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. – Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont says if Robert F. Kennedy Jr. doesn’t step down as Health and Human Services secretary in President Donald Trump’s administration, Americans will need to speak out.

‘We’ve got to rally the American people. This is a huge issue,’ Sanders told Fox News Digital on Monday.

Sanders, the ranking member of the Senate’s Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, said ‘I’m not a scientist, I’m not a doctor, but I do talk to scientists, and I do talk to doctors, and the evidence is overwhelming. It’s not contestable. Vaccines work. They save millions and millions of lives.’

And the progressive champion and 2016 and 2020 Democratic presidential nomination runner-up warned that ‘if Kennedy and his friends are able to make people think that vaccines are not safe, it will be a real public health crisis for America.’

Sanders is among a growing list of politicians and officials who warn that Kennedy, the longtime environmental activist and vaccine skeptic who Trump picked late last year as his health secretary in his second administration, is jeopardizing the health of Americans with his controversial moves.

‘Mr Kennedy and the rest of the Trump administration tell us, over and over, that they want to Make America Healthy Again. That’s a great slogan. I agree with it. The problem is that since coming into office, President Trump and Mr Kennedy have done exactly the opposite,’ Sanders wrote this past weekend in an opinion piece in the New York Times.

And Sanders said that ‘despite the overwhelming opposition of the medical community, Secretary Kennedy has continued his longstanding crusade against vaccines and his advocacy of conspiracy theories that have been rejected repeatedly by scientific experts.’

Sanders’ call for Kennedy to resign came after last week’s firing of Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Director Susan Monarez, less than a month after she was confirmed. The firing of Monarez came after she refused Kennedy’s directives to adopt new limitations on the availability of some vaccines, including approvals for COVID-19 vaccines.

Four other top CDC officials resigned in protest hours later, accusing the Trump administration and Kennedy of weaponizing public health.

Sanders, who was interviewed Monday after headlining the New Hampshire AFL-CIO’s annual Labor Day breakfast, charged in his statement over the weekend that Kennedy ‘has absurdly claimed that ‘there’s no vaccine that is safe and effective’.’

‘Who supports Secretary Kennedy’s views?’ Sanders asked. ‘Not credible scientists and doctors. One of his leading ‘experts’ that he cites to back up his bogus claims on autism and vaccines had his medical license revoked and his study retracted from the medical journal that published it.’

The incident received rare bipartisan pushback by some members of Congress.

But the White House defended the firing of Monarez, with White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt telling reporters on Thursday that the president has the ‘authority to fire those who are not aligned with his mission.’ 

‘The president and Secretary Kennedy are committed to restoring trust and transparency and credibility to the CDC by ensuring their leadership and their decisions are more public-facing, more accountable, strengthening our public health system and restoring it to its core mission of protecting Americans from communicable diseases, investing in innovation to prevent, detect and respond to future threats,’ Leavitt argued.

Fox News Bonny Chu and Landon Mion contributed to this story

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Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso is ready to go nuclear on Senate Democrats and their blockade of President Donald Trump’s nominees.

Before leaving Washington, D.C., for their respective home states, Senate Republicans were on the verge of a deal with their colleagues across the aisle to hammer out a deal to ram through dozens of Trump’s picks for non-controversial positions.

But those talks fell apart when Trump nuked any further negotiations over funding demands from Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y. Currently, there are 145 pending nominations on the Senate’s executive calendar, with that number expected to balloon when the upper chamber reopens for business.

Lawmakers are set to return on Tuesday, and Barrasso, R-Wyo., wants to immediately tackle the nomination quandary. He’s engaged in a public pressure campaign, writing an op-ed for the Wall Street Journal directly calling out Schumer.

Meanwhile, he’s facilitated talks among Senate Republicans on the best path forward, and told Fox News Digital in an interview that, at this point, he’s willing to do anything necessary to see the president’s picks confirmed.

‘We need to either get a lot of cooperation from the Democrats, or we’re going to have to roll over them with changes of the rules that we’re going to be able to do in a unilateral way, as well as President Trump making recess appointments,’ he said.

Senate Democrats, under Schumer’s direction, are unlikely to play ball, however.

Schumer, in response to Barrasso’s public jab against him and Senate Democrats, contended in a statement that ‘historically bad nominees deserve a historic level of scrutiny by Senate Democrats.’

‘Anybody nominated by President Trump is, in Schumer’s words, ‘historically bad.’ Why? Because they were nominated by President Trump,’ Barrasso shot back. ‘That is his sole criteria for which these people are being gone after and filibustered, each and every one of them, even those that are coming out of committee, many, many of whom are with bipartisan support.’

Unilaterally changing the rules, or the nuclear option, would allow Republicans to make tweaks to the confirmation process without help from Democrats, but it could also kneecap further negotiations on key items that would require their support to advance beyond the Senate filibuster.

Barrasso was not worried about taking that route, however, and noted that the nominees that he and other Republicans were specifically considering would be ‘sub-Cabinet level positions’ and ambassadors.

Up for discussion are changes to the debate time, what kind of nominee could qualify for a speedier process and whether to give the president runway to make recess appointments, which would require the Senate to go into recess and allow Trump to make appointments on a temporary basis.

‘When you take a look at this right now, it takes a 30-minute roll-call vote to get on cloture, and then two hours of debate time, and then another 30-minute roll-call vote,’ Barrasso said. ‘Well, that’s three hours, and it’s time when you can’t do legislation, you can’t do any of the other things.’

But there is a menu of key items that Congress will have to deal with when they return, particularly the deadline to fund the government by Sept. 30.

Barrasso acknowledged that reality, and noted that it was because of the hefty schedule that he wanted a rules change to be put front and center.

‘There’s not going to be any time to — or there’s going to be limited time, I should say, to actually get people through the nominations process, which is just going to drag on further, and you’ll have more people having hearings and coming out of committees,’ he said.  

‘This backlog is going to worsen this traffic jam at the Schumer toll booth. So, we are going to do something, because this cannot stand.’

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Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) (OTCMKTS:ALTHF) is pleased to announce that it has received official written confirmation for the grant qualification of the CERENERGY(R) sodium-chloride solid-state battery project in Saxony, Germany to the value of 30% of the total capital expenditure excluding working capital, financing cost and interest during construction amounting to EUR46,725,802.

Highlights

– Altech Batteries GmbH’s CERENERGY(R) battery project has been approved by Germany’s Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy as eligible for Grant receipt under the ‘STARK'(1) economic development program

– Altech Batteries GmbH’s CERENERGY(R) battery project passed the second stage of Government approval for a 30% CAPEX grant in the amount of 46.7 million Euro

– The grant approval is not yet final and conditional and subject to overall financial close and the availability of funds to be approved by the German parliament as part of the 2026 Government Budget

(1) STARK – Starkung der Transformationsdynamik und Aufbruch in den Revieren und an den Kohlekraftwerkstandorten

The STARK program supports projects that support the transformation process towards an ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable economic structure in the coal regions and is initiated by the German Federal Government and supported by the EU

Altech has been actively applying for various grants offered by the State of Saxony, Federal Government of Germany, and the European Union. The State of Saxony and Brandenburg, along with the European Union, offer substantial support for renewable energy projects, including grants under the STARK program aimed at converting lignite coal to renewable energy sources. These grants are part of broader efforts to transition regions dependent on fossil fuels toward sustainable energy solutions. Altech’s site, located in these areas, stands to benefit from various funding programs designed to support clean energy projects, including EU grants for energy transformation and innovation.

Having now received written confirmation of the STARK program for the CERENERGY(R) project, it is a great sign of support and a recognition of this innovative battery technology jointly undertaken by Altech and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft.

About Altech Batteries Ltd:

Altech Batteries Limited (ASX:ATC,OTC:ALTHF) (FRA:A3Y) is a specialty battery technology company that has a joint venture agreement with world leading German battery institute Fraunhofer IKTS (‘Fraunhofer’) to commercialise the revolutionary CERENERGY(R) Sodium Alumina Solid State (SAS) Battery. CERENERGY(R) batteries are the game-changing alternative to lithium-ion batteries. CERENERGY(R) batteries are fire and explosion-proof; have a life span of more than 15 years and operate in extreme cold and desert climates. The battery technology uses table salt and is lithium-free; cobalt-free; graphite-free; and copper-free, eliminating exposure to critical metal price rises and supply chain concerns.

The joint venture is commercialising its CERENERGY(R) battery, with plans to construct a 100MWh production facility on Altech’s land in Saxony, Germany. The facility intends to produce CERENERGY(R) battery modules to provide grid storage solutions to the market.

Source:
Altech Batteries Ltd

Contact:
Corporate
Iggy Tan
Managing Director
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

Martin Stein
Chief Financial Officer
Altech Batteries Limited
Tel: +61-8-6168-1555
Email: info@altechgroup.com

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Perth, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Locksley Resources Ltd (ASX:LKY) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Pat Burke as Non-Executive Chairman. Mr Burke brings proven experience and success in advancing rare earth element (REE) projects and has significant corporate governance expertise, ASX listed leadership experience and a strong track record in the resources sector.

In his role as Executive Chairman of Meteoric Resources NL (ASX:MEI), MC ~$370m, he oversaw the transformative acquisition and advancement of the Caldeira ionic clay REE project in Brazil, one of the world’s largest high grade ionic clay rare earth deposits. Mr Burke was actively involved in all aspects of the project’s initial progression, including negotiations with government agencies, local partners and funders.

He is a qualified lawyer, with over 20 years legal and corporate advisory experience. Mr Burke’s legal expertise is in corporate, commercial and securities law. His corporate advisory experience includes identification of acquisition targets, deal structuring and financing and project development.

He has held Board roles across numerous ASX companies, as well as AIM and NASDAQ-listed companies, including Mandrake Resources and Vulcan Energy Resources.

Locksley is entering a significant growth phase as it advances its Mine to Market Strategy. In conjunction with Mr Burke’s appointment, Mr Nathan Lude will transition from Chairman to the newly created role of Head of Strategy, Capital Markets & Commercialisation. This reflects the Company’s focus on advancing its U.S. minerals projects, processing pathways and downstream critical minerals and technology initiatives. In this role Mr Lude will dedicate his time to:

Downstream Technology & Commercialisation

– Coordinating Locksley’s collaboration with Rice University to fast-track antimony extraction, processing and energy storage innovation

– Securing commercial licensing opportunities, pilot site identification, and deployments

– Driving the establishment and contributions of Locksley’s U.S. subsidiary and Advisory Board

Strategic Partnerships & Government Engagement

– Building strategic partnerships and alliances with U.S. defense, energy, and targeted technology sectors

– Coordinating engagement through GreenMet, including submissions to U.S. federal and state government programs and funding opportunities such as the DOE, DoD, and EXIM Bank

Capital Markets & Investor Growth

– Overseeing marketing, investor relations, and public relations

– Coordinating with ASX funds and investors, while expanding the U.S. investor base via OTCQB

– Assessing growth pathways to OTCQX, NASDAQ, SPAC structures, and Frankfurt listing

Mr Lude commented:

‘Locksley has rapidly advanced its growth strategy in recent months, advancing both upstream project development and new downstream opportunities. This change allows me to focus on our Mine to Market initiatives in the U.S., where our projects and partnerships can meaningfully strengthen America’s critical minerals supply chain. With Pat leading the Board, drawing on his experience and success in identifying and advancing the Meteoric REE opportunity and his deep industry knowledge on critical minerals, I can dedicate my time to building the business foundations for Locksley’s next phase of investor growth.’

Mr Burke commented:

‘Locksley’s integrated approach from resource development through to downstream processing and advanced applications is well aligned with the current U.S. focus on secure, strategic critical minerals supply chains. I look forward to working with the Board and management to advance the Company’s portfolio and deliver value for shareholders.’

About Locksley Resources Limited:

Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX-listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development of critical minerals for U.S.

Mojave Project

Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 240 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block-Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials’ claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area.

In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic ‘Desert Antimony Mine’, which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With surface samples grading up to 46% Sb as well as silver up to 1,022 g/t Ag, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S.

Locksley’s North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security.

Source:
Locksley Resources Limited

Contact:
Nathan Lude
Chairman
Locksley Resources Limited
T: +61 8 9481 0389

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Q2 2025 Quarter Highlights

  • Q2 2025 production of 7,396 Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs)
  • Q2 2025 sales of 8,556 GEOs
  • Consolidated cash costs of $1,413 per GEO sold and consolidated all-in sustaining costs (‘AISC’) of $1,541 for Q2 2025
  • The Company is on track to achieve its annual sales guidance of 31,000 to 41,000 GEOs, annual cash cost of $1,800-1,900 per GEO sold and AISC of $1,950-2,100 per GEO sold for 2025
  • Mine operating earnings of $14.3M in Q2 2025
  • Closing the quarter with $29.7M in cash, $51.7 million in working capital and no debt

Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar’ or the ‘Company’) today reported unaudited financial results for the three months ended June 30, 2025 (‘Q2 2025’), which corresponds to the first quarter of Heliostar’s fiscal reporting year 2025. Results are presented in US dollars, unless stated.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘Q2 2025 was another strong quarter for Heliostar with the mines continuing to perform as expected, funding our production and resource growth programs, and further strengthening our financial position. Our consolidated margin continues to expand in a strong gold price environment, with the Company reporting an operating margin of 51%. Looking forward, the Company is restarting mining at San Agustin in late 2025 and expects to expand its production profile in Q4 2025 and into 2026. We continue to deliver on our commitment to grow the Company to a mid-tier gold producer.

‘The strong balance sheet and operating cash flow allow Heliostar to accelerate our growth plans. At La Colorada, we are drilling additional historical stockpiles with the objective of extending production through 2026 ahead of the planned pit expansion at Veta Madre. At San Agustin, the Company has satisfied all permitting requirements to develop the Corner area, and preparations are ongoing to restart mine operations before the end of the year. This restart is fully funded from cash on the Company’s balance sheet. Further, the Company has committed to an expanded $9.5 million program at Ana Paula in 2025, including a minimum 15,000 metre drilling with the objective of delivering mineral reserves to support a 10-year life of mine in the upcoming feasibility study.

‘In the quarter, the Company has been working on a number of technical reports to unlock additional value from our assets. The slightly delayed, updated La Colorada technical report will be completed in the coming weeks. A pre-feasibility study is planned for Cerro Del Gallo this year, and the feasibility study for Ana Paula is continuing to progress.’

Second Quarter 2025 Quarterly Conference Call

Heliostar will host a quarterly conference call on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Eastern Time/8:00 AM Pacific Time. The call will provide a corporate update following the release of our financial and operating results for the second quarter of 2025.

Please use the link here to register for the call or visit the Company website at www.heliostarmetals.com.

Q2 2025 Operational and Financial Highlights

Total gold production of 7,396 gold equivalent ounces (‘GEO’) (7,262 gold ounces) in Q2 2025. Gold production was realized from mining the Junkyard Stockpile at the La Colorada mine, as well as re-leaching the previously stacked ore at the La Colorada and the San Agustin mines. Consolidated production also benefited from a nominal contribution from residual production from the rinsing of residual leach pads at the El Castillo mine. Production year-to-date (‘YTD’) 2025 is consistent with the 2025 guidance issued by the Company on February 4, 2025, which remains unchanged.

Total Cash Cost of $1,413 per GEO produced in Q2 2025. The combined YTD cash cost (see ‘Non-IFRS Measures’) is $1,257 per GEO.

Total AISC of $1,541 per GEO sold in Q2 2025. The consolidated YTD AISC (see ‘Non-IFRS Measures’) is $1,602 per GEO.

Both Total Cash Costs and AISC are ahead of the 2025 guidance range; however, the Company anticipates costs will increase in the latter half of the year as residual leaching at San Agustin declines ahead of stacking new ore from the Corner area, and particularly due to one-off capital costs incurred to restart primary mining from the Corner area.

Mine Operating Earnings of $14.3 million in Q2 2025. The Company continued to report strong results in Q2 2025, with continued improvements in operating performance, as well as benefiting from selling into a rising gold market. Mine operating earnings YTD 2025 are $26.1 million.

Net income attributable to shareholders of $1.9 million, or $0.01 per share, for Q2 2025. Net income of $1.9 million ($0.01 per share) for Q2 2025 compared to a net loss attributable to shareholders of $2.3 million ($0.01 loss per share) for Q2 2024.

Strengthened financial position and liquidity. On June 30, 2025, the Company had cash of $29.7 million and working capital (defined as current assets less current liabilities) of $51.7 million, with an increase in working capital of $10.1 million over the prior quarter. As of June 30, 2025, the Company had no debt.

Achieved stable production at La Colorada mine. The mining of new ore restarted at the Junkyard Stockpile in January 2025. Production from the Junkyard Stockpile has increased steadily during Q2 2025, with operating costs as expected, grade in line with the reserve model and ore tonnes reconciling slightly higher than expected. Production YTD 2025 was 7,850 GEOs (7,572 gold ounces). Ore feed from the Junkyard Stockpile is planned to continue into 2026, with other historical stockpiles identified to provide additional material to be crushed and stacked on the leach pad thereafter. Further, subject to receiving certain regulatory approvals, the Company intends to expand the Veta Madre pit to exploit 43k ounces of gold reserves.

Restart of mining at San Agustin. The Company was able to complete the regulatory requirements to enable the approval to restart mining at San Agustin from the Corner area. Preparation work to commence mining is underway, and the Company anticipates production from the Corner starting in Q4 2025 and continuing into 2027. Recoverable reserves at the Corner are estimated at 44.5k ounces of gold.

Continuing to advance the development of the flagship Ana Paula Project. In July 2025, the Company commenced an expanded $9.5 million exploration and development program, including a minimum 15,000 metre drill program at Ana Paula Project. The program has the objective of upgrading existing inferred mineral resources to demonstrate more than a 10-year mine life in the upcoming feasibility study. Technical and regulatory programs are being advanced in parallel and will continue through 2026 to complete a bankable feasibility study.

Preparation of updated technical reports. The Company is concluding an updated technical report for La Colorada and is planning to complete a prefeasibility study (‘PFS’) for the Cerro del Gallo Project in 2025 and continues to advance the Ana Paula Project feasibility study.

Operational and Financial Results

Results are reported for the three months ended June 30, 2025 (‘Q2 2025’), which corresponds to the first quarter of Heliostar’s fiscal reporting year 2026.

A summary of the Company’s consolidated operational and financial results for the reporting period is presented below:

Key Performance Metrics Q2 2025 Q2 2024
Operational
Gold produced 7,262 0
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced 7,419 0
Gold sold 8,375 0
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold 8,556 0
Cash cost1 1,413 0
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) 1,541 0
Financial (in ‘000s)
Revenues 27,926 0
Mine operating earnings 14,256 0
Exploration expenses 1,916 1,502
Net income (loss) 1,892 (2,293)
Cash 29,703 2,379
Total assets 122,943 22,574
Working Capital 51,687 (1,121)

 

  1. Non-IFRS measure. Refer to the ‘Non-IFRS Measures’ section of this news release.

Operational Review

Consolidated Production and Costs

Q2 2025 was the Company’s third reporting period with metals production. The Company had no production in Q2 2024.

Gold production of 7,396 GEOs (7,262 gold ounces) for Q2 2025 was reported from the La Colorada mine and the San Agustin mine, with a nominal amount reported from the El Castillo mine, which has commenced reclamation. The combined YTD 2025 production of 16,477 GEOs of gold (16,039 gold ounces) is consistent with the 2025 guidance issued by the Company.

The combined cash costs for the producing operations were $1,413 per GEO sold, and the consolidated AISC was $1,541 per GEO sold. The combined cash costs and AISC are currently ahead of the 2025 guidance issued by the Company, and full-year results are expected to be within the guidance range.

La Colorada Mine

Operating results for Q2 2025 were as follows:

La Colorada Q2 2025 YTD 2025
Gold produced oz 3,464 7,572
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced GEO 3,538 7,850
Gold sold oz 3,631 6,743
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold GEO 3,747 6,997
Cash cost1 $/GEO sold 1,296 1,101
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) $/GEO sold 1,425 1,232

 

In January 2025, mining of new ore restarted at the Junkyard Stockpile by the Company, alongside re-leach activities started by the previous operator.

During the reporting period, the La Colorada mine produced 3,538 GEOs (3,464 gold ounces). Total revenues of $12.0 million were reported from sales of 3,747 GEOs. A series of actions were implemented at La Colorada to improve re-leaching performance, with gold production from re-leaching exceeding plans. Production from the Junkyard Stockpile has increased steadily during Q2 2025 and continues to meet all expected parameters.

For the reporting period, cash costs were $1,296 per GEO ($1,101 per GEO YTD 2025), and AISC was $1,425 per GEO ($1,232 per GEO YTD 2025), currently an improvement on 2025 guidance.

The Company plans to continue mining of the Junkyard Stockpile through 2025 and into 2026, with other historical stockpiles identified to provide additional, continued feed to the crushers thereafter. Further, subject to receiving certain regulatory approvals, the Company intends to expand the Veta Madre pit to exploit 43k ounces of gold reserve, which will be timed sequentially with the ore feeds from the historical stockpiles.

San Agustin Mine

Operating results for Q2 2025 were as follows:

San Agustin Q2 2025 YTD 2025
Gold produced oz 3,564 7,975
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced GEO 3,622 8,129
Gold sold oz 4,595 8,752
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold GEO 4,660 8,930
Cash cost1 $/GEO sold $ 1,529 1,407
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) $/GEO sold $ 1,597 1,485

 

In September 2024, the previous owners of San Agustin placed the mine under care and maintenance, with metals production continuing from the re-leaching of residual leach pads.

During the reporting period, the San Agustin mine produced 3,622 GEOs (3,564 gold ounces). Total revenues of $14.9 million were reported from sales of 4,660 GEOs. A series of actions were implemented at San Agustin to improve re-leaching performance, with gold production from re-leaching exceeding 2025 guidance.

For the reporting period, cash costs were $1,529 per GEO ($1,407 per GEO YTD 2025), and the consolidated AISC was $1,597 per GEO ($1,485 per GEO YTD 2025), which is currently an improvement on 2025 guidance.

The Company has completed regulatory requirements to enable the restart of mining at San Agustin from the Corner area (see News Release dated July 22, 2025). Work to commence mining is underway, including administrative programs and small ancillary capital projects, and the Company anticipates production from the Corner starting in Q4 2025 and continuing into 2027. Recoverable reserves at the Corner are estimated at 44.5k ounces of gold.

El Castillo Mine

Operating results for Q2 2025 were as follows:

El Castillo Q2 2025 YTD 2025
Gold produced oz 234 491
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) produced GEO 236 499
Gold sold oz 149 646
Gold equivalent ounces (‘GEOs’) sold GEO 150 652
Cash cost1 $/GEO sold 782 866
All-in sustaining costs1 (‘AISC’) $/GEO sold 2,679 1,729

 

In late 2022, the previous owners of El Castillo placed the mine under care and maintenance, and the mine is now considered in reclamation. Some nominal metal production has been possible from the rinsing of residual heap leach pad during reclamation activities.

During the reporting period, the El Castillo mine produced 236 GEOs (234 gold ounces). Total revenues of $0.5 million were reported from sales of 150 GEOs.

Reclamation expenditures at the El Castillo mine for the three months ended June 30, 2025, were $nil; however, $1.1 million was incurred in indirect reclamation expenditures for maintenance of land, permits and general expenses required to maintain the site in good standing. Further reclamation work will continue to be performed in 2025.

Ana Paula Project

Development and Exploration expenditures at the flagship Ana Paula Project were $0.8 million in Q2 2025 ($1.2 million in Q2 2024).

During Q2 2025, the Company initiated a $9.5 million exploration and development budget, including a minimum 15,000 metre drilling program at Ana Paula with the objective of delivering mineral reserves to support a 10-year life of mine. On August 27, 2025, the Company announced initial results from the first resource conversion holes, including 30.2 metres at 6.29 grams per tonne gold.

During Q2 2025, the Company completed trade-off studies and determined a preferred process flowsheet for the project. Technical and regulatory programs are being advanced and will continue through 2026 to complete a bankable feasibility study.

Cerro del Gallo Project

The process of advancing the additional development and engineering required at the Cerro del Gallo Project is ongoing.

During Q2 2025, the Company began a strategic review of the Project and initiated technical programs with the objective of identifying and evaluating the next development steps.

During Q2 2025, the Company commissioned the preparation of a prefeasibility study for the Cerro del Gallo Project. The study is planned to be completed in 2025. All major environmental and other permits will need to be obtained before an investment decision can be considered by the Company.

Funding Overview

In the three months ended June 30, 2025, 5,254,548 warrants and 422,082 stock options were exercised for total proceeds of $1.3 million and 906,249 RSUs were converted.

As of June 30, 2025, the Company had no debt.

Non-IFRS Measures. This news release refers to certain financial measures, such as all-in-sustaining costs, which are not measures recognized under IFRS and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS. These measures may differ from those made by other companies and, accordingly, may not be comparable to such measures as reported by other companies. These measures have been derived from the Company’s financial statements because the Company believes that they are of assistance in understanding the results of operations and its financial position. Certain additional disclosures for these specified financial measures have been incorporated by reference and can be found in the Company’s MD&A for Q4 2024, available on SEDAR+.

Cash costs. The Company uses cash costs per ounce of metals sold to monitor its operating performance internally. The most directly comparable measure prepared in accordance with IFRS is the cost of sales. The Company believes this measure provides investors and analysts with useful information about its underlying cash costs of operations. The Company also believes it is a relevant metric used to understand its operating profitability and ability to generate cash flow. Cash costs are measures developed by metals companies in an effort to provide a comparable standard; however, there can be no assurance that the Company’s reporting of these non-IFRS financial measures are similar to those reported by other mining companies. They are widely reported in the metals mining industry as a benchmark for performance, but do not have a standardized meaning and are disclosed in addition to IFRS financial measures. Cash costs include production costs, refinery and transportation costs and extraordinary mining duty. Cash costs exclude non-cash depreciation and depletion and site share-based compensation.

AISC. All-in Sustaining Costs (‘AISC’) more fully defines the total costs associated with producing precious metals. The AISC is calculated based on guidelines published by the World Gold Council (‘WGC’), which were first issued in 2013. In light of new accounting standards and to support further consistency of application, the WGC published an updated Guidance Note in 2018. Other companies may calculate this measure differently because of differences in underlying principles and policies applied. Differences may also arise due to a different definition of sustaining versus growth capital. Note that with respect to AISC metrics within the technical reports, because such economics are disclosed at the project level, corporate general and administrative expenses were not included in the AISC calculations.

Statement of Qualified Persons

Gregg Bush, P.Eng., Mike Gingles, and Stewart Harris, P. Geo., Qualified Persons, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 — Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, have reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and have approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Bush is employed as Chief Operating Officer of the Company, Mr. Gingles is employed as Vice President of Corporate Development, and Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar aims to grow to become a mid-tier gold producer. The Company is focused on increasing production and developing new resources at the La Colorada and San Agustin mines in Mexico, and on developing the 100% owned Ana Paula Project in Guerrero, Mexico.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

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 release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and ‘forward-looking information’ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘forecast’, ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘schedule’ and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things: the Company’s goal of becoming a mid-tier producer, the mine performance, production plans and the free cashflow generation from our operating mines, all profits generated from operations to be reinvested directly into our Companies growth and this reinvestment will focus on expanding production and growing resources across our portfolio.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/264693

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Apollo Silver Corp. (‘ Apollo ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) (TSX.V:APGO, OTCQB:APGOF, Frankfurt:6ZF0) is pleased to announce that, further to the Company’s news release dated October 3, 2024, it intends to proceed with the consolidation (the ‘ Consolidation ‘) of its issued and outstanding common shares (‘ Shares ‘) on the basis of five (5) pre-Consolidation Shares for every one (1) post-Consolidation Share.

Consolidation of the Company Shares should result in a price environment that allows for immediate marginability, the opportunity of greater blue-sky potential in the US and foreign markets, increased sophisticated investor interest and greater opportunity for inclusion in various indexes and/or index funds. In addition, few of the Company’s peer groups are margin eligible, providing the Company another advantage over our peers,’ commented Ross McElroy, President and CEO.

Prior to the Consolidation the Company has 242,585,395 Shares issued and outstanding. Following the Consolidation, the Company will have approximately 48,517,079 Shares issued and outstanding.

No fractional Shares will be issued under the Consolidation. The holdings of any shareholder who would otherwise be entitled to receive a fractional Share as a result of the Consolidation shall be rounded to the nearest whole number and no cash consideration will be paid in respect of fractional Shares. The Consolidation will not affect any shareholder’s percentage ownership in the Company other than by the minimal effect of the aforementioned elimination of fractional Shares, even though such ownership will be represented by a smaller number of Shares. Instead, the Consolidation will reduce proportionately the number of Shares held by all shareholders.

A letter of transmittal will be mailed to registered shareholders providing instructions with respect to exchanging share certificates representing pre-Consolidation Shares for post-Consolidation Shares. Shareholders who hold their Shares in brokerage accounts or in book-entry form are not required to take any action as they will have their holdings electronically adjusted by the Company’s transfer agent or by their brokerage firms, banks, trust or other nominees. In accordance with the Company’s Articles, the Consolidation will not require shareholder approval and was approved by the Company’s Board of Directors on October 2, 2024.

The Company will issue a subsequent news release to announce the effective date of the Consolidation once approval has been received from the TSX Venture Exchange (‘ TSXV ‘), as the Consolidation remains subject to regulatory approval.

About Apollo Silver Corp.

Apollo is advancing one of the largest undeveloped primary silver projects in the US. The Calico project hosts a large, bulk minable silver deposit with significant barite credits – a critical mineral essential to the US energy and medical sectors. The Company also holds an option on the Cinco de Mayo Project in Chihuahua, Mexico, which is host to a major carbonate replacement (CRD) deposit that is both high-grade and large tonnage. Led by an experienced and award-winning management team, Apollo is well positioned to advance the assets and deliver value through exploration and development.

Please visit www.apollosilver.com for further information.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Ross McElroy
President and CEO

For further information, please contact:

Email: info@apollosilver.com

Telephone: +1 (604) 428-6128

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 release.

This news release includes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. All statements included in this news release, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements including, without limitation the completion of the Consolidation; the receipt of approval for the Consolidation by the TSXV; and the expected benefits of the Share-Consolidation, including potential for a trading price environment that may allow for immediate marginability, an advantage over competition, and greater blue-sky potential in the U.S. and foreign markets, increased interest from sophisticated investors, and the potential for inclusion in various indexes. Forward-looking statements include predictions, projections and forecasts and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘budget’ and ‘intend’ and statements that an event or result ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘could’ or ‘might’ occur or be achieved and other similar expressions and includes the negatives thereof.

Forward-looking statements are based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis, and opinions of the management of the Company made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management of the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date that such statements are made. Forward-looking information is based on reasonable assumptions that have been made by the Company as at the date of such information and is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may have caused actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: risks associated with mineral exploration and development; metal and mineral prices; availability of capital; accuracy of the Company’s projections and estimates; realization of mineral resource estimates, interest and exchange rates; competition; stock price fluctuations; availability of drilling equipment and access; actual results of current exploration activities; government regulation; political or economic developments; environmental risks; insurance risks; capital expenditures; operating or technical difficulties in connection with development activities; personnel relations; and changes in Project parameters as plans continue to be refined. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including but not limited to the price of silver, gold and Ba; the demand for silver, gold and Ba; the ability to carry on exploration and development activities; the timely receipt of any required approvals; the ability to obtain qualified personnel, equipment and services in a timely and cost-efficient manner; the ability to operate in a safe, efficient and effective matter; and the regulatory framework regarding environmental matters, and such other assumptions and factors as set out herein. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate and actual results, and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking information contained herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained herein is presented for the purpose of assisting investors in understanding the Company’s expected financial and operational performance and the Company’s plans and objectives and may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws .

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A new push by states to tax the real estate of the wealthy has sparked a backlash among brokers and potential buyers, who say the taxes punish the most important local spenders.

From tax hikes on pricey second homes in Rhode Island and Montana to Cape Cod’s proposed transfer tax on homes over $2 million and the L.A. mansion tax, state and local governments see a revenue gold mine in the pricey properties of the wealthy.

“It’s a smack in the face to people who just spend money here,” said Donna Krueger-Simmons, sales agent with Mott & Chace Sotheby’s International in Watch Hill, Rhode Island.

The tax hikes are being driven by tighter state budgets and populist anger over housing costs. States are looking to offset budget cuts expected from the new tax and spending bill in Washington. At the same time, the housing market has become a tale of two buyers, with the middle class and younger families struggling to afford homes while the luxury housing market thrives from wealthy all-cash buyers.

The solution for many states: tax the homes of the rich.

Rhode Island’s new levy, nicknamed “The Taylor Swift Tax,” is among the most extreme. The popstar bought a beach house in the state’s elite Watch Hill community in 2013.

The measure imposes a new surcharge on second homes valued at more than $1 million. For non-primary residences, or those not occupied for more than 182 days a year, the state will charge $2.50 for every $500 in assessed value above the first $1 million. That charge is on top of existing property taxes and will add up to big increases for luxury homes in Newport, Watch Hill and other well-heeled, summer communities in the state.

A version of this article appeared in CNBC’s Inside Wealth newsletter with Robert Frank, a weekly guide to the high-net-worth investor and consumer. Sign up to receive future editions, straight to your inbox.

Swift’s house, for instance, is assessed at around $28 million, according to local real estate records. Her current property taxes are estimated at around $201,000 a year. The new charges will add another $136,442 to her annual taxes, bringing her yearly total to $337,442 — even though locals say she rarely visits.

Real estate brokers say the increase targets the very taxpayers who already contribute the most. Wealthy second-homeowners pay hefty property taxes but don’t use many local services, since their primary residences are in New York; Boston; Palm Beach, Florida; or other locales. Their kids typically don’t attend the local schools, and they’re infrequent users of the police, fire, water and other municipal services since most stay for only 10 to 12 weeks out of the year.

“These are people who just come here for the summer, spend their money and pay their fair share of taxes,” said Krueger-Simmons. “They’re getting penalized just because they also live somewhere else.”

Brokers and longtime residents say the summer residents of Newport, Watch Hill and other seasonal beach towns are the economic engines for local businesses, restaurants and hotels.

“You’re just hurting the people who support small business,” said Lori Joyal, of the Lila Delman Compass office in Watch Hill. “You’re chasing away the people who spend most of the money in these towns.”

Rhode Island is also hiking its conveyance tax on luxury real estate starting in October. The tax on real estate sales will be an additional $3.75 for each $500 paid above $800,000 for a real estate purchase. At the same time, the state’s steep estate tax deters many of the ultra-wealthy from living there full-time.

Brokers say some second-home owners are considering selling and many would-be buyers are pausing their purchases. While the tax hike alone isn’t expected to lead to any significant wealth flight, Joyal said potential buyers in Rhode Island are already looking at coastal towns in Connecticut as alternatives.

“It’s always about choices,” she said. “At the end of the day it’s about how they can choose to spend their discretionary dollars. Connecticut has some beautiful coastal towns without some of these other high taxes.”

Montana has passed a similar tax. The influx of Californians and other affluent newcomers who poured into the state during Covid has led to soaring home prices and growing resentment over gentrification. Meanwhile, the state’s low income tax rate and lack of a sales tax has left it little room for revenue increases to handle the necessary increase in services.

In May, the state passed a two-tier property tax plan, lowering rates for full-time residents and raising taxes on second homes and short-term rentals. For primary residences and long-term rentals valued at or below the state’s median home price, the tax rate will be 0.76%. Homes worth more than that will face a tiered-rate system of up to 1.9% on any value over four times the median price.

The Montana Department of Revenue expects the changes, which will start next year, will hike second-home taxes by an average of 68%. Brokers say some buyers are waiting to see the tax bills next year before making any decisions about whether to buy or sell.

“I’ve heard about some buyers who have put on the brakes to wait for the dust to settle and see what happens,” said Valerie Johnson, with PureWest Christie’s International Real Estate in Bozeman, Montana.

Johnson said that while the tax was touted by legislators as hitting wealthy second-home owners, it will also hit longtime locals who own investment homes and rent them out for income.

“These are small businesses for many people,” she said.

Manish Bhatt, a senior policy analyst at the Tax Foundation, said tax hikes aimed at wealthy second-home owners may be popular politically, but they rarely make for successful or efficient tax policy. Real property tax reform should be broad based, rather than focused on taxpayers who are singled out just because they don’t live in a community full-time, he said.

“There is a grab to find revenue right now,” he said. “But taxing second-home owners could have the opposite impact — dissuading people from owning a second home or continue to own in those communities.”

While the new taxes alone might not drive out the wealthy, “we do know that taxes are important to businesses and individuals and could cause people to make a decision to buy in another nearby state,” Bhatt said.

The projected revenue from the new taxes may also disappoint. When Los Angeles passed its so-called “mansion tax” in 2022, proponents touted revenue projections of between $600 million to $1.1 billion a year. The tax, imposed on real estate sales over $5 million, has only raised $785 million after more than two years, according to the Los Angeles Housing Department.

Higher interest rates that hurt the housing market have played a role, experts say. Yet Michael Manville, professor of urban planning at the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, said wealthy buyers and sellers also reduced transactions in response to the tax.

“The lower revenue is a reason to be concerned because it suggests that the tax might actually be reducing transactions, which in turn can reduce housing production and property tax revenue,” he said.

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Former FBI Director Robert Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, his family revealed to the New York Times.

Mueller is the former special counsel who led the Russia investigation into President Donald Trump’s 2016 campaign.

Mueller, 81, was diagnosed in 2021 and retired from public life the following year after briefly teaching law, according to a family statement provided to The Times.

‘Bob was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in the summer of 2021. He retired from the practice of law at the end of that year. He taught at his law school alma mater during the fall of both 2021 and 2022, and he retired at the end of 2022,’ the statement said.

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