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With a disciplined exploration strategy and a high-grade discovery focus, FinEx Metals is poised to become one of the most compelling new gold exploration companies in Europe. The company is led by a technically experienced and locally embedded team, backed by a tight share structure and strategic investor alignment.

Overview

FinEx Metals (TSXV:FINX) is an exploration-stage company focused on discovering Finland’s next high-grade gold deposit. Backed by NewQuest Capital Group, FinEx is strategically positioned near Europe’s largest gold mine, the Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä Mine, and sits within one of the most prospective but underexplored terrains globally – the Central Lapland Greenstone Belt.

FinEx has defined a 2.7-kilometer-long anomalous gold zone through a combination of trenching, rock sampling, and top-of-bedrock (ToB) drilling. The ToB campaign yielded 29 samples with assays ranging from 0.1 to 4.2 grams per ton (g/t) gold and revealed broad pathfinder anomalies in tellurium, bismuth, silver and arsenic, highlighting a robust geochemical footprint consistent with orogenic gold systems.

Additionally, 263 grab samples were collected from trench exposures, 52 of which returned values above 1 g/t gold, including 19 samples exceeding 10 g/t gold. The highest grade recorded to date is 95.1 g/t gold from a quartz-carbonate vein system, located within a zone extending over 250 meters. Ruoppa is fully permitted and drill-ready, with the maiden core drilling campaign scheduled to begin in August 2025. With an experienced local team, high-grade mineralization and proximity to active operations, FinEx offers a unique opportunity to invest in an early-stage gold explorer positioned for rapid value creation.

Company Highlights

  • High-grade Gold Focus in a Tier-one Address: Flagship Ruoppa project lies within 17 km of Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä Mine, the largest gold-producing mine in Europe.
  • Large, 100 percent Owned Land Package: FinEx controls a 100 percent owned, royalty-free portfolio of projects across the Central and Eastern Lapland greenstone belts.
  • Drill-ready Flagship Asset: The Ruoppa project is fully permitted and will commence its maiden diamond drill program in Q3 2025.
  • Exceptional Gold Grades: Rock grab samples from Ruoppa returned up to 95.1 g/t gold, with 52 samples over 1 g/t gold and 19 samples exceeding 10 g/t gold.
  • Strong Local Technical Team: Deep exploration experience in Finland with former Agnico Eagle, FQM and Anglo-American personnel leading geological efforts.

Flagship Project

Ruoppa Gold Project

The Ruoppa project is FinEx Metals’ flagship exploration asset, situated approximately 17 kilometers from Agnico Eagle’s Kittilä Mine, the largest primary gold producer in Europe. Located within Finland’s Central Lapland Greenstone Belt (CLGB), Ruoppa lies on the same structural and geological trend that hosts other major gold systems like Rupert Resources’ Ikkari discovery. The project is fully permitted and drill-ready, with a maiden diamond drill program scheduled to commence in Q3 2025.

The anomalous gold zone identified at Ruoppa extends over 2.7 kilometers and remains open in all directions. Ten trenches totaling 641 meters have been excavated across the highest-priority geophysical and geochemical anomalies, confirming both the lateral continuity and high-grade potential of the gold-bearing structures. This robust dataset has defined a compelling sulphide-rich gold target at depth, which will be tested during the upcoming diamond drill program.

Notably, the project will see its first-ever diamond drilling in Q3 2025. Ruoppa benefits from excellent access to infrastructure, including all-season roads, grid power and 5G connectivity.

Over the past four years, FinEx has conducted extensive early-stage exploration, including ToB drilling, trenching and rock sampling. A total of 263 rock grab samples have been collected from trench exposures, with 52 samples returning assays greater than 1 g/t gold and 19 samples exceeding 10 g/t gold. The highest recorded sample yielded 95.1 g/t gold, hosted in quartz-carbonate vein systems. ToB drilling, an efficient shallow drilling method ideal for glacially covered terrains, revealed additional gold potential with assays up to 4.2 g/t gold and strong pathfinder element anomalies in tellurium, bismuth, silver and arsenic.

Additional Projects

Luova Gold Project

The Luova project is located within the thickest core portion of the CLGB, less than 10 kilometers from the Kittilä Mine and adjacent to key exploration prospects such as Hanhimaa and Hakokodanmaa. This underexplored project shows all the hallmarks of a classic orogenic gold system, including thick sequences of Fe-tholeiitic basalts, large-scale shear zones acting as fluid conduits, and favorable trap rocks such as graphitic tuffs and banded iron formations.

Historical base-of-till sampling conducted by Outokumpu and Agnico Eagle revealed anomalous gold and copper values, including results up to 0.38 g/t gold and 0.49 percent copper. Despite these encouraging results, the Luova project remains undrilled, representing a significant near-surface gold discovery opportunity. Ionic leach soil samples and detailed magnetic surveys are planned to refine drill targets, with a focus on zones where interpreted thrust faults intersect favorable host rocks.

Kero Gold Project

The Kero project, explored in the early 2000s by the Geological Survey of Finland (GTK), is another advanced gold target in FinEx’s portfolio. GTK completed an extensive dataset that includes 7.7 kilometers of diamond drilling, trenching, bedrock mapping and multiple geophysical surveys (including IP, VLF-R and ground magnetics). Historic drill intercepts at Kero include 1.05 meters at 12.6 g/t gold and 3.3 meters at 2.3 g/t gold, while surface grab samples returned up to 25.6 g/t gold from carbonate-sulphide veins.

The gold mineralization is associated with hydrothermal alteration and complex structural settings, including fold hinges and lithological contacts. A 1.2-kilometer-long gold anomaly has been defined, and the structural complexity – characterized by multiple deformation orientations – indicates strong potential for structurally controlled high-grade zones. Kero is accessible year-round via gravel roads and is a strong candidate for follow-up trenching and re-logging of the historical core.

Tulppio Ni-PGE Project

Located in the Eastern Lapland Granite-Greenstone Belt, the Tulppio project represents FinEx’s entry into critical mineral exploration, specifically targeting nickel sulphides and platinum group elements (PGE). The project is positioned adjacent to the Sokli project, a world-class phosphate, iron and REE deposit operated by Finnish Minerals Group. Tulppio contains a large (5 km x 2 km) ultramafic intrusive complex, with a gravity signature suggesting the body extends to 2 kilometers in depth.

Historic shallow drilling (less than 100 meters depth) has already intercepted 3 meters at 1.12 g/t platinum+palladium and 0.49 percent nickel (including 1.5 meters at 1.54 g/t platinum+palladium), and 24 meters at 0.33 percent nickel with sulfur content up to 4,600 ppm. Ionic leach soil sampling across the project has identified multiple significant nickel-cobalt-copper-palladium-gold anomalies, underscoring the project’s polymetallic potential. According to the Geological Survey of Finland (2010), Tulppio’s PGE and nickel potential should be factored into future development of the Sokli region.

Ukko Gold-Copper Project

The Ukko project targets orogenic and potentially metamorphosed epithermal gold systems in an Archean greenstone setting. The geology comprises komatiites, mafic volcanics, massive sulphide lenses and mica schists – favorable hosts for both gold and base metal mineralization. Historical drilling by Outokumpu in 1985 intersected 2.05 meters at 2.25 g/t gold. Recent soil sampling has revealed a new gold-copper anomaly in the southeastern portion of the property, coinciding with high magnetic and conductive geophysical zones. Further geochemical and IP surveys are planned to constrain the structure and assess the potential for deeper epithermal or orogenic systems.

Management Team

Tero Kosonen – Chairman and CEO

A seasoned venture capitalist and natural resources investor, Tero Kosonen brings more than 30 years of experience in private equity and management. As co-founder of NewQuest Capital, he has led numerous early-stage ventures across energy and mining. He provides strategic leadership and capital markets expertise to FinEx.

Dr. Petri Peltonen – Chief Geologist

A globally respected exploration geologist with over 30 years of experience in gold, nickel and iron ore exploration, Dr. Petri Peltonen is the former exploration manager – Europe for FQM. He is an Associated Professor at the University of Helsinki. Peltonen ensures technical rigour and exploration success at FinEx.

Sandra Wong – CFO

With over 20 years in financial leadership roles across publicly listed companies, Sandra Wong brings deep experience in accounting, compliance and governance – critical for a newly listed entity with aggressive exploration goals.

Eetu Jokela – Project Manager

A local geologist with direct exploration experience with Agnico Eagle, Eetu Jokela is responsible for day-to-day field operations and geological planning, combining practical know-how with deep regional knowledge.

Olli Silvonen – Exploration Geologist

Experienced in regional greenfields exploration, Olli Silvonen supports mapping, sampling and trenching programs with a strong focus on gold and nickel-copper-PGE systems within the CLGB.

Jukka Jokela – Senior Advisor

The former CEO of Anglo American Sakatti Mining, Jukka Jokela offers more than 35 years of exploration and ESG leadership in the Nordic region, adding valuable permitting and stakeholder engagement capacity.

Dr. Pasi Eilu – Senior Advisor

With 40 years in academic and field exploration, Dr. Pasi Eilu is a recognized expert on greenstone-hosted gold and critical minerals in Finland. His work has shaped much of the geological understanding in Lapland.

Phil Smerchanski – Senior Technical Advisor

Phil Smerchanski brings more than two decades of experience in nickel and gold systems. A former senior technical lead at Oxygen Capital and Anglo American, he provides technical guidance across project pipeline development.

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In the face of geopolitical strife oil and gas prices were able to register moderate gains through the first half of 2025, although the second half of the year is likely to be punctuated with continued unrest and supply chain fragility.

Oil benchmarks ended the first quarter slightly off their 2025 start positions, with Brent crude coming in at US$76.08 per barrel and West Texas Intermediate (WT) hitting US$72.87 per barrel before headwinds began sending values lower.

In early May, both benchmarks dropped sharply, Brent slipping nearly 6 percent to US$60.48 while WTI fell to US$57.42, a near two year low. The decline was driven by a combination of weak demand and rising supply as OPEC+ signaled plans to boost production in July, adding to existing oversupply concerns after a surge in global inventories.

Additionally, signs of cooling economic growth in China and renewed trade war anxiety between the US and China further pressured market sentiment. As concerns over a trade war and energy tariffs subsided, prices were able to rally through the rest of May and June to hold in the US$78.42 and US$77.19 range for Brent and WTI, respectively.

Now approaching the year-to-date high level global strife and potential supply constraints are adding support.

During an International Energy Agency (IEA) presentation, Fatih Birol, executive director of the IEA, addressed the current challenges in the global landscape, particularly the mounting conflict in the Middle East.

“The situation is still unfolding, and there are many uncertainties (about) how and if it is going to have structural impacts on the oil and energy markets,” he said, noting that the IEA would not be speculating.

However, Birol did underscore Iran’s position in the global oil market.

“According to our oil market report, currently, Iran produces about 4.8 million barrels per day (mb/d) of crude, condensate and NGL and exports are around 1.8 mb/d of crude oil and 800,000 b/d of products,” he said. “For now, when we look at the markets, we do not see a major supply disruption.”

WTI price performance, December 19, 2024, to June 19, 2025.

WTI price performance, December 19, 2024, to June 19, 2025.

Demand expected to trend lower

Although the regional conflicts have infused uncertainty into markets, longer term fundamentals like supply and demand trends are painting a volatile picture.

As noted in the IEA’s recently released Oil 2025: Analysis and Forecast to 2030 report, supply is likely to outpace demand this year and next.

“Our expectations for demand growth are much less than the supply growth,” explained Birol. “We expect demand this year to grow about 700,000 barrels per day, whereas the supply growth we expect is more than double, about 1.8 mb/d.”

More broadly, the IEA report forecasts global oil demand to rise by 2.5 mb/d between 2024 and 2030, reaching 105.5 mb/d by decade’s end.

However, most of that growth will occur early in the period, with gains slowing after 2026 and dipping slightly by 2030. Weaker economic growth and a shift away from oil use in transportation and power generation are the main factors behind the long term slowdown.

Much of the demand forecast is dominated by powerhouse countries US and China which account for 20 mb/d and 13 mb/d respectively, comprising 33 percent of global demand. As such changes to either country’s market can have a large sale effect across the sector.

“When we look at the supply side, global oil production in the last 10 years or so, more than 90 percent of the growth came from the United States. And on the demand side, more than 60 percent of the global oil demand growth came from China,” said Birol. “This came almost parallel and simultaneously.”

Now, again working in tandem, US oil production growth is slowing due to economic and geological factors, while China’s oil demand is also losing momentum as its economy shifts and its transportation sector evolves according to Birol.

Economic headwinds could impede demand

Economic concerns are also an issue across the globe, and historically gross domestic product is heavily correlated to oil demand.

Global GDP is expected to grow at an average annual rate of 3 percent through 2030, but that growth is uneven. OECD countries will see slower expansion at 1.8 percent, while non-OECD nations are projected to grow at 3.9 percent.

This global pace falls short of the 2010s trend, with factors like aging populations and reduced globalization weighing on long-term growth and trade.

China’s slowdown is particularly sharp, with its annual GDP growth nearly four percentage points lower than in the previous decade due to structural economic and demographic challenges.

While GDP remains a key driver of oil demand, its influence is fading.

Oil consumption is set to rise in 2025 and 2026 in line with economic growth, but from 2027 onward, demand is expected to plateau and then slightly decline. That shift is being driven by the growing use of alternatives in transportation and power generation.

Supply growth steady through 2030

Despite a projected decline in US output, the IEA expects oil supply to remain robust in other regions.

“We expect between now and 2030, about 5 mb/d of additional production capacity,” the CEO of the IEA remarked.

“A big chunk of it is coming from what we call the American quintet, namely US, Brazil, Canada, Guyana and Argentina. These five countries will bring a lot of oil to the markets.”

Providing a more detailed look at the supply picture, Toril Bosoni, head of oil industry and markets division at the IEA reiterated that global oil supply is on track to outpace demand through 2030, offering a stabilizing force in an otherwise uncertain energy landscape.

As Bosoni explained, supply is expected to grow by 1.8 mb/d in 2025, a trend largely being driven by non-OPEC+ countries, particularly in the Americas.

Additionally, natural gas liquids are playing an increasingly important role in this growth, as US shale production shifts focus and Saudi Arabia expands its gas-linked output.

“Looking into the next year, from 2025 until 2030 we can see that the United States is still a big source of supply growth, but the pace of growth is much slower than what we have seen for the past decade, and it’s largely driven by gas liquids, as activity in the shale patch is slowing down and getting more into the gas side,” said Bosoni.

IEA data projects total global oil supply capacity to rise by about 5 mb/d by the end of the decade. Most of this growth will come from outside OPEC, and is closely aligned with rising demand for petrochemical feedstocks, such as ethane and naphtha, which bypass the traditional refining process.

However, traditional crude supply is expected to see only modest gains unless additional projects—many of which have yet to reach a final investment decision—move forward.

The refining sector, meanwhile, may face increasing pressure as fuel demand flattens and high-cost plants, particularly in Europe and parts of Asia, become less competitive.

Despite slowing demand, the coming years are expected to bring ample supply—helping to buffer against geopolitical shocks and lending some reassurance to markets amid broader global economic headwinds, Bosoni added.

Natural gas market remains positive

The natural gas markets faced heightened volatility through H12025, driven by several key factors. A milder-than-expected winter in major consuming regions like the US and Europe led to weaker heating demand, pushing prices lower early in the year.

However, Q2 saw a rebound as unseasonably hot weather in Asia and parts of North America boosted cooling demand. Supply disruptions, including maintenance delays at major LNG export facilities in the U.S. and Australia, further tightened markets.

Starting the year at US$3.65 per metric million British thermal units, prices rose to a H1 high of US$4.49 in March, before falling to a H1 low of US$2.99 in late April.

Geopolitical tensions, particularly instability in the Middle East affecting shipping routes, added upward pressure through May and June pushing prices back above US$4.00 by mid-June.

Natural gas price performance, December 19, 2024, to June 19, 2025.

Natural gas price performance, December 19, 2024, to June 19, 2025.

Natural gas supply growth to outperform oil

Natural gas liquids (NGLs) are emerging as a major driver of global oil supply growth through the end of the decade, with output forecast to rise by 2 mb/d to 15.5 mb/d by 2030, according to the IEA.

Much of this increase will come from North America and the Middle East, which will account for nearly half of all global supply gains over the next five years.

As noted in the report, the surge is being fueled by rising production from lighter, gas-rich fields and unconventional reserves.

The US, already the top NGL producer, will increase output from 6.9 mb/d in 2024 to 7.8 mb/d in 2030. Saudi Arabia is set to boost production from 1.4 mb/d to 2 mb/d over the same timeframe, while Canada will add 300,000 b/d.

This expanding supply is feeding demand for petrochemical feedstocks like ethane, propane and butane, vital in the production of everything from plastics to clean cooking fuel.

Ethane demand alone is expected to climb by 610,000 b/d to 5.2 mb/d by 2030, while LPG consumption is forecast to rise by 1.3 mb/d to 11.8 mb/d. Asia—led by China and India—will account for more than 65 percent of global LPG demand growth.

The rise of NGLs also poses a long-term challenge to traditional refining, as many of these products bypass refining altogether. With petrochemical demand outpacing that for transportation fuels, refiners may face margin pressure and shutdown risks, particularly in high-cost regions like Europe and parts of Asia.

Despite slower year-over-year growth, the IEA sees NGLs playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the future energy mix. This is supported by the 216 percent increase in production the NGL sector has seen over the past decade.

“From 2014 to 2024, global NGLs production grew by 4.3 mb/d to 13.6 mb/d. NGLs will rise by a further 2.0 mb/d to 15.5 mb/d in 2030, with average annual growth slowing to 2.3 percent over the forecast period, from 3.9 percent during the previous decade,” the report read.

Much of the IEA’s outlook falls inline with the short term price projections the US Energy Information Administration released in May, which forecast the average price for Brent crude to be US$66 in 2025 and US$59 in 2026. While natural gas prices will rise from an average US$4.10 in 2025 to US$4.80 in 2026.

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

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (June 23) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$101,886, an increase of 1.3 percent in the last 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$98,467.41 and a high of US$102,001 as the market opened.

Bitcoin price performance, June 23, 2025.

Bitcoin price performance, June 20, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Ethereum (ETH) is currently priced at US$2,261.19, a 3.9 percent increase over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation as of Monday was US$2,134.88, and its highest valuation was US$2,276.37 as trading commenced.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$134.35, up 5.5 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$127.01 after peaking at its opening price of US$135.91.
  • XRP is trading at US$2.02, up by 2.9 percent in 24 hours, its highest valuation today. The cryptocurrency’s lowest valuation was US$1.92.
  • Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.50, showing an increaseof 4.1 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.31 as the markets opened, and it reached an intraday high of US$2.55
  • Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5474, up 4.0 percent in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Monday was US$0.514, and its highest valuation was US$0.5531.

Today’s crypto news to know

Bitcoin dips below US$100K After US strike on Iran nuclear sites

Bitcoin fell below the US$100,000 mark for the first time since May following President Trump’s announcement that the US had bombed three of Iran’s main nuclear facilities.

In weekend trading, Bitcoin dropped as much as 3.8 percent to US$98,904, while Ether tumbled nearly 10 percent to around US$2,157.

The airstrikes, which reportedly targeted Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, heightened investor risk aversion, triggering over US$1 billion in liquidations across crypto markets. Derivatives data from Coinglass showed US$915 million of long positions and US$109 million of shorts were wiped out.

Despite the volatility, some see this correction as a precursor to another rally, with Bitcoin often rebounding quickly after geopolitical shocks.

Pompliano launches US$1B Bitcoin treasury firm

Crypto investor Anthony Pompliano has unveiled a new bitcoin treasury company, ProCap Financial, via a merger with SPAC Columbus Circle Capital I.

The venture will hold up to US$1 billion in BTC and aims to follow in the footsteps of Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR), the software firm turned crypto juggernaut.

ProCap has already raised US$500 million in equity and secured a US$250 million convertible note in what Pompliano called the largest-ever raise for a treasury-focused crypto firm.

Unlike traditional holdings strategies, ProCap intends to actively generate revenue from its BTC through lending, derivatives, and financial services.

Fiserv to roll out Stablecoin platform for 3,000 US banks

Payments giant Fiserv is entering the stablecoin market with FIUSD, a new digital dollar offering aimed at thousands of Main Street banks.

The platform will allow Fiserv’s banking clients—estimated at 3,000 institutions—to launch their own branded stablecoins or integrate FIUSD into their operations.

Built on top of Fiserv’s existing payments infrastructure, the platform will be interoperable with major blockchains and other stablecoins, including Circle’s (NYSE:CRCL) USDC and Paxos. The platform is set to go live by the end of the year.

Metaplanet buys US$117M in BTC, now holds over 11,000 coins

Tokyo-based Metaplanet has added 1,111 bitcoins to its reserves, spending roughly US$117 million during a weekend dip sparked by US-Iran tensions.

The firm purchased the BTC at an average price of US$105,681 per coin, increasing its total holdings to 11,111 BTC—valued at over US$1.1 billion.

Metaplanet has embraced a bold bitcoin-first treasury approach, positioning itself as Asia’s Strategy-equivalent in the corporate crypto playbook.

The weekend correction saw BTC briefly dip below US$99,000 but bounce back to over US$101,000.

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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LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) (‘LaFleur Minerals’ or the ‘Company’) is advancing towards a restart of the Company’s 100%-owned Beacon Gold Mill in Val-d’Or, Québec and a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) as it aims to restart production at the mill by early 2026. LaFleur Minerals plans to immediately launch a minimum 5,000-metre diamond drilling program at its highly prospective, district-scale Swanson Gold Project (‘Swanson’). LaFleur Minerals also reiterates key results of its recent exploration programs, including an update on its diamond drilling and bulk sampling plans at Swanson, refer to LaFleur Minerals News Release dated June 4, 2025 and the LaFleur Minerals Webinar Replay dated June 5, 2025.

RESTART PLAN FOR BEACON GOLD MILL

    SWANSON GOLD DEPOSIT

      Bulk Sample Planning in Progress:

      • Planning and permitting is currently underway for an up to 100,000-tonne bulk sample from the existing mining lease hosting the Swanson Gold Deposit, which would be tested for its metallurgical and processing characteristics at the Beacon Mill once it becomes fully operational. A bulk sample mining and environmental closure and remediation plan is currently being finalized for regulatory approval with the Québec government.

      Paul Ténière, CEO of LaFleur Minerals stated:

      ‘We are grateful to have acquired the fully permitted and refurbished Beacon Gold Mill, which received over C$20 million in upgrades by its previous operator and is located in the midst of numerous gold deposits in the historic Val-d’Or and Rouyn-Noranda mining districts, including our own Swanson Gold Deposit. Based on our recent detailed assessments, the Beacon Gold Mill requires minimal repairs and improvements, and we are methodically executing a strategy to eventually restart production at the mill. We are also excited to commence planning for a large bulk sample at Swanson and a PEA to evaluate a mining and processing scenario at current record gold prices. With gold prices at record highs this is a pivotal year for LaFleur Minerals as we focus on restarting gold production at the Beacon Gold Mill and diamond drilling at the Swanson Gold Project to increase mineral resources.’

      SITE VISIT

      The Company plans to coordinate a site visit of its Beacon Gold Mill and Swanson Gold Project in July 2025 for prospective investors, shareholders, and analysts. Those interested are asked to contact the Company directly to coordinate. Interested parties are invited to contact LaFleur Minerals at info@lafleurminerals.com to coordinate air travel, hotel lodging, and transportation to and from the Beacon Gold Mill. The Company is currently in discussions with several groups to finance the restart of the Beacon Gold Mill with mineralized material from the Swanson Gold Deposit.

      Cannot view this image? Visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/256400_42a8ad0c8458cb47_001.jpg

      Figure 1: Swanson Gold Project located 50 km from the Beacon Gold Mill, and surrounding deposits

      To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
      https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6526/256400_42a8ad0c8458cb47_001full.jpg

      GRANT OF STOCK OPTIONS

      The Company also announces that it has granted incentive stock options (‘Options‘) to Directors of the Company to acquire an aggregate of 1,000,000 common shares at $0.35 per share, for a period of three years. These Options have been granted in accordance with the Company’s stock option plan, and any common shares issued upon the exercise of, are subject to a four month hold period from the date of grant in accordance with the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange.

      QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT AND DATA VERIFICATION

      All scientific and technical information in this news release has been prepared and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the Company and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101. Mr. Martin has reviewed and verified the rock sampling results and certified analytical data underlying the technical information disclosed. Mr. Martin noted no errors or omissions during the data verification process and the Company’s management have also verified the technical information disclosed. The Company and Mr. Martin do not recognize any factors of sampling or recovery that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the assay data and exploration results disclosed in this news release.

      About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

      LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d’Or, Québec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Project and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is over 16,600 hectares (166 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. LaFleur Minerals’ fully-refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

      ON BEHALF OF LaFleur Minerals INC.
      Paul Ténière, M.Sc., P.Geo.
      Chief Executive Officer
      E: info@lafleurminerals.com
      LaFleur Minerals Inc.
      1500-1055 West Georgia Street
      Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

      Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

      Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

      This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the use of proceeds from the Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

      Corporate Logo

      To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/256400

      News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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      (TheNewswire)

      Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.

      June 23, 2025 TheNewswire – Vancouver, British Columbia Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a credit agreement with its toll milling partner, Nicola Mining Inc . providing the Company with a $2 million line of credit without any security against the Company’s mineral property or physical assets.

      The facility, which carries a competitive interest rate linked to the 3-month SOFR (Secured Overnight Financing Rate), is repayable over a 12-month term with interest-only payments during the first eleven months. At the Company’s discretion, the loan can be extended for an additional 12 months, with adjusted terms.

      Importantly, the loan is structured to allow maximum operational flexibility , with no requirement for project collateralization — underscoring Nicola’s confidence in the Dome Mountain Gold Project and its near-term production trajectory.

      ‘We’re extremely pleased to have the continued support of Nicola Mining, not only as our toll milling partner but also as a continued financial backer,’ said Rana Vig , President and CEO of Blue Lagoon. ‘This line of credit adds an extra layer of security to our already strong balance sheet and gives us added flexibility as we finalize preparations for gold production this summer. It’s a clear sign that sophisticated investors recognize the value of Dome Mountain and its cash flow potential.’

      This agreement comes on the heels of Blue Lagoon’s recently completed financing, which was fully subscribed by long time existing shareholders that included Crescat Capital and Phoenix Gold fund as well as new strategic investors. The Company remains fully funded , with no short-term debt and over $3.6 million in in-the-money warrants , positioning it strongly as it enters the final phase of development.

      While the Company may ultimately never need to draw on this facility, having access to it provides an important financial backstop. It ensures capital is available if needed to support production ramp-up, seize opportunity, or manage any unforeseen short-term needs – all without causing further dilution to existing shareholders.

      Peter Espig , President and CEO of Nicola Mining, commented: ‘We’ve worked closely with the Blue Lagoon team for some time and continue to be impressed by their methodical and disciplined approach. Successfully navigating B.C.’s rigorous permitting process, while also building a strong, trust-based relationship with the Lake Babine Nation, speaks volumes about their leadership. We are pleased to provide this credit facility and look forward to supporting their transition to gold and silver production.’

      If the Company chooses to access this facility, Nicola Mining will maintain a short-term security interest over the Company’s gold and silver production from the Dome Mountain Gold Project until the loan is repaid in full.

      About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.

      Blue Lagoon Resources is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) focused on building shareholder value through the aggressive development of its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold project. The Company is run by professionals with significant finance and mining experience and operates within a prime mining jurisdiction in British Columbia, Canada. With the granting of a full mining permit, a key milestone achieved in February 2025 – one of only nine such permits issued in British Columbia since 2015 – Blue Lagoon is now focused on last preparatory activities and tasks related to the safe and secure opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine, targeting Q3 2025 as the start of gold production . The Company’s primary objective has always been to become a cash-flowing mining company, to ultimately deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.

      The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource.  The Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study.

      For further information, please contact:

      Rana Vig

      President and CEO

      Telephone: 604-218-4766

      Email: ranavig@bluelagoonresources.com

      The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

      Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘Company’) expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’, ‘mine’, ‘production’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to

      differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, delays in mine development activities, future cash flow expectations and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.  Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management, contractors and consultants on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s, contractor’s and consultants’ beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

      Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

      News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Canada’s tech sector saw momentum this week, with announcements spanning venture capital and quantum computing, as well as global policy leadership news out of the G7 summit.

      Axl on a mission to retain Canadian innovation

      On Tuesday (June 17), Axl, a newly founded Canadian venture studio, announced plans to help launch 50 artificial intelligence (AI) companies in Canada over the next five years, supported by a C$15 million fund led by co-founder Daniel Wigdor, a computer science professor at the University of Toronto.

      The venture’s other founders are Tovi Grossman, another University of Toronto professor, entrepreneur Ray Sharma and former Telus (TSX:T,NYSE:TU) executive David Sharma. Mining magnate Rob McEwen of McEwen Mining (TSX:MUX,NYSE:MUX) and Smart Technologies co-founder David Martin are also investors.

      According to Wigdor, Axl will tackle practical business problems and connect them with promising academic research in a bid to keep Canadian innovation at home. “The social contract academics believe we have with society is that we invent these technologies and inspire people,” he told the Globe and Mail on Tuesday. “The tragedy is that the foundational technologies we’re inventing in Canada are not accruing capital for Canada.’

      Wigdor pointed to his own career as a cautionary tale, explaining that the iPhone’s multi-touch interface was presaged by research he conducted in the early 2000s for his University of Toronto thesis, which itself built on concepts pioneered by University of Toronto professor Bill Buxton in the 1980s.

      Other University of Toronto AI breakthroughs fueled the international rise of figures like Geoffrey Hinton, OpenAI co-founder Ilya Sutskever and xAI’s Jimmy Ba, all of whom took their expertise to US-based companies.

      Carney talks tech leadership at G7 summit

      Initiatives like Axl’s signal a proactive approach to Canada’s challenge of retaining tech talent and capitalizing on its world-class research; however, its success will hinge on broader public support.

      Prime Minister Mark Carney has signaled that fostering tech innovation at home is a priority. He told G7 leaders that driving the digital transition, led by AI and quantum computing, would be one of his top goals at the summit.

      Quantum technology was reportedly discussed at length during the two day meeting, which took place in Kananaskis, Alberta. In addition, a joint statement from members released by the prime minister’s office indicates that Canada will launch the G7 GovAI Grand Challenge and host a series of Rapid Solution Labs “to develop innovative and scalable solutions to the barriers we face in adopting AI in the public sector.”

      That emphasis echoes longstanding concerns from the research community.

      A 2024 letter acquired by the Logic and sent to then-innovation minister François-Philippe Champagne by the Quantum Advisory Council cites the significant sums that other countries have invested in quantum technology.

      “The cost of inaction is tremendous,” the group wrote at the time, pointing to Canada’s history of “inventing core technologies,” but letting other countries “grow industries around our inventions.”

      The council proposed a C$1 billion program that would mirror the Quantum Benchmarking Initiative (QBI), which fosters domestic quantum computing in the US. The QBI has selected 18 companies for its first phase, including three from Canada; firms that demonstrate the ability to build a functional quantum computer by 2033 will be eligible to receive up to US$316 million, making it a potential “kingmaker” program.

      The second phase of the program is set to launch in August 2025. While no relocation demands have been made, concerns exist that later-stage QBI terms could force Canadian winners to the US.

      The Quantum Advisory Council said its proposed program would be run by the National Research Council, which would independently assess firms to accelerate the development of competitive domestic quantum companies.

      It would build on a C$360 million national quantum strategy announced in April 2021.

      The council’s recommendations include increased grants for scientific and social science research into quantum technologies, and a new federal clusters program to foster regional quantum ecosystems encompassing research, development and training, alongside ethical and secure use. It also calls for significant investment in quantum-safe software certification and the development of other security systems.

      In a speech at the Quantum Now conference in Montreal on Thursday (June 19), Canada’s AI minister, Evan Solomon, emphasized the need to protect Canada’s talent pipeline. “We cannot allow short-term funding opportunities to hollow out our domestic capabilities or transfer generations of Canadian innovation outside our borders,” he said.

      Earlier this month, the minister said he would move away from “over-indexing on warnings and regulation” and instead focus on finding ways to unleash the economic potential of AI. The ongoing collaboration between government initiatives and private ventures will be key to unlocking Canada’s full potential in the new digital era.

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

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      DY6 Metals Ltd (ASX: DY6, “DY6” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the initial visual estimations from the reconnaissance exploration program at the Douala Basin HMS Project, Cameroon. Desktop studies incorporating detailed geological mapping, geophysics, and known mineral occurrences, were used to define initial, high priority targets for ground- truthing. The reconnaissance programme, which consisted of hand auger and channel sampling, was successful in identifying high estimated concentrations of heavy mineral (HM) mineralisation across all the six tenements that make up the project. Additionally, the Company’s consultants have observed the presence of natural rutile grains within panned concentrates.

      HIGHLIGHTS

      • The Company’s reconnaissance auger and channel sampling programme has been completed at the Douala Basin HMS Project
      • Reconnaissance sampling undertaken across the 6 Douala Basin tenements has identified thick zones of high estimated concentrations of heavy minerals (HM) as well as natural rutile
      • Work at the Douala Basin Project followed up on historical HM occurrences identified by previous Eramet drilling, as well as priority areas identified through the Company’s internal reviews
      • Samples collected from the reconnaissance program are due to be submitted for laboratory analysis in the coming weeks, with results expected in the September quarter
      • At Douala Basin, exploration will transition to a detailed campaign of auger drilling

      Samples collected from this initial exploration programme are currently being prepped for dispatch to the Company’s laboratory for analysis in South Africa, with results expected in the September quarter.

      Technical Consultant, Cliff Fitzhenry, commented:“While the Company’s primary focus is on the Central Rutile Project, where we have recently reported the presence of wide-spread residual natural rutile mineralisation, we believe that the Douala Basin HMS project has significant potential. The reconnaissance programme has over the last few weeks demonstrated the potential of the area, with the identification of high concentrations of visible heavy mineral sands across the project tenements through a mixture of auger, channel, and soil sampling work. Pleasingly, we have also observed natural rutile grains at Douala Basin.

      We look forward to the assay results of the reconnaissance programme in the coming months.”

      Reconnaissance exploration at the Douala Basin HMS Project

      As announced on 5 June 2025, the Company commenced reconnaissance auger and grab sampling programmes at the Central Rutile and Douala Basin HMS projects, Cameroon. At the Douala Basin project, the Company has completed 12 hand auger drill holes (refer Figure 1), collecting 53 samples in the process, as well as collected 38 channel samples from 11 surfaces for analysis (refer Tables 1 & 2).

      Cautionary Statement:

      The Company cautions that, with respect to any visual mineralisation indicators, visual observations and estimates of mineral abundance are uncertain in nature and should not be taken as a substitute or proxy for appropriate laboratory analysis. Visual estimates also potentially provide no information regarding impurities or deleterious physical properties relevant to valuations. Assay results from the drilling and sampling programmes will be required to understand the grade and extent of mineralisation. Initial assay results are expected in August 2025.

      Click here for the full ASX Release

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Gold was on the decline this week, closing just below US$3,370 per ounce, after tensions in the Middle East pushed it past the US$3,430 level toward the end of last week.

      All eyes were on the US Federal Reserve, which in a widely expected move left interest rates unchanged on Wednesday (June 18) following its two day meeting. The central bank cut rates in December 2024, but has kept them steady for its last four gatherings.

      US President Donald Trump wasn’t pleased, calling Powell ‘too late’ in a Thursday (June 19) post on Truth Social. While speculation that Trump will fire Powell has died down, the president did recently say he intends to announce his next pick for the Fed leader position ‘very soon.’

      Of course, Fed meetings are never just about rate decisions — experts often look to Powell’s post-meeting commentary to read between the lines of what’s said (and not said).

      Tariffs were definitely in focus this time around, with Powell emphasizing that it’s still soon to tell how much of an impact they will have and how the Fed should react.

      ‘We have to learn more about tariffs. I don’t know what the right way for us to react will be. I think it’s hard to know with any confidence how we should react until we see the size of the effects’ — Jerome Powell, US Federal Reserve

      Chris Temple of the National Investor, who offered another perspective on Powell’s comments.

      He noted that while Powell didn’t say the Fed is going to abandon its 2 percent inflation target, it may be leaning in that direction. This is what he said:

      The consensus still — although it was extremely close — is barely still for two 25 basis point rate cuts in the balance of 2025. Whether we get them or not, who knows, (but) that’s the current snapshot, which may well change. But that’s against a backdrop of admitting for the second SEP, summary of economic projections … in a row that inflation is going to continue to move back higher — that we’ve seen the best numbers for inflation — at the same time that GDP slows a bit.

      So okay, you just told us that your favored inflation number, which is a lot of smoke and mirrors to begin with, is going to go back up to north of 3 percent, which is what they said yesterday. And yet you still — the consensus is you’re going to lower interest rates twice in 2025? So he did everything but come right out and admit that the 2 percent inflation target isn’t going to be reached.

      Stay tuned to our YouTube channel for the full interview with Temple.

      Bullet briefing — Silver hits 13 year high, SPUT raising US$200 million

      Is silver’s price rise real?

      Gold has stolen the precious metals spotlight in 2025, but this month silver is shining.

      The white metal has been on the rise since the beginning of June, and this week it broke the US$37 per ounce mark for the first time in 13 years.

      While silver is known to lag behind gold before playing catch up, it’s also known for its volatility. Its move has created excitement, but market participants are also wary of a correction.

      When asked what factors are driving silver, Peter Krauth of Silver Stock Investor he said he sees a ‘perfect storm’ emerging. Here’s how he explained it:

      You’ve got the macroeconomic picture that is I think certainly bullish for silver, like it is for gold and a lot of the other commodities. But I think at the same time you’ve got the market kind of coming to terms with the fact that silver is in a deficit, (and) it’s unlikely to be able to rectify that deficit for several years — in fact, the Silver Institute thinks we’re going to see record deficits at some point over the next five years.

      And silver supply is unable to grow. We saw a peak 10 years ago in mined silver, and overall silver supply is essentially flat.

      So flat supply, growing demand — demand that’s nearly 20 percent above supply — and our ability to meet those deficits is shrinking because we’re tapping into these aboveground stockpiles that have shrunk by about 800 million ounces in the last four years, which is the equivalent of an entire year’s mine supply. So it’s the perfect storm, it’s really all coming together. And I think that the market’s realizing that.

      But does that necessarily mean silver is ready for a big breakout? Krauth has a target of US$40 by the end of 2025, but said silver could potentially go 10 percent above that.

      For his part, Jeffrey Christian of CPM Group attributes the silver price boost to increased demand from investors, especially when it comes to exchange-traded funds and wholesale products.

      He’s projecting a bumpier path forward for the metal:

      You also have — the last time I looked it was like 490 million ounces of open interest in the July Comex futures contract. And that’s two weeks from first delivery. So most of the people (who) have those shorts – those are hedges of their physical inventories. They keep those hedges in place, but they roll them forward. So they’ll be buying back their Julys and selling September futures to keep that hedge in place with the next active futures contract. That buying back of the Julys could push silver prices higher.

      So if you really want to talk granular prices, we wouldn’t be surprised to see the price of silver fall to US$33, US$34 an ounce, and go up to US$40 an ounce and then back to US$33 an ounce over the next four weeks.

      Click the links above to watch the interviews with Krauth and Christian.

      SPUT raising US$200 million

      The uranium spot price made moves this week after the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX:U.U,OTCQX:SRUUF) announced a US$100 million bought-deal financing on Monday (June 16).

      It was bumped up to US$200 million the same day due to strong demand.

      Spot uranium has been in a consolidation phase since hitting triple-digit levels in early 2024, creating frustration among those who are waiting for the industry’s strong long-term fundamentals to be better expressed. This week’s move past US$75 per pound has helped reinvigorate investors.

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

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      This week, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and OpenAI’s once tight alliance showed signs of strain, while Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) continued to source artificial intelligence (AI) talent from rival companies.

      Meanwhile, SoftBank’s (TSE:9434) CEO is considering a new chip and robotics venture in Arizona, and Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) is looking to bring AI solutions to American cities.

      Read on to dive deeper into this week’s top tech stories.

      1. OpenAI and Microsoft partnership faces tension

      Microsoft and OpenAI’s once-close partnership is reportedly entering a tense period of renegotiation as OpenAI restructures into a public-benefit company and seeks more autonomy.

      According to sources for The Information, recent negotiations have centered on reducing Microsoft’s long-term revenue share in exchange for a 33 percent stake in the newly formed entity. Additionally, OpenAI would like to limit Microsoft’s access to future models such as Windsurf, which OpenAI acquired in May.

      The company has competitive concerns with Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, according to the people.

      Tensions have risen enough that some OpenAI executives are even weighing antitrust action against Microsoft, according to sources for the Wall Street Journal. In a joint statement, both companies maintained they want to continue working together; however, the Financial Times reported on Wednesday (June 18) that if they can’t reach an agreement, Microsoft is prepared to walk away and rely on its existing contract with the startup, which extends until 2030.

      2. SoftBank floats trillion-dollar robotics hub in Arizona

      SoftBank is reportedly interested in a trillion-dollar infrastructure project and has reached out to Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM) as a potential collaborative partner.

      Sources for Bloomberg revealed on Friday (June 20) that SoftBank founder Masayoshi Son has approached the Taiwanese chipmaker to play a “prominent role” in a manufacturing park in Arizona codenamed “Project Crystal Land,” which may serve as a major production facility for AI-powered industrial robots.

      The sources said SoftBank has also approached Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930) and other companies with the idea. SoftBank officials have reportedly engaged in discussions with federal and state government officials, including US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick, to explore potential tax incentives for companies onshoring high-tech manufacturing.

      In other semiconductor news, Texas Instruments (NASDAQ:TXN) said on Wednesday that it will spend more than US$60 billion building seven new semiconductor facilities across the US. Meanwhile, Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) announced over the weekend that it will invest AU$20 billion to expand data center infrastructure in Australia by 2029.

      3. Intel reportedly planning sizeable layoffs

      Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) is reportedly set to implement substantial layoffs, impacting 15 to 20 percent of its factory workforce, according to an internal memo distributed on Saturday (June 14) and obtained by the Oregonian.

      This move comes amidst continuing efforts to overhaul a company lagging behind its peers.

      For some time, Intel’s offerings have struggled to compete effectively against those of key rivals in the highly competitive market of AI products and chip divisions. In a concerted effort to address this gap and reinvigorate its innovation pipeline, Intel has also been actively recruiting top-tier engineering talent.

      On Wednesday, Intel expanded its sales and engineering leadership team to include experienced professionals from Cadence Design Systems (NASDAQ:CDNS), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Google.

      These strategic hires are intended to inject fresh perspectives and expertise into crucial engineering departments, directly contributing to the company’s ambitious plans to develop more competitive and advanced AI solutions.

      4. Google partners with Conference of Mayors for city AI strategies

      On Friday, Google announced that it has partnered with the US Conference of Mayors to help speed the adoption of city-wide AI strategies. With the announcement, the company released a playbook titled A Roadmap for America’s Mayor that provides a framework for city leaders to develop and host an “AI Adoption Workshop,’ which would be structured to help cities identify and explore how AI can support specific needs, drawing on experiences from other communities.

      The roadmap suggests cities conduct a general survey to tailor workshop content by gathering information on current AI usage, as well as concerns and ideas for AI applications. Various approaches are suggested for drafting the strategy document, including a dedicated working group, an appointed lead drafter, a hybrid model or engaging external expertise, with a recommended deadline of four to six weeks post-workshop for the first draft.

      5. Meta hires top AI talent

      Sources for the Information indicated on Wednesday that Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is bringing Daniel Gross, CEO of Ilya Sutskever’s startup Safe Superintelligence, and former GitHub CEO Nat Friedman onboard.

      According to the report, Gross and Friedman will both join Meta, with Gross leaving his startup to focus on AI products at Meta and Friedman taking on a broader role. Both are expected to work directly with Zuckerberg and Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, who signed a US$14.3 billion deal to join Meta last week.

      In exchange, Meta will get a stake in NFDG, the venture capital firm co-owned by Gross and Friedman that has backed companies such as Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN), Figma, CoreWeave (NASDAQ:CRWV), Perplexity and Character.ai.

      On the most recent episode of his brother’s “Uncapped” podcast, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said that Meta has also offered signing bonuses as high as US$100 million and large compensation packages to OpenAI employees.

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

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com

      Friday (June 20) was the last day for the spring session of Canada’s parliament before its summer break.

      On the agenda for the day was a vote on bill C-5, “The One Canadian Economy Act,” which was introduced on June 5.

      The bill is in part a response to the recent shift in US trade policy under Donald Trump’s administration. It will provide a new framework to fast-track projects of national interest, including mining and energy projects, to boost Canada’s economy.

      However, it hasn’t been without controversy. Primarily, it has been met with opposition from some Indigenous groups, who feel it will override treaty obligations and environmental review processes.

      In parliament, it also met some resistance from the conservative opposition, who amended the bill to close loopholes they felt would allow the government to skirt conflict of interest and lobbying laws.

      The bill is widely expected to pass the House of Commons and the Senate, with broad support from the Conservative Party.

      Also on Friday, Statistics Canada released April’s monthly mineral production survey.

      The data shows across-the-board declines in both production and shipments of copper, gold and silver from the previous month.

      Copper production dropped the most in April, down to 35.1 million kilograms from 40.1 million in March, while shipments slipped to 30.1 million kilograms from the 50.5 million recorded the previous month.

      Gold and silver production fell slightly, with gold declining from 17,059 to 16,708 kilograms, and silver declining from 26,700 to 25,412 kilograms. However, shipments of both fell more precipitously between March and April. Gold shipments dropped from 19,049 to 14,848 kilograms, while silver shipments fell from 29,578 to 22,106 kilograms.

      In the United States, the Federal Reserve held its fourth meeting of the year to determine the direction of the benchmark Federal Funds Rate on Tuesday (June 17) and Wednesday (June 18).

      The central bank decided to hold the rate at the current 4.25 to 4.5 percent range, which it last set in November 2024. The decision comes as it awaits the effects of tariffs to be felt more broadly in the economy, noting uncertainty whether it will be a one-time shock or be more persistent through the rest of the year.

      The decision fell in line with analysts’ expectations, who are not predicting a rate cut until the Fed’s September meeting.

      Markets and commodities react

      In Canada, major indexes were mixed at the end of the week. The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) was largely flat, posting a small 0.14 percent loss during the week to close at 26,497.57 on Friday. The S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared worse, losing 2.18 percent to 711.18, although the CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) jumped 1.58 percent to 117.36.

      US equities were all in negative territory this week, with the S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) losing 0.55 percent to close at 6,967.85, the Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) slipping 0.23 percent to 21,626.39 and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) sinking 0.88 percent to 42,206.83.

      The gold price was down this week, losing 0.42 percent to US$3,371.39 at by Friday’s close. Although it jumped to a high of US$37.29 mid-week, the silver price pulled back and ultimately lost 0.82 percent to end the week at US$36.02.

      In base metals, the COMEX copper price gained 1.88 percent over the week to US$4.88 per pound. Meanwhile, the S&P GSCI (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) posted a gain of 5.47 percent to close at 580.99.

      Top Canadian mining stocks this week

      How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?

      Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.

      Stock data for this article was retrieved at 4 p.m. EDT on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market capitalizations greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.

      1. Royalties Inc. (CSE:RI)

      Weekly gain: 183.33 percent
      Market cap: C$24.75 million
      Share price: C$0.085

      Royalties Inc. is a company focused on building cash flow through the acquisition mineral and music royalty assets.

      The company has a 100 percent interest in the Bilbao silver property in Zacatecas, Mexico, which hosts silver, zinc and lead deposits. As silver prices improve, the company is seeking to monetize the property.

      Shares in Royalties Inc. surged this week after its 88 percent owned subsidiary Minera Portree won its lawsuit against Capstone Copper (TSX:CS), asserting its ownership of a 2 percent net smelter return royalty on five mineral concessions at the Cozamin copper-silver mine in Zacatecas.

      The protracted legal dispute began after Capstone re-assigned the royalty to itself through a 2019 contract without informing or paying Minera Portree.

      Under the terms of the judgment, the 2 percent NSR will revert back to Minera Portree along with royalties for the exploitation of concessions between 2002 and 2019. The amounts for those royalties will be set at the execution phase. Capstone Gold is also ordered to pay royalties from the Portree 1 concession from August 2019 to present.

      Earlier in the week, Royalties Inc. increased its stake in Music Royalties, which pays a 7.2 percent annual yield from 30 music catalogues. The company will now receive royalties of C$102,000 per year from its investment.

      2. Altima Energy (TSXV:ARH)

      Weekly gain: 100 percent
      Market cap: C$21.14 million
      Share price: C$0.42

      Altima Energy is a light oil and natural gas exploration and development company with operations in Alberta, Canada.

      Its primary asset is the Richdale property in Central Alberta. The property consists of five producing light oil wells and sits on 5,920 acres of long-term reserves. According to a company presentation from April 2025, the property hosts combined proved and probable reserves of just under 2 billion barrels of oil equivalent, with a pre-tax net present value of C$25.8 million.

      The company also owns two wells at its Twinning light oil site near Nisku, seven producing wells at its Red Earth property in Northern Alberta and two multi-zone wells at its Chambers Ferrier liquid gas production property.

      Although Altima hasn’t released news in the last few months, its share price surged mid-week.

      3. Trillion Energy (CSE:TCF)

      Weekly gain: 71.43 percent
      Market cap: C$11.62 million
      Share price: C$0.06

      Trillion Energy is an oil and gas producer focused on supplying the European and Turkish markets.

      The company owns a 49 percent share in the SASB gas field with Turkish Petroleum (TPAO) owning the remainder. The field is located in the southwestern Black Sea, and covers a license block area of 12,387 hectares. Trillion also owns a 19.6 percent interest in the Cendre oil field, with TPAO owning the majority 80 percent.

      On April 26, the company released its 2024 year end reserve report. In the announcement, Trillion reported that its attributable total proved and probable reserves at the SASB gas field increased to 62.3 billion cubic feet of gas and 247 million barrels of oil, with a pre-tax NPV of US$363.6 million.

      Trillion Energy’s share price climbed in the second half of the week. Although it did not put out a press release, the company stated in posts on X Wednesday and Friday that the partners are “actively engaged on-site” advancing gas lift operations through “carefully managed on-platform efforts.”

      4. Search Minerals (TSXV:SMY)

      Weekly gain: 52 percent
      Market cap: C$18.81 million
      Share price: C$0.380

      Search Minerals is a rare earth element exploration and development company working to advance its flagship Deep Fox project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

      The project is located near the port of St. Lewis on the Southeast Labrador coast and consists of 63 mineral claims covering an area of 1,575 hectares. The company also owns the nearby Foxtrot deposit. A May 2022 technical report reported a combined indicated mineral resource estimate for the two properties of 375 parts per million (ppm) praseodymium, 1,402 ppm neodymium, 185 ppm dysprosium and 32 ppm terbium from 15.09 million metric tons of ore.

      Search Minerals released a corporate update on June 13 announcing that its shares were being reinstated for trading on the TSXV. The update detailed how, under previous management, the company’s TSXV listing was subject to a cease trade order in April 2024 due to the previous management team failing to file annual financial statements for 2023. Search’s new board and management team, elected and appointed in mid-2024, brought the company back into compliance.

      Search recommenced trading Monday, and its shares climbed on June 19 after the company announced unreleased assay results from a 2022 Phase 4 drill program at Deep Fox. Highlighted assays included one hole with a 29.92 meter interval grading 256 ppm dysprosium, 1,848 ppm neodymium, 496 ppm praseodymium and 43.5 ppm terbium.

      The company said the results validate their belief in the mineralization at the site, and that it would drive forward development of Deep Fox, which it called a generational asset, without delay.

      5. Homeland Nickel (TSXV:SHL)

      Weekly gain: 50 percent
      Market cap: C$12.26 million
      Share price: C$0.06

      Homeland Nickel is an exploration company with projects in the US and Canada.

      The company owns four nickel projects in Oregon: Cleopatra, Red Flat, Eight Dollar Mountain and Shamrock. The projects are in the early exploration stage, with the company being guided by historic work at each property.

      Homeland is also working on the Great Burnt copper-gold project in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The project is a 30/70 joint venture with Benton Resources (TSXV:BEX,OTC Pink:BNTRF), which earned its stake in the property through an earn-in agreement with Homeland in July 2024.

      While the company did not release any news, on June 11, Noble Mineral Exploration (TSXV:NOB) and Canada Nickel’s (TSXV:CNC) announcement on June 11 of positive assay results from their joint venture Mann nickel project in Ontario. Homeland owns 2.95 million shares in Canada Nickel and 9.96 million shares of Noble.

      FAQs for Canadian mining stocks

      What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?

      The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.

      How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?

      As of February 2025, there were 1,572 companies listed on the TSXV, 905 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,859 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.

      Together the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.

      How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?

      There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.

      The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.

      These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.

      How do you trade on the TSXV?

      Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.

      Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.

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

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

      This post appeared first on investingnews.com