenses, and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the end of the reporting period. Significant items subject to such estimates are set out in note 4 of the Group’s 31 December 2024 Annual Report and Financial Statements. Actual amounts may differ from these estimates. The nature and amounts of such estimates have not changed significantly during the interim period.

3. Accounting Policies

The same accounting policies, presentation and methods of computation have been followed in these condensed interim financial statements as were applied in the preparation of the Group’s annual financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

3.1 Changes in accounting policy and disclosures

(a) New and amended standards mandatory for the first time for the financial periods beginning on or after 1 January 2025.

The International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) issued various amendments and revisions to International Financial Reporting Standards and IFRIC interpretations. The amendments and revisions were applicable for the period ended 30 June 2025 but did not result in any material changes to the Financial Statements of the Group.

b) New standards, amendments and interpretations in issue but not yet effective or not yet endorsed and not early adopted.

There are a number of standards, amendments to standards, and interpretations which have been issued by the IASB that are effective in future accounting periods and which have not been adopted early.

4. Administrative expenses

5. Dividends

No dividend has been declared or paid by the Company during the six months ended 30 June 2025 (2024: nil).

6. Intangible Assets

The Exploration & Evaluation additions in the current period primarily relates to work performed at the Company’s Pitfield project.

The Directors do not consider the asset to be impaired.

7. Held for Sale Asset


The Company continue to work on a potential divestment of the Eclipse project and are actively engaged with a number of Australian companies operating in the gold mining sector to find a buyer. Management are committed to the sale of the Eclipse licence.

8. Trade and Other Payables

9. Share capital and share premium

10. Earnings per share

The calculation of the total basic loss per share of 0.260 pence (30 June 2024: 0.230 pence) is based on the loss attributable to equity owners of the parent company of £1,704,821 (30 June 2024: £1,389,318 ) and on the weighted average number of ordinary shares of 651,359,884 (30 June 2024: 595,703,671) in issue during the period.

Details of share options that could potentially dilute earnings per share in future periods are disclosed in the notes to the Group’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.

2,000,000 options were granted during the period. The total number of options outstanding at 30 June 2025 is 67,200,000.

11. Commitments

Commitments stated in the Group’s Annual Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024 remain.

12. Events after the balance sheet date

There have been no events after the reporting date of a material nature.

13. Approval of interim financial statements

The condensed interim financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 3 September 2025.

Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) Disclosure

Certain information contained in this announcement would have been deemed inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, as incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, until the release of this announcement.

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

Source

Click here to connect with Empire Metals Limited (LON:EEE)(OTCQX:EPMLF) to receive an Investor Presentation

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

Alvopetro Announces August 2025 Sales Volumes

Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ALV,OTC:ALVOF) (OTCQX: ALVOF) announces August sales volumes of 2,375 boepd, based on field estimates. In Brazil August sales volumes averaged 2,257 boepd, including natural gas sales of 12.7 MMcfpd, associated natural gas liquids sales from condensate of 132 bopd and oil sales of 9 bopd. The large relative contribution of production from our 100% Murucututu field in August relates to the start of production from our 183-D4 well which commenced production later in August. From August 20 through September 3 the 183-D4 well produced at an average rate of 162 e 3 m 3 d (5.7 MMcfpd, 954 boepd) and we recovered 5,482 barrels of completions fluid and 1,033 barrels of natural gas liquids from condensate. Over the past 24 hours the well is producing through a constant 3664’choke at an average rate of 179 e 3 m 3 d (6.3 MMcfpd, 1,052 boepd) with a 1,015 psi flowing wellhead pressure and recovered 151 barrels of condensate (total well production 1,203 boepd) and 117 barrels of completions fluid. There are 10,322 barrels of 15,806 barrels of completions fluid left to recover. Given these extremely strong production results we are currently producing the Murucututu field from this single well as we are limited by our current facility capacity at Murucututu. As we continue to monitor these initial flow results, we will be evaluating options to improve production capacity of the system to allow for more production from the Murucututu field.

In Canada , August sales volumes averaged 118 bopd from our two initial wells. We have recently added production from our most recently drilled two multi-lateral wells (1.0 net) at Big Gully that were drilled with an aggregate of over 19 kilometers of open hole reservoir contact and expect oil sales from these wells to commence in September.

Natural gas, NGLs and crude oil sales:

August

2025

July

2025

Q2

2025

Brazil:

Natural gas (Mcfpd), by field:

Caburé

9,513

11,120

11,811

Murucututu

3,185

1,753

1,191

Total natural gas (Mcfpd)

12,698

12,873

13,002

NGLs (bopd)

132

130

128

Oil (bopd)

9

9

3

Total (boepd) – Brazil

2,257

2,284

2,298

Canada:

Oil (bopd) – Canada

118

134

138

Total Company – boepd (1)

2,375

2,418

2,436

(1) Alvopetro reported volumes are based on sales volumes which, due to the timing of sales deliveries, may differ from production volumes.

Corporate Presentation

Alvopetro’s updated corporate presentation is available on our website at: http://www.alvopetro.com/corporate-presentation .

Social Media

Follow Alvopetro on our social media channels at the following links:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AlvopetroEnergy
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alvopetro/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/alvopetro-energy-ltd

Alvopetro Energy Ltd. is deploying a balanced capital allocation model where we seek to reinvest roughly half our cash flows into organic growth opportunities and return the other half to stakeholders. Alvopetro’s organic growth strategy is to focus on the best combinations of geologic prospectivity and fiscal regime. Alvopetro is balancing capital investment opportunities in Canada and Brazil where we are building off the strength of our Caburé and Murucututu natural gas fields and the related strategic midstream infrastructure.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Abbreviations:

boepd                    =

barrels of oil equivalent (‘boe’) per day

bopd                      =

barrels of oil and/or natural gas liquids (condensate) per day

e 3 m 3 /d                   =

thousand cubic metre per day

m 3 =

cubic metre

m 3 /d                       =

cubic metre per day

Mcf                         =

thousand cubic feet

Mcfpd                     =

thousand cubic feet per day

MMcf                      =

million cubic feet

MMcfpd                  =

million cubic feet per day

NGLs                     =

natural gas liquids (condensate)

psi                          =

pounds per square inch

BOE Disclosure

The term barrels of oil equivalent (‘boe’) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf/bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. All boe conversions in this news release are derived from converting gas to oil in the ratio mix of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil.

Well Results

Initial production results from the 183-D4 well should be considered preliminary. There is no representation by Alvopetro that the initial production results relating to the 183-D4 well contained in this press release are necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on such data as such data may not be indicative of future performance of the well or of expected production or operational results for Alvopetro in the future.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Language

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘may’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘forecast’, ‘anticipate’, ‘should’ and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward‐looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events. Accordingly, when relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, Alvopetro cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning future production and sales volumes, the expected timing of production and sales commencement from certain wells, and plans relating to the Company’s operational activities, proposed development activities and the timing for such activities. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon assumptions and judgments with respect to the future including, but not limited to the success of future drilling, completion, testing, recompletion and development activities and the timing of such activities, the performance of producing wells and reservoirs, well development and operating performance, expectations and assumptions concerning the timing of regulatory licenses and approvals, equipment availability, environmental regulation, including regulations relating to hydraulic fracturing and stimulation, the ability to monetize hydrocarbons discovered, the outlook for commodity markets and ability to access capital markets, foreign exchange rates, the outcome of any disputes, the outcome of  redeterminations, general economic and business conditions, forecasted demand for oil and natural gas, the impact of global pandemics, weather and access to drilling locations, the availability and cost of labour and services, and the regulatory and legal environment and other risks associated with oil and gas operations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Actual results achieved during the forecast period will vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. Current and forecasted natural gas nominations are subject to change on a daily basis and such changes may be material. In addition, the declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, reliance on industry partners, availability of equipment and personnel, uncertainty surrounding timing for drilling and completion activities resulting from weather and other factors, changes in applicable regulatory regimes and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, market uncertainty associated with trade or tariff disputes, and general economic conditions. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Although Alvopetro believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Alvopetro can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on factors that could affect the operations or financial results of Alvopetro are included in our AIF which may be accessed on Alvopetro’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and Alvopetro undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

www.alvopetro.com
TSX-V: ALV, OTCQX: ALVOF

SOURCE Alvopetro Energy Ltd.

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/September2025/04/c6415.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

10 Generative AI Stocks to Watch as ChatGPT Soars

The launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT created a major buzz around artificial intelligence (AI) stocks.

ChatGPT is an AI chatbot software application that uses machine learning techniques to emulate human-written conversations. A hitherto niche subsector in the AI industry, this technology is called generative AI, and it’s been making an impact on myriad industries, including marketing, security, healthcare, gaming, communication, customer service and software development.

The potential behind generative AI has been the primary driver behind a major stock rally that has helped the S&P and Nasdaq indices reach multiple new highs since 2023.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the generative AI market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 39.6 percent between 2024 and 2032 to reach an impressive US$967.65 billion.

Although investors can’t directly take a position in privately owned OpenAI, several technology stocks offer exposure to the expected growth in generative AI technology.

Data was gathered using TradingView’s stock screener. All market cap and share price data was current as of September 2, 2025.

Biggest generative AI stocks to watch

These 10 tech giants offer investors exposure to generative AI by offering their own chatbots and generative AI products, developing the hardware and software necessary for AI and integrating AI into their product.

1. NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA)

Market cap: US$4.15 trillion
Current share price: US$170.74

Nvidia is a pioneer and global leader in graphics processing unit (GPU) technology. The company designs the specialized chips used to train AI and machine learning models.

While it has been well known in computer and gaming spaces for decades, Nvidia’s progress in the AI sector has been the biggest growth driver in recent years. The company currently holds the title of the world’s most valuable company, coming in ahead of rivals Microsoft, Apple and Alphabet.

Nvidia’s new Blackwell GPU architecture, now in full production, delivers a significant performance leap for AI workloads compared to its predecessor. A new Blackwell Ultra system is set to be released later in 2025.

Generative AI’s explosive growth is driving the market for chips designed by companies like Nvidia and Marvell Technology (NASDAQ:MRVL), as well as for memory chips from companies like Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU), which are another important component to training generative AI systems.

2. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT)

Market cap: US$3.75 trillion
Current share price: US$505.12

The technology behemoth Microsoft has invested US$13 billion in OpenAI throughout the years, and the company’s current AI solutions, Bing AI and Copilot, are based on OpenAI’s technology. Microsoft has also partnered with Palantir to provide AI tools to US defense and intelligence agencies.

More recently, Microsoft’s AI branch, dubbed MAI, has branched out. In August 2025, Microsoft officially launched its first proprietary foundation model, MAI-1-preview, for its Copilot assistance, as well as a new speech model, MAI-Voice-1, designed for efficient, real-time audio processing.

3. Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL)

Market cap: US$3.41 trillion
Current share price: US$220.72

Apple has been incorporating its version of AI, Apple Intelligence, into its iPhones, MacBooks and Apple Watches. Its next major product reveal is scheduled for September 9, 2025.

The company’s main goal is to deliver AI capabilities while maintaining user privacy by prioritizing on-device processing. For more complex tasks, it uses Private Cloud Compute, a secure system that runs on Apple’s custom silicon chips and is designed to ensure data is not stored or made accessible to Apple.

Apple has partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT into its ecosystem. The upcoming iPhone 17 series is rumored to feature new AI-driven capabilities and enhanced integration of Apple Intelligence.

4. Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)

Market cap: US$2.56 trillion
Current share price: US$211.35

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, has played an important role in advancing generative AI technology. Its flagship AI model, Gemini, powers a wide range of services, with new versions continuously being rolled out. The company designs its own custom AI accelerator chips, like the TPU v5p, which are used to train large-scale language models and power its AI services.

Alphabet’s subsidiary, DeepMind, focuses on AI research and development. Its AI system AlphaFold won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2024 for its ability to predict the structure of proteins based on a protein’s unique amino acid sequence.

AI continues to be embedded across Google’s services as well. For example, AI Overviews displayed in Google Search results reach over two billion users per month as of mid-2025.

5. Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN)

Market cap: US$2.40 trillion
Current share price: US$225.34

Amazon subsidiary and cloud-computing platform Amazon Web Services (AWS) evolved out of Amazon’s transition from an online retailer to one of the world’s largest technology companies. AWS’s wide range of services includes computing, storage, databases, networking, analytics, machine learning and AI.

AWS has many AI business tools on offer across four verticals: AI services, AI platforms, AI frameworks and AI infrastructure. Generative AI is nothing new to Amazon, as the technology forms the basis of conversational experiences with Amazon’s all-too-familiar Alexa.

Since its launch in 2023, Bedrock, a service that enhances software with generative AI capabilities, has expanded its catalog of foundation models to include OpenAI’s open-weight models and Anthropic’s Claude 4. At its AWS Summit in New York, the company announced Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, an innovation to help businesses rapidly deploy and scale AI agents with enterprise-grade security and tool integration.

6. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)

Market cap: US$1.85 trillion
Current share price: US$735.11

Meta has expressed its commitment to continued research within the generative AI sphere with an open-source approach to its software developments. The giant behind Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp is one of the most influential companies in tech, sharing ranks with the likes of Microsoft and Alphabet.

Meta AI, which is built with Meta Llama 3, is integrated into Meta’s apps and also exists as a standalone website. The company’s products use machine learning to streamline Facebook ad campaign generation and help businesses reach the right consumers. This strategy has led to Meta’s ad business being a primary driver of revenue.

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has maintained that increased spending on AI infrastructure is necessary to maintain its competitive position. The company has made massive infrastructure investments over the last year and has been aggressively hiring top-tier AI talent.

7. Oracle (NYSE:ORCL)

Market cap: US$632.83 billion
Current share price: US$225.30

Oracle is a tech company that’s been around since the 1970s. In the early 2000s, it began buying up other software companies, and today it is one of the leading providers of cloud-based database management software. Its primary AI service, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) Generative AI, was released on January 23, 2024.

Oracle has positioned itself as a neutral platform, offering its customers a choice of top-tier models from various providers. It has recently expanded its offerings to include Google’s Gemini models and has also deployed OpenAI’s GPT-5 across its cloud applications and database portfolio.

Oracle maintains a long-standing partnership with Nvidia, leveraging its hardware for large-scale AI workloads. This collaboration has culminated in the company building a zettascale supercomputer using as many as 131,072 Nvidia Blackwell GPUs to tackle complex generative AI challenges.

8. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR)

Market cap: US$372.67 billion
Current share price: US$157.29

Palantir’s generative AI strategy is centered on its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP), a core product designed to help governments and commercial enterprises integrate AI into their operations with a focus on security and human-in-the-loop control.

Rather than building models for general use, Palantir’s approach is to provide a platform that enables customers to leverage large language models from various providers, like OpenAI and Google, within their own private, secure networks.

9. Salesforce (NYSE:CRM)

Market cap: US$252.86 billion
Current share price: US$241.73

Salesforce is a global leader in cloud-based customer relationship management software. In 2023, the company announced a strategy to embed generative AI across its entire product portfolio to transform how businesses interact with their customers.

In early 2025, Salesforce announced the retirement of its Einstein Copilot brand in favor of a new name, Agentforce, a fully autonomous AI agent that can handle complex, multi-step tasks across a company’s sales, service and marketing operations. The company has reported that AI agents are handling up to 50 percent of customer support conversations, which has led to a significant workforce restructuring.

10. Cisco Systems (NASDAQ:CSCO)

Market cap: US$268.49 billion
Current share price: US$67.80

Multinational digital communications firm Cisco Systems is a leader in IT and communications networks. Its strategy focuses on providing the hardware, software and security solutions enterprises need to build and deploy their own AI applications. The company has a large portfolio of multi-cloud products and applications, alongside strong relationships with Azure, AWS, Nvidia and Google Cloud.

Cisco’s AI and machine learning offerings encompass a wide range of computing solutions for enterprises, including a focus on cybersecurity. Cisco has also brought to market new generative AI tools for IT professionals, including its own AI Assistant.

In January, the company introduced Cisco AI Defense, an end-to-end solution that protects against the misuse of AI tools, data leakage and sophisticated threats beyond the capabilities of older security systems.

Generative AI stocks to watch

The following companies have not yet reached the market capitalization of our top 10, but are each worth billions of dollars and have made some amazing achievements in generative AI technology in their own right, making them interesting prospects for investors.

In alphabetical order, they are:

  • C3.ai, a company providing software as a service products to the financial and oil and gas industries. Its partnership with Alphabet allows C3.ai generative AI applications to be available on Google Cloud.
  • DynaTrace, a data-analysis company that provides real-time feedback on IT infrastructure for various companies using its generative AI assistant, Davis.

FAQs for generative AI

What is generative AI?

Generative AI is an emerging AI technology based on deep learning models and algorithms that can generate text, images or sounds in response to prompts given by users.

What are generative AI examples?

Some of the most notable examples of generative AI are ChatGPT, DALL-E 2, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, Gemini, Copilot and DeepSeek.

OpenAI’s DALL-E 2 is an AI system that can create realistic images and art from a description in natural language. Similar to DALL-E 2, Midjourney generates images from prompts. Stable Diffusion is a latent text-to-image diffusion model capable of generating photo-realistic images given any text input. Microsoft’s Copilot is a feature of the Bing search engine that leverages the same technology as ChatGPT.

What are the hottest generative AI startups?

According to technology and business magazine e-Week, in addition to ChatGPT creator OpenAI, some of the other leading generative AI startups include Hugging Face, Synthesis AI, Jasper and Cohere.

Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Keep Reading
By
Investing

How to Invest in Lithium Stocks and the Lithium Market

Despite the current low price environment, the long-term demand for battery metals is robust and offers opportunity for those interested in lithium stocks.

Seasoned metals investors who want to look beyond gold and silver are getting involved, while new investors are being drawn into the space by expanding battery market and lithium supply deals between auto makers and lithium producers.

Whatever the reason, it’s important to get familiar with the lithium market before investing in lithium stocks. Here’s a brief overview of some of the basics, including supply and demand, prices and companies.

In this article

    Where is lithium mined?

    Lithium is found globally in hard-rock deposits, evaporated brines and clay deposits. There’s some contention as to which type of deposit is superior, but generally there are challenges and upsides for both.

    The world’s largest hard-rock mine is the Greenbushes mine in Australia, and the bulk of the world’s lithium brine production comes from salars in Chile and Argentina. Most large lithium reserves are in Chile, and the prolific “Lithium Triangle” spans Chile, Argentina and Bolivia. Australia was once again the world’s largest lithium producer in 2024, followed by Chile and China.

    Canada and the United States, ranked as the seventh and ninth largest lithium producing countries, are increasingly becoming hotspots for lithium development and production as North American auto makers seek to secure domestic supply sources.

    What’s the difference between battery-grade and technical-grade lithium?

    Technical-grade lithium is used in ceramics, glass and other industrial applications, while battery-grade lithium carbonate and lithium hydroxide are used to make lithium-ion batteries. These lithium products can also be used for technical applications in a pinch, although battery-grade lithium fetches premium market prices over technical-grade. Those aren’t the only classifications, though. Pharmaceutical grade lithium carbonate is used in medicine.

    How is lithium priced?

    Getting a look at lithium prices isn’t easy, and that can make it difficult for investors who are looking to assess the viability of a given project. Pricing in the lithium industry has always been opaque due to the dominance of a few major producers, with investors having very little pricing information they can trust.

    Simon Moores of Benchmark Mineral Intelligence has emphasized that pricing can be a difficult concept for investors to grasp.

    “The biggest myth surrounding pricing is, ‘What is the price of lithium?’ Because there is no one price,” he said. “The newcomers want one lithium price, but the existing market has a wide range of lithium chemicals and then grades within a specification.’

    There are also distinct prices for lithium on markets in different regions, meaning lithium hydroxide in China will be priced slightly different than in Europe.

    For those looking to invest in lithium who want to learn about lithium prices, it’s best to read reports on lithium price trends from experts to help you understand what is happening in the market.

    What factors drive the lithium market?

    A major driver for the lithium market is its use in the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, energy-storage systems, smart phones and laptops.

    Global EV sales reached 17 million units in 2024, up 25 percent from the previous year, according to International Energy Agency (IEA) data. The figure represents more than 20 percent of all new cars sold worldwide. Looking forward, EV sales are expected to increase by another 25 percent to surpass 20 million in 2025, amounting to about one-quarter of total new car sales for the year.

    Tesla with its Nevada-based gigafactory was the first carmaker to stoke excitement in the lithium space. However, advancements in Chinese battery technologies, strategic pricing and government support led to Chinese EV maker BYD Company (HKEX:1211) overthrowing Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) as the global EV market leader in sales for 2024. That trend has continued into 2025, as Elon Musk’s involvement in US politics has also damaged Tesla’s brand for both sides of the political spectrum.

    The ascension of a Chinese automaker on the global EV stage doesn’t come as a surprise to most market insiders. The IEA is forecasting that China will see more than 14 million new EVs will be sold in 2025, representing 60 percent of all new cars sold in the country. Even more impressive, this figure is more than all EVs sold worldwide in 2023.

    When it comes to the lithium batteries that power electric vehicles, the US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data shows that in 2023, “China controlled nearly 85% of the world’s battery cell production capacity by monetary value.”

    In the US, the election of Donald Trump to a second term as president has cast a shadow over the North American EV market. On September 30, 2025, the Trump Administration is set to scrap the US$7,500 consumer tax credit for EVs offered under the Biden-era Inflation Reduction Act. Government incentives to purchase EVs has also evaporated in Canada, despite the mandate that by 2035, 100 percent of new vehicle sales must be zero-emission vehicles.

    “North America, and in particular Canada, is experiencing a slowdown of EV sales in 2025. With Trump’s latest cuts in his ‘Big Beautiful Bill,’ the USA could struggle to see any growth in the EV market overall in 2025,” said Rho Motion Data Manager Charles Lester.

    Data centers and artificial intelligence technologies represent another key demand trend for lithium as they require significant investments in battery energy storage systems.

    “Batteries are now essential — not just for EVs, but to balance power systems across sectors,” said Paul Lusty, head of battery raw materials at Fastmarkets, at Fastmarkets’ Lithium Supply & Battery Raw Materials conference in June.

    On the supply side, China has made a major push in recent years to expand its lithium mine production, leading to an oversupplied market. The resulting lithium price slump forced Australian lithium miners to stall development plans, curtail production and even place some operations on care and maintenance.

    Fastmarkets has reported that China is set to surpass Australia as the world’s largest lithium producing country by 2026.

    Lithium mine supply disruptions out of China are already having an oversized impact. In mid-August 2025, Chinese battery giant Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) (SZSE:300750,HKEX:3750) confirmed it had suspended operations at Jianxiawo, one of the world’s largest lithium mines, after the mine’s permit expired on August 9 and the company failed to obtain an extension.

    The news sent lithium spot prices higher as well as the stock values of ex-China lithium miners such as Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC), Pilbara Minerals (ASX:PLS) and Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN).

    How to invest in lithium stocks

    So what’s the best way to invest in lithium? How should investors interested in lithium stocks begin? To start, it helps to understand the lithium production landscape.

    For a long time, most lithium was produced by an oligopoly of lithium producers often referred to as the “Big 3”: Albemarle (NYSE:ALB), Sociedad Quimica y Minera (SQM) (NYSE:SQM) and FMC. Rockwood Holdings was on that list too before it was acquired by Albemarle several years ago.

    However, the list of the world’s top lithium-mining companies has changed in recent years. The companies mentioned above still produce the majority of the world’s lithium, but China accounts for a large chunk of output as well. As already discussed, the Asian nation is on track to become the largest lithium-producing country by 2026.

    For now, the biggest producer continues to be Australia, which is home to many lithium mines, including up-and-comer Liontown Resources’ (ASX:LTR,OTC:LINRF) Kathleen Valley operations. The mine entered open-pit production during H2 2024, and the plant hit commercial production in January 2025. The company is currently transitioning Kathleen Valley from an open-pit to underground mining operation, making it the state of Western Australia’s first underground lithium mine.

    In other words, lithium investors need to be keeping an eye on lithium-mining companies in Australia and other jurisdictions in addition to the New York-listed chemical companies that produce the material.

    Of course, smaller lithium stocks are worth watching too — to find out which ones are currently thriving, check out our top global lithium stocks article. You can also check out our articles on the biggest lithium stocks globally, top performing Australian lithium stocks and top Canadian lithium stocks.

    Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Keep Reading
    By
    Investing

    Aurum Resources

    Investor Insights

    Aurum Resources offers a compelling value proposition through its highly prospective gold assets in Côte d’Ivoire, a fast-emerging gold region in West Africa. Its cost-effective exploration strategy of drill rig ownership also distinguishes it from its peers.

    Overview

    Aurum Resources (ASX:AUE) is a mineral exploration company primarily focused on gold through its Boundiali and Napié gold projects in Côte d’Ivoire, West Africa.

    Côte d’Ivoire’s gold mining sector is experiencing significant growth and development, with several key projects contributing to the country’s economic expansion. The overall gold mining sector in Côte d’Ivoire is supported by substantial investments in infrastructure and exploration.

    Geopolitically, Côte d’Ivoire outperforms most developing countries in the world in political, legal, tax and operational risk metrics. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire continues to make notable strides in its political stability and Absence of Violence and Terrorism Index.

    Boundiali Gold Project – BD Target 1 Artisanal Working

    In March 2025, Aurum completed the acquisition of 100 percent of Mako Gold, bringing together its strong balance sheet and industry-leading drilling efficiencies to accelerate resource growth across northern Côte d’Ivoire. The company now holds a 90 percent interest in the highly prospective Napié Project, a 224 sq km land package with a 30 km strike near Korhogo.

    Aurum has delivered a major milestone in 2025 with a +50 percent increase in the JORC Mineral Resource Estimate at its Boundiali Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire, adding 820koz for a total of 2.41Moz. This lifts the company’s group resources to 3.28Moz, including Napié, highlighting the scale and growth potential of Aurum’s portfolio.

    Supported by a seasoned board and management team with deep gold sector expertise—and strengthened by its recent capital raising—Aurum is well-funded to expand resources and advance development plans that drive long-term shareholder value.

    Company Highlights

    • 3.28Moz and Growing in Côte d’Ivoire: Two cornerstone gold projects — Boundiali (2.41Moz) and Napié (0.87Moz) — positioned for rapid growth with multiple resource updates and development milestones in 2025–2026.
    • Outstanding Metallurgy = Simple, Profitable Processing: Boundiali delivers free milling ore with 95 percent recoveries and a straightforward flowsheet, while Napié achieves +94 percent recoveries in tests, showcasing strong economics and low technical risk.
    • Aggressive, Cost-Effective Growth Strategy: In-house drill fleet drives efficiency and scale: 100,000m at Boundiali and 30,000m at Napié planned in 2025.
    • Premier Mining Jurisdiction: Located in Côte d’Ivoire’s prolific Birimian Greenstone Belt, backed by a stable, supportive government and excellent infrastructure—creating the right conditions for mine development success.
    • Leadership with a Proven Track Record: A seasoned management team with a history of value creation, supported by committed shareholders who back the company’s long-term growth vision.

    Key Projects

    Boundali Gold Project

    The Boundiali gold project in Cote d’Ivoire is located within the Boundiali Greenstone Belt, which hosts Resolute’s Syama gold operation (11.5 Moz) and the Tabakoroni deposit (1 Moz) in Mali. Neighbouring assets also include Barrick’s Tongon mine (5 Moz) and Montage Gold’s Kone project (4.5 Moz).

    The Boundiali project area covers the underexplored southern extension of the Boundiali belt, where a highly deformed synclinal greenstone horizon traverses finer-grained basin sediments, and to the west, Tarkwaian clastic rocks lie in contact with a granitic margin. The project benefits from year-round road access and excellent infrastructure.

    The first stage of drilling at Boundiali occurred from late October 2023 to end of November 2024 for both the BM and BD tenements (BM1 and BM2; BD1, BD2 and BD3 targets) and was designed to test below-gold-in-soil anomalies oriented along NE trending structures, define new gold prospects and define maiden JORC resources. With over 63,000m diamond holes drilled during this period, Maiden JORC gold resources estimate was delivered in late December 2024.

    Drilling costs are estimated at US$45 per metre, as Aurum owns all of its eight drilling rigs and employs its operators, representing a significant value proposition relative to peers who use commercial drilling companies that charge upwards of $200 per meter. The company believes there is potential for multi-million ounce gold resources to be defined with hundreds thousands meters of drilling over years within the Boundiali Gold Project’s land holding areas.

    The Boundiali gold project comprises four contiguous granted licenses: PR0808 (80 percent interest), PR0893 (80 percent and earning to 88 percent interest), PR414 (100 percent interest), and PR283 (earning to 70 percent interest). Historic exploration at PR0893 includes 93 AC drill holes and four RC holes. Airborne geophysical surveying, geological mapping and extensive soil sampling have also been performed at PR0893, while PR0808 has had 91 RC holes drilled for 6,229 metres along with geochemical analysis and modeling. Detailed geochemical sampling and drilling at PR414 revealed three strong gold anomalies and returned impressive high-grade results.

    In May 2024, Aurum entered a strategic partnership agreement to earn up to a 70 percent interest in exploration tenement PR283, to be renamed Boundiali North (BN). Aurum, through subsidiary Plusor Global Pty Ltd, has partnered with Ivorian company Geb & Nut Resources Sarl and related party (GNRR) to explore and develop the Boundiali North (BN) tenement which covers 208.87sq km immediately north of Aurum’s BD tenement. Further to this agreement,

    Aurum announced it has earned 80 percent project interest after completing more than 20,000 m of diamond core drilling.

    Boundiali Project JORC Mineral Resource Estimate

    Aurum has announced a maiden independent JORC mineral resource estimate of 1.59 Moz gold for its 1,037 sq. km. The Boundiali Gold Project comprises the BST, BDT1 & BDT2, BMT1 and BMT3 deposits. Drilling is ongoing on these deposits, and Aurum has identified other prospects at Boundiali which have yet to be drilled. Since October 2023, the company has completed an extensive 63,927-metre diamond drilling program. This aggressive exploration campaign has rapidly defined a significant gold resource of 50.9 Mt @ 1.0 g/t gold for 1.6 million ounces.

    In August 2025, Aurum announced a 50 percent increase in the JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE). The update adds 820koz, lifting Boundiali’s resource to 2.41Moz and boosting total group resources to 3.28Moz, including Napié. The 2025 MRE covers six deposits, including BST1, BDT1, BDT2, BDT3, BMT1, and BMT3, with drilling ongoing and additional untested targets offering strong growth potential.

    Aurum is working towards completing an open pit PFS for the Boundiali Gold Project by the end of 2025. This will provide an evaluation of the project’s economics and technical feasibility.

    Napié Gold Project

    Aurum holds a 90 percent interest in the Napié Project in north-central Côte d’Ivoire, acquired through its takeover of Mako Gold. Located approximately 30 km southeast of Korhogo, the project covers a 224 sq km land package with a 30 km strike length along the highly prospective Napié Shear Zone.

    As of June 2022, Napié hosts a JORC 2012 Mineral Resource Estimate of 868,000 ounces of gold (22.5 Mt at 1.20 g/t Au), based on the Tchaga and Gogbala deposits—two of four known prospects along the shear. To date, only 13 percent of the Napié Shear has been explored, leaving substantial potential for further discoveries.

    Napié Project – Previous results with detailed mapping area on Komboro Prospect shown in black rectangle

    Project Highlights:
    • Gold Resource: Shallow open pit 0.87Moz JORC Resource at 1.20g/t Au, with mineralisation open along strike and at depth. Maximum resource depth between 160 m – 195m across the two deposits
    • Exploration Upside: Less than 13 percent of the 30 km Napié Shear has been explored, offering significant potential for resource growth.
    • Preliminary Recovery Test Work: Returned more than 94 percent average gold recoveries.
    • Resource Growth Target: First MRE update planned end of 2025, to significantly expand the resource base.
    • Infrastructure: Excellent access to hydroelectricity, roads, and water, supporting future development.

    Management Team

    Troy Flannery – Non-executive Chairman

    Troy Flannery has more than 25 years’ experience in the mining industry, including nine years in corporate and 17 years in senior mining engineering and project development roles. He has a degree in mining engineering, masters in finance, and first-class mine managers certificate of competency. Flannery has performed non-executive director roles with numerous ASX listed companies and was the CEO of Abra Mining until October 2021. He has worked at numerous mining companies, mining consultancy and contractors, including BHP, Newcrest, Xstrata, St Barbara Mines and AMC Consultants.

    Dr. Caigen Wang – Managing Director

    Dr. Caigen Wang founded Tietto Minerals (ASX:TIE), where he led the company as managing director for 13 years through private exploration, ASX listing, gold resource definition, project study and mine building to become one of Africa’s newest gold producers at its Abujar gold mine in Côte d’Ivoire. He holds a bachelor, masters and PhD in mining engineering. He is a fellow of AusIMM and a chartered professional engineer of Institution of Engineer, Australia. Wang has 13 years of mining academic experience in China University of Mining and Technology, Western Australia School of Mine and University of Alberta, and over 20 years of practical experience in mining engineering and mineral exploration in Australia, China and Africa. Other professional experience includes senior technical and management roles in mining houses, including St. Barbara, Sons of Gwalia, BHP Billiton, China Goldmines PLC and others.

    Mark Strizek – Executive Director

    Mark Strizek has nearly 30 years’ experience in the resource industry, having worked as a geologist on various gold, base metal and technology metal projects. He brings invaluable geological, technical and development expertise to Aurum, most recently as an executive director at Tietto Minerals’, which progressed from an IPO to gold production at the Abujar gold project in West Africa. Strizek has worked as an executive with management and board responsibilities in exploration, feasibility, finance, and development-ready assets across Australia, West Africa, Asia, and Europe.

    Steve Zaninovich – Non-Executive Director

    Ateve Zaninovich is a qualified engineer with over 25 years of experience in mining project development, business development, maintenance, and operational readiness, with a focus on gold, base metals, and lithium. He is currently director of operations at Kodal Minerals, where he is responsible for advancing the Bougouni Lithium Project. His previous roles include project director at Lycopodium Minerals for the Akyem Gold Project in Ghana and chief operating officer at Gryphon Minerals. Following Gryphon’s acquisition by Teranga Gold Corporation, he became vice-president of major projects and a member of Teranga’s executive management team.

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Keep Reading
    By