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Why a Teacher Union Exodus Could Be Imminent

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Teachers unions have strayed far from their original purpose of supporting classroom teachers and have morphed into a powerful political machine that primarily serves the Democratic Party. 

But here’s the game-changer: the power to dismantle this machine lies not in distant courtrooms or legislative halls, but in the hands of teachers themselves. Teachers can take it apart from the inside, one dues opt-out at a time.  

Thanks to landmark legal victories and new alternatives, teachers no longer have to fund this partisan juggernaut with their hard-earned paychecks. It’s time to defund the unions, keep more money in the pockets of teachers, and refocus education on the kids. 

For decades, teachers unions like the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) and the National Education Association (NEA) compelled educators to pay dues as a condition of employment. That meant a teacher’s salary was automatically funneled into union coffers, whether you agreed with their agenda or not.  

But in 2018, the Supreme Court delivered a blow to this coercive system with the Janus v. AFSCME decision. The ruling affirmed that mandatory union dues violate the First Amendment by forcing public employees to subsidize speech and political causes they might find objectionable. In other words, you can’t be forced to pay for someone else’s politics anymore. 

Teachers unions are deeply political and overwhelmingly partisan. More than 99 percent of the AFT’s campaign contributions in the last election cycle went to Democrats, and this lopsided giving has been the norm for decades. 

Source: Open Secrets

The unions are essentially money-laundering operations for the Democratic Party, siphoning billions from teachers’ salaries to prop up one side of the aisle. A 2017 Education Week survey revealed that only 41 percent of teachers nationwide identify as Democrats, with the rest leaning conservative or independent. Yet nearly all union political spending backs Democrats. (More recent national surveys that exclude independents show marginally higher support for Democrats.)

Many teachers have stuck with the unions out of fear, particularly because of the liability insurance they provide. No one wants to face a lawsuit without protection. But the game is changing. 

The Teacher Freedom Alliance just announced that they’re offering free liability insurance to teachers who leave the union.They provide $2 million per teacher, which is twice the amount typically provided by national unions like the AFT or NEA. And this insurance is in the teacher’s name, not the union’s, giving teachers direct control and peace of mind. More than 2,500 teachers have already opted out this year to join the alliance. 

If you’re one of the 59 percent of teachers who identify as conservative or independent, staying in the union at this point is downright crazy. Why would anyone hand over their dues to fund causes they oppose when they can opt out, keep their money, and still get superior liability protection? The unions’ grip is loosening, and teachers hold the key to breaking it entirely. 

Randi Weingarten of the AFT and Becky Pringle of the NEA don’t represent everyday educators. They’re political operatives raking in about half a million dollars each year in salary. Meanwhile, inflation-adjusted teacher salaries have only crept up by 3 percent since 1970, even as public school spending per student has skyrocketed by 164 percent over the same period.  

Where’s all that money going? Not to the classroom teachers. It’s padding union bureaucracies, funding lavish conventions, and ultimately bankrolling Democrat campaigns. 

The unions do nothing for the best teachers. They fight tooth and nail against merit pay, which would reward excellence and boost salaries for top performers. Instead, they protect the lowest common denominator through rigid collective bargaining that treats all teachers the same, regardless of skill or effort. Individual educators can’t negotiate their own deals with employers because the union monopolizes the process. Get the union out of the way, and the best teachers would thrive, commanding higher pay based on their results. 

Take Becky Pringle’s NEA as a prime example of misplaced priorities. Out of their 3 million members, they chose Ashlie Crosson as “Teacher of the Year.” At their annual convention, Crosson let the mask slip. She declared that her job as a teacher is “deeply political” and always has been. 

That’s who Pringle elevates – not someone focused on academic excellence, but a political activist. The unions reward ideology over instruction. 

At AFT’s convention this year, Randi Weingarten announced a “partnership with the World Economic Forum to create a curriculum.” Teachers who don’t buy into this globalist agenda or the unions’ endless political pet projects need to wake up. They hold the real power. If they lock arms and spark a mass exodus, they’ll send a shockwave through the system.  

Opting out en masse will either force the unions to stay in their lane, focusing on education instead of politics, or cripple their influence by starving the beast of funds. 

Randi and Becky aren’t concerned about everyday teachers who just want to educate kids without the drama. They’re obsessed with using teachers’ dues to advance far-Left agendas and elect their Democrat buddies. But teachers can fix that incestuous relationship. We can save our country from this partisan overreach by dismantling the teachers unions. 

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Core vs Headline: What Really Drives Inflation Calculations

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For decades, economists and central bankers have relied more on the Core Consumer Price Index (CPI) than the headline CPI because Core CPI excludes volatile food and energy prices; this permits a clearer read on long-term inflation trends, which is critical for setting interest rates and guiding economic policy. 

Think of it like steering a ship: if you focus only on the choppy surface waves (headline inflation), you’ll get tossed around by every sudden storm in food or energy markets. Core CPI lets you read the underlying current and where the economy is truly headed. 

The Data Tell the Story 

  • June 2025 Core CPI: Up 2.9 percent year-over-year (from 2.8 percent in May), slightly below the 3 percent economists expected. Headline CPI was 2.7 percent. 
  • July 2025 Core CPI: Rose to 3.1 percent year-over-year, above forecasts. Headline CPI stayed at 2.7 percent. 
  • Month-over-month July Core CPI: Up 0.3 percent — an annualized pace of 3.6 percent, accelerating from May’s 1.2 percent and June’s 2.4 percent. 

Economists noticed the climb began in May, and the timing coincides with the start of President Trump’s new tariffs, which many expect will raise prices on imported goods, by year end. July’s data showed increases in tariff-sensitive categories: household furnishings, appliances, toys, and footwear (apparel was the exception). 

The New York Post headline on August 12 summarized this belief: “Inflation came in flat in July – the Core figure rises in sign that Trump’s tariffs are hitting prices.” 

What’s Driving It 

From the July report, certain categories posted price gains well above the Fed’s two-percent target: 

  • Used autos: +4.8 percent 
  • Medical services: +4.3 percent 
  • Housing: +3.7 percent 
  • Transportation: +3.5 percent 
  • Food: +2.9 percent 

Energy was the outlier, falling 1.6 percent, which helped hold headline CPI steady. 

The report arrived amid ongoing trade developments that could further alter the US effective tariff rate, now hovering near 18.6 percent  —  the highest since 1933, according to the latest Yale Budget Lab estimate.    

Behind the numbers are trade realities often overlooked: 

  • In 2024, 15 countries accounted for 75 percent of US trade. Mexico (1), Canada (2), China (3), India (10), and Brazil (15) alone represented 45.1 percent. 
  • To date, negotiations with China, Mexico, Canada, India, and Brazil remain unsettled. 
  • To many Americans’ surprise, the US imports 97–99 percent of footwear, over 60 percent of appliances, and over 50 percent of furniture. 
  • Canada supplies 30 percent of our softwood lumber, 90 percent of potash, 25 percent of nitrogen fertilizer, and 62 percent of crude oil imports — vital for the operation of Midwest refineries designed for heavy oil. 

When tariffs hit such concentrated supply chains, price effects can spread fast. 

Why CPI Alone Isn’t the Whole Picture 

Two days after the July CPI report, the Producer Price Index (PPI) landed and initially shocked Wall Street. Like CPI, PPI has headline and core measures, but it tracks wholesale prices for producers. Many economists view PPI as a forewarning for consumer prices, as businesses often pass higher input costs on to consumers. 

After flat readings in June, July’s numbers jumped: 

  • Headline PPI: Up 3.3 percent year-over-year (vs. 2.5 percent expected) and 0.9 percent month-over-month, the largest in over three years. Annualized, that’s about 11 percent. 
  • Core PPI: Up 3.7 percent year-over-year (vs. 2.9 percent expected) and also +0.9 percent month-over-month, also a more-than-three-year high.  A more detailed breakdown showed machinery and equipment at the wholesale level jumped 3.8 percent, with fresh and dry vegetables rising 38.9 percent. This sharp move suggests tariff costs are filtering through the production pipeline, potentially altering future CPI data. 

 Going Deeper on the Core CPI

As noted earlier, the Core CPI has long been the preferred tool for economists, central bankers, and many financial market analysts. Here’s why it holds such weight in shaping economic policy and market expectations. 

1. Reduced Volatility
Food and energy prices are notoriously unpredictable. A bad harvest in the Midwest, an early frost in Brazil’s coffee fields, or a geopolitical flare-up in the Middle East can send prices soaring or plunging overnight. Energy markets are particularly vulnerable to disruptions in oil production, refinery capacity, and transportation routes. While these swings matter to consumers, they often represent short-term shocks rather than lasting changes in aggregate price structure. By removing food and energy, Core CPI filters out “noise” from erratic changes. The result is a smoother, more stable metric that better reflects the general trend in consumer prices. 

2. Clearer Long-Term Trend
Headline CPI can be skewed by seasonal factors or one-off events. For example, a hurricane that disrupts Gulf Coast oil production might cause a sharp increase in gasoline prices for a month or two — but that doesn’t necessarily mean the entire economy is overheating. Core CPI removes such anomalies, providing a clearer picture of the “fundamental” inflation rate. For economists, this clarity is invaluable. It helps determine whether inflationary pressures are building up across a broad range of goods and services or if it’s just the effects of a single, temporary disruption. This distinction is critical for avoiding overreaction — or underreaction — in policy decisions. 

3. Better Policy Guidance  
Monetary policy works on a lag. When the Federal Reserve adjusts interest rates, it can take months to fully ripple through the economy. Core CPI’s steadier readings make it easier to set policy with confidence. If the Fed relied solely on headline CPI, it could be misled into changing policy in response to short-lived events. By focusing on Core CPI, policymakers can avoid chasing every wave and instead steer toward long-term stability — helping preserve economic growth while keeping inflation in check. 

The Bottom Line 

Core CPI and Core PPI are flashing warning signs: prices are heating up in key areas. Business leaders should watch the August reports closely and be ready to adjust strategies if the trend continues. 

At the same time, the broader US economy remains caught between unexpected strength and surprising weakness: productivity gains from AI are fueling growth, while an underperforming housing market is an economic laggard. How policymakers balance these opposing forces will shape the inflation path through year-end. The One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB) should spur economic growth by Q4 and into 2026, likely mitigating future tariff concerns.  

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Mamdani’s Affordability Agenda Will Only Deliver Higher Prices

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After months of hearing chatter about Abundance, I finally decided to listen to Ezra Klein and Derek Thompson’s hit book. What I heard was a hopeful message for the future that resonates with voters. The Democratic Party, however, has been hesitant to embrace the book’s critiques of a liberal governance that prioritizes rules over outcomes. One politician who is not shy about supporting the kind of popular affordability agenda that Abundance advocates for is the Democratic nominee for mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani.

Mamdani is a youthful and gregarious New York State representative for Queens’ 36th district, whose smile, charm, and PR acumen rival those of President Obama. Mamdani, a democratic socialist, ran on a popular message — “a New York you can afford” — advocating for government intervention to reduce the cost of living and improve public services. The Abundance-adjacent message resonates with New Yorkers who pay astronomical rent and wait up to 15 minutes for the bus, despite high local taxes.

Per Fast Company, Mamdani’s campaign poster broke all the rules of political aesthetics.

Mamdani — or “Zohran,” as he calls himself in his campaign poster, featuring bold primary colors and 1970s fonts — speaks to the quality of life issues that win elections. When asked if he supports the Abundance agenda, he said, “There’s a lot that conversation has brought.” In June, he even told Derek Thompson on his Plain English podcast that he now embraces an “abundance agenda.” As much as Mamdani’s heart is in the right place, his youthful idealism drives him toward simple and counterproductive solutions that relate to affordability but do not embrace the reforms to liberal governance that Abundance recommends.

The crisis of local governance that Klein et al. highlight in the book is essentially that property owners, activists, and leaders in blue cities and states have erected too many obstacles to economic growth and infrastructure development, causing the prices of housing, medicine, and education to soar. At the same time, public services have been hindered by cumbersome and often redundant environmental, safety, and zoning regulations.

To Mamdani’s credit, he does support some deregulation, such as loosening building restrictions near transportation hubs and streamlining the application process for opening a business in New York City. But proposing a handful of good ideas does not excuse bad ones. Mamdani’s most counterproductive idea is to introduce a freeze on rent for all of New York City’s nearly 1 million rent-stabilized apartments. While this may provide immediate relief for some New Yorkers, its long-term unintended consequences would worsen the very quality of life issues that clinched him the nomination.

The long-term outcome of a rent freeze on rent-stabilized apartments will be more expensive, non-rent-stabilized units for everyone else. Many renters in these units will want to stay in them due to the low cost, which reduces the number of regularly available affordable housing options. When rents are kept so low that landlords cannot recoup their investments in maintenance and necessary renovations, they are more likely to keep those apartments off the market to avoid losing money, thereby further reducing the supply of affordable housing.

A significant reason many American urbanites support increasing affordable housing is to reduce the homelessness epidemic that New Yorkers encounter every day when we walk outside. In Abundance, Klein examines the research on the causes of high rates of homelessness in different states.

He found that vulnerable people like addicts and the mentally ill are more likely to become homeless in places where housing is more expensive because it is more challenging for them to secure and maintain housing in those locales. Mandami’s plan to reduce housing costs, when it inevitably backfires, will probably exacerbate the homelessness crisis.

Mamdani proposes another solution to the shortage of affordable housing in New York City. He aims to construct 200,000 affordable housing units over the next decade. That’s right — he wants to build 200,000 units, not in one year or five years, but over ten years. Mamdani’s plan promises to remove bureaucratic hurdles to building affordable housing only if those units are union-built, rent-stabilized, and meet sustainability goals. He essentially introduces new regulatory hurdles to replace existing ones.

Mamdani taps into legitimate grievances that sting for New Yorkers, with a giant, toothy smile and a personal warmth that makes voters feel their guy will be in the mayor’s mansion. He misses, however, the policy nuance that makes the Abundance agenda workable. Instead, he advocates for easy-to-understand and straightforward ideas — many of which will actually make day-to-day life more expensive for my fellow New Yorkers.

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Trump battles John Bolton, Chris Christie and threatens to pull funds from Wes Moore’s Maryland

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I asked Donald Trump the question. Everyone asked Donald Trump the question.

Would he engage in retribution in a second term?

And we all got the same answer: He’d be too busy for that. His only retribution would be success.

Well, if Trump is not engaged in turning government against his political enemies, he’s doing a pretty good imitation of it.

Now, hardball politics is as old as the republic. The founders engaged in it. Abe Lincoln engaged in it. And you think LBJ never got his way by threatening to pull a grant or two for a congressman’s pet projects?

Look, one thing I’ve learned covering Trump for decades is that he loves to fight. In New York, back in the day, he would do battle with the likes of Ed Koch and Leona Helmsley, the ‘Queen of Mean.’

When his divorce from Ivana became a tabloid sensation, Trump got on the phone with me to discuss why his proposed settlement was really generous.

We see that fighting instinct today when the president goes after not just Democrats but fellow Republicans who defy him, or won’t back his proposals – a number of whom have announced their retirements rather than lose a primary to a Trump-backed challenger.

We see that Trump-against-the-world approach with his crackdown on D.C. crime  which, despite the home-rule issues, is being welcomed by some liberals (publicly and privately) because folks are scared in a city that can’t even stop teenage carjackings.

The next target is Chicago, which also has a Black mayor, with the Washington Post reporting that there has been weeks of secret planning to send thousands of National Guard troops there. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has denounced this as an effort to spread fear, and sometimes it seems like the president is at war with urban America.

The underlying motivation is crucial: Trump believes that the Democrats waged ‘lawfare’ against him for four years. There is no evidence that President Biden ordered such efforts, but Trump is convinced that the multiple investigations against him–as in the Stormy Daniels case–were part of a grand scheme to knock him out of the race.

And he has a point. Look at the outrageously illegal fine that Judge Arthur Engoron hit him with in the civil fraud case brought by New York AG Letitia James: $354 million, since grown to $515 million.

This was so blatantly unfair that an appellate court just threw it out as a violation of the Eighth Amendment, barring cruel and unusual punishment. James is appealing, and the court didn’t toss the whole case–the ‘fake’ case, says Trump–but a half-billion-fine over real estate valuations seems pathetically unfair.

But when Trump cried foul, the media reaction was there he goes again, attacking every judge who disagrees with him. But Trump was right about Engoron.

The Trump DOJ, by the way, is now investigating Tish James for allegations of mortgage fraud.

So what the press sees as Trump going after his opponents is, in his eyes, just basic payback, an attempt at getting even.

Having said that…

‘I just watched Sloppy Chris Christie be interviewed on a ratings challenged ‘News’ Show…on ABC Fake News,’ ‘This Week’ hosted by George Stephanopoulos.
‘Can anyone believe anything that Sloppy Chris says? Do you remember the way he lied about the dangerous and deadly closure of the George Washington Bridge in order to stay out of prison, at the same time sacrificing people who worked for him, including a young mother, who spent years trying to fight off the vicious charges against her. Chris refused to take responsibility for these criminal acts. For the sake of JUSTICE, perhaps we should start looking at that very serious situation again?’

Christie, a onetime ally, was Trump’s harshest Republican critic during the campaign. As for the 2013 scandal known as Bridgegate, it was thoroughly investigated and two top Christie aides were convicted, but the Supreme Court, while blasting the conduct, overturned those convictions.

It’s worth pointing out that the decision to close some lanes on the George Washington Bridge, which created traffic chaos, was the governor’s attempt to strike back at a Democratic mayor who refused to endorse him.

‘Time for some traffic problems in Fort Lee,’ wrote one of the convicted aides in a remarkably succinct message.

‘I always thought he got away with murder,’ Trump told reporters yesterday.

Having watched the Sunday shows, the president unloaded on two networks:

‘Despite a very high popularity and, according to many, among the greatest 8 months in Presidential History, ABC & NBC FAKE NEWS, two of the worst and most biased networks in history, give me 97% BAD STORIES. IF THAT IS THE CASE, THEY ARE SIMPLY AN ARM OF THE DEMOCRAT PARTY AND SHOULD, ACCORDING TO MANY, HAVE THEIR LICENSES REVOKED BY THE FCC. I would be totally in favor of that because they are so biased and untruthful, an actual threat to our Democracy!!!’

He added that ABC and NBC should be paying ‘Millions of Dollars a year in LICENSE FEES…Crooked ‘journalism’ should not be rewarded, it should be terminated!!!’

Now networks shouldn’t lose their licenses just because the president doesn’t like their coverage. Maybe they should be paying more for use of the airwaves, but that should apply to all networks; so far they’ve played by the rules.

Trump and John Bolton have been at each other’s throats since the president fired the national security adviser. There was a criminal investigation over Bolton’s 2020 book that Trump tried to stop, but it was cleared for publication.

I take Trump at his word that he didn’t know in advance about the FBI raid on Bolton’s Bethesda home. But twice in the days leading up to the raid, Trump was slamming him online for criticizing his efforts to end the Russia-Ukraine war..

‘Very unfair media is at work on my meeting with Putin. Constantly quoting fired losers and really dumb people like John Bolton, who just said that, even though the meeting is on American soil, ‘Putin has already won.’ What’s that all about?’

After the raid, Trump called Bolton a ‘low-life’ and a ‘sleazebag’ who suffers from ‘major Trump Derangement Syndrome.’

But two things can be true at once. Trump prosecutors had to show convincing evidence to a special court to get the search warrant approved. So it’s possible that Bolton did hang on to some classified documents.

After the raid, Trump posted that Bolton was among the ‘stupid people’ who were making it ‘much harder’ for him to end the war by ripping his approach to Putin.

I’ve known John Bolton for years–he used to be a Fox contributor–and I’m surprised he’s made no comment. There was just a little wave at the press pack when he returned home.

Next up: Wes Moore, Maryland’s first Black governor.

They’ve been jabbing each other back and forth, which is fine. But then the president posted this:

‘Governor Wes Moore of Maryland has asked, in a rather nasty and provocative tone, that I ‘walk the streets of Maryland’ with him. I assume he is talking about out of control, crime ridden, Baltimore? As President, I would much prefer that he clean up this Crime disaster before I go there for a ‘walk.’ Wes Moore’s record on Crime is a very bad one.’.

There’s more: 

Trump ‘offered’ to deploy troops to Baltimore – which has a serious crime problem – after which he would accept Moore’s invitation to meet him on the streets.

Then came the threat: ‘I gave Wes Moore a lot of money to fix his demolished bridge. I will now have to rethink that decision???’

Moore has been rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge since a reckless and out-of-control tanker destroyed it early last year. And for the record, Congress approved the funds as part of a package during the final stretch of the Biden administration.

But put that aside. Who would be hurt if Trump carried out this threat?

Millions of people in Maryland who rely on the bridge, or whose jobs are tied to commerce in that region.

So Trump is openly suggesting to use the official power of government to withhold funds that would hurt ordinary citizens. That is more troubling than the punching and counterpunching with Bolton and Christie. 

For what it’s worth, I don’t think Trump would actually do it. It’s a brushback pitch.

While Trump may view himself as evening the score, one day Democrats will occupy the White House again. They would feel fully justified in going after their opponents as payback for the way they were targeted for investigation. And the endless cycle continues.


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Top 10 Phosphate Countries by Production

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Phosphate is mainly used in the form of fertilizer for crops and animal feed supplements. Only 5 percent of world phosphate production is used for other applications, such as corrosion prevention and detergents.

In its 2025 Mineral Commodity Summary, the US Geological Survey (USGS) states that global production of phosphate grew in 2024 alongside demand, totaling 240 million metric tons. Most of 2024 was marked by steady growth in agricultural demand in the face of declining quality reserves.

‘World consumption of P2O5 contained in fertilizers was estimated to have been 47.5 million tons in 2024 compared with 45.8 million tons in 2023,’ the USGS reported. ‘World consumption of P2O5 in fertilizers was projected to increase to 51.8 million tons by 2028. The leading regions for growth were expected to be Asia and South America.’

This list of the top phosphate countries by production is based on data from the USGS. Those interested in the phosphate mining sector will want to keep an eye on phosphate production data and mining companies in these countries.

1. China

Phosphate production: 110 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 3.7 billion metric tons

China’s phosphate production increased in 2024 to 110 million metric tons (MT), up from 105 million MT in 2023, placing it as number one on the list of top phosphate-producing countries by a long shot. China has the second largest phosphate reserves in the world at 3.7 billion metric tons of phosphate. The country is also the fourth largest producer of fellow fertilizer mineral potash.

The rise in Chinese output came in despite of the nation’s environmental crackdown on the mining industry. China’s government has placed restrictions on phosphate exports in an effort to drive down domestic prices of the fertilizer with its own supply. In December 2024, China halted new export applications for phosphate due to the rising cost of sulfur. The material is critical in the separation of phosphates from rock.

2. Morocco

Phosphate production: 30 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 50 billion metric tons

As the second largest phosphate-producing country, Morocco produced 30 million metric tons of the fertilizer in 2024, down from 33 million MT in the previous year. The North African nation’s phosphate output is expected to increased in the coming years due to ongoing capacity expansions, which are expected to be completed by 2027.

Morocco’s phosphate production comes from state-owned fertilizer company OCP Group’s mines, including its Gantour operation, one of the world’s largest phosphate mines.

Morocco holds the world’s largest phosphate reserves at 50 billion metric tons, accounting for over 67 percent of total global phosphate reserves.

3. United States

Phosphate production: 20 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

In 2024, US phosphate mining production totaled 20 million metric tons, up slightly by 400,000 metric tons from the previous year. The nation’s 10 producing phosphate mines are located across four states: Florida, North Carolina, Idaho and Utah.

The two largest phosphate mining companies in the US are Mosaic (NYSE:MOS) and Nutrien (TSX:NTR). Global giant Mosaic’s Florida phosphates operation comprises three producing mines: Four Corners, South Fort Meade and Wingate. The three mines combined for 8,900 MT of phosphate rock concentrate in 2024. Nutrien operates the Aurora mine in North Carolina and White Springs mine in Utah.

Most phosphate rock mined in the US is used for manufacturing phosphoric acid and superphosphoric acid. These types of wet-process phosphate products are used for items such as animal feed supplements. About a quarter of this is exported in the form of merchant-grade phosphoric acid, upgraded granular diammonium and monoammonium phosphate fertilizer, as well as other fertilizer products, according to the USGS.

4. Russia

Phosphate production: 14 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.4 billion metric tons

Russia produced 14 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 1 million MT from the previous year, and the country’s phosphate reserves total 2.4 billion metric tons. Russia is also the second largest producer of potash.

A significant portion of Russia’s phosphate is produced by PhosAgro subsidiary Apatit from apatite minerals at the Khibiny deposit, which is located east of Finland in Russia’s Kola Peninsula. Phosphate operations are also found in Perm Krai at the Oleniy Ruchey apatite mine and processing facility owned by the Acron Group’s North-Western Phosphorous Company.

European nations were previously Russia’s biggest phosphate customers in the global market, but the country’s war in Ukraine initially had an impact, directly influencing phosphate prices. However, Russian phosphate exports were supported through increases in shipments to countries including India and Brazil.

5. Jordan

Phosphate production: 12 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

Jordan’s phosphate production came in at 12 million metric tons in 2024, rising slightly from the previous year. Jordan’s phosphate reserves stand at an estimated 1 billion MT.

The country’s sole phosphate producer is state-owned Jordan Phosphate Mines Company, which operates as a phosphate miner and fertilizer producer. The company bills itself as the second largest phosphate exporter and the sixth largest producer of phosphate in the world, with combined production capacity between its three mines exceeding 11 million metric tons of phosphate annually.

6. Saudi Arabia

Phosphate production: 9.5 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1 billion metric tons

Saudi Arabia produced 9.5 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 400,000 MT from 2023’s output level. The country is sitting on 1 billion MT of phosphate reserves. The Saudi Arabian Mining Company, also known as Ma’aden, produces up to 5 million metric tons of concentrated phosphate rock per year.

The Wa’ad Al Shamal Minerals Industrial City, an integrated phosphate fertilizer production complex, is a US$8 billion joint venture investment between Ma’aden at 60 percent, chemical manufacturer Saudi Basic Industries (TADAWUL:2010) at 15 percent and US fertilizer giant Mosaic at 25 percent. However, in January 2025, Mosaic sold its stake for US$1.5 billion in Ma’aden shares, bringing the latter company’s interest to 85 percent.

7. Brazil

Phosphate production: 5.3 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 1.6 billion metric tons

Brazil, another of the top phosphate countries by production, produced 5.3 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, nearly on par with its production in the previous year. Brazil has a booming agricultural sector and is one of the world’s largest fertilizer consumers and importers. More phosphate production capacity in the country is expected to come online in 2027.

Mosaic is the country’s largest producer of both phosphate and nitrogen, and it also operates Brazil’s only potash mine. Swedish fertilizer company Eurochem launched a new US$1 billion phosphate fertilizer production facility in the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil, in April 2024. The facility has a phosphate mine and plant complex with an annual production capacity of 1 million MT of advanced phosphate fertilizers.

8. Egypt

Phosphate production: 5 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.8 billion metric tons

Egypt’s phosphate-mining production in 2024 totalled 5 million metric tons, on par with 2023 output levels. According to the US Geological Survey, Egypt’s phosphate reserves now sit at 2.8 billion MT.

The phosphate company Misr Phosphate operates the Abu Tartour, the Sibaiya and the Red Sea mines, all of which host high grades of phosphate.

9. Peru

Phosphate production: 4.7 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 210 million metric tons

Peru produced 4.7 million metric tons of phosphate in 2024, down by 300,000 MT from the previous year. About 98 percent of US phosphate imports originate from Peru.

Peru’s investment agency ProInversión made a US$940 million commitment in mid-2024 for the expansion Fosfatos del Pacífico’s Bayóvar mine in the Piura region, which is expected to bolster the country’s domestic phosphate production for the next 10 years.

10. Tunisia

Phosphate production: 3.3 million metric tons
Phosphate reserves: 2.5 billion metric tons

Tunisia’s phosphate output in 2024 totaled 3.3 million metric tons, down from 3.6 million metric tons the previous year. Tunisia is home to the fourth highest phosphate reserves in the world at 2.5 billion metric tons.

The North African country has been rising among the ranks of the world’s largest phosphate producing nations. In 2023 Tunisia’s state-owned phosphate firm Gafsa Phosphate Company ramped up its production as part of its US$76 million investment program.

FAQS for phosphate

What are phosphates?

Phosphates are compounds that usually include phosphorous and oxygen, and can have one or more common elements, such as sodium, calcium, potassium and aluminum.

Where are phosphate compounds found?

Phosphate is mostly found in phosphate rock, a non-detrital sedimentary rock that contains high amounts of phosphate minerals. Phosphate rock can come in different forms such as quartz, calcite, dolomite, apatite, iron oxide minerals and clay minerals.

Is phosphate the same as phosphorus in fertilizer?

Phosphate is the natural source of phosphorous, which provides essential nutrients for plant growth and development.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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Is Now a Good Time to Buy Bitcoin?

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Bitcoin is prone to price volatility, with wide swings to the upside and downside, making it difficult for investors to know when the right time to buy the top crypto is.

There has been renewed interest in cryptocurrencies following the election of US President Donald Trump, leading the Bitcoin price to soar to new heights in 2025, as investors and other industry insiders speculate on how the Trump administration’s policies could further grow the sector and encourage mainstream adoption.

Trump ran on a platform that promised to make the US the Bitcoin capital of the world, vowing to establish a national reserve for the asset, and several states have already introduced legislation to create similar reserves within their borders.

The price of Bitcoin pulled back to under US$100,000 in February 2025 and fell as low as US$75,000 by April 9, marking a strong buying opportunity for crypto investors. Bitcoin rebounded in May, breaking past the US$100,000 level and surging further over the summer to hit fresh all-time highs in July and August of more than US$120,000 per BTC.

Meanwhile, institutions and businesses like Michael Saylor’s Strategy have continued to buy Bitcoin by the millions, and spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) remain popular.

This surge of interest paints a bullish picture of Bitcoin’s continued growth. However, buying Bitcoin isn’t a simple decision. Read on to learn the basics of Bitcoin fundamentals, price forecasts and methods for determining if now’s the right time to buy Bitcoin, including several popular technical trading indicators you should know.

In this article

    What gives Bitcoin its value? 5 factors to know

    Before you decide if Bitcoin is a good investment for you, you need to understand Bitcoin and the wider crypto market.

    Bitcoin was the world’s first cryptocurrency, created in January 2009 by the mysterious Satoshi Nakamoto.

    Conceived as a virtual alternative to fiat currency, Bitcoin is built atop blockchain technology, which it uses for both validation and security. Blockchain itself is a distributed digital ledger of transactions, operating through a combination of private keys, public keys and network consensus.

    The best analogy to explain how this works in practice involves Google Docs. Imagine a document that’s shared with a group of collaborators. Everyone has access to the same document, and each collaborator can see the edits other collaborators have made. If anyone makes an edit that the other collaborators don’t approve of, they can roll it back.

    Going back to Bitcoin, the virtual currency primarily validates transactions through proof of work. Also known as Bitcoin mining, this competitive and incredibly resource-intensive process is the means by which new Bitcoins are generated.

    How it works is deceptively simple. Each Bitcoin transaction adds a new ‘block’ to the ledger, identified by a 64-digit encrypted hexadecimal number known as a hash. Each block uses the block immediately preceding it to generate its hash, creating a ledger that theoretically cannot be tampered with. Bitcoin miners collectively attempt to guess the encrypted hex code for each new block — whoever correctly identifies the hash then validates the transaction and receives a small amount of Bitcoins as a reward.

    From an investment perspective, Bitcoin toes the line between being a medium of exchange and a speculative digital asset. It also lacks any central governing body to regulate its distribution. As one might expect, these factors together make Bitcoin quite volatile, and therefore somewhat risky as an investment target.

    As for the source of this volatility, Bitcoin’s value is primarily influenced by five factors.

    1. Supply and demand

    It’s widely known that no more than 21 million Bitcoins can be produced, and that’s unlikely to happen before 2140.

    Only a certain number of Bitcoins are released each year, and this rate is reduced every four years by halving the reward for Bitcoin mining. The last of these ‘halvings’ occurred in April 2024 and the next one is due sometime in 2028. When it happens, there may be a significant increase in Bitcoin demand, largely driven by media coverage and investor interest.

    Bitcoin demand is also strengthening in countries experiencing currency devaluation and high inflation.

    It would be remiss not to mention that Bitcoin represents an ideal mechanism for supporting illicit activities — meaning that increasing cybercrime could itself be a demand driver.

    2. Production costs

    It’s said that Bitcoin benefits from minimal production costs. This isn’t exactly true, however. Solving even a single hash requires immense processing power, and it’s believed that crypto mining collectively uses more electricity than some small countries. It’s also believed that miners were largely responsible for the chip shortage experienced throughout the pandemic due to buying and burning out vast quantities of graphics cards.

    These costs together have only a minimal influence on Bitcoin’s overall value. The complexity of Bitcoin’s hashing algorithms and the fact that they can vary wildly in complexity are far more impactful.

    3. Competition

    Bitcoin’s cryptocurrency market share has sharply declined over the years. In 2017, it maintained a market share of over 80 percent. Bitcoin’s current market share is just under 60 percent.

    Despite that fall, Bitcoin remains the dominant force in the cryptocurrency market and is the marker by which many other cryptocurrencies determine their value. However, there is no guarantee that this will always remain the case. There are now scores of Bitcoin alternatives, known collectively as altcoins, which you can learn more about here.

    The most significant alternative to Bitcoin is Ethereum. Currently accounting for roughly 10 percent of the crypto market, Ethereum has long maintained its position as the second largest cryptocurrency. Some experts have suggested that Ethereum may even overtake Bitcoin, but others don’t see that as a possibility in the near future.

    4. Regulations

    Bitcoin may itself be unregulated, but it is not immune to the effects of government legislation. For instance, China’s 2021 ban of the cryptocurrency caused a sharp price drop, though it quickly rallied in the following months. The European Union has also attempted to ban Bitcoin in the past, and Nic Carter, a partner at Castle Venture, accused the US of trying to do the same in February 2023.

    There has been plenty of discussion surrounding the role of the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in regulating Bitcoin and other crypto as investment assets. The US made progress in establishing crypto legislation in 2024 when the House passed the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century (FIT21) Act in a bipartisan 279 to 136 vote on May 22 of last year.

    While that act has yet to make further progress, the new Trump administration has already loosened some crypto regulation with regards to crypto reporting for banks and decentralized finance businesses.

    In April 2025, the SEC approved rule changes allowing Ether ETF options, and also updated its guidance on crypto company disclosures.

    Around the same time, President Trump signed a resolution repealing the Internal Revenue Services’ (IRS) controversial DeFi broker rule. Enacted at the end of the Biden Administration, the rule expanded the definition of “broker” to include decentralized finance, or DeFi, platforms. The reversal passed both chambers of Congress with bipartisan support.

    In July, Trump signed the GENIUS Act into law, which establishes a regulatory framework for payment in stablecoins. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent has stated that the law paves the way for a potential stablecoin market worth US$3.7 trillion by 2030.

    5. Public interest and media coverage

    As with any speculative commodity, Bitcoin is greatly influenced by the court of public opinion.

    Perhaps the best example of this occurred in 2021. At that time, a tweet from Tesla’s (NASDAQ:TSLA) Elon Musk caused Bitcoin’s price to drop by 30 percent in a single day. This also wiped about US$365 billion off the cryptocurrency market.

    Another example occurred on January 9, 2024, leading up to the deadline for eight spot Bitcoin ETFs by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). In a since-deleted post on X, formerly known as Twitter, a hacker falsely stated that the SEC had approved all eight pending Bitcoin ETFs. This caused the price of Bitcoin to spike to US$48,000, but it quickly dropped back down to around US$46,000 after the SEC confirmed it was a hack, leading some analysts to consider it a ‘sell-the-news’ event.

    Is now a good time to buy Bitcoin?

    The current US administration is crypto friendly, and Bitcoin and altcoins are seeing support in 2025. Could they go even higher, or should you wait for a dip to buy? Bitcoin is notoriously volatile, which can make it difficult to judge where the crypto is going next, but there are several strategies to help investors decide when to invest.

    To determine if it is a good time to invest in Bitcoin, investors should pay attention to the market and listen to the experts, as generally speaking, Bitcoin’s price action is sentiment-driven. To keep on top of big news in the sector, follow our frequent Crypto Market Updates, which drop several times a week.

    There are also different technical indicators that crypto traders use to help them decide if now is the time to buy or sell Bitcoin. We run through some popular indicators below.

    For example, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a technical indicator used to gauge the momentum of a cryptocurrency’s price. It fluctuates on a scale from 0 to 100. By analyzing the magnitude of recent price changes relative to the previous 12-month period, the RSI helps traders identify whether a cryptocurrency is potentially overbought or oversold. An RSI above 70 often signals an overbought market, while an RSI below 30 suggests an oversold market.

    Another metric to consider is the MVRV Z-score, calculated by subtracting the ‘realized’ value of Bitcoin, which is an average of the prices at which each Bitcoin was last moved, from the current market value. This is then divided by the standard deviation of the Bitcoin market cap.

    This indicator helps identify when market value deviates strongly from realized value, which could show the market is at a turning point. A score above 7 likely indicates that Bitcoin is overvalued, meaning it could be due for a correction, while a score below 0 suggests that Bitcoin is undervalued, meaning it could be a good buying opportunity.

    Finally, to gauge the overall market sentiment, investors can look at the Fear & Greed Index. This index provides a snapshot of how optimistic or fearful the market is about Bitcoin, with high readings potentially signaling overenthusiasm and a possible correction.

    While it’s useful to learn these technical indicators to help you trade, it is important to remember that there’s no such thing as a guaranteed investment, especially when it comes to cryptocurrencies. On the one hand, there’s virtually no chance that Bitcoin will experience a crash to zero. On the other hand, we also cannot take for granted that its value will continue to climb.

    What is Bitcoin’s long-term price outlook?

    For those considering Bitcoin as a long-term investment, it’s worth considering experts’ thoughts on Bitcoin in the future.

    During the run-up to the new highs posted in July 2025, Eugene Cheung, chief commercial officer of crypto platform OSL, told Cointelegraph that he thinks the digital asset could reach US$130,000 to US$150,000 by the end of the year.

    Fundstrat’s Tom Lee, who predicted Bitcoin’s peak in 2024, is calling for the digital currency to reach US$250,000 before 2025 comes to a close.

    Not everyone is so optimistic about Bitcoin’s prospects. Top Economist Henrik Zeberg has expressed concerns about Bitcoin’s future in the context of continued economic uncertainty, as its price remains highly linked with the performance of the tech-stock heavy NASDAQ.

    Billionaire investor Warren Buffet, meanwhile, has not minced words regarding his opinion on Bitcoin and its future. According to Buffet, Bitcoin is an unproductive asset with no unique value. He also feels that it doesn’t count as a true currency — in fact, he called it “rat poison.” Moreover, he believes that the crypto market as a whole will end badly.

    Who holds the most Bitcoin?

    Regardless of whether you believe Bitcoin’s proponents or naysayers, it’s clear that it has some incredibly prominent backers in both the investment world and the wider business landscape.

    Business analytics platform Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) is by far the largest public company in the Bitcoin space, with 628,946 Bitcoin to its name as of August 11, 2025. The next three public companies with the largest Bitcoin holdings are Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:MARA) with 50,639 Bitcoin, soon-to-list Twenty One Capital (NASDAQ:XXI) with 37,229.7 Bitcoin and Bullish (NYSE:BLSH) with 24,340 Bitcoin.

    The US, China and the United Kingdom hold the top three spots for countries with the most Bitcoin holdings, with 198,012, 194,000 and 61,245 Bitcoin respectively at that time.

    There are also plenty of individuals with large holdings, the most significant of which is believed to be Bitcoin’s creator, Satoshi Nakamoto. Other prominent names include Michael Saylor, Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, and Tim Draper.

    How to smartly invest in Bitcoin?

    To help increase the odds of crypto being a good investment, investors in the Bitcoin market should learn the basics of safely investing in Bitcoin.

    How to buy Bitcoin

    The good news is that investing in Bitcoin is actually quite simple. If you’re purchasing through a stockbroker, it’s a similar process to buying shares of a company. Otherwise, you may need to gather your personal information and bank account details. It’s recommended to secure your network with a VPN prior to performing any Bitcoin transactions.

    The first step in purchasing Bitcoin is to join an exchange. Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) is one of the most popular, but there’s also Kraken and Bybit. If you’re an advanced trader outside the US, you might consider Bitfinex.

    Once you’ve chosen an exchange, you’ll need a crypto wallet. Many first-time investors choose a software-based or ‘hot’ wallet either maintained by their chosen crypto exchange or operated by a service provider. While simpler to set up and more convenient overall, hot wallets tend to be less secure as they can be compromised by data breaches.

    Another option is a ‘cold’ wallet — a specialized piece of hardware specifically designed to store cryptocurrency. It’s basically a purpose-built flash drive. If you plan to invest large amounts in crypto, a cold wallet is the better option.

    Once you’ve acquired and configured your wallet, you may choose to connect either the wallet or your crypto exchange account to your bank account. This is not strictly necessary, and some seasoned investors don’t bother to do this.

    Finally, with your wallet fully configured and your exchange account set up, it’s time to place your order.

    Best practices for investing in Bitcoin

    The most important thing to remember about Bitcoin is that it is a high-risk asset. Treat Bitcoin as a means of slowly growing your existing wealth rather than an all-or-nothing gamble, and never invest money that you aren’t willing to lose.

    As with other investments, it’s important to hedge your portfolio. Alongside Bitcoin, you may want to consider investing in other cryptocurrencies like Ethereum, or perhaps an altcoin. You may also want to explore other blockchain-based investments, given that even the most stable cryptocurrencies tend to be fairly volatile.

    It’s also key to ignore the hype surrounding cryptocurrencies. Recall how many people whipped themselves into a frenzy over non-fungible tokens in 2022. The majority of NFTs created during that time are now worthless.

    Make decisions based on your own market research and advice from trusted — and more importantly, certified — professionals. If you’re putting up investment capital based on an influencer’s tweets, you are playing with fire.

    You should also start small. A good rule of thumb is not to dedicate more than 10 percent of your overall capital to cryptocurrency. Even that number could be high — again, it’s all about moderation.

    Make sure to prioritize cybersecurity as well. Cryptocurrencies are an immensely popular target for cybercriminals. In addition to maintaining a cold wallet, make sure you practice proper security hygiene. That means using a VPN and a password manager while also exercising mindfulness in how you browse the web and what you download.

    Finally, make an effort to understand what cryptocurrencies are and how they work. One of the reasons Sam Bankman-Fried was able to run FTX as long as he did was because many of his investors didn’t fully understand what they were putting their money into. Don’t let yourself be fooled by buzzwords or lofty promises about Web3 and the metaverse.

    Do your research into the technology behind it all. That way, you’ll be far better equipped to recognize when something is a sound investment versus a bottomless money pit.

    Indirect crypto investing

    Given Bitcoin’s volatility, it’s understandable that you might be leery of making a direct investment. The good news is that you don’t have to. You can indirectly invest into the crypto space through mutual funds, stocks and ETFs.

    ETFs are a popular and flexible portfolio choice that allows investors to benefit from a sector’s performance without the need to directly own individual stocks or assets. They are an especially appealing option in the cryptocurrency market as the technical aspects of purchasing and holding these coins can be confusing and intimidating for the less technologically inclined.

    Bitcoin futures ETFs provide exposure to the cryptocurrency’s price moves using Bitcoin futures contracts, which stipulate that two parties will exchange a specific amount of Bitcoins for a particular price on a predetermined date.

    Conversely, spot Bitcoin ETFs aim to track the price of Bitcoin, and they do so by holding the asset. Spot Bitcoin ETFs have been offered to Canadians since 2021, and there are now 13 Canadian cryptocurrency ETFs you can buy. Spot Bitcoin ETFs began trading in the US on January 11, 2024. For investors interested in blockchain technology, there are also several blockchain ETFs.

    Do a bit of research and touch base with your stockbroker or financial advisor before you go in this direction.

    Investor takeaway

    Bitcoin is a fascinating asset. Simultaneously a transactional tool and a speculative commodity, it’s attracted the attention of investors almost since it first hit the market. Unfortunately, it’s also incredibly volatile.

    For that reason, while current market conditions are favorable for anyone considering buying Bitcoin, it is an asset you should purchase only at your own risk. Because while Bitcoin may have the potential for significant returns, you may also lose most of your investment. If that knowledge doesn’t bother you, then by all means, purchase away.

    Otherwise, there are better — less volatile — options for your capital.

    FAQs for buying Bitcoin

    What does Cathie Wood say about Bitcoin?

    ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood is extremely bullish on Bitcoin, telling Bloomberg in February 2023 that her firm believes the cryptocurrency could reach a value of US$1 million by 2030. In July 2025, Wood hiked her 2030 bitcoin price prediction to US$3.8 billion.

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

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    Trump opens door to 600,000 Chinese students amid Beijing trade talks

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    Donald Trump said 600,000 Chinese students would be allowed into the U.S. to study at colleges amid ongoing trade talks with China.

    Speaking at the White House Monday, the president’s announcement signals a potential thaw in U.S.-China relations after escalating tariffs and restrictions on Chinese students.

    ‘I hear so many stories that we’re not going to allow their students,’ Trump told reporters.

    ‘We’re going to allow their students to come in. It’s very important, 600,000 students. It’s very important. But we’re going to get along with China,’ he added.

    Trump’s student visa offer comes against the backdrop of trade talks with the Chinese government.

    Earlier this year, the administration imposed a 145% tariff on all Chinese goods, prompting Beijing to retaliate with a 125% tariff on U.S. exports.

    Negotiators in Geneva agreed in May to pause additional levies, but Trump has continued to warn of further penalties.

    Last week, he floated a 200% tariff on Chinese-made magnets, citing what he described as Beijing’s ‘monopoly’ over the global market.

    ‘I don’t think we’re going to have a problem with that,’ Trump told reporters.

    ‘China, intelligently, went and they sort of took a monopoly on the world’s magnets. It’ll probably take us a year to have them,’ he said.

    Currently, about 270,000 Chinese students are enrolled in U.S. universities.

    In May, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced plans to ‘aggressively revoke’ visas for Chinese nationals, particularly those tied to the Communist Party or sensitive research fields.

    Trump has since shifted tone, telling reporters in June that he has ‘always been in favor’ of welcoming students from China.

    Trump’s remarks on admitting Chinese students came ahead of a meeting with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.

    When he was asked about a possible summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, he sounded positive. He said he would like to meet him this year.

    ‘As you know, we’re, we’re taking a lot of money in from China because of the tariffs and the different things. It’s a very important relationship,’ Trump said. ‘It’s a much better relationship economically than it was before with Biden. But he allowed that. They just took him to the cleaners.’


    This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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    Tavi Costa: Gold’s Next Catalyst, Silver’s Path to US$50, Copper Opportunity

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    Tavi Costa, macro strategist at Crescat Capital, shares his thoughts on gold, including what could unleash the yellow metal’s next move higher.

    He sees a ‘major collapse’ in the US dollar, saying a break in a key support line could boost gold.

    Costa also shares his outlook for silver and copper.

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

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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    Silver47 Announces $14 Million Brokered LIFE Financing

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    Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA,OTC:AAGAF) (OTCQB: AAGAF) (‘Silver47’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Research Capital Corporation, to act as lead agent and sole bookrunner, on behalf of a syndicate of agents including Eventus Capital Corp. and Haywood Securities Inc., in connection with a brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’) of up to 20,000,000 units (each, a ‘Unit’) at a price of $0.70 per Unit, for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $14,000,000.

    Each Unit will be comprised of one common share of the Company (a ‘Common Share‘) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘Warrant‘). Each whole Warrant shall be exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $1.00 per Common Share for a period of 36 months from the closing of the Offering.

    The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering for further exploration work on the Company’s projects and for general working capital purposes.

    In addition, the Company has granted the Agents an option (the ‘Agents’ Option‘) to increase the size of the Offering by up to $2,100,000 by giving written notice of the exercise of the Agent’s Option, or a part thereof, to the Company at any time up to 48 hours prior to closing of the Offering.

    Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (‘NI 45-106‘), the Units are being offered for sale to purchasers resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, in reliance on the ‘listed issuer financing exemption’ from the prospectus requirement available under Part 5A of NI 45-106, as amended by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 – Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemptions (the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption‘). The securities offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

    There is an offering document (the ‘Offering Document‘) related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company’s website at www.silver47.ca. Prospective investors should read this Offering Document before making an investment decision.

    The Company expects to close the Offering on or about September 16, 2025, or such other date as mutually agreed by the Company and the Agents. The Offering remains subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions including the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

    The Company has agreed to pay to the Agents a cash commission equal to 6% of the gross proceeds of the Offering, subject to a reduction for orders on a president’s list. In addition, the Company has agreed to issue to the Agents broker warrants of the Company exercisable for a period of 36 months, to acquire in aggregate that number of common shares of the Company which is equal to 6% of the number of Units sold under the Offering, subject to a reduction for orders on a president’s list, at an exercise price of $0.70.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘1933 Act‘) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available.

    About Silver47 Exploration

    Silver47 Exploration Corp. is a mineral exploration company, focused on uncovering and developing silver-rich deposits in North America. The Company is creating a leading high-grade US-focused silver developer with a combined resource totaling 236 Moz AgEq at 334 g/t AgEq inferred and 10 Moz at 333 g/t AgEq Indicated. With operations in Alaska, Nevada and New Mexico, Silver47 Exploration is anchored in America’s most prolific mining jurisdictions. For detailed information regarding the Company’s properties, please refer to the technical reports and other filings available on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

    For more information about the Company, please visit www.silver47.ca.

    Follow us on social media for the latest updates:

      On Behalf of the Board of Directors
      Mr. Galen McNamara
      CEO & Director

      For investor relations
      Giordy Belfiore
      604-288-8004
      gbelfiore@silver47.ca

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

      FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. ‘Forward-looking information’ includes, but is not limited to, statements with respect to the activities, events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future, including the expectation that the Offering will close in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, that the Offering will be completed at all, and the use of proceeds. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information and statements can be identified by the use of words such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’, ‘is expected’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’, or ‘believes’ or the negative connotation thereof or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will be taken’, ‘occur’ or ‘be achieved’ or the negative connotation thereof.

      Such forward-looking information and statements are based on numerous assumptions, including among others, that the Company will complete the Offering in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, and that the Company will receive all regulatory and Exchange approvals. Although the assumptions made by the Company in providing forward-looking information or making forward-looking statements are considered reasonable by management at the time, there can be no assurance that such assumptions will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements.

      Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s plans or expectations include risks relating to the failure to complete the Offering at all or in the timeframe and on the terms as anticipated by management, market conditions and timeliness of regulatory approvals. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking information or implied by 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 information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information.

      NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

      Corporate Logo

      To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263859

      News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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      Alvopetro Announces Production Results from Murucututu 183-D4 Well and an Operational Update

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      Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ALV,OTC:ALVOF) (OTCQX: ALVOF) announces initial production results from our recently completed 183-D4 Murucututu well (100% working interest) and an operational update.

      President & CEO, Corey C. Ruttan commented:

      ‘The initial results from our 183-D4 well are extremely encouraging and have allowed us to post record daily natural gas production levels from our 100% owned Murucututu asset. This result reinforces our vision for Murucututu and our long-term growth objectives.’

      Operational Update

      Brazil

      On our 100% owned Murucututu field, the 183-D4 well was drilled in the second quarter to a total measured depth of 3,072 metres. The well encountered the Caruaçu Member of the Maracangalha Formation 106 metres structurally updip of our 183-A3 well which has been on production since the fourth quarter of 2024. Based on cased-hole gamma ray logs and normalized gas while drilling, the well encountered potential natural gas pay in the Caruaçu Member of the Maracangalha Formation, with an aggregate 61 metres total vertical depth (‘TVD’) of potential natural gas pay between 2,439 and 2,838 metres TVD. We completed the well in seven intervals. The well went through an initial 116-hour cleanup period, recovering 2,620 barrels of completion fluid and 132 barrels of natural gas liquids. After this initial cleanup period, we flowed the well for 70 hours at a constant 32/64’choke at an average rate of 162 e 3 m 3 /d (5.7 MMcfpd, 953 boepd) with a 1,401psi flowing wellhead pressure. During this period, we also recovered a total of 995 barrels of completions fluid and 174 barrels of natural gas liquids. Average natural gas liquids (condensate) production during the flow period was 60 boepd. The flow rate over the last hour was 161 e 3 m 3 /d (5.7 MMcfpd, 947 boepd) with 1,384 psi flowing wellhead pressure. There are 12,190 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.

      Our joint development on the unitized area (‘the Unit’) which includes our Caburé field commenced in the second quarter and four wells (2.2 net) have now been drilled. We have just commenced the completion program and expect to have the additional production online by the end of the third quarter. These development wells were primarily drilled to extend and enhance the productive plateau of the Unit and the results will also be incorporated into future Unit working interest redeterminations. The timing of drilling the fifth development well (0.6 net) is subject to the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals.

      Development Activities – Western Canada

      In June, we further expanded our joint Mannville focused land based to 17,780 gross acres (8,890 net acres) and in July, two additional multi-lateral wells (1.0 net) were drilled with an aggregate of over 19 kilometers of open hole reservoir contact. Both wells have been completed and equipped and have just commenced production. Following a clean-up flow period, we will commence oil sales from these two new wells.

      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

      Data obtained from the 183-D4 well identified in this press release, including cased-hole logging data, potential net pay and initial production results should be considered preliminary. There is no representation by Alvopetro that the data relating to the 183-D4 well contained in this press release is 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.

      Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2025/25/c1020.html

      News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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