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Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.

 

Vancouver, British Columbia January 22nd, 2026 TheNewswire – Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. (JUGR.V) (OTCPK: JUGRF) (FSE: 4JE) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Juggernaut’) is pleased to announce attendance in both the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) and AME Roundup 2026.

 

AME Roundup 2026

To learn more about Juggernaut’s exciting new Big One discovery, we would like to cordially invite you to visit us at our AME Booth # 1100C, which will be exhibiting all 4 days Monday, January 26, 2026 – Wednesday, January 28, 2026 (9:00 AM – 4:00 PM) and Thursday, January 29, 2023 (9:00 AM – 2:30 PM). The event is being held at the Exhibit Hall – Vancouver Convention Centre East Building (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.).

 

Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC)

Juggernaut’s Booth #123. The event is being held at the Vancouver Convention Centre West Building (1055 Canada Place, Vancouver, B.C.) Sunday, January 25 – Monday, January 26, 2026 (8:30 AM – 6:00 PM). Dan Stuart, CEO, will provide a corporate presentation on Sunday, January 25 (11:50 AM) at Workshop #4.

 

About the AME Roundup Conference

The AME Roundup is a dynamic four-day trade show featuring key players in mineral exploration, development, mining, and reclamation. Among the hundreds of exhibitors under the sails in the Vancouver Convention Centre East, you will find prospectors and entrepreneurs, junior explorers and international mining companies, Indigenous groups, governments, universities, not-for-profits, and an incredible collection of service and supply companies. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://roundup.amebc.ca/

 

About the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference

The Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) is the World’s Premier Mining Investment Event at a time when Gold & Silver are breaking records. The event will host 120 keynote speakers, 300 mining companies, and over 12,000 attending investors. VRIC brings together the dealmakers, analysts, and operators shaping the future of precious metals — right when capital is surging back into the sector. For tickets and more information, please visit: https://cambridgehouse.com/vancouver-resource-investment-conference

 

Link to Big One 2026 Video

The Big One property is situated in a region that is well known for hosting globally recognized precious metal and porphyry deposits, several of which occur near the property including the multiple porphyry systems at Galore Creek, the world’s largest known gold reserve at KSM and the polymetallic copper project at Shaft Creek, as well as the Brucejack high-grade epithermal gold deposit, and the structurally controlled high-grade hydrothermal gold-silver zones at Trophy and Sphal Creek. The property geology is favorable to host these types of deposits, as confirmed by the presence of extensive areas of propylitic alteration, untested geophysical anomalies, strong silt, soil, and rock geochemistry, including pathfinder elements directly related to porphyry systems, key structures and textures, porphyry-style mineralization, and high-grade polymetallic veins, that have been discovered on the Big One property.

The Big One property can be accessed year-round via helicopter from the Glenora/Telegraph Creek Road at the Barrington Mine (33 km to the north-northeast) as well as the Galore Creek Road (15 km to the southeast). The Canadian government committed $25 M to extend/improve the Galore Creek Road to within 15 km of the Big One property. The property is 2 km west of the Scud River airstrip used in the early days of Galore Creek.

The Big One property exploration qualifies for the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (CMETC).

About Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.

Juggernaut Exploration Ltd. is an explorer and generator of precious metals projects in the prolific Golden Triangle of northwestern British Columbia. Its projects are located in globally recognized geological settings and in geopolitically stable jurisdictions, making them amenable to mining in Canada. Juggernaut is a member and active supporter of CASERM, a collaborative venture between the Colorado School of Mines and Virginia Tech. Juggernaut’s key strategic cornerstone shareholder is Crescat Capital.

 

For more information, please contact:

Juggernaut Exploration Ltd.

Dan Stuart

Chief Executive Officer, Director

Tel: (604)-559-8028

www.juggernautexploration.com

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Qualified Person

Rein Turna, P. Geo, is the qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, for Juggernaut Exploration projects, and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.

Disclaimer

The reader is cautioned that grab samples are spot samples, which are typically, but not exclusively, constrained to mineralization. Grab samples are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and are not intended to be representative of the material sampled.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT

Certain disclosures in this release may constitute forward-looking statements that are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties relating to Juggernaut’s operations that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including its ability to complete the contemplated private placement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements.

NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR TO U.S. PERSONS OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES. THIS PRESS RELEASE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR AN INVITATION TO PURCHASE ANY SECURITIES DESCRIBED IN IT.

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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(TheNewswire)

Steadright Critical Minerals, Inc.

 

Muskoka – Ontario Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. (CSE: SCM,OTC:SCMNF) (‘Steadright’ or the ‘Company’), a resource exploration company focused on near-term production announces that the Moroccan company, NSM Capital Sarl, that Steadright is a 75% shareholder of, has formally applied for a Mining License for TitanBeach One.

 

Following extensive preparatory work and careful planning, NSM Capital Sarl Management has informed its shareholders that an important milestone has been achieved within the TitanBeach project, located in Southern Morocco.

 

NSM Capital Sarl has officially submitted the application for the TitanBeach One Mining License (License No. 4039307) to the competent authorities. The application is based on comprehensive technical, legal, environmental and organizational preparation and work completed.

 

It is particularly worth highlighting that the responsible authorities in Morocco have been very cooperative, supportive, and accommodating throughout the process to date. This constructive collaboration provides a solid foundation for the successful implementation of the TitanBeach project.

 

Furthermore, several meetings and appointments with the relevant authorities are scheduled over the coming days. These discussions will focus on the allocation of the land on which the processing of any material will be carried out. NSM Capital Sarl is already fully engaged in a constructive and goal-oriented dialogue.

 

With the submission of the license application and the ongoing discussions regarding the project infrastructure, NSM Capital Sarl has reached another significant milestone towards the projects’ success.

 

Steadright Critical Minerals CEO, Matt Lewis, states, ‘Our team is very pleased to see NSM Capital Sarl applying for a license. This is the culmination of a lot of time, effort and thought on the part of their team. Kudos to this independent group and the very helpful Moroccan professionals who are working towards a successful operation south of Tan-Tan.

  

ABOUT Steadright Critical Minerals INC.

 

Steadright Critical Minerals Inc. is a mineral exploration company established in 2019. Steadright has been focused in 2025 on finding exploration and historical mining projects that can be brought into production within the Moroccan critical mineral space. Steadright currently has exposure through a Moroccan entity known as NSM Capital Sarl, with over 192 sq KMs of mineral exploration claims called the TitanBeach Titanium Project, and found in the Southern Provinces of Morocco. Steadright has also recently signed a binding MOU for the historic Goundafa Mine within the Kingdom of Morocco.

 

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

For further information, please contact:

 

Matt Lewis

CEO & Director

Steadright Critical Minerals Inc.

 

Email: enquires@steadright.ca

Tel: 1-905-410-0587

www.steadright.ca

 

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (the ‘CSE’) 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.

 

Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, ‎uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or ‎achievements of Steadright to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-‎looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: there is no ‎certainty that the ongoing programs will result in significant or successful ‎exploration and ‎development of Steadright’s properties; uncertainty as to ‎the actual results of exploration and ‎development or operational activities; uncertainty as to the availability and terms of ‎future financing on ‎acceptable terms; uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals; ‎general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; capital market conditions ‎and market prices for securities, junior market securities and mining exploration company securities; ‎commodity prices; the actual results of current exploration and development or operational activities; ‎competition; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents and other risks ‎inherent in the mining industry; lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory ‎approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation or income tax legislation, affecting ‎Steadright; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labour or loss of key ‎individuals.

 

This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the ‎securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United ‎States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘) or any state securities laws and ‎may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. Persons ‎unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws, unless an ‎exemption from such registration is available.‎

 

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is pleased to announce that it has submitted an application to trade on the U.S. OTCID market, a strategic step designed to broaden investor access and enhance visibility within the world’s largest capital market.

In parallel, the Company confirms it will be attending the Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2026, taking place January 25–26, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Vancouver Convention Centre. Rio Silver welcomes current and prospective investors to visit the Company at Booth 829.

Opening Access to the World’s Largest Capital Market

The Company’s application to trade on the U.S. OTCID market is intended to make Rio Silver’s shares more easily accessible to U.S. investors through a transparent U.S. trading venue, improving trading efficiency and expanding exposure to a broader institutional and retail audience. Upon approval, Rio Silver expects enhanced visibility among U.S.-based investors seeking direct exposure to silver-dominant exploration and development stories.

This initiative aligns with the Company’s ongoing efforts to strengthen market awareness and investor engagement as it advances its silver assets in Peru through permitting, access, and execution-focused milestones, while establishing a U.S. market presence that supports broader participation in the Company’s growth.

Management Commentary

‘Opening access to the U.S. capital markets is a meaningful step in the evolution of Rio Silver,’ said Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. ‘The United States represents the largest and deepest pool of capital globally, and this application is about making it easier for investors to participate in our story as we progress. With visible silver mineralization, a clear regulatory pathway, and a disciplined, capital-efficient strategy, we believe increased accessibility and engagement will be an important catalyst as we move into the next phase of growth. We look forward to welcoming global investors to meet our team and learn more about Rio Silver at VRIC 2026 at Booth 829.’

Investor Engagement at VRIC 2026

VRIC is one of North America’s leading resource investment conferences, bringing together mining companies, institutional investors, retail investors, analysts, and industry leaders. Management will be available throughout the conference to discuss Rio Silver’s project portfolio, execution strategy, and upcoming milestones.

Conference Details:

  • Event: Vancouver Resource Investment Conference (VRIC) 2026
  • Dates: January 25–26, 2026
  • Time: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
  • Location: Vancouver Convention Centre
  • Booth: 829

Why This Matters to Investors

For investors, access matters. Expanding into the U.S. OTC market lowers friction for U.S.-based capital, increases liquidity potential, and broadens the audience able to participate in Rio Silver’s growth. Combined with active investor engagement at VRIC, this initiative strengthens market visibility at a time when the Company is advancing tangible, execution-driven milestones. As Rio Silver continues to progress its silver-dominant assets with a capital-efficient strategy, improved accessibility to the world’s largest capital market positions the Company to attract a wider investor base and more accurately reflect project momentum.

About Rio Silver Inc.

Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with long standing experience in Peruvian geology, development, and district-scale exploration. With a clear strategy and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.

Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com

ON BEHALF OF Rio Silver INC.

Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:
Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com
Website: www.riosilverinc.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated development activities, underground access timing, permitting progress, community engagement, processing strategies, and the Company’s ability to advance toward potential production and cash flow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (January 21) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$90,066.08, up by 0.6 percent over 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, January 21, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

After yesterday’s sell-off, BTC’s price rose after US President Donald Trump’s speech at Davos, where he said he expects to sign the crypto market structure bill “very soon.”

During his address, Trump also said he supported the GENIUS Act, which he signed into July 2025 because it was “politically popular,” adding, “much more importantly, we have to make it so that China doesn’t get hold of it…once they have that hold, we’re not going to be able to get it back.”

BTC experienced a volatile trading day, coming close to US$90,300 before dropping to US$87,304, followed by another rise towards US$90K.

In an email, Samer Hasn, a senior market analyst at XS.com, maintains that the current BTC market correction is being driven by a combination of escalating geopolitical risks, including President Trump’s ultimatum regarding the annexation of Greenland and Middle East tensions, as well as tightening global liquidity, highlighted by record-high Japanese government bond yields.

‘The institutional appetite for digital assets is also showing signs of fatigue, with US spot Bitcoin ETFs reversing course to post nearly US$500 million in outflows over just two sessions,’ he wrote.

‘This erratic on-off flow suggests that the record inflows seen last week were driven by speculative hot money rather than the solid, long-term accumulation required to sustain a bull market.’

Ether (ETH) was priced at US$3,026.90, up by 0.9 percent over the last 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$1.97, up by 3.3 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$130.88, up by 2.5 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

Steak ‘n Shake announces BTC bonus for hourly employees

Steak ’n Shake is launching a BTC bonus program for all hourly employees, offering US$0.21 worth of BTC per hour.

Announced today via X, the rewards will be subject to a two-year vesting period. The initiative expands the chain’s partnership with Fold, following a 2025 pilot program. This move reinforces Steak ’n Shake’s aggressive BTC strategy, which includes accepting BTC payments and a recent US$10 million BTC purchase to be added to its corporate BTC reserve.

Galaxy to launch US$100 million crypto hedge fund

Cryptocurrency group Galaxy Digital (NASDAQ:GLXY) is reportedly planning to launch a US$100 million hedge fund, according to a report today from the Financial Times, which cited people familiar with the matter and internal sources close to the firm.

The fund is set to launch in Q1 of this year, with up to 30 percent of its assets invested in crypto tokens and the rest in financial services stocks impacted by changes in digital asset technologies and laws.

Crypto czar says banks and crypto companies will merge

During an interview with CNBC’s Squawk Box, White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, joined by Michael Kratsios, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy director, said that banks and crypto companies will eventually merge into one digital asset industry once the market structure bill passes through Congress.

‘After the bill passes, the banks are going to get fully into the crypto industry. So we’re not going to have a separate banking industry and crypto, it’s going to be one digital asset industry. Over time, the banks like the idea of paying yield because they’re going to be in the stablecoin business,’ he said from Davos.

Bitget: Macro reset reframes Bitcoin’s role as risk appetite cools

Crypto markets are entering 2026 under a markedly different macro backdrop, as geopolitical tensions, trade disputes, and shifting rate expectations force investors to reassess risk.

According to Bitget CMO Ignacio Aguirre, capital is rotating back toward traditional safe havens, with gold reclaiming its defensive role while Bitcoin trades more like a risk asset amid tighter liquidity.

The roughly US$1.3 trillion erased from US equities underscores a broader repricing rather than a market anomaly, reflecting how policy uncertainty typically drives investors to pull back first before selectively re-entering.

Aguirre notes that similar patterns played out during the 2008 financial crisis and the 2022 crypto downturn, where sharp contractions ultimately set the stage for renewed growth.

In the near term, Bitcoin could face additional pressure and test lower support levels before finding stability.

Longer term, however, structural factors such as improving infrastructure and institutional participation continue to support a bullish thesis. The adjustment, Aguirre argues, is part of crypto’s maturation rather than a rejection of its long-term value.

DeFi groups push Back on FTC’s approach to non-custodial systems

Major crypto policy groups are urging the US Federal Trade Commission to rethink how it applies consumer protection rules to decentralized finance.

In a joint letter, industry organizations including the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Blockchain Association warned that enforcement models designed for custodial finance do not translate cleanly to non-custodial systems.

They argue that imposing centralized safeguards such as kill switches or circuit breakers could weaken, rather than enhance, security by undermining decentralization.

The groups further emphasized that developers who do not control user funds should not be treated as financial intermediaries. Overly prescriptive standards, they said, risk stifling innovation and driving responsible development outside the United States.

The appeal comes as Congress debates broader crypto legislation, raising concerns that regulatory overlap could create confusion.

Trump signals imminent signing of Crypto market structure bill

President Donald Trump said he expects to sign a long-awaited crypto market structure bill “very soon,” injecting fresh momentum into legislation that has faced recent turbulence in Congress.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Trump framed the bill as a step toward expanding financial access, explicitly referencing Bitcoin and digital assets more broadly.

His remarks followed a contentious week on Capitol Hill after a planned Senate Banking Committee vote was abruptly pulled. That setback was triggered when Coinbase withdrew its support over concerns about provisions affecting stablecoin yield products.

White House officials have since signaled impatience with industry infighting that could derail passage.

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

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

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NEW Event operating system uses AI-assisted workflows, and contextual automation across event operations Integrating Its platforms; Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty Labs

NEW YORK CITY, NY AND TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 22, 2026 / Nextech3D.ai (OTCQB:NEXCF)(CSE:NTAR,OTC:NEXCF)(FSE:1SS), an AI-first technology company focused on event solutions, 3D modeling, and spatial computing, today announced the launch of Nextech Event AI, a unified AI-powered event operating system designed to integrate the Company’s Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty Labs platforms into a single operating environment.

Nextech Event AI is intended to support its existing enterprise Fortune 500 customers by connecting event registration, engagement, spatial visualization, blockchain payments, and analytics through a centralized data and intelligence layer referred to internally as the Company’s Semantic Brain. The platform is designed to address operational complexity across virtual, hybrid, and in-person events, particularly in large-scale enterprise environments.

Integrated Platform Strategy: AI Intelligence and Enterprise Execution

Nextech3D.ai is advancing a platform strategy that combines AI-driven software infrastructure with enterprise-level service delivery:

  • Enterprise Services Layer:
    The Company maintains a dedicated enterprise success team to support onboarding, configuration, and execution for large customer deployments.

This approach is intended to support scalability while maintaining a software-first, asset-light operating model.

Nextech Event AI Platform Modules

Eventdex – Registration, Ticketing, and Event Intelligence

Eventdex functions as the registration and logistics core of Nextech Event AI. It supports attendee registration, ticketing, badge management, AI-assisted matchmaking, structured networking, and blockchain-enabled credentialing with integrated lead capture.

Map D – Spatial Visualization and Navigation

Map D provides 3D interactive floor plans and digital venue visualization. Integrated within Nextech Event AI, Map D supports attendee navigation, exhibitor discovery, and analytics related to space utilization and attendee movement.

Krafty – Virtual and In-Person Engagement

Krafty supports virtual and in-person engagement programming, including team-based and experiential offerings. Integrated into Nextech Event AI, Krafty enables coordinated engagement across digital environments and physical locations, supported by centralized data insights.

Payments and Settlement Capabilities

This expansion serves as the physical hardware for our evolving AI-driven Operating System. A critical component of this OS is our recent BitPay integration, which allows for seamless, borderless transactions within our ecosystem. By merging AI-driven management with decentralized payment rails, we are building one of the first truly modern infrastructure for the global economy. The market is responding-we are currently celebrating a series of significant client wins as organizations realize that true efficiency requires this specific blend of high-tech financial tools and high-touch local presence

Management Commentary

Evan Gappelberg, CEO of Nextech3D.ai, commented:

‘The launch of Nextech Event AI represents an important step in the continued integration of our event technology platforms. By bringing Eventdex, Map D, and Krafty together, we are simplifying workflows and improving how event data is captured and utilized across digital and physical environments.’ he continues, ‘As our large enterprise customers increasingly seek unified solutions for managing events and engagement, we believe Nextech Event AI provides a flexible foundation that can scale alongside evolving customer requirements.’

Financial and Operating Considerations

Nextech3D.ai continues to evaluate opportunities to improve operating efficiency through automation and platform integration. While the Company is targeting 90% gross margins through the use of AI-enabled workflows and standardized operations, there can be no assurance that specific margin levels or financial outcomes will be achieved.

About Nextech3D.ai

Nextech3D.ai is an AI-first technology company specializing in live event solutions, 3D modeling, and spatial computing. Through its flagship Map D, Eventdex, and KraftyLab platforms, the company provides interactive floor plans, registration, ticketing, and blockchain-enabled credentialing for large Fortune 500 organizations worldwide including Google, Oracle, Microsoft, Netflix and others.

Website: www.Nextech3D.ai
Investor Relations: investors@nextechar.com

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding platform capabilities, market opportunity, operational efficiency, enterprise adoption, and potential financial performance. These statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Nextech3D.ai undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai Corp

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Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V:SYH)  (OTCQX:SYHBF) (Frankfurt:SC1P) (‘Skyharbour’, ‘SYH’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce plans for a major 2026 exploration campaign spanning several of the newly-formed Russel Lake joint ventures with Denison Mines Corp. (‘Denison’) (TSX:DML) (NYSE American: DNN). Over 15,000 metres of diamond drilling is planned across the Wheeler North, RL, and Getty East joint ventures, each of which were formed following completion of the strategic transaction with Denison in December 2025 that resulted in a reorganization of the former Russell Lake uranium project into four separate property joint ventures (the ‘Russell Lake Joint Ventures’).

Reorganization of the Russell Lake Project:
https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Russell-Map-New.jpg

The Russell Lake Joint Ventures are strategically located in the central portion of the eastern Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan, to the east of Denison’s flagship Wheeler River project, and with access to significant regional infrastructure, including an exploration camp, provincial highways, and the provincial power grid.

Russell Lake Project Area Location Map:
https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_RussellLake.jpg

Highlights of 2026 Exploration Plans:

  • Immediate start to exploration at Denison-operated Wheeler North property with 2,500 metres planned for winter drilling at the Fox Lake Trail target, where previous drilling identified extensive faulting and intense illite- and dravite-dominated alteration, together with elevated uranium and boron geochemistry which confirms the presence of strong uranium-mineralizing hydrothermal systems.
  • Additional 5,000 metres of drilling at the Wheeler North property’s Fork and Sphinx target areas is planned for later in the year, intending to follow up on drilling from the last two years which confirmed prospective structures and/or uranium mineralization.
  • Target generation and diamond drilling follow up planned for Skyharbour-operated RL property expected to consist of ground EM surveys and 4,000-5,000 metres of diamond drilling across several prospective targets.
  • Ground geophysical surveys and approximately 3,600 metres of diamond drilling targeting the Little Mann Lake prospect area and priority targets along the extension of the mineralized Middle Lake Trend on the Getty East property.
  • In total, over 15,000 metres of diamond drilling planned in 2026 across newly reorganized properties at the Russell Lake Joint Ventures.

Jordan Trimble, President and CEO of Skyharbour, stated: ‘2026 is set to be a transformative year for Skyharbour and the upcoming commencement of drilling at the recently formed Russell Lake joint ventures represents a key near-term catalyst. The planned +15,000-metre, multi-phased drill campaign at Russell is a substantial increase to previous annual drilling programs as we accelerate exploration efforts together with our new funding-partner, Denison, using systematic and proven exploration methodologies. We are confident that this collaboration with Denison will expedite the discovery process and leverage Denison’s success in exploring, permitting, and developing the neighboring Wheeler River Project, where the high-grade Phoenix deposit is positioned to become the next new large-scale uranium mine built in the region since the Cigar Lake mine.’

Mr. Trimble continued: ‘The Russell Lake Joint Ventures encompass one of the largest and most prospective land packages in the Athabasca Basin region, with a combination of proximity to existing and developing mines, as well as low-cost drilling and relatively shallow target depths. Combined with our recently announced plans for drilling in 2026 at our adjacent Moore Project, as well as at our Preston Project JV and various other partner-funded projects, the Company will have consistent news flow throughout 2026. With over 30,000 metres of diamond drilling anticipated across Skyharbour’s project portfolio in 2026, we believe the Company offers unique and significant discovery optionality.’

Wheeler North Property Plans:

Wheeler North consists of 16,409 hectares over eight claims that host numerous prospective exploration targets located adjacent to the Wheeler River Project. Ownership is initially 51% Skyharbour and 49% Denison, with Denison serving as the operator and holding additional earn-in options to achieve up to a 70% ownership interest. 

At Wheeler North, Denison is planning an exploration program comprising approximately 13 diamond drill holes totalling approximately 7,500 metres this year. The work is expected to be sole funded by Denison pursuant to its earn-in options, and is set to commence shortly with a focus on three high-priority target areas: Fork, Sphinx, and Fox Lake Trail (‘FLT’).

At the Fork Zone, previous drilling by Skyharbour confirmed the presence of high-grade uranium mineralization, including the high-grade intersection in drill hole RSL24-02, which returned 3.0% U3O8 over 0.5 metres. Drilling in 2025 identified a broad corridor of intense sandstone and basement alteration associated with favourable geochemistry along strike to the north of hole RSL24-02. Drilling planned for 2026 will focus on systematically testing this intense alteration corridor with the objective of expanding the known mineralized footprint at the Fork Target.

To the northwest of the Fork Zone, the Sphinx target area has emerged as a newly identified, high-priority target area, which is located approximately one kilometre from Denison’s Phoenix deposit. Inaugural drilling completed in 2025 intersected a faulted graphitic unit in the basement, confirming the presence of a prospective reactivated structural corridor at Sphinx. The projected unconformity intersection of this structure is considered a priority follow-up target, with additional drilling planned to test this setting along strike.

At the Fox Lake Trail (‘FLT’) Zone, drilling in 2025 by Skyharbour intersected strong hydrothermal alteration associated with uranium-mineralizing systems, including intense sandstone desilicification, brecciation, fracturing, elevated boron values, and widespread illite- and dravite-dominant clay alteration. Notably, drill hole RSL25-03A intersected a strongly altered sandstone fault zone with boron values up to 5,360 ppm, while RSL25-02 intersected anomalous basement-hosted uranium within a faulted graphitic unit, collectively indicating proximity to a fertile uranium-bearing structural corridor. A focused follow-up program of three to four drill holes is planned to commence in winter 2026, with contingency drill targets available on additional untested conductors within the FLT area.

RL Property Plans: 

The RL property covers 53,192 hectares over 16 claims located north and west of Skyharbour’s adjacent Moore Project. Skyharbour owns an 80% interest and is the project operator while Denison owns 20% and has committed to funding its share of the next $10 million in exploration expenditures on the property. 

The property hosts numerous exploration target areas, including Christie Lake, Blue Steel, Taylor Bay, South Russell, and Kowalchuk Lake. Skyharbour is carrying out electromagnetic (‘EM’) surveys to further refine and prioritize targets along prospective structural corridors and underexplored conductors. This work will be followed by targeted diamond drilling of approximately 4,000 to 5,000 metres this year in 10-14 drill holes, designed to test high-priority targets generated from the integration of historical datasets, recent drilling results, and new geophysical interpretations.

Getty East Property Plans:

Getty East consists of one claim covering 3,105 hectares and hosts the Little Mann Lake uranium zone, as well as the interpreted extension of the Middle Lake trend. Skyharbour owns 70% of the property and will initially act as operator.  Denison has an initial 30% ownership interest, and holds additional earn-in options to acquire up to a 70% interest in the project, as well as the right to become the project operator. The work planned for 2026 is expected to be sole funded by Denison pursuant to its earn-in options.

Skyharbour is planning approximately 16.2 line-kilometres of ground MLTDEM surveying to better define priority conductive corridors associated with the interpreted extension of the Middle Lake trend. Historical drilling on this trend, located to the south of the Getty East property, returned high-grade uranium mineralization, including 22.1% U3O8 over 0.9 metres in drill hole ML-30. The geophysical survey is expected to be followed up by approximately 3,600 metres of diamond drilling in about 10 drill holes to test targets generated from the new geophysics and supported by historical drilling results.

Overview of Recent Skyharbour Exploration Programs at Russell:

Skyharbour recently drilled 19 holes totalling 9,844 metres, together with Moving Loop and Fixed Loop Transient Electromagnetic (TEM) surveys completed across multiple priority target areas within the original Russell Lake project area. This exploration focused on advancing several high-priority targets, including the Fork Zone, M-Zone Extension, Fox Lake Trail, and the newly identified Sphinx target area. Denison and Skyharbour plan to follow-up on the findings of the previously exploration at Russell with the 2026 programs.

First Phase of Exploration:

In the first phase, 8 diamond drill holes totalling 4,124 metres, were completed with 6 of these holes drilled at the newly identified Fork Zone to follow up on the high-grade mineralization intersected in previously reported hole RSL24-02. The remaining 2 holes were drilled at the M-Zone Extension, targeting historical ground EM anomalies.

The Fork Zone was discovered in 2024 and is host to the best uranium mineralization intercepted to date at the Russell Lake project. The highlight results included high-grade unconformity-hosted mineralization intercepted in previously reported RSL24-02, which returned 3.0% U3O8 over 0.5 metres within a broader 2.5-metre interval averaging 0.72% U3O8 at a relatively shallow depth of 338.1 metres. Prior to 2024, the Fork Target had seen minimal historical exploration due to the lack of reliable ground geophysical data, primarily caused by interference from the nearby powerline.

Sphinx and Fork Target Areas – Drill Collar Map:
http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Sphinx-and-Fork-Target-Areas-Drill-Collar-Map-0005.jpg

Hole RSL24-12 at the Fork Zone intersected 0.17% U3O8 over 0.5 metres from 337.8 to 338.3 metres at the unconformity. Anomalous As, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, and B were intersected, in addition to weak uranium mineralization from 330.0 metres until the unconformity at 338.3 metres. Basement geochemistry returned anomalous uranium within altered and structurally disrupted graphitic metasediments. RSL24-12 tested for continuity of mineralization encountered in RSL24-02 to the SSW but the optimum target at the unconformity was undershot thereby warranting further drilling here. Holes RSL24-11, -13, -14, -15, and -16 all intersected anomalous pathfinder elements at the Fork Zone associated with the hanging wall of the structure in graphitic basement lithologies, in addition to anomalous uranium ranging from 11.8(partial) to 150(partial) ppm U.

Fork Target Area – Drill Collar Map:
http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Fork-Target-Area-Drill-Collar-Map-0002.jpg

The MZE (‘M-Zone Extension’) target lies on trend from Denison’s Wheeler River Project M-Zone, where historical drilling intersected basement and unconformity-hosted uranium mineralization. More recent drilling by Denison in 2020 at the M-Zone encountered additional uranium mineralization, along with significant faulting, core loss, geochemical anomalies, and radioactivity. The mineralization at M-Zone is hosted by a graphitic thrust fault within a significant magnetic low, which continues onto the Russell Lake property area at the M-Zone Extension target. It is also noted that lineaments (cross structures) associated with Denison’s Phoenix and Gryphon uranium deposits trend onto the Russell Lake property within the M-Zone Extension target area, further enhancing the prospectivity of this target.

Hole RSL24-17 was drilled to follow up on a 2024 hole at the MZE Zone that was lost in structurally disrupted and altered sandstone before reaching its target. RSL24-17 similarly encountered intense structure and alteration in the sandstone and was lost before intersecting the basement. Hole RSL24-18 intersected moderate hydrothermal hematite within the basal sandstone, and strong shearing locally overprinted by well-developed fault breccia and gouge within the basement. Anomalous uranium was intersected within fractured and altered granitic lithologies.

In addition to the drilling above, focused ground geophysical programs were completed over the Fork, Sphinx and Fox Lake Trail targets within the central and northern portions of the Russell Lake project area. The surveys across the Fork–Sphinx areas identified a series of previously unrecognized conductive anomalies, including four sub-parallel conductors at the Fork area, at least one conductive trend at Sphinx, and an additional parallel trend located between the Fork and Sphinx trends, now referred to as the McGowan trend. All of these conductors were virtually untested prior to the work in 2025. At the Fox Lake Trail area, the survey delineated four parallel conductive trends, of which only two had been drill tested prior to 2025, as earlier surveys failed to adequately resolve these features.

Second Phase of Exploration:

The second phase of drilling comprised of 11 drill holes totaling 5,720 metres, targeting the newly identified, high-priority conductors while also expanding on the successful 2024 discovery at the Fork Zone. Fork is now understood to be a northeast–southwest–trending structural corridor that runs sub-parallel to the historical Grayling Zone and remains largely underexplored. The northern strike extension of the Fork Trend, together with multiple parallel conductive trends to the west, remain virtually untested and represent high-priority targets for follow-up drilling.

Of the 11 holes in the second phase, 6 holes totaling 2,397 metres were completed at the Fork Zone. Hole RSL24-12W1 intersected 2.0 metres averaging 0.28% U3O8, including 0.5 metres of 0.68% U3O8 southwest of hole RSL24-02, confirming continuity along and across strike. A four-hole fence (RSL25-05, -08, -09, and -10) drilled approximately 325 metres north of RSL24-02 tested newly defined, parallel EM conductors located approximately 500 metres west of the historical Grayling showing. These conductors were untested prior to Skyharbour’s 2025 drilling. Holes RSL25-05, -08, and -10 intersected intense sandstone-hosted faulting with bleaching, desilicification, core loss, and clay alteration locally including visible dravite. Hole RSL25-09 intersected a graphitic basement fault zone and clay analyses confirmed illite-dominant alteration with local dravite, consistent with fertile uranium systems in the Athabasca Basin. An additional hole, RSL25-06, drilled approximately 330 metres SSW of RSL24-02, intersected granitic basement and did not explain the EM response. Further drilling in the area is required to adequately test this target with plans in 2026 to do so.

The faulting and associated alteration encountered in RSL25-05, -08, -09, and -10 represent the strongest structural and hydrothermal alteration intensity identified at the Fork Zone to date. This alteration system remains unconstrained along strike in both directions and across strike to the west, highlighting significant upside potential which has already produced grades of up to 3% U3O8 at the target area.

Skyharbour also completed a single drill hole, RSL25-07A, to test a newly identified ground EM conductor at the Sphinx target, representing the first drill test of this target. Sphinx is located approximately one kilometre southeast of the Phoenix deposit on the Wheeler River Project. The hole confirmed the EM anomaly as a faulted and altered graphitic pelite unit, intersected approximately 140 metres below the unconformity. The graphitic fault zone shows evidence of post-Athabasca reactivation and is associated with pervasive bleaching, supporting the interpretation of a structurally fertile system.

Geochemical sampling from RSL25-07A returned elevated uranium and associated pathfinder elements within faulted and graphitic intervals. PIMA analysis identified illite-dominant clay alteration in the sandstone and illite–chlorite alteration in the basement, indicating a well-developed hydrothermal system. Together, these results support the interpretation of a reactivated, structurally focused uranium-fertile corridor at Sphinx. With only one drill hole completed to date and the target located proximal to the Phoenix deposit, Sphinx remains a high-priority target for follow-up drilling planned in 2026.

Furthermore, Skyharbour completed 4 drill holes at the Fox Lake Trail area, located at the northern end of the Russell Lake project area. The drilling tested two of the recently defined conductors by the 2025 ground EM survey within a broad conductive corridor that has seen limited historical drilling with sporadic uranium mineralization and favourable hydrothermal alteration.

Fox Lake Trail Target Area – Drill Collar Map:
http://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/Fox-Lake-Trail-Target-Area-Drill-Collar-Map_rev-0003.jpg

Holes RSL25-02, RSL25-03A, and RSL25-04 tested the strike extension of the same conductive trend, while hole RSL25-01 tested a parallel conductive target to the southeast. The two drill fences are spaced approximately 800 metres apart. Holes RSL25-03A and RSL25-04 encountered the strongest hydrothermal alteration observed at Fox Lake Trail to date, including brecciation and significant quartz dissolution, while hole RSL25-02 intersected anomalous basement-hosted uranium of 250 ppm U over 0.5 metres within a faulted graphitic unit. Clay analysis confirmed illite- and dravite-dominant alteration. These conductive trends remain largely underexplored along strike, with an additional priority target identified through reinterpretation of historical EM data between the two drill fences, supporting continued follow-up exploration at Fox Lake Trail. Drilling will commence shortly at this target area.

Summary of Russell Lake Joint Ventures:

The Russell Lake Joint Ventures encompass a large, advanced-stage uranium exploration land package totalling 73,314 hectares in the eastern Athabasca Basin of northern Saskatchewan. The properties are strategically positioned between Cameco’s Key Lake and McArthur River operations and immediately east of Denison’s Wheeler River Project.

Following the completion of a major strategic transaction with Denison in 2025, the former Russell Lake project was restructured into four separate joint venture uranium properties: RL, Wheeler North, Getty East, and Wheeler River Inliers. Each property is subject to its own joint venture agreement with operatorship divided between the partners. Skyharbour is the operator at the RL Claims and Getty East, and Denison is the operator at Wheeler North and the Wheeler River Inliers. In aggregate, the strategic transaction included total project consideration of up to C$61.5 million with Skyharbour retaining an 80% interest at RL while Denison can earn up-to 70% at each of the other properties.

The Russell Lake Joint Ventures benefit from excellent regional infrastructure, with the northern extension of Highway 914 traversing the western portion of the land package and a high-voltage provincial powerline running parallel to the road. Across the joint ventures, there are numerous high-priority exploration targets including the Grayling, Fork, Little Mann Lake, Christie Lake, Fox Lake Trail, Sphinx, Blue Steel, Taylor Bay, South Russell, and Kowalchuk Zones. In addition, more than 35 kilometres of largely untested prospective electromagnetic conductors occur across the joint venture properties, highlighting the substantial discovery potential.

QA/QC, Radiometric Equivalent Grades and Spectrometer Readings:

All drill intervals above are downhole length and sampling procedures and QA/QC protocols for geochemical results as well as a description of downhole gamma probe grade calculations and protocols are below. All drill core samples are shipped to the Saskatchewan Research Council Geoanalytical Laboratories (SRC) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan under the care of Skyharbour personnel for preparation, processing, and multi-element analysis by ICP-MS and ICP-OES using total (HF:NHO3:HClO4) and partial digestion (HNO3:HCl), boron by fusion, and U3O8 wt% assay by ICP-OES using higher grade standards. Assay samples are chosen based on downhole probing radiometric equivalent uranium grades and scintillometer (Radiation Solutions RS-125) peaks. Assay sample intervals comprise 0.5 metre continuous half-core split samples over the mineralized interval. These samples may also be selected for density determination using Rock Density by Dry Bulk Method (wax-coated displacement method). With all assay samples, one half of the split sample is retained and the other sent to the SRC for analysis. The SRC is an ISO/IEC 17025/2005 and Standards Council of Canada certified analytical laboratory. Blanks, standard reference materials, and repeats are inserted into the sample stream at regular intervals by Skyharbour and the SRC in accordance with Skyharbour’s quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures. Geochemical assay data are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by Skyharbour prior to disclosure.

During active exploration programs, drillholes are radiometrically logged using calibrated downhole Mount Sopris HLP-2375 or 2GHF probes of varying sensitivities, which collect continuous readings along the length of the drillhole. Preliminary radiometric equivalent uranium grades (‘eU3O8‘) are then calculated from the downhole radiometric results. The probe is calibrated using an algorithm calculated from the calibration of the probe at the Saskatchewan Research Council facility in Saskatoon and from the comparison of probe results against geochemical analyses. In the case where core recovery within a mineralized intersection is poor or non-existent, radiometric grades are considered to be more representative of the mineralized intersection and may be reported in the place of assay grades. Radiometric equivalent probe results are subject to verification procedures by qualified persons employed by Skyharbour prior to disclosure. 

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by Serdar Donmez, P.Geo., VP of Exploration for Skyharbour, as well as a Qualified Person.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada’s Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with interest in forty-three projects covering over 662,887 hectares (over 1.6 million acres) of land. Skyharbour owns a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project, which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison’s Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco’s McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage, uranium exploration property with high-grade, shallow uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zones. Adjacent to Moore, Skyharbour is advancing several uranium properties within the Russell Lake project area with its joint venture partner and large strategic shareholder Denison Mines. Collectively these projects host multiple zones of high-grade uranium mineralization across a highly prospective land package with significant exploration upside, and the Company is actively working these assets through exploration and drilling programs.

Skyharbour now has joint ventures with industry-leaders Denison Mines and Orano Canada Inc. at the Russell Lake properties and the Preston project, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners, including CSE-listed Nexus Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; TSX-V listed North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; UraEx Resources at the South Dufferin and Bolt Projects; Hatchet Uranium at the Highway Project; CSE-listed Mustang Energy at the 914W Project; and TSX-V listed Terra Clean Energy at the South Falcon East Project. In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to potentially over $76 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures and over $42 million in cash and share payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete the earn-ins at their respective projects.

Skyharbour’s goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour’s Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:
https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_2025-12-16.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Company’s website at www.skyharbourltd.com.

Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

‘Jordan Trimble’

Jordan Trimble
President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura
Corporate Communications Manager
Skyharbour Resources Ltd.
Telephone: 604-558-5847
Toll Free: 800-567-8181
Facsimile: 604-687-3119
Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Forward-Looking Information:

This news release contains ‘forward‐looking information or statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, completing ongoing and planned work on its projects including drilling and the expected timing of such work programs, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. 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. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of uranium, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company’s views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses, and those filed under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse weather or climate conditions, failure to obtain or maintain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain or maintain community acceptance (including First Nations), decrease in the price of uranium and other metals, increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward‐looking statements or forward‐looking information, except as required by law.

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The vanadium market remained subdued in H1 2025, weighed down by persistent oversupply and weak usage from the steelmaking sector, even as new demand avenues like energy storage gained attention.

Price data shows that vanadium pentoxide in major regions such as the US, China and Europe traded in roughly the US$9,300 to US$13,000 per metric ton range in Q1 and Q2, with no dramatic price spikes. Modest support was provided by demand for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs) and stricter Chinese rebar standards.

Producers reported ongoing pressure on prices and profitability, with oversupply from China and Russia continuing to temper upward momentum and buyers delaying purchases amid resilient feedstock availability.

At the same time, vanadium’s role in long‑duration energy storage, particularly VRFBs, emerged as a potential growth driver as the year progressed, hinting at deeper structural demand beyond traditional industrial uses.

“The expected growth in vanadium demand from VRFBs as an energy storage solution at the grid-level represents a bright future for increased consumption,” a July CRU report reads. “However, the present reality is vanadium consumption is still dominated by use as a ferroalloy (ferrovanadium and vanadium nitride).”

Vanadium market to see structural change?

As 2025 progressed, the vanadium market continue to grapple with weakness as steel production demand struggled to absorb available supply and the broader metals complex remained in the doldrums.

Vanadium pentoxide prices stayed under pressure in most regions, with figures from the second quarter showing US prices near US$9,584, and Chinese prices around US$8,655, reflecting tepid buying activity and ongoing oversupply, even as emerging applications such as VRFBs sustained pockets of interest.

As mentioned, a key factor has been sluggish steel sector demand. Globally, crude steel production has weakened, particularly in China — historically the largest vanadium consumer — slowing vanadium’s traditional core market as rebar and structural steel consumption softened amid broader economic headwinds.

Although new Chinese rebar standards introduced earlier in 2025 mandate higher vanadium intensity in steel, anticipated increases in consumption have only partially materialized, leaving producers competing for limited contracts and putting downward pressure on average ferrovanadium and vanadium pentoxide prices.

At the same time, market participants reported that producers were cutting output and tightening supply in response to persistent low pricing. Several companies in China and the west curtailed production or deferred capital projects, indicating that margins were strained and cost discipline was becoming an industry imperative.

Global vanadium production has been declining since 2021, when the US Geological Survey reported total global output of 105,000 metric tons; that’s compared to 2024’s 100,000 metric tons.

Emerging vanadium demand from energy storage

Despite headwinds, structural changes in vanadium demand were evident in H2 2025.

VRFBs continued to gain momentum as more utility‑scale projects were announced and commissioned. The technology’s appeal lies in its scalability, long cycle life and safety profile compared to conventional lithium‑ion systems; installations in China, Japan and North America point to a slowly growing pipeline of demand outside steel.

Industry analysts have noted that vanadium demand from VRFBs could nearly triple by 2040 as long‑duration storage becomes a more integral part of renewable power grids, even if these applications currently represent a small fraction of total consumption. In China alone, installations of large‑scale VRFB systems were projected to consume tens of thousands of metric tons of vanadium pentoxide equivalent in 2025, offsetting some weakness in steel alloying use.

This bifurcation — weak traditional demand versus nascent battery demand — typified H2, producing a market where prices remained subdued, but underlying interest in new applications suggested a shift in fundamentals.

All eyes on Australia’s vanadium potential

Although US Geological Survey data shows Australia doesn’t currently produce vanadium, the nation holds the largest recorded vanadium reserves at more than 8.5 million metric tons.

Looking to tap this potential, the country has focused its attention on the industrial metal.

In January 2025, Australian Vanadium (ASX:AVL,OTCPL:ATVVF) received environmental approval from Western Australia for the Gabanintha vanadium project. The approval, granted by Minister for Environment Reece Whitby under section 45 of the Environmental Protection Act 1986 (WA), cleared the way for construction and production.

Shortly afterwards, the company’s namesake Australian Vanadium project, located in Western Australia’s Murchison province, earned a green energy major project designation.

The Queensland government has also invested in expanding refinement and processing capacity. Last May, construction began at Queensland’s first resources common user facility at the Cleveland Bay Industrial Park in Townsville.

The facility is designed to support the development, extraction and production of critical minerals, enabling the creation of mineral samples at scale and serving as a testing hub for commercializing production processes.

The government has identified vanadium as the initial focus, highlighting its key role in renewable energy applications.

In November, Western Australia launched a AU$150 million vanadium battery energy storage system project, aiming to make the state a leader in renewable energy and energy storage.

The 50 megawatt/500 megawatt-hour flow battery will use locally sourced and processed vanadium, and is expected to be the largest of its kind in Australia, supporting advanced manufacturing and a domestic supply chain.

Growing energy storage demand meets tightening supply

Looking ahead, analysts forecast that vanadium dynamics will begin to tilt in favor of tighter supply and strengthened pricing, though the timing and pace remain contingent on several variables.

A combination of reduced output and rising consumption — particularly from VRFBs — is expected to push the market toward a deficit by late 2026, encouraging a gradual recovery in vanadium prices.

Central to that shift is the energy transition. Demand for vanadium in long‑duration energy storage is projected to rise sharply as utilities and grid operators seek cost‑effective solutions to buffer renewables and stabilize electricity systems.

The vanadium market’s long‑term promise is underpinned by projections that VRFB deployment could grow at double‑digit rates, even as the bulk of demand remains tied to steel alloying.

On the supply side, a cautionary mood among producers — reflected in delayed project developments and tighter output discipline — may limit new material flowing onto the market in 2026.

With prices remaining below historical averages, many potential expansions are unbankable in the current price environment, meaning that new supply additions are likely to be limited absent a sustained price uptick.

“Vanadium market prices are likely to rise from late 2026, supported by tightening supply and growing demand from VRFBs. With weak prices in 2024 and 2025, driven by sluggish steel demand, vanadium producers have curbed output,” a CRU report published this past December notes.

Analysts at CRU project a late-year rebound, but caution that demand could triple by 2040 far outpacing production.

“Meanwhile VRFB demand is accelerating, evidenced by robust vanadium electrolyte project pipeline,” the firm’s report continues. “Rising demand will quickly run into depressed production, where prices will need to increase to support higher utilisation rates in mid-to late 2026.”

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

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Steve Penny, founder of SilverChartist.com, shares his thoughts on silver’s price breakout and next move, as well as the gold, platinum, uranium and oil markets.

‘In 1979, silver went up 700 percent, 8X in 12 months. I think that moment still lies ahead,’ he said.

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

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As calls grow to modernize America’s aging retirement system, Franklin Templeton is positioning blockchain as the key to the next evolution of asset management infrastructure.

In a recent survey of 52 leading retirement industry entities, the global investment firm found near-universal agreement that modernization is urgent. This discovery underscores structural inefficiencies across the US retirement landscape, from legacy administration and fragmented data systems to outdated product delivery models.

In a summary statement accompanying the results of the report, Crossley maintained that “the next phase of modernization won’t just digitize existing systems — it will redefine them.”

US retirement system at inflection point

The executives interviewed, who are responsible for roughly US$18 trillion in assets, described legacy infrastructure as fragmented, inefficient and ill-suited to modern employment patterns and participant expectations.

“We expected (a) debate about the pace of change or which innovations to prioritize. Instead, we heard near-universal agreement that … incremental improvements won’t be enough,’ he continued.

“One participant told us the legacy infrastructure needs to be burned down and built up from scratch. When industry leaders … are that candid about structural deficiencies, it signals we’ve reached a genuine inflection point.”

Crossley explained that there are three forces driving urgency:

  • Traditional safety nets are eroding as Social Security faces funding pressure and defined benefit pensions fall. The expert told INN that defined benefit pensions have shrunk from 68 percent of retirement assets in the mid-1970s to around 28 percent today.
  • Job tenure has shortened dramatically, with Gen Z averaging less than three years per role versus nearly a decade for older cohorts, breaking systems built around long-term work at a single entity.
  • Neobrokers and fintech platforms are increasing the competitive pressure on established companies, attracting younger investors and entering the retirement product market.

How blockchain solves for operational efficiency

While blockchain adoption in retail investment remains gradual, enterprise-level integrations have advanced steadily in recent years. Franklin Templeton itself has issued tokenized money market funds and piloted on-chain share registries.

“Intraday yield enables proportional calculation and distribution of yield, down to the second, when a tokenized security is transferred from one party to another — only made possible by blockchain innovation.”

The firm’s latest research suggests that the same efficiencies could underpin large-scale retirement solutions.

“The core problem in the industry is fragmentation,” Crossley said.

“Retirement data sits in silos across record keepers, plan sponsors, asset managers and benefits administrators, all running separate ledgers that require constant reconciliation,’ he continued, noting that blockchain provides a solution by creating a single shared record that every authorized participant can access simultaneously.

“Beyond that, tokenization allows us to embed rules directly into assets,” Crossley added. “A participant’s 401(k) contribution, their benefits elections (and) their employer match formula can all become programmable contracts that execute automatically. That’s not something a conventional database upgrade can replicate.”

Crossley pointed out that the bulk of retirement administration remains mired in costly, duplicative processes that fail to add value, with record keepers spending about US$12 billion a year servicing plans.

“Blockchain collapses that into a single shared record. When a contribution post or a benefits claim (is processed), every authorized party sees identical data simultaneously,’ he emphasized.

“Smart contracts take it further by automating routine administration. A participant’s contribution rate, investment election and match formula can be encoded into a self-executing contract. The blockchain monitors incoming payroll data and triggers the appropriate actions without manual intervention.”

From account to wallet

As regulatory frameworks mature and data security protocols strengthen, institutional players appear more willing to explore blockchain-based modernization at a broader scale.

If Franklin Templeton’s vision takes hold, the shift from “account to wallet” could mark one of the biggest operational revolutions in retirement management since the 401(k) was introduced nearly half a century ago.

“A wallet-based model consolidates that view. Your retirement contributions, benefits elections and employer match terms become tokens held in a single digital wallet that you control and carry with you across jobs.’

He noted that custodians and asset managers would have to rethink delivery.

‘Instead of being product manufacturers pushing funds into accounts, they become service providers operating within a networked ecosystem where the participant’s wallet is the central hub,’ Crossley said.

Barriers, challenges and regulatory engagement

Despite the promise, Crossley acknowledged that implementation roadblocks still lay ahead.

“Culture may be the steepest climb. The retirement industry has been conditioned by litigation risk to avoid anything nonstandard. Fiduciaries default to the cheapest, most common options because doing something different invites lawsuits. That mindset has to shift before any technology gains traction,’ he said.

“On the technical side, many record keepers still operate on mainframe systems built decades ago. Extracting and standardizing that data for migration is a massive undertaking,’ Crossley continued. In his view, regulatory clarity would be helpful in speeding up adoption, but internal barriers are hindering established franchies.

Franklin Templeton actively engages with regulators worldwide through sandboxes, hearings and white papers to align blockchain innovations with fiduciary standards while fostering investor protection and market growth.

“Our goal is to help build a regulatory environment where new technologies can thrive safely and transparently, unlocking the benefits of blockchain for institutions and individuals alike,’ he said.

‘By working together, we’re not just advancing our own capabilities; we’re helping to set the standard for a more open, resilient and trustworthy financial ecosystem,’ Crossley added. “We believe that the best regulatory frameworks don’t just safeguard investors; they also create the conditions for growth, experimentation and broader participation.”

The future of retirement systems

Crossley envisions a future where tokenized retirement systems operate seamlessly behind the scenes.

“Imagine a system where your retirement plan follows you across every job without paperwork, where your benefits selections automatically adjust when your circumstances change and where an AI-powered assistant actively optimizes your contributions, benefits usage and purchasing power in real time,’ he said.

“Tokenization makes that possible because it transforms static account records into programmable assets. Your 401(k) allocation, your HSA and your employer match formula all become smart contracts that execute automatically based on your preferences and life events. The end state is a retirement system that works continuously in the background rather than something you revisit once a year during open enrollment.”

Franklin Templeton sees gradual progress leading to meaningful adoption within three to five years.

He also noted that some forward-leaning providers are already testing wallet-based delivery for select participant groups. For example, Fidelity Investments offers Bitcoin exposure in 401(k)s via its digital assets account with up to 20 percent allocation and risk controls, while JPMorgan Chase’s (NYSE:JPM) Kinexys supports tokenized fund shares for automated rebalancing and collateral on permissioned networks. US provider ForUsAll enables up to 5 percent crypto self-directed windows via Coinbase Institutional in its Alt401(k) plans for small businesses.

“The question isn’t whether this shift happens,” said Crossley. ‘But whether incumbent players lead it or find themselves responding to competitors who moved first.”

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

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Viking Mines Ltd (ASX: VKA) (“Viking” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce that it has completed a strategic acquisition of a comprehensive historical technical dataset covering the Linka Project in Nevada, USA. The dataset was purchased for US$35,000 (~A$50,000) and contains extensive records that is estimated to cost in excess of A$1.0 million to replicate at current market rates.

  • Historical dataset acquired representing ~2,816m of historical drilling for a nominal amount of its replacement value.
  • Data includes records for 68 drillholes (8 Diamond and 60 Percussion) across the Linka, Hillside, and Conquest targets.
  • The acquisition provides a major technical shortcut, potentially saving months of field work and significant exploration capital.
  • Extensive historical mapping and cross sections identify high-grade targets and underground workings, enabling rapid 3D geological modelling.
  • The information supports the immediate planning of validation drilling aimed at bringing historical data up to JORC standards.

The acquired data includes high-quality scans of cross-sections and maps from the late 1970s. This information is critical for understanding the location of high-grade zones of the Linka tungsten system without the need to ‘re-discover’ known mineralisation.

Commenting on the historical data acquisition, Viking Mines MD & CEO Julian Woodcock said:

“Sourcing this extensive dataset substantially shortcuts the time required to advance the Linka Project, reduces the capital outlay required and reduces the exploration risk.

“We are extremely fortunate to have been able to source this information and have commenced with converting the information into digital format to bring into 3D geological modelling software.

“Upon completion of the airborne survey at the Project we will have the necessary ground features to accurately georeference the historical maps and sections to allow us to extract the drillhole collar information and build a drillhole database.

“I look forward to interrogating the data and releasing to market as we complete the digitisation process.”

Click here for the full ASX Release

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