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Platinum moved into a more pronounced deficit position in 2024, with demand outstripping supply of the precious metal by nearly 1 million ounces, according to the World Platinum Investment Council’s (WPIC) Platinum Quarterly for Q4 2024.

A significant portion of that came in the final quarter of the year, when the deficit grew by 313,000 ounces.

This was driven largely by investment demand on the back of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election and subsequent rhetoric over planned trade and foreign policy.

Increased demand adding to supply draw down

According to the new report, the platinum deficit deepened in Q4 on the back of weaker recycling supply and stronger investment demand, coming in 313,000 ounces deeper than the council forecasted in its Q3 2024 report released in November.

In total, the last quarter of 2024 saw 360,000 ounces of demand uptake from investor inflows into the platinum market. On a more granular level, this demand came from 92,000 ounces of platinum bar and coin purchases, 142,000 ounces in platinum inflows to exchange traded funds (ETFs) and 126,000 ounces of platinum moving into exchange stocks. The WPIC defines exchange stocks as ‘platinum ounces held in approved storage facilities that serve as collateral for futures positioning.’

“So back in December, when the incoming Trump administration started talking about the threat of tariffs, we began to see that impact on the commodity markets in terms of distorting the flow of metals versus what would happen normally,” he said.

Similar to what was reported in gold markets, this resulted in institutional players moving physical products from Europe into New York Mercantile Exchange-approved warehouses in the United States.

“They needed to get that into the States because they’ve suddenly begun to worry that they might have to pay tariffs when they bring that material in in the future, and that would obviously impinge on profitability,” Sterck said.

Watch the full interview with Sterck above.

In its projection for 2025, Sterck said the council sees a continuation of trends from 2024 and is predicting a third year of platinum deficits with an 848,000 ounce shortfall.

In its initial assessment, the WPIC expected 150,000 ounces of full year demand to come from exchange inflows to the NYMEX, but according to Sterck, 275,000 ounces have already been moved since the start of the year.

“You can see that even to get to our number for 2025, you’d have to have quite a significant unwinding of those NYMEX exchange stock flows to get back to where our full year estimate is. So if we were to close the year today, the deficit would be more substantial than our current projection,” he said.

Trump policy, the auto industry and platinum

If US tariffs on Mexico and Canada do come into effect, platinum investors and the auto industry are likely to feel the pinch.

Sterck explained that, while the bulk of North American auto manufacturing is carried out in the United States, the auto sector is highly integrated. Mexico manufactures about 45 percent of the United States’ automobile parts and 15 percent of the country’s vehicles, and Canada supplies an additional 10 percent and 7.5 percent respectively.

These automobile parts include the catalytic converters, which have significant load-outs of the core platinum group metals (PGMs): platinum, palladium and rhodium.

According to Sterck, the overall fear is that the increased cost of new cars for US consumers caused by the tariffs will reduce demand, putting downward pressure on PGMs as well.

“In terms of platinum, the downside risk to platinum demand on our numbers in a worst-case scenario is about 97,000 ounces. For palladium, it’s more substantial, something in the order of 350,000 ounces,” he said.

While this may more significantly impact palladium markets, Sterck doesn’t see this potential hit to platinum demand shifting the platinum deficit that the WPIC is predicting for 2025.

Other policy decisions by the new US administration will likely provide support for platinum, however.

‘Sadly, it looks like the US is going to be rolling back on its environmental commitments,’ Sterck said. ‘Obviously, that could be positive in terms of petroleum demand for PGMs (and) internal combustion engine demand for PGMs.’

Additionally, slowing of demand growth for electric vehicles (EVs) adds potential tailwinds for automotive platinum demand. Sterck suggests several factors contribute to the slowing rates, including US policy and backlash against Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA).

While some consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles from other automakers, he notes that the trend of slowing growth in EVs is leading more consumers to look to cars with internal combustion engines, both traditional and hybrid, which require PGMs in their catalytic converters.

Supply-side squeeze

On the supply side, Sterck sees consistent contraction in the mining supply.

“The reality is that there isn’t a (solely) platinum mine in the world,” he said.

‘These mines all produce — and therefore their economics depend upon — multiple different metals. They all produce all six of the PGMs, plus gold (and) nickel, copper and chrome.’

However, Sterck explained that lower prices for palladium, rhodium and more recently chrome has led some of the miners to restructure operations to focus on profitability rather than output. While this has been successful at supporting the mines’ economics, it has caused output to fall significantly.

He also says that the overall impact of the reduced output has been masked by platinum stockpiles entering the market, with higher inventory levels introduced in 2024.

He pointed to South Africa as an example, which saw reduced smelter output and a stockpiling of concentrate in 2022 and 2023 due to power shortages. In 2024, the decline in mine production came alongside an upside in refining those stockpiled materials, which boosted full-year numbers.

Platinum supply from recycling is expected to remain about 20 percent below the 10 year average at 1,496,000 ounces, a decrease of 278,000 ounces from the WPIC’s 2025 forecast in its November release. This drop was the largest difference between the two releases.

Sterck explained that one cause of depressed recycling supply in 2024 and 2025 is declining supplies of end-of-life vehicles.

“Part of that is related to COVID impacting supply chains, and then the semiconductor shortage reducing new vehicle production in the past and consumers being forced to run new vehicles for longer,” he said. However, he said there could be other reasons that aren’t as apparent.

What should investors know about platinum in 2025

As Sterck pointed out, the platinum market was volatile at the beginning of the year, so the 2025 WPIC forecast may need to be significantly adjusted. However, the group said the market will continue to experience structural deficits in 2025.

While investment demand surged 77 percent in 2024, Sterck sees a pullback of 14 percent in 2025, but even that is high compared to previous years.

“Overall, I think we’ve got 606,000 ounces projected in terms of total demand for 2025, a respectable level that’s historically elevated,” he said.

One significant area of growth so far in 2025 is futures trading on the NYMEX, with Sterck pointing to a 500 percent year-on-year increase in January.

However, there hasn’t been much price movement so far. Platinum has largely traded in the US$900 to US$1,100 per ounce range for the past year, but unusually, with the increased trading volume, the prices have narrowed.

“There’s increasing competition within the market for some sort of price direction, and at some point, the price has to break out of that narrowing range,” he said.

Given the market conditions for platinum, the WPIC expects that breakout would be a positive one, but it’s not a guarantee.

“When prices break out, it can go in both directions, so we will have to wait and see,’ Sterck said. ‘But it’s certainly very interesting, and there’s a limited amount of time left before something really needs to change.’

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (March 12) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at US$83,016.38, reflecting a 0.2 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. The day’s trading range has seen a high of US$83,625.34 and a low of US$80,833.49.

Bitcoin has rebounded from its four-month low of US$76,600.

Despite a brief rise following a consumer price index report that pointed to cooling inflation, data analytics firm CryptoQuant warned of valuation metrics hinting at a further correction below US$70,000.

Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$1,881.77, down 3.6 percent over the same period.

The cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of US$1912.08 and a low of US$1,841.97.

Glassnode indicated that Ethereum’s recent price drop near $1,900 led to the accumulation of a significant amount of ETH, which their cost-basis analysis suggests could act as a support level.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) is currently valued at US$125.10, down 2.4 percent over the past 24 hours. SOL rose to a high of US$128.44 and later fell to a low of US$123.40 on Wednesday.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.24, reflecting a 1.6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency recorded an intraday high of US$2.24 and a low of US$2.14.
  • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$2.22, down 2.4 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily high of US$2.31 and a low of US$2.19.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.7299, reflecting a modest 0.1 percent increase over the past 24 hours. Its highest price on Wednesday was US$0.7541, with a low of US$0.7161.

Crypto news to know

BITCOIN’s second act

Senator Cynthia Lummis reintroduced the BITCOIN Act in US Congress on Tuesday (March 11), an initiative first introduced in July 2024, coinciding with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump’s promise to create a strategic Bitcoin reserve if he were elected.

Although the bill did not pass in the previous Congress, the updated version has garnered additional support from new co-sponsors, including Republican Senators Jim Justice, Tommy Tuberville, Roger Marshall, Marsha Blackburn and Bernie Moreno.

At a Bitcoin for America event hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute in Washington, DC, on Tuesday night, Rep. Nick Begich (R-AK) said he plans to introduce the bill to the House of Representatives.

The legislation would allow the United States Department of Treasury to hold approximately 5 percent of the total Bitcoin supply, “mirroring the size and scope of gold reserves held by the United States.” Additional Bitcoin could be purchased by “diversifying existing funds within the Federal Reserve System and Treasury Department.’

House votes to repeal IRS DeFi broker rule

On Tuesday, the US House of Representatives voted to repeal a rule that would have mandated decentralized finance (DeFi) protocols to report gross proceeds from crypto sales to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), including information regarding taxpayers involved in the transactions.

The motion passed with a final tally of 292-132 in favor. This follows the US Senate’s March 4 vote on the motion to repeal, which passed with a 70-27 majority.

Republican Representative Mike Carey submitted the repeal motion alongside Senator Ted Cruz, arguing that the rule was invasive for taxpayers and would overwhelm the IRS, as well as stifle innovation in “an important new industry in the United States.

The White House has voiced support for the repeal. The motion will now need to pass a second Senate vote before passing President Donald Trump’s desk.

Franklin Templeton files to list spot XRP ETF

Franklin Templeton has joined eight other fund managers — Bitwise, ProSHares, 32Shares, Canary Capital, Wisdom Tree, CoinShares, Grayscale and Volatility Shares — seeking approval to list spot XRP exchange-traded funds (ETFs) from the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund manager applied on March 11.

On that same day, the SEC delayed decisions on numerous crypto-related filings, followed by two more delays on March 12. These included proposals for ETFs tracking Solana, DOGE, Litecoin, and XRP.

The Cboe BZX exchange has also filed two proposals to incorporate staking into Fidelity’s spot Ethereum exchange-traded fund (ETF) and the Franklin Ethereum ETF.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

President Donald Trump’s economic policies and vision for US trade have reignited speculation about a potential multinational deal aimed at addressing what some view as a persistently overvalued dollar.

Although no formal agreement has been announced, analysts have coined the term “Mar-a-Lago Accord” to describe a possible effort to rebalance global currency markets, borrowing from the 1985 Plaza Accord.

Origins of the ‘Mar-a-Lago Accord’

The phrase has gained traction following a paper written in November 2024 by Stephen Miran, Trump’s nominee for the White House Council of Economic Advisers. In it, Miran proposed several strategies to reform global trade and counteract the economic imbalances caused by what he called an excessively strong dollar.

Similarly, incoming Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested in June 2024 that a “grand economic reordering” could take place in the coming years.

While details remain speculative, the general premise behind the Mar-a-Lago Accord revolves around Trump’s commitment to boosting American manufacturing and exports.

The challenge, however, lies in the dollar’s current strength, which makes US goods less competitive abroad. With the US trade deficit reaching a record US$1.2 trillion in 2024, some economists argue that a weaker dollar could help bridge the gap by making American exports more attractive.

The idea of a coordinated effort to weaken the dollar is not new. In 1985, the US and key trading partners—including Japan, France, the UK, and West Germany—agreed to the Plaza Accord, a deal aimed at curbing the dollar’s strength.

At the time, US manufacturers were struggling against Japan’s export dominance, much like today’s concerns regarding China.

The Plaza Accord succeeded in lowering the dollar’s value, but it also had unintended consequences, such as Japan’s economic stagnation in the 1990s.

Potential mechanisms of a Mar-a-Lago Accord

If such an agreement were to take shape, it could involve several key components. Trade and tariff adjustments could be central, as Trump has floated the idea of replacing the Internal Revenue Service with an “External Revenue Service” that collects funds from foreign countries, indicating a shift toward economic policies that could pressure trading partners into compliance.

Currency interventions might also play a role, with governments potentially agreeing to coordinated efforts in foreign-exchange markets to adjust currency values.

However, given today’s massive US$7.5 trillion daily forex trading volume, direct interventions might be less effective than they were in the 1980s.

Adrian Day, president of Adrian Day Asset Management, notes that these ideas form a “loose collection of disparate policies” rather than a cohesive plan.

He also emphasized that Trump often starts negotiations with extreme positions before settling on more moderate policies.

A significant aspect of this discussion revolves around security. The US has long subsidized defense for Europe and other allies, and Trump has suggested that foreign governments should bear a larger financial burden.

Debt restructuring is another controversial idea. “The US will require foreign governments who hold Treasuries to exchange those Treasuries for 100-year non-tradable zero coupons,” Day noted, adding that the proposal ties these exchanges to security commitments, using military presence as leverage.

“Carrot and stick—we’ll keep the Seventh Fleet in the Red Sea if you exchange your Treasuries, but if you don’t, you’re on your own.”

A weaker dollar could lead to higher inflation by increasing the cost of imports. Investors who traditionally see US assets as a safe haven might also shift capital toward alternative currencies such as the euro or yen.

Furthermore, any attempt to force trading partners into an unfavorable debt swap could disrupt the US$29 trillion Treasury market, a cornerstone of global finance.

What It means for gold

One of the most consistent takeaways from discussions around the Mar-a-Lago Accord is its bullish implications for gold.

A weaker dollar historically drives demand for gold as a store of value, and uncertainty surrounding U.S. debt policies could further boost the metal’s appeal. “Every single one of these proposals is gold bullish,” Day remarked.

An additional subject of market speculation is the idea that the administration could try to make use of the country’s gold stockpile. At current market prices, the gold held in Fort Knox, Kentucky, and other locations would be worth about US$758 billion, but it is valued at only US$11 billion on the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet due to a 1973 law that set its price.

Trump and Elon Musk have both expressed interest in verifying that the gold reserves remain intact, fueling further speculation.

Meanwhile, Bessent has discussed the potential of monetizing “the asset side of the US balance sheet for the American people,” though he has clarified that a gold revaluation is not what he had in mind.

Analysts speculate that any push to devalue the dollar while restructuring US obligations could set off a chain reaction in commodities markets, further amplifying gold’s importance.

If foreign investors perceive US economic policies as a shift away from traditional fiscal discipline, they may increase their allocations to gold as a hedge against potential volatility in Treasury markets.

While the Mar-a-Lago Accord remains more of a concept than a concrete policy, its potential implications are vast. The coming months will reveal whether the Trump administration formally pursues these strategies or if they remain theoretical discussions among economists and strategists.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Life science companies developing bird flu vaccines are gaining attention as the avian influenza subtype H5N1 becomes an increasing concern.

The United States is in the midst of an H5N1 bird flu outbreak that began in February 2024 and is now threatening the nation’s poultry and cattle industries. With poultry farmers across the US needing to cull their flocks if the virus is detected to prevent it spread, egg prices are shocking shoppers at the country’s grocery stores. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) has also spread to cattle and other mammals, including cats.

Human avian influenza cases have so far been rare during this outbreak in the US, as currently the virus is only spread to humans through exposure to infected animals. As of February 27, 2025, 67 human cases have been detected in the country, and one death has been reported. However, concerns such as the possibility of mutations that could increase the chance of human-to-human transmission are stoking calls for better preparedness and access to bird flu vaccines.

In this article:

    Is there a vaccine for bird flu?

    There are several bird flu vaccines approved for treating avian influenza in humans, with others under development.

    The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a US federal agency under the Department of Health and Human Services, currently holds three different US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved vaccines in its strategic national stockpile that can be rapidly updated to address the current strain.

    In the United States, the vaccines would be reserved for workers in the poultry industry if human cases escalate and could be scaled up further if needed in the case of a bird flu pandemic in humans.

    Health Canada has authorized two H5N1 vaccines and laid out a framework for deciding whether to use the vaccines in a non-pandemic context, including increased human cases, human-to-human transmission and increasing severity of outcomes.

    Which companies are producing vaccines for bird flu?

    Some of the biggest companies in the pharmaceutical industry are either producing vaccines for bird flu or actively developing new drug candidates to fight the virus. There are also a number of large-cap and small-cap life science companies with avian influenza vaccines under development.

    Below are eight bird flu vaccine stocks for investor consideration and details of their work on avian influenza. The stocks are listed by market cap based on figures retrieved from TradingView’s stock screener on March 12, 2025.

    1. Sanofi (NASDAQ:SNY)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$148.84 billion

    Sanofi develops therapeutic products for diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, oncology, immunology, multiple sclerosis, rare diseases, and rare blood disorders. The French multinational pharmaceutical company is also one of the world’s largest manufacturers of vaccines.

    Sanofi’s H5N1 vaccine became the first to be approved by the US FDA back in 2007. Today, it is one of only three US FDA-approved H5N1 vaccines held in the US national stockpile, joined by vaccines from two other pharma firms on this list, CSL Seqirus and GSK.

    In October 2024, the three pharma companies were awarded a combined US$72 million by the US Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response. The companies will prepare doses of their vaccines to be available if needed, and ‘manufacture additional bulk influenza antigen … from seed stocks that are well matched to circulating strains.’

    2. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$147.29 billion

    Pfizer is a world-renowned research pharmaceutical company developing drugs in a wide range of areas, including oncology, inflammation and immunology, vaccines, internal medicine and rare diseases. Pfizer and BioNTech created the first FDA-approved mRNA-based COVID-19 vaccine in 2020.

    Pfizer’s mRNA technology could be targeted at producing an avian flu vaccine. In a May 2024 press release, the company stated that it is prepared to address an H5 group influenza pandemic, and reported that in late 2023 it had ‘initiated a randomized Phase 1 study to evaluate the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of multiple doses of nucleoside-modified mRNA (modRNA) based pandemic influenza vaccine candidate.’

    3. GSK (NYSE:GSK)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$81.76 billion

    British multinational biotech company GSK has three main business divisions: pharmaceuticals, consumer healthcare and vaccines. Its vaccine Arexvy is the world’s first respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine for older adults and is approved for ages 50 and up.

    GSK subsidiary ID Biomedical Corporation of Quebec produces Arepanrix, an H5N1 virus monovalent vaccine, is among the three avian flu vaccines in the US stockpile.

    “GSK’s H5N1 pandemic vaccine can generate some cross-neutralizing antibodies against the current circulating strains and is recognized as an important tool in reducing illness during a possible H5N1 pandemic,” a GSK spokesperson told PharmaVoice. “The vaccine is designed to be updated with the latest circulating strain of interest, as identified by the WHO.”

    In February 2025, the Public Health Agency of Canada announced that through an existing deal with GSK, it has secured an initial supply of 500,000 doses of its avian influenza vaccine.

    GSK also has a mRNA-based H5N1 pre-pandemic vaccine in Phase 2 studies for adults 18 and older. GSK’s mRNA candidate vaccines were previously being developed in partnership with German biopharma CureVac, another company on this list. However, the two restructured the partnership in July 2024, and GSK now has full rights to development, manufacturing and commercialization.

    4. CSL (ASX:CSL,OTCQX:CMXHF)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$75.51 billion

    Australian multinational biotechnology firm CSL is the parent company of CSL Seqirus, one of the world’s largest influenza vaccine makers. CSL Seqirus has production facilities in the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

    CSL Seqirus’ Audenz is among the three avian flu vaccines that make up US stockpiles. The company describes Audenz, which the FDA approved in 2020, as ‘the first-ever adjuvanted, cell-based influenza vaccine designed to protect against influenza A (H5N1) in the event of a pandemic.’

    CSL Seqirus has a manufacturing facility in North Carolina that was built through a public-private partnership with the US government in 2009. According to the company, the facility is the world’s largest cell-based influenza vaccine producer and its highly scalable production method means it’s capable of delivering 150 million influenza vaccine doses within a six-month timeframe as part of an influenza pandemic response.

    5. Moderna (NASDAQ:MRNA)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$13.03 billion

    Moderna leads the world in the field of mRNA-based medicine from immuno-oncology to infectious diseases, as best demonstrated by its rapid deployment of effective COVID-19 vaccines. The company’s integrated manufacturing plant allows for both clinical and commercial production.

    Moderna’s mRNA-based bird flu vaccine mRNA-1018 is undergoing a Phase 1/2 study targeting H5 and H7 avian influenza viruses.

    In January 2025, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under the Biden Administration stated it would award Moderna US$590 million to “accelerate the development of mRNA-based pandemic influenza vaccines and enhance mRNA platform capabilities so that the U.S. is better prepared to respond to other emerging infectious diseases.” This includes its investigational avian flu vaccine.

    Bloomberg reported in late February that funding is now in question as Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a long-time anti-vaccine activist, has taken the reins of the HHS under the Trump administration. Republican lawmakers in several states are also putting forth legislation to ban mRNA vaccines.

    6. Novavax (NASDAQ:NVAX)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$1.27 billion

    American vaccine developer Novavax has a pipeline of early and late-stage vaccine candidates targeting respiratory viruses and other serious infectious diseases. The biotech’s platform is based on its proprietary recombinant protein-based nanoparticle and Matrix-M adjuvant technology.

    Sanofi signed a US$1.2 billion co-exclusive license in May 2024 to co-commercialize Novavax’s adjuvanted COVID-19 vaccine through much of the world.

    Novavax is also conducting pre-clinical studies on a vaccine for H5N1 avian pandemic influenza using its novel approach to immunization. According to the company, ‘Non-human primate studies have shown (its) vaccine candidate can produce protective levels of immunity after a single dose.’

    7. CureVac (NASDAQ:CVAC)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$708.81 million

    CureVac is a pioneer in developing mRNA medicines, and the first biotech company in the world “to successfully harness mRNA for medical purposes,” according to its company website. The company’s mRNA-based pipeline is based its on its proprietary RNA technology platform. It focuses on three therapeutic areas: prophylactic vaccines, cancer immunotherapies and molecular therapies.

    CureVac also has an in-house GMP manufacturing facility capable of large-scale production of vaccine doses.

    In 2024, CureVac, in partnership with GSK, began a Phase 1/2 study in the United States on an investigational mRNA-based bird flu vaccine for healthy younger adults aged 18 to 64 and healthy older adults aged 65 to 85 years of age. The vaccine candidate has since been fully licensed to GSK.

    8. Arcturus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:ARCT)

    Company Profile

    Market cap: US$358.25 million

    California-based Arcturus Therapeutics is a global commercial mRNA medicines and vaccines company. Its pipeline is focused on the development of infectious respiratory disease vaccines.

    Arcturus is developing an avian flu vaccine based on its STARR self-amplifying mRNA vaccine platform technology. In 2022, the company was awarded US$63.2 million by the US HHS to support development of this vaccine for rapid pandemic influenza response. Phase 1 clinical trials for its H5N1 vaccine candidate began in January and is fully funded by the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, part of the US HHS.

    Antiviral influenza stocks

    Life science stocks with commercial or clinical-stage antiviral influenza medications are also worth considering for investors interested in bird flu stocks. Here are a few to get you started, listed in alphabetical order.

    CoCrystal Pharma (NASDAQ:COCP)
    CoCrystal Pharma is a clinical-stage biotech company with a focus on developing antiviral treatments, specifically for influenza, norovirus and COVID-19. The company’s oral influenza PB2 inhibitor CC-42344 is targeted at pandemic and seasonal influenza. Currently in Phase 2a studies, the treatment has shown in vitro activity against the avian influenza A PB2 protein.

    NanoViricides (NYSEAMERICAN:NNVC)
    NanoViricides is a clinical stage nanomedicine technology company. Its lead drug candidate is NV-387, a broad spectrum antiviral therapy that works by mimicking a host-side signature that viruses respond to, meaning it should be effective even as viruses mutate over time. NV-837 is developed to treat respiratory viral infections such as RSV, COVID, Long COVID, and H5N1 as well as Mpox, smallpox and measles infections. The company has successfully completed Phase 1 studies.

    Roche (OTCQX:RHHBY,SWX:RO)
    Switzerland-headquartered F. Hoffmann-La Roche, commonly known as Roche, is one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies by revenue. Along with hematology, oncology, neuroscience, and women’s health, the company also targets infectious diseases. Its drug Tamiflu is one of the leading seasonal influenza antiviral treatments, and it can be used to treat avian flu as well.

    Traws Pharma (NASDAQ:TRAW)
    Traws Pharma is a clinical stage company leveraging its expertise in small molecule chemistry, artificial intelligence and machine learning in the efficient development of medicines addressing respiratory viral diseases. The company’s single-dose H5N1 bird flu antiviral, tivoxavir marboxil, is entering Phase 2 studies in the first half of 2025.

    FAQs for bird flu vaccines

    Is there a bird flu vaccine for chickens?

    There are bird flu vaccines for chickens, and farmers in nations such as China, France, Egypt and Mexico use them to inoculate their flocks.

    However, the avian flu vaccines for birds are not commonly used in the United States as they pose logistical challenges and create barriers to trade. In terms of trade, some US trading partners won’t purchase vaccinated chickens as the vaccine can mask an avian flu infection.

    Instead, biosecurity measures such as sanitation and protective wear for workers, and culling of infected flocks are more common practices in the United States.

    In response to the current bird flu outbreak, in mid-February 2025, the US Department of Agriculture conditionally approved a bird flu vaccine for chickens made by Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS), the world’s largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock.

    Is there a bird flu vaccine for cattle?

    There are bird flu vaccines for cattle under development. For example, Medgene, a privately held animal health company based in South Dakota, is developing an H5N1 vaccine for cattle that as of late February 2025 is waiting on imminent conditional approval from the US Department of Agriculture. The company has signed a distribution agreement with global animal health company Elanco Animal Health (NYSE:ELAN) for the vaccine.

    Is there a bird flu vaccine for cats and dogs?

    While both animals can catch avian flu, there are no commercial bird flu vaccines are currently available for cats and dogs. Cats are at higher risk of contracting HPAI bird flu than dogs, but owners of both should take precautionary measures.

    The American Veterinary Medical Association advises cats should be kept indoors. Pet owners should keep outdoor pets, including backyard chicken flocks, away from the wild birds, poultry and cattle.

    Additionally, pet owners must avoid feeding pets raw meat or poultry and unpasteurized milk, and prevent pets from eating dead birds or other animals.

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

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Silver47 Exploration Corp. (TSXV: AGA) (‘Silver47’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the closing of an additional tranche (the ‘Additional Tranche’) of its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the ‘Private Placement’) (as set out in the Company’s news releases dated February 19 and 24, 2025). Pursuant to the closing of the Additional Tranche, the Company issued 4,155,000 units of the Company (the ‘Units’) at a price of $0.50 each for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $2,077,500. The Company anticipates completing the balance of the Private Placement on or around March 19, 2025 or as may be determined by the Company.

    Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a ‘Common Share‘) and one-half of one Common Share purchase ‎warrant (a ‘Half-Warrant‘, with two Half-Warrants being referred to as a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.75‎ within 36 months ‎following issuance. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the sale of the Units to fund exploration activities at the Red Mountain Project in Alaska and for general working capital.

    In connection with the Additional Tranche, the Company paid certain persons (‘Finders‘) ‎finders’ fees totaling $10,220 in cash, representing 7% of the aggregate proceeds raised by the Finders, and issued 20,440 finders’ warrants (the ‘Finder’s Warrants‘), representing 7% of the number of securities sold to subscribers introduced to the Company by the Finders. Each Finder’s Warrant is exercisable for one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.75 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance.

    All securities issued under the Private Placement are subject to a hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance under applicable securities laws. The Private Placement is subject to the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘TSXV‘) to be obtained on completion of the Private Placement.

    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 securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful. 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 in the ‘United States’ or to ‘U.S. persons’ (as such terms are 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 Corp.

    Silver47 wholly-owns three silver and critical metals (polymetallic) exploration projects in Canada and the US: the Flagship Red Mountain silver-gold-zinc-copper-lead-antimony-gallium VMS-SEDEX project in southcentral Alaska; the Adams Plateau silver-zinc-copper-gold-lead SEDEX-VMS project in southern British Columbia, and the Michelle silver-lead-zinc-gallium-antimony MVT-SEDEX Project in Yukon Territory. Silver47 Exploration Corp. shares trade on the TSXV under the ticker symbol AGA. For more information about Silver47, please visit our website at www.silver47.ca.

    On Behalf of the Board of Directors

    Mr. Gary R. Thompson
    Director and CEO
    gthompson@silver47.ca

    For investor relations

    Meredith Eades
    info@silver47.ca
    778.835.2547

    No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this release. 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 release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘upon’ ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: closing of the Private Placement, including the number of Units and FT Units issued in respect thereof; anticipated use of proceeds; expected closing date of the Private Placement; payment of finder’s fees; ability to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals; insider participation in the Private Placement; the statements in regards to existing and future products of the Company; and the Company’s plans and strategies. Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: the ability to close the Private Placement, including the time and sizing thereof, the insider participation in the Private Placement and receipt of required regulatory approvals; the use of proceeds not being as anticipated; the Company’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and the additional risks identified in the Company’s financial statements and the accompanying management’s discussion and analysis and other public disclosures recently filed under its issuer profile on SEDAR+ and other reports and filings with the TSXV and applicable Canadian securities regulators. The forward-looking information are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date that statements are made and the Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

    No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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

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    Platinum moved into a more pronounced deficit position in 2024, with demand outstripping supply of the precious metal by nearly 1 million ounces, according to the World Platinum Investment Council’s (WPIC) Platinum Quarterly for Q4 2024.

    A significant portion of that came in the final quarter of the year, when the deficit grew by 313,000 ounces. This was driven largely by investment demand on the back of Donald Trump’s victory in the presidential election and subsequent rhetoric over planned trade and foreign policy.

    Increased demand adding to supply draw down

    According to the new report, the platinum deficit deepened in Q4 on the back of weaker recycling supply and stronger investment demand, coming in 313,000 ounces deeper than the council forecasted in its Q3 2024 report released in November.

    In total, the last quarter of 2024 saw 360,000 ounces of demand uptake from investor inflows into the platinum market. On a more granular level, this demand came from 92,000 ounces of platinum bar and coin purchases, 142,000 ounces in platinum inflows to exchange traded funds (ETFs) and 126,000 ounces of platinum moving into exchange stocks. The WPIC defines exchange stocks as ‘platinum ounces held in approved storage facilities that serve as collateral for futures positioning.’

    “So back in December, when the incoming Trump administration started talking about the threat of tariffs, we began to see that impact on the commodity markets in terms of distorting the flow of metals versus what would happen normally,” he said.

    Similar to what was reported in gold markets, this resulted in institutional players moving physical products from Europe into New York Mercantile Exchange-approved warehouses in the United States.

    “They needed to get that into the States because they’ve suddenly begun to worry that they might have to pay tariffs when they bring that material in in the future, and that would obviously impinge on profitability,” Sterck said.

    Watch the full interview with WPIC’s Ed Sterck above.

    In its projection for 2025, Sterck said the council sees a continuation of trends from 2024 and is predicting a third year of platinum deficits with an 848,000 ounce shortfall.

    In its initial assessment, the WPIC expected 150,000 ounces of full year demand to come from exchange inflows to the NYMEX, but according to Sterck, 275,000 ounces have already been moved since the start of the year.

    “You can see that even to get to our number for 2025, you’d have to have quite a significant unwinding of those NYMEX exchange stock flows to get back to where our full year estimate is. So if we were to close the year today, the deficit would be more substantial than our current projection,” he said.

    Trump policy, the auto industry and platinum

    If US tariffs on Mexico and Canada do come into effect, platinum investors and the auto industry are likely to feel the pinch.

    Sterck explained that, while the bulk of North American auto manufacturing is carried out in the United States, the auto sector is highly integrated. Mexico manufactures about 45 percent of the United States’ automobile parts and 15 percent of the country’s vehicles, and Canada supplies an additional 10 percent and 7.5 percent respectively.

    These automobile parts include the catalytic converters, which have significant load-outs of the core platinum group metals (PGMs): platinum, palladium and rhodium.

    According to Sterck, the overall fear is that the increased cost of new cars for US consumers caused by the tariffs will reduce demand, putting downward pressure on PGMs as well.

    “In terms of platinum, the downside risk to platinum demand on our numbers in a worst-case scenario is about 97,000 ounces. For palladium, it’s more substantial, something in the order of 350,000 ounces,” he said.

    While this may more significantly impact palladium markets, Sterck doesn’t see this potential hit to platinum demand shifting the platinum deficit that the WPIC is predicting for 2025.

    Other policy decisions by the new US administration will likely provide support for platinum, however.

    ‘Sadly, it looks like the US is going to be rolling back on its environmental commitments,’ Sterck said. ‘Obviously, that could be positive in terms of petroleum demand for PGMs (and) internal combustion engine demand for PGMs.’

    Additionally, slowing of demand growth for electric vehicles (EVs) adds potential tailwinds for automotive platinum demand. Sterck suggests several factors contribute to the slowing rates, including US policy and backlash against Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA).

    While some consumers are turning to battery electric vehicles from other automakers, he notes that the trend of slowing growth in EVs is leading more consumers to look to cars with internal combustion engines, both traditional and hybrid, which require PGMs in their catalytic converters.

    Supply side squeeze

    On the supply side, Sterck sees consistent contraction in the mining supply.

    “The reality is that there isn’t a (solely) platinum mine in the world,” he said. ‘These mines all produce — and therefore their economics depend upon — multiple different metals. They all produce all six of the PGMs, plus gold (and) nickel, copper and chrome.’

    However, Sterck explained that lower prices for palladium, rhodium and more recently chrome has led some of the miners to restructure operations to focus on profitability rather than output. While this has been successful at supporting the mines’ economics, it has caused output to fall significantly.

    He also says that the overall impact of the reduced output has been masked by platinum stockpiles entering the market, with higher inventory levels introduced in 2024.

    He pointed to South Africa as an example, which saw reduced smelter output and a stockpiling of concentrate in 2022 and 2023 due to power shortages. In 2024, the decline in mine production came alongside an upside in refining those stockpiled materials, which boosted full-year numbers.

    Platinum supply from recycling is expected to remain about 20 percent below the 10 year average at 1,496,000 ounces, a decrease of 278,000 ounces from the WPIC’s 2025 forecast in its November release. This drop was the largest difference between the two releases.

    Sterck explained that one cause of depressed recycling supply in 2024 and 2025 is declining supplies of end-of-life vehicles.

    “Part of that is related to COVID impacting supply chains, and then the semiconductor shortage reducing new vehicle production in the past and consumers being forced to run new vehicles for longer,” he said. However, he said there could be other reasons that aren’t as apparent.

    What should investors know about platinum in 2025

    As Sterck pointed out, the platinum market was volatile at the beginning of the year, so the 2025 WPIC forecast may need to be significantly adjusted. However, the group said the market will continue to experience structural deficits in 2025.

    While investment demand surged 77 percent in 2024, Sterck sees a pullback of 14 percent in 2025, but even that is high compared to previous years.

    “Overall, I think we’ve got 606,000 ounces projected in terms of total demand for 2025, a respectable level that’s historically elevated,” he said.

    One significant area of growth so far in 2025 is futures trading on the NYMEX, with Sterck pointing to a 500 percent year-on-year increase in January.

    However, there hasn’t been much price movement so far. Platinum has largely traded in the US$900 to US$1,100 per ounce range for the past year, but unusually, with the increased trading volume, the prices have narrowed.

    “There’s increasing competition within the market for some sort of price direction, and at some point, the price has to break out of that narrowing range,” he said.

    Given the market conditions for platinum, the WPIC expects that breakout would be a positive one, but it’s not a guarantee.

    “When prices break out, it can go in both directions, so we will have to wait and see,’ Sterck said. ‘But it’s certainly very interesting, and there’s a limited amount of time left before something really needs to change.’

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

    This post appeared first on investingnews.com

    Australian mining company Cobre (ASX:CBE) has secured a major investment from BHP, which has agreed to spend $25 million on exploration at Cobre’s Kitlanya projects in Botswana, in exchange for the right to acquire a 75 percent stake, according to a news report from Reuters.

    This agreement follows Cobre’s participation in BHP’s Xplor program in January of the previous year, where Cobre received $500,000 to advance its Kalahari copper projects in Botswana.

    Under the terms of the agreement, BHP will provide at least $5 million in funding to Cobre within two years from the commencement date, with an initial exploration budget of $7 million set to begin next month. Cobre’s CEO, Adam Woolridge, expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the collaboration with BHP will enable a technology-driven exploration program aimed at discovering significant deposits in the Kitlanya East and West projects, the Reuters report said.

    This strategic move underscores BHP’s commitment to expanding its presence in the African copper sector and leveraging advanced exploration techniques to identify potential high-grade copper deposits in Botswana’s Kalahari region.

    Read the full report here.

    Click here to connect with Cobre for an Investor Presentation

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    Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (March 10) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

    Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

    Bitcoin (BTC) is currently trading at US$78,955.60, reflecting a 4.5 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. The day’s trading range has seen a high of US$82,763.28 and a low of US$77,494.60.

    Ethereum (ETH) is priced at US$1,864.19, marking a decrease of 8.7 percent over the same period. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday high of US$2,113.22 and a low of US$1,829.01.

    Altcoin price update

    • Solana (SOL) is currently valued at US$119.32, down 7.7 percent over the past 24 hours. SOL rose to a high of US$127.93 and later fell to a low of US$116.08 on Monday.
    • XRP is trading at US$2.07, reflecting a 4.4 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency recorded an intraday high of US$2.18 and a low of US$2.
    • Sui (SUI) is priced at US$2.13, down 8.9 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily high of US$2.35 and a low of US$2.07.
    • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6877, reflecting a 6 percent decrease over the past 24 hours. Its highest price on Monday was US$0.7319, with a low of US$0.6638.

    Crypto news to know

    Bitcoin sees biggest US dollar drop in a single week

    Coinbase announced today (March 10) that it would begin offering 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts and perpetual-style futures contracts, marking a first for both the company and the industry.

    “We have been actively working with the (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), partners, and market participants to finalize the design and to ensure this product meets regulatory requirements as well as client needs,” the company said in a press release. Both are slated to launch in the coming weeks, but no launch date has been announced.

    Coinbase to offer 24/7 Bitcoin and Ether futures in the US

    Coinbase announced today (March 10) that it would begin offering 24/7 Bitcoin and Ethereum futures contracts and perpetual-style futures contracts, marking a first for both the company and the industry.

    “We have been actively working with the (Commodity Futures Trading Commission), partners, and market participants to finalize the design and to ensure this product meets regulatory requirements as well as client needs,” the company said in a press release. Both are slated to launch in the coming weeks, but no launch date has been announced.

    Michael Saylor shares his newest strategy

    On March 10th, Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, announced a new sales agreement, called the ‘ATM Program,’ to raise US$21 billion in capital by issuing and selling shares of its 8 percent Series A perpetual strike preferred stock.

    The funds raised will be used for general business operations and potentially to purchase more Bitcoin. According to its filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, the company plans to sell these shares gradually, considering market conditions, and will use the proceeds for various corporate purposes, including Bitcoin acquisitions.

    Previously, Strategy was known for directly purchasing Bitcoin with its existing capital or through debt offerings.

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

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

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    Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) made headlines after two announcements on March 6.

    The mining giant said it will invest US$1.8 billion to develop the Brockman Syncline 1 mine project (BS1), a move that will extend the life of the Brockman region in West Pilbara, Western Australia.

    BS1 now holds all necessary government approvals. It has been developed in consultation with the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura Traditional Owners and the Muntulgura Guruma Traditional Owners.

    The development of the project will help Rio Tinto sustain production from its iron ore operations. It is projected to have a processing capacity of up to 34 million tonnes per year of iron ore.

    “Securing this project extends the life of the Brockman hub. This is good for our business, good for Western Australia and good for the Australian economy,” said Rio Tinto Iron Ore Chief Executive Simon Trott in a press release.

    “Rio Tinto has been mining iron ore in the Pilbara for almost six decades and our tranche of new mines will ensure we can continue to supply the globe’s ongoing need for iron ore, for decades to come,’ he added.

    Construction of BS1 will begin this year and will provide 1,000 jobs. Once operational, the project is set to sustain an average of 600 workers. First ore, originally planned for 2028, is now scheduled in 2027.

    In a separate announcement, Rio Tinto confirmed the completion of its acquisition of Arcadium Lithium. First announced in October 2024, the all-cash transaction was for US$6.7 billion.

    Analysts from Canaccord Genuity previously estimated that a combined Rio Tinto-Arcadium entity could supply around 10 percent of the global lithium chemicals market by 2030. Rio Tinto also said in its initial announcement that a combination of the companies’ assets would “represent the world’s largest lithium resource base.”

    “This establishes us as a global leader in energy transition commodities and one of the leading lithium producers globally with one of the world’s largest lithium resource bases,” the company said in its March 6 release.

    “Arcadium’s operations and growth projects are located in geographies where we already have a significant presence, allowing us to leverage our existing infrastructure, networks and expertise to achieve substantial benefits over time.”

    Shared jurisdictions by Rio Tinto and Arcadium include Argentina, where Rio Tinto is developing its Rincon project.

    The company released an initial mineral resources and ore reserves report for Rincon this past December, saying the project holds 1.54 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent in the measured category, 7.75 million tonnes in the indicated category and 2.29 million tonnes in the inferred category.

    Following the acquisition of Arcadium, Rio is now the third largest lithium producer in the world. It follows major companies Albemarle (NYSE:ALB) and SQM (NYSE:SQM).

    Australia remains the world’s largest lithium-producing country at 88,000 tonnes in 2024.

    Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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    (TheNewswire)

    American Salars Lithium Inc

    VANCOUVER, BC TheNewswire – MARCH 12 th 2025 American Salars Lithium Inc. (‘AMERICAN SALARS’ OR THE ‘COMPANY’) (CSE: USLI, OTC: USLIF, FWB: Z3P, WKN: A3E2NY ) states its commitment to strengthening the United States lithium supply, a critical mineral essential for electric vehicles, energy storage, and advanced manufacturing. As demand for domestic lithium sources grows, securing reliable resources is vital for the nation’s clean energy and technology future. With the potential for new tariffs on lithium imports under the Trump administration, American Salars has positioned itself to secure a stable, tariff-free lithium supply through its Black Rock South Lithium Project in Nevada.

    As trade uncertainties grow, American Salars Nevada property serves as a critical safeguard against rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions. By having a US based lithium asset, the company holds a strong position in the domestic lithium market, providing potential future supply opportunities while reducing exposure to geopolitical risks and import restrictions. This strategic positioning not only strengthens American Salars’ role in the US lithium market but also supports North America’s push for energy independence in the face of shifting trade policies.


    Click Image To View Full Size

    Figure 1. The Blackrock South lithium brine project – Nevada

    Beyond its Nevada project, American Salars has acquired a diversified portfolio of lithium assets in Canada, Brazil, and Argentina, positioning the company for potential resource development and enhanced market flexibility amid shifting global trade policies.

    American Salars is strengthening its footprint in Argentina’s Lithium Triangle, a globally recognized region containing some of the highest-grade lithium brine deposits. This strategic positioning enhances the Company’s potential for future exploration and development in one of the world’s most significant lithium-producing areas. The Company owns the 800-hectare Pocitos 1 lithium project and has a Letter Of Intent to acquire 13,080 hectares of neighboring land, making it the second-largest property holder on the Salar de Pocitos.


    Click Image To View Full Size

    Figure 2. Salar de Pocitos and surrounding Salars – Argentina

    The Company is expanding its presence in Quebec, a highly promising region for new lithium discoveries. Its Xenia West & East projects consist of 92 mining claims spanning 5,382 hectares (54 sq km), located 30 km southeast of Val-d’Or with direct access via Highway 117. Additionally, Lac Simard Nord & South border Sayona Mining’s Tansim Project, which includes the Viau-Dallaire and Viau Showings, estimated to contain 5–25 million tons of Li₂O at 1.2–1.3% and the recently announced Leduc East Lithium Project with 6,100 hectares of claims covering part of an extensive belt of granitic and gneissic rocks that host pegmatitic mineralogy, with over 35 mapped pegmatites and covering 15 historical pegmatite-borne felspar showings, 13 of which are former Feldspar and Mica mines operated from the early 1900 to the 1940’s.

    Through its Jaguaribe, Brazil Lithium & REE project, American Salars is strategically positioned within the BRICS economic bloc, where lithium-rich regions are becoming essential for battery production and clean energy technologies. The Jaguaribe Project, located in the Jaguaribe/Solonópole region in Ceará, Northern Brazil, hosts multiple extensive lithium and REE-bearing pegmatite dykes. Initial sampling has returned significant lithium oxide discoveries, including 3.72% Li₂O, 2.15% Li₂O, and 1.58% Li₂O, reinforcing the project’s high potential, as well as REE samples of 554.5 parts per million cesium, 135 parts per million tantalum and 177 parts per million niobium. One sample showed high values for rubidium (greater than 10,000 parts per million); tin (675 parts per million) and zinc (387 parts per million).


    Click Image To View Full Size

    Figure 3. Jaguaribe Pegmatite Vein with mineralized outcrop samples.

    By securing assets in multiple strategic locations , American Salars mitigates geopolitical risks, ensures and maintains a strong competitive position in the rapidly growing clean energy market.

    American Salars CEO & Director R. Nick Horsley states, ‘The lithium market is evolving rapidly, and shifting trade policies could create new challenges. By securing strategic lithium assets in key regions of North and South America, we have hedged ourselves geopolitically to meet the growing demand driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. This strategy reduceds our exposure to uncertain supply chains and trade war implications. Amid the tariff war, talk of Argentina and the United States entering a trade pact bodes well for our Salar de Pocitos flagship project, positioning it as a critical asset in a stabilizing Western supply chain, especially as US policies increasingly prioritize domestic and allied sourcing of critical minerals.’

    The global lithium market is at a pivotal moment, driven by surging demand for electric vehicles (EVs), battery storage, and clean energy technologies. However, potential tariff policies under a Trump administration could disrupt supply chains and increase costs for U.S. manufacturers. If tariffs are imposed on lithium imports from key suppliers like China, Argentina, and Chile, the cost of raw materials could rise, impacting battery production and the broader EV market. As the U.S. seeks to reduce reliance on foreign lithium, domestic projects like American Salars Lithium Inc.’s Black Rock South in Nevada are becoming increasingly valuable, offering a secure, tariff-free alternative that ensures supply chain stability and cost control.

    As trade uncertainties grow, American Salars Lithium Inc.’s Nevada property serves as a critical safeguard against rising costs and potential supply chain disruptions. By owning and developing a U.S.-based lithium source, the company guarantees a reliable, domestic supply of lithium, reducing exposure to geopolitical risks and import restrictions. This strategic positioning not only strengthens American Salars Lithium Inc.’s role in the U.S. lithium market but also supports North America’s push for energy independence in the face of shifting trade policies.

    Beyond Nevada, American Salars Lithium Inc. is well-positioned in the global lithium market, with a diversified portfolio of high-potential properties in Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and the U.S. This geographically balanced strategy provides access to some of the world’s most lithium-rich regions, ensuring resource security and market flexibility. Canada offers a stable, mining-friendly jurisdiction near key North American battery production hubs, while Brazil and Argentina—both part of the ‘Lithium Triangle’—boast some of the world’s highest-grade lithium brine deposits. By securing assets in multiple regions, American Salars Lithium Inc. mitigates geopolitical risks, ensures a steady lithium supply, and maintains a competitive edge in a rapidly expanding market—regardless of how global trade policies evolve.

    About American Salars Lithium Inc.

    American Salars Lithium is a public exploration company focused on developing lithium resource projects. The Company’s ultimate objective is the production of battery grade lithium carbonate to meet the growing demands of the battery industry. The Company’s has a diversified portfolio of Lithium Brine and Hardrock projects in North and South America.

    All Stakeholders are encouraged to follow the Company on its social media profiles on , , TikTok , and Instagram .

    On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

    R. Nick Horsley

    R. Nick Horsley, CEO

    For further information, please contact:

    American Salars Lithium Inc.
    Phone: 604.740.7492
    E-Mail:
    info@americansalars.com

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

    Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information

    Certain statements in this release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding American Salar’s intention to continue to identify potential transactions and make certain corporate changes and applications. Forward looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance, or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits American Salars will obtain from them. These forward-looking statements reflect managements’ current views and are based on certain expectations, estimates and assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. A number of risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including American Salars results of exploration or review of properties that American Salars does acquire. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and American Salars assumes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results differed from those projected in the forward-looking statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

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