Garrett Goggin, founder of Golden Portfolio, says although gold and silver haven’t gone mainstream yet, the metals — and the mining sector overall — have entered a new era.
‘It’s a real mind shift — it’s a new era in mining right here,’ he said.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Jaime Carrasco, senior portfolio manager and senior financial advisor at Harbourfront Wealth Management, shares his outlook for gold and silver, saying prices must rise much higher.
He also talks about how to build a strong precious metals portfolio.
‘We’re moving from a credit-based economy, a bubble that is blowing up, to a resource-based economy — and that’s very healthy going forward,’ Carrasco said.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Byron King, editor at Paradigm Press, shares his approach to the gold and silver sectors as tensions in the Middle East intensify, also touching on oil and gas.
Overall he sees hard assets becoming increasingly key as global uncertainty escalates.
‘Own gold, own silver — physically own the metal for your own benefit,’ said King.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
/NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES/
1911 Gold Corporation (‘1911 Gold’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: AUMB) (OTCQX: AUMBF) (FRA: 2KY) is pleased to announce that, further to the news release dated February 20, 2026, the Company has closed the initial drawdown of US$15 million (the ‘Tranche 1 Amount’) under the loan agreement dated February 19, 2026 (the ‘Loan Agreement’) with Auramet International, Inc. (‘Auramet’), which provides for a US$30 million secured credit facility (the ‘Credit Facility’). It is anticipated that the proceeds from the Credit Facility, including the Tranche 1 Amount, will be used to advance critical operational milestones at the True North Gold Project, specifically providing the capital required to purchase essential mining equipment, underground development at the True North mine, and the installation of the new crushing circuit at the mill.
The outstanding principal amount under the Credit Facility accrues interest at a rate of 12% per annum calculated and payable monthly in arrears on the last business day of each calendar month; provided, however, that no interest shall accrue on the Tranche 1 Amount for a period of six months following the closing date of the initial drawdown of the Tranche 1 Amount (the ‘Closing Date‘). The Tranche 1 Amount shall be amortized and repaid to Auramet in 12 equal monthly instalments of US$1.25 million commencing on the date that is 13 months following the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 24 months following the Closing Date (the ‘Maturity Date‘).
The obligations under the Loan Agreement are secured by a first-ranking security interest on all personal property of the Company and a continuing collateral mortgage against the Company’s True North Gold Project and Rice Lake exploration properties. The Loan Agreement includes terms and conditions customary for a transaction of this nature, including certain specified positive and negative covenants and mandatory prepayment terms.
Subject to the satisfaction of certain conditions precedent, the remaining US$15 million of the Credit Facility will be made available during the period commencing on the date that is 90 days following the Closing Date and ending on the date that is 180 days following the Closing Date.
In consideration for the arrangement of the Credit Facility, on the Closing Date, the Company paid Auramet an arrangement fee of US$1,050,000, representing 3.5% of the aggregate principal amount of the Credit Facility, which fee was satisfied by the issuance of 1,369,600 common shares in the capital of the Company (‘Common Shares‘) at a deemed price of C$1.05 per Common Share. Additionally, in consideration for the lending of the Tranche 1 Amount, on the Closing Date, the Company paid Auramet a drawdown fee of US$375,000, representing 2.5% of the Tranche 1 Amount, which fee was satisfied by the issuance of 489,142 Common Shares at a deemed price of C$1.05 per Common Share, and issued to Auramet 4,500,000 common share purchase warrants of the Company (the ‘Tranche 1 Warrants‘), with each Tranche 1 Warrant exercisable to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price equal to C$1.07 per Common Share, representing a 10% premium to the 5-day volume-weighted average price of the Common Shares on the TSXV for the five consecutive trading days ending on (and including) the date of the Loan Agreement, with such Tranche 1 Warrants expiring on the Maturity Date, subject to acceleration.
The Common Shares and the Tranche 1 Warrants issuable pursuant to the Loan Agreement and the Common Shares underlying the Tranche 1 Warrants are subject to a four-month statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws, which will expire on July 10, 2026.
The securities issuable pursuant to the Loan Agreement have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable state securities laws or compliance with the requirements of an applicable exemption therefrom. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.
About Auramet
Auramet is a private company established in 2004 by seasoned professionals who have assembled a global team of industry specialists with over 400 years combined industry experience. It is one of the largest physical precious metals merchants in the world and has provided over $1.5 billion in term financing facilities to date. Auramet offers a full range of services, including physical metals trading, metals merchant banking (including direct lending), and project finance advisory services to all participants in the precious metals supply chain.
About 1911 Gold Corporation
1911 Gold is an advanced gold explorer and developer focused on its 100%-owned True North Gold Project in the Archean Rice Lake Greenstone Belt in Manitoba, Canada. The Company controls a large, highly prospective ~62,000-hectare land package with numerous past-producing gold operations within trucking distance of the fully built and permitted True North mine and mill complex. 1911 Gold is positioning itself to restart operations in 2027 and offers a unique, near-term production opportunity with significant exploration upside. The strategy is to build a district-scale gold mining operation around a centralized, and readily expandable infrastructure to support a socially and environmentally responsible, long-term mining operation with little development risk and a growing mineral resource base.
1911 Gold’s True North complex and the exploration land package are located within and among the First Nation communities of the Hollow Water First Nation and the Black River First Nation. 1911 Gold looks forward to maintaining open, cooperative, and respectful communications with all of our local communities and stakeholders to foster mutually beneficial working relationships.
ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Shaun Heinrichs
President and CEO
www.1911gold.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
This news release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘). Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words and phrases such as ‘plans’, ‘expects’ or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘estimates’, ‘forecasts’, ‘intends’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, or ‘believes’, or that describe a ‘goal’, or variations of such words and phrases, or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken, occur or be achieved.
All statements that address expectations or projections about the future, including, but not limited to, statements about the use of proceeds of the Credit Facility, including the Tranche 1 Amount, the timing and ability of the Company to satisfy the conditions precedent in respect of the drawdown of the remaining principal amount under the Credit Facility and the Company’s objectives, goals and future plans and strategies, are forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s beliefs and assumptions based on information available at the time the statements were made. Actual results or events may differ from those predicted in these forward-looking statements. All of the Company’s forward-looking statements are qualified by the assumptions that are stated or inherent in such forward-looking statements, including the assumptions listed below. Although the Company believes that these assumptions are reasonable, this list is not exhaustive of factors that may affect any of the forward-looking statements.
Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, future events, conditions, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, predictions, projections, forecasts, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, the Company’s inability to satisfy the conditions precedent in respect of the drawdown of the remaining principal amount under the Credit Facility and the Company’s inability to repay the Credit Facility or comply with the covenants set out in the Loan Agreement.
Although 1911 Gold has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are given as of the date hereof. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
SOURCE 1911 Gold Corporation
View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/March2026/09/c6182.html
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Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM,OTC:HUSIF) (OTCQB: HUSIF) (FSE: HLIA) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Nicola’) is pleased to provide an update on its proposed NASDAQ listing, which it originally disclosed in its news release of October 27, 2025. There are approximately 220 Canadian companies trading via cross listing in the United States1; however, Nicola hopes to be one of the first Canadian companies to list via American Depositary Receipts (‘ADRs’)2. The rational of pioneering the structure is explained below.
Listing ADRs on NASDAQ offers foreign companies a strategic pathway to U.S. capital markets while preserving their existing capital structure on their home exchange, such as the Toronto Stock Exchange or the TSX Venture Exchange. Unlike a reverse share consolidation undertaken solely to meet minimum price thresholds, an ADR program allows a foreign company to establish an ADR-to-ordinary-share ratio that achieves the required trading price without altering the underlying share count. This structure avoids the negative market optics frequently associated with rollbacks and preserves the integrity of a foreign company’s capital structure.
Key advantages include:
ADRs also provide operational and market-structure advantages by enabling dual-market liquidity and facilitating access to U.S. investors while maintaining a foreign company’s primary listing. Because ADRs are issued through a depositary bank that holds the underlying shares, a foreign company can expand its investor base without restructuring its domestic listing. This dual-trading framework allows Canadian and international investors to continue trading the ordinary common shares while U.S. investors transact in ADRs denominated in U.S. dollars. Important benefits include:
Nicola is currently subject to review by NASDAQ under Rule IM-5101-3, a new interpretive rule adopted by NASDAQ in December 2025 that significantly expands NASDAQ’s discretionary authority to deny a company’s initial listing even if it meets all quantitative listing requirements.
Previously, companies that satisfied the formal listing requirements-such as minimum share price, market capitalization, shareholder count, and corporate governance standards- expected to receive approval to list on NASDAQ. The adoption of Rule IM-5101-3 changes this framework by allowing NASDAQ to conduct a qualitative risk assessment and reject a listing if it believes the security could be susceptible to manipulation or other market integrity risks.
Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola, stated, ‘Nicola, its legal team, and NASDAQ continue to work sedulously towards assuring a sound structure as we move forward with this strategic structure. We remain committed to prudently move forward in a structure beneficial to the US markets while striving for stability to our Canadian shareholders.’
About Nicola Mining
Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange and Frankfurt Exchange that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola’s fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.
The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of over 10,800 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, which is a fully-permitted high grade silver mine and includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease, spanning an area exceeding 2,200 hectares.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
‘Peter Espig‘
Peter Espig
CEO & Director
For additional information
Contact: Peter Espig
Phone: (778) 385-1213
Email: info@nicolamining.com
URL: www.nicolamining.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws. All statements, other than statements of present or historical facts, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and assumptions and accordingly, actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements concerning the proposed listing of ADRs on Nasdaq and the benefits from the listing of ADRs on Nasdaq.
Forward-looking statements are based upon certain assumptions and other key factors that, if untrue, could cause actual results to be materially different from future results expressed or implied by such statements. Key assumptions upon which the Company’s forward-looking information is based include, without limitation, the ability to obtain required regulatory approvals for the proposed listing of ADRs on Nasdaq. Forward-looking statements are also subject to risks and uncertainties facing the Company’s business, including, without limitation, the risk that the Company may not receive the required regulatory approvals for the proposed listing of ADRs on Nasdaq.
There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, and even if events or results described in the forward-looking statements are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, Nicola. Investors are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements.
THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PRESS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF NICOLA AS OF THE DATE OF THIS PRESS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD- LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE NICOLA MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME, WHETHER AS A RESULT OF NEW INFORMATION, FUTURE EVENTS OR OTHERWISE, EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.
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.
_________________________
1 Source: Mandarin Capital Link and Investopedia Link
2 ADR definition: Link
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/287693
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OpenAI is facing mounting backlash after striking a controversial agreement with the Pentagon to deploy its artificial intelligence (AI) systems across US national security operations.
The most immediate internal consequence came from the departure of Caitlin Kalinowski, a senior leader who previously headed OpenAI’s robotics division.
Kalinowski announced her resignation on social media over the weekend (March 7), saying the company moved too quickly on an agreement that raises serious questions about surveillance and autonomous weapons.
I resigned from OpenAI. I care deeply about the Robotics team and the work we built together. This wasn’t an easy call. AI has an important role in national security. But surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization are…
— Caitlin Kalinowski (@kalinowski007) March 7, 2026
“This wasn’t an easy call,” Kalinowski wrote in a post on X. “AI has an important role in national security. But surveillance of Americans without judicial oversight and lethal autonomy without human authorization are lines that deserved more deliberation than they got. This was about principle, not people.”
Kalinowski also said she believed the agreement with the Pentagon had been rushed without clear governance safeguards.
“It’s a governance concern first and foremost,” she said. “These are too important for deals or announcements to be rushed.”
OpenAI confirmed her departure but defended the agreement, saying the contract contains safeguards governing how its technology may be used.
“We recognize that people have strong views about these issues and we will continue to engage in discussion with employees, government, civil society and communities around the world,” the company added.
Prior to the deal, the Pentagon had already been negotiating with Anthropic, the developer of the Claude chatbot, over a similar partnership.
However, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei refused to allow the company’s technology to be used for domestic mass surveillance or military attacks conducted without human input.
The standoff ultimately collapsed, prompting President Donald Trump to order federal agencies to stop using Anthropic technology. The Defense Department later designated the company a “supply chain risk,” a label typically applied to entities tied to foreign adversaries.
OpenAI then stepped in to sign its own agreement with the Pentagon.
The contract allows OpenAI models to be deployed in classified environments while maintaining several restrictions. The company said its systems cannot be used for mass domestic surveillance, autonomous weapons systems or high-stakes automated decision-making without human oversight.
The agreement also includes a “cloud-only” deployment architecture, which OpenAI says prevents its models from being used directly in autonomous weapons operating on physical devices. Engineers with security clearances will remain involved in the deployment process, and the company said it retains control over its safety systems.
Still, critics argue that the agreement opens the door to a much deeper integration of artificial intelligence into US military operations.
The controversy also further intensified as the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran shortly after the agreement was finalized.
Shortly after the agreement was announced, downloads of Anthropic’s Claude chatbot surged while uninstallations of OpenAI’s ChatGPT spiked sharply.
Data cited by Sensor Tower showed ChatGPT uninstallations rising more than 295 percent on February 28, the day after the deal was made public.
Within days, Claude had climbed to the top spot among free apps on Apple’s (NASDAQ:AAPL) US App Store, overtaking ChatGPT. It also became the most downloaded productivity app on the platform.
The backlash has extended beyond digital platforms. Activists gathered outside OpenAI’s headquarters in San Francisco, launching what they described as a “QuitGPT” protest campaign against the company.
California Democratic Representative Sam Liccardo introduced an amendment to the Defense Production Act aimed at preventing the Pentagon from retaliating against companies that impose safety restrictions on high-risk technologies.
Liccardo argued that firms developing powerful AI systems should have a say in how their technology is deployed.
“Full disclosure: I am a Claude subscriber, though I can’t claim to have used it to create any homicidal bots,” Liccardo said during a House Financial Services Committee meeting.
“Regardless, when the company that designs and builds the jet fighter tells us when to use the brakes, we should listen. Instead, the Pentagon’s bureaucrats and lawyers believe they know better. They think they can fly the plane without brakes.”
The amendment ultimately failed on a 16-25 vote.
Facing mounting criticism, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has sought to repair the company’s reputation by publicly acknowledging that the process of announcing the Pentagon agreement had been flawed.
“The process was definitely rushed, and the optics don’t look good,” Altman wrote on X shortly after the backlash began.
In a follow-up internal memo shared publicly, Altman also said OpenAI had revised the contract language to include clearer prohibitions against domestic surveillance using “commercially acquired” personal data.
He also reiterated that OpenAI’s models cannot be used to direct autonomous weapons systems and said the company’s engineers and safety researchers would remain directly involved in overseeing how the technology is deployed.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Fathom Nickel Inc. (CSE: FNI,OTC:FNICF) (FSE: 6Q5) (OTCQB: FNICF) (‘Fathom’, or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the winter drill program at the Gochager Lake project commenced late in the day of March 6, 2026. Drilling is expected to continue into the first or second week of April, dependent upon prevailing winter conditions.
Ian Fraser, Fathom CEO and VP Exploration stated, ‘Our field crews worked very hard over the course of the past two months to ensure the trail and ice conditions were safe to transport the diamond drill and ancillary equipment to site for the start of this program. With the winter trail now in place, we will eliminate our reliance on helicopter support, resulting in an expected 30% to 35% reduction in total drilling cost per meter. This increased cost efficiency will allow us to drill more meters and, ultimately, more holes in comparison to historical, heli-supported drill programs. This drill program is now well underway, and we look forward to testing along strike of the historic Gochager Lake deposit for more Gochager-like mineralization.’
The Company is fully funded to complete the proposed drill program of up to 4,000 meters. In the event that the full drill program is not completed before spring break-up in mid-April, we intend to return to Gochager in late May/early June to complete the full 3,000-to-4,000-meter program.
Qualified Person and Data Verification
Ian Fraser, P.Geo., CEO, VP Exploration and a Director of the Company and the ‘qualified person’ as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101, has verified the data disclosed in this news release, and has otherwise reviewed and approved the technical information in this news release on behalf of the Company.
About Fathom Nickel Inc.
Fathom is an exploration company that is targeting magmatic nickel sulphide discoveries to secure the supply of North American Critical Minerals and to support the global green energy transition. The Company now has a portfolio of three high-quality exploration projects located in the prolific Trans Hudson Corridor in Saskatchewan:
1) The Albert Lake Project, a 90,000+ hectare project that hosts the historic Rottenstone Mine1. Fathom exploration to date at the Albert Lake project confirms:
2) The 33,000+ hectare Gochager Lake Project that hosts the historic Gochager Lake deposit2. Fathom exploration to date at the Gochager Lake project confirms:
3) The 10,000+ hectare Friesen Lake Project located 40km southwest of the historic Rottenstone Mine and 30km northwest of the historic Gochager Lake deposit.
The Friesen Lake property hosts the Olsen Cu-Ni-Pt Showing also referred to as the Friesen Lake Cu-Ni-Pt showing and is described as an ultramafic dyke that historic trenching and drilling demonstrates Cu-Ni-Pt-Pd and Au mineralization within the ultramafic dyke (Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMID) #0928a). To date Fathom has not performed any exploration at the Friesen Lake Project.
1 – The Rottenstone Mine; a small open-pit mining / milling operation was in production 1965-1969. Mining in 1965 produced 5,500 short tons with a reported average production grade of 3.23% Ni, 1.83% Cu, 0.14 oz/ton Pt, 0.10 oz/ton Pd, 0.03 oz/ton Au (9.26 g/t*3E, 3E = Pd-Pt+Au) and 0.20 oz/ton Ag. Initial milling of mine concentrate; September 5 – November 7, 1965, produced 1,070 dry short tons of concentrate that averaged 10.83% Ni, 5.74% Cu, 0.33 oz/ton Pt, 0.53 oz/ton Pd, 0.10 oz/ ton Au (32.91 g/t* 3E) and 1.25 oz/ton Ag. Richards, B.R. and Robinson, B.G.W. (1966), Mining and milling a small ore deposit …. Rottenstone Mining Limited: The Canadian Mining and Metallurgical Bulleting for December 1966. The Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI) #0958 reports final mine production in 1969 of 28,724 tons with an average grade of 3.28% Ni, 1.83% Cu and 9.63 g/t 3E and that approximately 9,000 tons of concentrate were sold to the International Nickel Company of Canada Limited. * A factor of 34.286 g/tonne was used to convert 1 oz/ton to g/tonne (g/t).
2 – The Gochager Lake property is host to the historic Gochager Lake Ni-Cu deposit. There is no source or available Technical Reports to verify the historic resource estimate for the Gochager Lake deposit; hence, Fathom will treat the historic estimate as an Exploration Target. Available records in the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index (SMDI) and Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database (SMAD) suggest an Exploration Target of 4-5 million tons grading 0.3% Ni – 0.4% Ni and 0.08% Cu – 0.09% Cu. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature, there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource, and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource. At present, Fathom has drilled 16 drillholes (5,549m) into the historic Gochager Lake deposit and has confirmed Ni-Cu grades comparable to and higher than the historical grades reported, thus confirming that a deposit of Ni-Cu+Co metal accumulation does exist at the historic Gochager Lake deposit / property. The disclosed potential quantity and grade has been determined by historic records notably; the Saskatchewan Mineral Deposit Index and Saskatchewan Mineral Assessment Database. (SMDI #0880) reports delineation drilling outlined a deposit at the historic Gochager Lake Deposit; Steel, J.S. (1990), (SMAD 73P15-0091): Report on a Diamond Drilling Program on the Gallagher (Gochager) Lake Property of McNickel Inc., reported that Scurry-Rainbow Oil Ltd. constructed vertical sections and a longitudinal section from drill data collected 1966-1968, and an orebody with reasonably well-defined limits was interpreted. As stated above, the historic estimate is not well documented and there are no available Technical Reports to support the historic resource estimate(s).
For further information, please contact:
Ian Fraser, Chief Executive Officer & Vice-President Exploration
1-403-650-9760
Email: ifraser@fathomnickel.com
or
Doug Porter, President & CFO
1-403-870-4349
Email: dporter@fathomnickel.com
Forward-Looking Statements:
This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ that are based on expectations, estimates, projections and interpretations as at the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as ‘plan’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘seek’, ‘intend’, ‘believe’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘suggest’, ‘indicate’ and other similar words or statements that certain events or conditions ‘may’ or ‘will’ occur. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward-looking statements.’ Forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ from those reflected in the forward-looking statements, including, without limitation: risks related to failure to obtain adequate financing on a timely basis and on acceptable terms; risks related to the outcome of legal proceedings; political and regulatory risks associated with mining and exploration; risks related to the maintenance of stock exchange listings; risks related to environmental regulation and liability; the potential for delays in exploration or development activities or the completion of feasibility studies; the uncertainty of profitability; risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of drill results, the geology, grade and continuity of mineral deposits; risks related to the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; results of prefeasibility and feasibility studies, and the possibility that future exploration, development or mining results will not be consistent with the Company’s expectations; risks related to commodity price fluctuations; and other risks and uncertainties related to the Company’s prospects, properties and business detailed elsewhere in the Company’s disclosure record. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These forward- looking statements are made as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Actual events or results could differ materially from the Company’s expectations or projections.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/287717
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Global oil and gas prices rallied sharply over the weekend as escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East rattled energy markets and triggered fears of a major supply disruption.
Benchmark crude prices surged to their highest levels in years, with traders pricing in the possibility of prolonged instability across one of the world’s most important energy-producing regions. Brent crude briefly climbed above US$115 a barrel in early trading, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) also spiked sharply, marking one of the largest short-term gains since the energy shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
At the heart of the rally is the escalating conflict involving Iran and its regional rivals, which has raised concerns about the security of critical oil infrastructure and shipping routes.
Analysts say the market reaction reflects the risk that the conflict could disrupt flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that normally carries roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply.
Recent attacks on energy infrastructure have intensified those fears. In early March, a drone strike targeted Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery, one of the kingdom’s largest oil processing facilities, prompting temporary operational disruptions and contributing to an immediate spike in global crude prices.
At the same time, tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plummeted as shipping companies and energy traders reassess risks in the region. Reports indicate that hundreds of vessels have avoided the route, effectively constraining the flow of crude from major Gulf exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.
Markets are particularly sensitive to disruptions in the Gulf because the region serves as a critical artery for global energy trade. If the conflict escalates further or shipping lanes remain restricted, analysts warn that millions of barrels per day could be removed from the market.
“The conflict has shifted from geopolitical risk to real supply disruption,” analysts said, noting that energy infrastructure attacks and transport bottlenecks are tightening the global supply outlook.
Energy traders are also watching the potential response from major producing nations and international organizations. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, known as OPEC+, have historically attempted to stabilize markets by adjusting production quotas. Decisions by the group to cut or increase output often play a decisive role in shaping oil prices.
“The global oil market has been in significant surplus since the start of 2025. Ahead of the military actions that began on 28 February, global oil supply was also expected to far exceed demand in 2026,” an International Energy Agency report notes.
“However, prolonged supply disruptions could flip the market into a deficit. The disruption to oil flows through the Strait has forced some operators to start shutting in production. The region’s output of refined products has also been impacted.”
Meanwhile, some governments are weighing the release of strategic petroleum reserves in an attempt to dampen the rally. Several Group of Seven countries have signaled they could coordinate emergency stockpile releases if supply disruptions worsen.
Despite these potential interventions, market analysts warn that geopolitical shocks tend to produce sharp and prolonged price swings. If the current conflict expands or energy infrastructure remains under threat, crude prices could climb even higher, with some forecasts suggesting oil could test US$120 to US$150 per barrel under severe supply constraints.
For the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services (ICIS) the duration of any disruption is the most critical factor in determining the scale of price impacts.
ICIS model-based analysis suggests that even a relatively short interruption to shipping through the Strait could push European gas prices sharply higher. Under a scenario in which the waterway is closed for four weeks, benchmark prices at the Title Transfer Facility (TTF) could rise to approximately 60 euros per megawatt-hour in March, with summer prices remaining about 20 percent above pre-crisis forward levels.
A more prolonged disruption would amplify the impact considerably. In a scenario where the Strait remains closed for three months, TTF prices could climb to roughly 85 euros per megawatt-hour, reflecting heightened competition for global liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes and growing concerns over European supply security.
The analysis underscores the extent to which Europe’s gas market remains exposed to global LNG dynamics, even after several years of efforts to diversify supply following the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The continent now relies heavily on LNG imports to balance demand, meaning that any disruption affecting shipments from the Middle East, one of the world’s largest LNG-exporting regions, would quickly ripple through European pricing.
Higher LNG prices would also have important implications for gas storage levels across the EU. As imported cargoes become more expensive, utilities may draw more heavily on existing inventories to meet near-term demand. This dynamic would likely lead to faster depletion of stored gas during the spring and early summer, leaving less cushion ahead of the winter heating season.
At the same time, elevated prices would increase the urgency of replenishing storage facilities during the summer injection period. Market participants would need to secure additional LNG cargoes to rebuild inventories, further intensifying competition for global supply and sustaining upward pressure on prices.
Recent adjustments to EU storage policy could somewhat soften the immediate price shock, but analysts say the broader supply-risk profile would remain largely unchanged. In particular, the European Union’s decision to relax storage-filling requirements may reduce short-term demand for gas injections, thereby moderating the initial spike in spot prices.
However, the policy shift does little to alter the underlying supply constraints that could emerge later in the year.
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Force majeure declarations are beginning to ripple across the global commodities sector as the escalating conflict in the Middle East threatens to spread shocks beyond oil and gas.
Energy companies, producers, and traders are already grappling with interruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets.
The strait typically carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supply, making it one of the most important chokepoints in global commodity trade.
Some of the first force majeure declarations have emerged from the energy sector.
QatarEnergy declared force majeure on liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries this week after attacks forced the state-owned company to halt production at key facilities. The decision followed strikes on two LNG installations and continuing security threats in the region.
In Israel, Chevron (NYSE:CVX) also declared force majeure at the Leviathan offshore gas field after authorities ordered a shutdown following US–Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliation across the region.
Leviathan is Israel’s largest gas field and supplies natural gas to Israel, Egypt and Jordan. The suspension marks the second time in less than a year that regional hostilities have interrupted operations at the site.
Meanwhile, oil producers in the Gulf have begun cutting output as tankers struggle to move through Hormuz. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Kuwait have both started reducing production after storage facilities began filling up when exports could not leave the region.
Aluminium Bahrain BSC has invoked force majeure on some shipments after maritime traffic through Hormuz effectively stalled. The company said the measure was tied to transit disruptions rather than damage to its smelter operations.
The announcement sent aluminum prices sharply higher. Futures in London surged to their highest level since 2022, rising as much as 5.1 percent during trading before settling higher on the day.
The aluminum market is particularly sensitive to supply disruptions because the metal is used across a wide range of industries, including automotive manufacturing, construction, appliances and packaging. Even short interruptions can create shortages for manufacturers that rely on tightly timed deliveries of specialized metal products.
Mining financier Robert Friedland, founder of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN,OTCQX:IVPAF), warned that the broader consequences of a prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could extend far beyond the Gulf region.
“Further to what we said about the impact that the closing of the Strait of Hormuz has on the sulphur market… and therefore African copper production… Craig Tindale maps out that this is only one small piece of a giant and critically important 3D jigsaw,” Friedland wrote on X.
“Everything affects everything, everywhere, all of the time.”
Meanwhile, precious metals markets are also feeling the effects of the conflict. Air traffic across much of the Gulf region has been curtailed since US and Israeli strikes on Iran began earlier this week, halting most flights in and out of Dubai.
Dubai, one of the world’s most important hubs for bullion logistics, handled roughly 20 percent of global gold shipments last year, serving as a key transit point for metal moving from Africa and Europe to Asian markets.
With flights grounded, traders say shipments of gold and silver have stalled across several trading centers.
“Gold availability has become a concern following the suspension of flights from the Middle East,” said John Reade, senior market strategist at the World Gold Council (WGC).
Some traders say prolonged disruptions could increase volatility in precious metals markets that have already seen sharp price swings this year. Gold recently surged to record levels above US$5,400 per ounce amid geopolitical tensions before easing slightly this week.
Even after the pullback, prices remain nearly 20 percent higher since the start of the year.
Jeffrey Christian, managing partner at CPM Group, said geopolitical instability has been a major driver of investor demand for gold and silver.
“That has caused investors to buy more gold and silver than ever before.”
Christian added that high prices and volatility can also create bottlenecks in the physical metals market.
“You have to understand that with the high prices and the high volatility, that really puts a constraint… on the flow of physical metal through the market,” he said.
For now, the biggest question facing commodity markets is how long disruptions in the Persian Gulf will last.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed to most commercial shipping, leaving hundreds of oil and gas tankers anchored outside the passage while governments consider military escorts to reopen the route.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
West High Yield Resources Ltd. (TSXV: WHY,OTC:WHYRF) (the ‘Company’ or ‘West High Yield’) is pleased to announce that it has received a draft access permit (the ‘Draft Permit’) from the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Transit (the ‘MOTT’) for highway access associated with the Company’s Record Ridge Industrial Mineral Mine project (the ‘RRIMM Project’) located near Rossland, British Columbia.
The Draft Permit outlines the proposed framework for controlled RRIMM Project access from the provincial highway system, including the Cascade Highway corridor. This represents another key regulatory step forward as the Company advances the RRIMM Project following the issuance of its Mines Act permit from the British Columbia Ministry of Mines on October 20, 2025.
Highway access is a critical infrastructure component for the RRIMM Project, supporting construction mobilization, transportation logistics, and future mining operations. The Company will now work with the MOTT to finalize permit conditions, including final engineering design, traffic safety measures, and operational parameters required for project access.
The receipt of the Draft Permit further strengthens the RRIMM Project’s position as one of the most advanced permitted magnesium projects under development in North America, at a time when governments across Canada and the United States are prioritizing the development of domestic critical minerals supply chains.
Magnesium is recognized as a strategic material essential to automotive lightweighting, aerospace manufacturing, defense applications, and advanced industrial alloys. Global supply is currently highly concentrated outside North America, creating increasing urgency for the development of secure, domestic sources of magnesium and related critical materials.
‘Receiving the draft highway access permit from the Ministry of Transportation and Transit is another important milestone as we continue advancing Record Ridge toward development,’ said Frank Marasco, West High Yield’s President and CEO. ‘Infrastructure access is fundamental to transitioning the project from permitting into construction readiness. With the Mines Act Permit already secured, this step moves us closer to unlocking one of North America’s largest and most strategically positioned magnesium resources.’
‘With global leaders at PDAC 2026 highlighting a ‘hinge moment’ for the mining sector, we believe Record Ridge is well positioned to contribute to Canada’s critical minerals strategy,’ Mr. Marasco continued. ‘As magnesium becomes increasingly important for advanced manufacturing and clean technologies, Record Ridge has the potential to provide a secure, low-carbon source of magnesium for North American supply chains.’
The Company is diligently working with its consultants and government authorities to advance post-permit compliance requirements and complete remaining project permitting. In parallel, the Company continues to advance several development initiatives, including pilot processing programs, engineering studies, and strategic industry engagement, with the goal of advancing the processing plant project toward a commercial feasibility study planned for mid-2026.
The Company will provide additional updates as further project development milestones are achieved.
About West High Yield
West High Yield is a publicly traded junior mining exploration and development company, established in 2003, and focused on acquiring, exploring, and developing mineral resource properties in Canada. Its primary objective is to develop its Record Ridge critical mineral (magnesium, silica, and nickel) deposit using green processing techniques to minimize waste and CO2 emissions.
The Company’s Record Ridge critical mineral deposit located 10 kilometers southwest of Rossland, British Columbia has approximately 10.6 million tonnes of contained magnesium based on an independently produced National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (‘NI 43-101‘) Preliminary Economic Assessment technical report (titled ‘Revised NI 43-101 Technical Report Preliminary Economic Assessment Record Ridge Project, British Columbia, Canada’) prepared by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc. on April 18, 2013 in accordance with NI 43-101 and which can be found on the Company’s profile at https://www.sedarplus.ca.
Qualified Person
Rick Walker, B.Sc., M.Sc., P.Geo., the Company Geologist is a Qualified Person as defined in NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release.
Contact Information:
West High Yield (W.H.Y.) RESOURCES LTD.
Frank Marasco Jr., President and Chief Executive Officer
Telephone: (403) 660-3488
Email: frank@whyresources.com
Barry Baim, Corporate Secretary
Telephone: (403) 829-2246
Email: barry@whyresources.com
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking statements and information are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements and information because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct.
Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the statements are made and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking information. Some of the risks and other factors that could cause the results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking information include, but are not limited to: general economic conditions in Canada and globally; industry conditions, including governmental regulation; failure to obtain industry partner and other third party consents and approvals, if and when required; the availability of capital on acceptable terms; the need to obtain required approvals from regulatory authorities; and other factors. Readers are cautioned that this list of risk factors should not be construed as exhaustive.
Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is given as of the date hereof, and to not use such forward-looking information for anything other than its intended purpose. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.
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.
To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/287761
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