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International Lithium Corp. (TSXV: ILC,OTC:ILHMF) (OTCQB: ILHMF) (FSE: IAH) (‘ILC’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to note the upturn in lithium prices from their low in June 2025, and wishes to give guidance and clarification to the wider investor community for what this means for ILC’s Raleigh Lake project. The financial projections and assumptions in this release are already in the public domain as they were included in the Company’s previously published disclosures.

Since June 30, 2025, the price of Lithium Carbonate, the main lithium benchmark, has risen from USD 8,535 per tonne to USD 19,747 on January 8, 2026, a rise of 131%, while the price of Spodumene Concentrate containing 6% Lithium Oxide (‘SC6’) in the same period has risen from USD 630 to USD1,800 per tonne, a rise of 185%. The source for these prices is @LithiumPriceBot on X. The rise in SC6 has well outperformed even silver since June 2025. Obviously the low in June 2025 followed a very difficult previous 2 ½ years for lithium prices. At the present exchange rate of USD=CAD 1.3880, that means a SC6 price measured in CAD$ of CAD$2,498.40 per tonne.

When ILC published the technical report for its Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) for Raleigh Lake on January 18, 2024*, ILC’s board and management had the foresight to request and publish some sensitivity analysis of the results, as any NPV or IRR calculation is critically dependent on the commodity sale price assumption. The relevant table in the Technical Report (Lithium only) is Table 22-6 shown below, and the sensitivity to the SC6 price assumption at the time of the Technical Report on Raleigh Lake was as per that table.

Interpolating this table linearly between the two numbers modelled in the PEA for the Spodumene SC6 price of CAD$ 2,100 per tonne and CAD$ 2,500 per tonne would mean that using as an input the spot price on January 8, 2026, of CAD$ 2,498.40 per tonne the Net Present Value and Internal Rate of Return for the lithium only at the Raleigh Lake project calculated in the same way as in the table below and subject to the same disclaimers would give the following numbers using a discount rate of 8% p.a.:

Raleigh Lake Project, lithium only
Pre-tax Post-tax 
NPV (CAD$) 223.1 million NPV (CAD$) 215.1 million 
IRR % p.a. 33.1% IRR % p.a. 32.7% 

 

We believe that these are helpful numbers to publish now to put the lithium price recovery into context as far as ILC’s Raleigh Lake project is concerned. We would stress that the medium term price assumption for a commodity sale price is generally not the same as the current spot price. We have not considered or consulted with the consultants who wrote the report on what the appropriate medium term price might be as at today. We would also stress that prices can go down as well as up, and that costs may have varied since the PEA was completed in January 2024. It should be noted that the Maiden Resource Estimate at Raleigh Lake in April 2023 also quantified a rubidium resource there. The PEA was for lithium only, and did not include sales of rubidium or cesium or other minerals.

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Separately, we can report that ILC has filed for the appropriate permissions to turn various mining claims at Raleigh Lake into a mining lease, and this process is now well underway. We are in the process of planning the work we wish to carry out this year at Raleigh Lake given the improvement in the economics. This includes attempting to complete a PEA for the rubidium there, despite the challenges of robust pricing assumptions for rubidium chemicals.

*A copy of The Report, ‘The Raleigh Lake Project, NI43-101 Technical Report – PEA’ is on the Company’s website and was filed on SEDAR on January 18, 2024.

Babak Vakili Azar, P.Geo, is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has verified the disclosed technical information and has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About International Lithium Corp.

International Lithium Corp. has exploration activities in Ontario, Canada, with intentions to expand into Southern Africa. It has projects at various stages, ranging from Definitive Feasibility Study at Rubicon in Namibia (note that ILC currently has an option only and is treating this as historic information at this point and not a current resource for ILC) to Preliminary Economic Assessment at Raleigh Lake to Pre-Drilling at Wolf Ridge. The primary target metals in Canada are lithium, rubidium and copper. There are three projects (two in Ontario and one in Ireland) in which ILC has sold its share, but where the Company stands to receive future payments from either a resource milestone being achieved or from a Net Smelter Royalty. In Namibia the Karibib project contains lithium, rubidium and cesium.

While the world’s politicians remain divided on the future of the energy market’s historic dependence on oil and gas and on ‘Net Zero’, there is in any scenario an ever-increasing and significant demand for electricity driven by AI and data centres, and by a likely unstoppable momentum towards electric vehicles and grid-scale electricity storage. All of these contribute to rising demand for lithium, copper, and other metals. Rubidium is also a critical metal, strategic for high-precision clocks, space technology, and improving the performance of certain types of solar panels. ILC has seen the politically driven, increasingly urgent push by the USA, Canada, the EU, and other major economies to safeguard their supplies of critical metals and to become more self-sufficient. The Company’s Canadian and Southern African projects, which contain lithium, rubidium, cesium and copper, are strategic in this regard.

The Company’s key mission for the next decade is to generate revenue for its shareholders from lithium and other critical minerals while also contributing to the creation of a greener, cleaner planet and less polluted cities.

This includes optimizing the value of ILC’s existing projects in Canada as well as finding, exploring and developing projects that have the potential to become world-class deposits. The Company announced that it regards Southern Africa as a key strategic target market and, in addition to Namibia, it has applied for and hopes to receive EPOs in Zimbabwe. The board hopes to make further announcements on the portfolio developments over the next few weeks and months.

The Company’s interests in various projects now consist of the following, and in addition, the Company continues to seek other opportunities:

Name Metal Location Stage Area in Hectares Current Ownership Percentage Future Ownership % if options exercised and/or residual interest Operator or JV Partner
Raleigh Lake Lithium
Rubidium
Ontario Dec 2023 : PEA for Li completed Apr 2023 Maiden Resource Estimates for Li and Rb 32,900 100% 100% ILC
Rubicon + Helikon + Exclusive Prospecting Licence Lithium
Rubidium
Cesium
Karibib, Namibia 2021 : Feasibility Study completed for Li, Rb and Cs under JORC 29,500 0 % 80% Lepidico; ILC if option exercised
Firesteel Copper, Cobalt Ontario Initial Drilling 6,600 90% 90% ILC
Wolf Ridge Lithium Ontario Pre-Drilling 5,700 0% 100% ILC
Mavis Lake Lithium Ontario May 2023
Maiden Resource Estimate
2,600 0% 0%
(carries an extra earn-in payment of AUD$ 0.75 million if resource targets met)
Critical Resources Limited 
Avalonia Lithium Ireland Drilling 29,200 0% 0%
2.0% Net Smelter Royalty
GFL Intl Co Ltd. (owned by Ganfeng Lithium Group Co. Ltd)
Forgan/
Lucky Lakes
Lithium Ontario Drilling < 500 0% 0%
1.5% Net Smelter Royalty
Power Minerals Limited 

 

The Company’s primary strategic focus at this point is on the Raleigh Lake Project, comprising lithium and rubidium, and the Firesteel copper project in Canada, as well as obtaining EPOs and mineral claims in Zimbabwe. The Karibib projects in Namibia, including further development of the EPL there, will be a high priority if ILC decides to remain involved.

The Raleigh Lake Project now encompasses 32,900 hectares (329 square kilometres) of mineral claims in Ontario and represents ILC’s most significant project in Canada. To date, drilling has occurred on less than 1,000 hectares of the Company’s claims. A Preliminary Economic Assessment was published for ILC’s lithium at Raleigh Lake in December 2023, with a detailed economic analysis of ILC’s separate rubidium resource still pending. Raleigh Lake is 100% owned by ILC, free from any encumbrances and royalties. The Raleigh Lake Project boasts excellent access to roads, rail, and utilities.

A continuing goal has been to remain a well-funded, strategically run company that turns ILC’s aspirations into reality. Following the disposal of the Mariana project in Argentina in 2021, the Mavis Lake project in Canada in 2022, and the Avalonia project in 2025, ILC has continued to generate sufficient cash inflows to advance its exploration projects.

With increasing demand for high-tech rechargeable batteries used in electric vehicles, energy storage, and portable electronics, lithium has been dubbed ‘the new oil’. It is a key part of a green, sustainable economy. By positioning itself on projects with significant resource potential and solid strategic partners, ILC aims to become a preferred lithium and critical minerals resource developer for investors and to continue building value for its shareholders throughout the 2020s, the decade of battery metals.

On behalf of the Company,

John Wisbey
Chairman and CEO
www.internationallithium.ca

For further information concerning this news release, please contact info@internationallithium.ca or ILC@yellowjerseypr.com.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

Neither 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.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Except for statements of historical fact, this news release or other releases contain certain ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information or forward-looking statements in this or other news releases may include: the timing of completion of any offering and the amount to be raised, the likelihood or otherwise of the Company exercising its option on Lepidico Mauritius, the outcome of arbitration involving Lepidico Namibia, the effect of results of anticipated production rates, the timing and/or anticipated results of drilling on the Karibib or Raleigh Lake or Firesteel or Wolf Ridge projects, expected commodity prices, the expectation of resource estimates, preliminary economic assessments, feasibility studies, lithium or rubidium or cesium or copper recoveries, modeling of capital and operating costs, results of studies utilizing various technologies at the company’s projects, the Company’s budgeted expenditures, government permits or approval for licences and licence renewals, future plans for expansion in Southern Africa and planned exploration work on its projects, increased value of shareholder investments in the Company, the potential from the Company’s third party earn-out or royalty arrangements, the future demand for lithium, rubidium, cesium and copper, and assumptions about ethical behaviour by our joint venture partners or shareholders in our projects or third party operators of projects or royalty partners. Such forward-looking information is based on assumptions and subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including but not limited to those discussed in the sections entitled ‘Risks’ and ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ in the interim and annual Management’s Discussion and Analysis which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. While management believes that the assumptions made are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate. Should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking information. Forward-looking information herein, and all subsequent written and oral forward-looking information are based on expectations, estimates and opinions of management on the dates they are made that, while considered reasonable by the Company as of the time of such statements, are subject to significant business, economic, legislative, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. These estimates and assumptions may prove to be incorrect and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Except as required by law, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information should circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions change.

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(TheNewswire)

Prismo Metals Inc.

Vancouver, British Columbia TheNewswire – January 9th, 2025 Prismo Metals Inc. (‘Prismo’ or the ‘Company’) (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Infinitum Copper Corp. (TSXV: INFI) (‘Infinitum’) whereby Prismo will increase its interest in the Hot Breccia copper project, located in the heart of Arizona’s prolific copper belt, from 75% to 95%. In addition, Prismo has obtained an irrevocable option to acquire Infinitum’s remaining 5% interest, providing a clear path to 100% interest in the project.

Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo commented: ‘The absence of a clear mechanism to secure full ownership at Hot Breccia had previously limited our ability to fund drilling and pursue potential third-party partnerships. The transaction announced today totally removes that constraint and materially improves the strategic flexibility of the project.’

He added: ‘Prismo remains firmly committed to advancing Hot Breccia. The recent extension of certain milestone obligations under the option agreement with Walnut Mines LLC (the ‘Option Agreement‘), the owner of the Hot Breccia claims, together with the deal announced today, provides the Company with additional flexibility as we evaluate a range of strategic alternatives. Each of these pathways is intended to position Prismo to commence drilling on what we consider to be one of the most compelling copper exploration opportunities in Arizona and the broader United States.

Dr. Linus Keating, manager of Walnut Mines LLC, enthusiastically commented: ‘Walnut Mines is solidly in favor of any action that moves Hot Breccia closer to a serious drill program. We are hopeful that this transaction will accomplish that goal in 2026. In our opinion, this property remains one of the best copper exploration opportunities in North America.’

Under the terms of the transaction, Prismo will pay Infinitum CA $185,000 to acquire a 20% additional interest in the Hot Breccia project and assume all of Infinitum’s remaining obligations under the Option Agreement to issue shares to Walnut, which is currently evaluated at approximately CA $54,000 through the issuance of Prismo common shares at a deemed issue price of $0.11 per share, subject to adjustments at closing. Prismo has also agreed to pay 5% of any consideration received in connection with a transaction in which Prismo assigns its interest in Hot Breccia to a third-party. The cash payment will be funded through a third party as an advance to the Company and will not utilize its working capital which is earmarked for the advancement of the Silver King project. Closing of the transaction is expected to take place on or around January 16th.

Prismos Hot Breccia project lies at the heart of the Arizona Copper Belt, which hosts several globally significant porphyry copper deposits.  Examples of these significant deposits are Freeport McMoRan’s Miami-Inspiration mining complex, BHP’s San Manuel mine, Rio Tinto and BHP’s Resolution deposit and others (see Figure 1).  

Figure 1. Location of the Hot Breccia Project in the Arizona Copper Belt.

Historical drilling carried out in the mid to late 1970s by a Rio Tinto subsidiary intersected high-grade copper mineralization at depths ranging from 640 to 830 meters below surface. Several holes targeted an area with a coincident magnetic high, believed to be caused by magnetite skarn that was cut in the drill holes and that occurs in xenoliths in cross cutting dikes exposed at the surface. Prismo believes those intercepts may represent the periphery of the upper portion of a large mineralized system.  

Support for the Companys mineralization model at the project comes from several sources, including the results of historical drilling, geophysical surveys, distribution of dikes with xenoliths of Cu-bearing skarn, the 2023 ZTEM survey as well as the results of an AI study. The anomalous target area identified in Prismos modelling measures 1,100 meters by 1,150 meters.  

Dr. Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer of Prismo stated: The copper exploration target at Hot Breccia has geophysical, geochemical and geological features characteristic of many porphyry copper deposits. The project area has a regional setting similar to BHP-Rio Tinto’s Resolution copper deposit located 40 kilometers to the northwest of Hot Breccia and which is considered to be one of the greatest copper discoveries in the history of North American mining.‘  He added: The drill program is intended to drill through the entire prospective Paleozoic carbonate stratigraphy into the postulated porphyry body/breccia zone. The exploration team will take advantage of geological information provided by each hole during drilling to refine targeting of subsequent holes.

Historical drill holes cut high grade skarn mineralization including 23 meters with 0.54% Cu at 640 meters depth (hole OC-1), 18 m with 1.4% Cu and 4.65% Zn at 830 meters depth (hole OCC-7), and 7.6 m with 1.73% Cu and 0.11% Zn at 703 meters and 4.6 meters with 1.4% Cu and 0.88% Zn at 716 meters (OCC-8).  Mineralization occurs within a several hundred-meter-thick altered zone hosted in favorable Paleozoic carbonate rocks that underly a sequence of Cretaceous andesitic volcanic rocks.  These carbonates are the same rocks that host the high-grade copper mineralization at Freeports nearby Christmas mine.  The historical drilling intersected a blind mineralized intrusion associated with the skarn mineralization, providing an immediate drill target that is believed to be the source of the mineralization at Hot Breccia (Figure 2). Several magnetic highs in the region surrounding the proposed intrusion may also indicated buried skarn mineralization and provide additional exploration targets.


Click Image To View Full Size

 

Figure 2. Schematic cross section at Hot Breccia showing updated interpretation after Barrett (1974).

Notes:

  1. (1)Barrett, Larry Frank (1972): Igneous Intrusions and Associated Mineralization in the Saddle Mountain Mining District Pinal County, Arizona. Unpublished Master’s Thesis, University of Utah. 

  2. (2)Barrett, Larry Frank (1974): Diamond drill hole OC-1, O’Carroll Canyon, Pinal County, Arizona, unpublished internal report, Bear Creek Mining. 

About Hot Breccia

The Hot Breccia property consists of 1,420 hectares in 227 contiguous mining claims located in the world class Arizona Copper Belt between several very well understood world-class copper mines including Morenci, Ray and Resolution (Figure 1). Hot Breccia shows many features in common with these neighboring systems, most prominently a swarm of porphyry dikes and series of breccia pipes containing numerous fragments of well copper-mineralized rocks mixed with fragments of volcanic and sedimentary derived from considerable depth. Prismo performed a ZTEM survey last year that identified a very large conductive anomaly directly beneath the breccia outcrops.  

Sampling at the project has shown the presence of copper mineralization associated with dacite dikes that transported fragments of strongly mineralized carbonate rocks to the surface from depths believed to be 400-1,000 meters. Drilling deep holes is necessary to tap into the source of these mineralized fragments found at surface.

Assay results from historical drill holes are unverified as the core has been destroyed, but information has been gathered from memos, photos and drill logs that contain some, but not all, of the assay results and descriptions.  Technical information from adjacent or nearby properties does not mean nor does it imply that Prismo will obtain similar results from its own properties.

Data on previous drilling and geophysics is historical in nature and has not been verified, is not compliant with NI 43-101 standards and should not be relied upon; the Company is using the information only as a guide to aid in exploration planning.

Qualified Person

Dr. Craig Gibson, PhD., CPG., a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-01 and Chief Exploration Officer and a director of the Company, has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this news release.

About Prismo Metals Inc.

Prismo (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) is a mining exploration company focused on advancing its Hot Breccia copper project in Arizona and its Palos Verdes silver project in Mexico.

Please follow @PrismoMetals on , , , Instagram, and

Prismo Metals Inc.

1100 – 1111 Melville St., Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 3V6  Phone: (416) 361-0737

Contact:

Alain Lambert, Chief Executive Officer alain.lambert@prismometals.com

Gordon Aldcorn, President gordon.aldcorn@prismometals.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as intends‘ or anticipates, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may’, could‘, should‘, would‘ or occur. This information and these statements, referred to herein as ‘forwardlooking statements’, are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management’s expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the timing, costs and anticipated results of drilling at Hot Breccia; the ability of Prismo to fund drilling and pursue potential third-party partnerships; the Company’s strategic flexibility with respect to the Hot Breccia project going forward; the number of shares issuable by Prismo to Walnut pursuant to the transaction described in this news release; and the Company’s expectations regarding mineralization and other qualities of the Hot Breccia project.

These forwardlooking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties, and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain appropriate funding to finance the exploration program at Hot Breccia; the risk that the Company will not enter into a third-party partnership with respect to the Hot Breccia project; the risk that mineralization will not be as anticipated at the project; the risk that the Company will not be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting; metal prices; market uncertainty; and other risks and uncertainties application to exploration activities and the Company’s business as set forth in the Company’s disclosure documents available for viewing under the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the ability to raise capital to fund the drilling campaign at Hot Breccia and the timing of such drilling campaign; the ability of the Company to enter into a third-party partnership on the project; that the project will have the anticipated mineralization and other qualities; and the  Company will be able to take advantage of geological information to refine drill targeting.

Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, forward-looking information or financial out-look that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

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The global lithium market enters 2026 after a punishing 2025 marked by oversupply, weaker-than-expected EV demand and sustained price pressure, although things began turning around for lithium stocks in Q4.

Lithium carbonate prices in North Asia fell to four-year lows early in the year, triggering production cuts and project delays, before rebounding sharply in the second half. By late December, prices had jumped 56 percent from their January levels, signaling the start of a potential market rebalancing.

Analysts point to tightening inventories and high-cost supply under strain as early signs of a recovery, while long-term demand from electrification, energy storage and the energy transition remains intact.

Battery energy storage systems are emerging as a major growth driver, expected to account for roughly a quarter of global battery demand in 2025. In the US, storage could make up 35 to 40 percent of battery demand in the coming years, according to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence’s Iola Hughes.

“LFP is the story right now,” Hughes said, highlighting falling costs and technological innovation as key enablers for large-scale deployment. Global storage remains concentrated in China and the US, but new markets like Saudi Arabia are scaling rapidly.

As storage expands in scale, geography and strategic importance, it is set to become a central pillar of lithium demand heading into 2026.

1. Lithium Argentina (NYSE:LAR)

Year-to-date gain: 106.39 percent
Market cap: US$891.03 million
Share price: US$5.49

Lithium Argentina produces lithium carbonate from its Caucharí-Olaroz brine project in Argentina, developed with Ganfeng Lithium (OTC Pink:GNENF,HKEX:1772). The company was spun out from Lithium Americas in October 2023 and changed its name from Lithium Americas (Argentina) in January 2025.

In mid-April, Lithium Argentina executed a letter of intent with Ganfeng Lithium to jointly advance development across the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins.

In August, Lithium Argentina agreed to form a new joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium that will combine the companies’ projects in the Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes basins of Salta, Argentina.

The joint venture will bring together Ganfeng’s wholly owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project and Lithium America’s Pastos Grandes and Sal de la Puna projects, in which Ganfeng currently holds a 15 percent and 35 percent stake respectively.

Once completed, Ganfeng will hold a 67 percent stake in the consolidated PPG project, and Lithium Argentina will hold a 33 percent interest.

In Q4, Lithium Argentina released a positive scoping study for the PPG project, confirming its scale and strong economics. The consolidated project hosts a measured and indicated resource of 15.1 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and is designed for staged production of up to 150,000 metric tons per year over a 30 year mine life.

In the same announcement, the company confirmed receipt of an environmental approval for Stage 1 from the Secretariat of Mining and Energy of the Province of Salta.

Lithium Argentina released its Q3 results in November, noting approximately 8,300 metric tons of lithium carbonate production at its Caucharí-Olaroz operation during the quarter, with 24,000 metric tons produced between January and September.

Company shares rose to a year-to-date high of US$5.58 on December 31, in line with rising lithium carbonate prices.

2. Sociedad Química y Minera (NYSE:SQM)

Year-to-date gain: 87.39 percent
Market cap: US$19.66 billion
Share price: US$68.98

SQM is a major global lithium producer, with operations centered in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. The company extracts lithium from brine and produces lithium carbonate and hydroxide for use in batteries.

SQM is expanding production and holds interests in projects in Australia and China, including a 50/50 joint venture for the Mt Holland lithium operation in Western Australia. In July, the company produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide production at its Kwinana refinery in the state.

In late April, Chile’s competition watchdog approved the partnership agreement between SQM and state-owned copper giant Codelco aimed at boosting output at the Atacama salt flat. The deal, first announced in 2024, reached another milestone when it secured approval for an additional lithium quota from Chile’s nuclear energy regulator CChEN.

SQM ended the year finalizing the agreement. The partnership was formalized through SQM’s subsidiary SQM Salar absorbing Codelco’s Minera Tarar and being renamed Nova Andino Litio.

SQM reported a net income of US$404.4 million for the first nine months of 2025, rebounding from a US$524.5 million loss in the same period of 2024. Revenue totaled US$3.25 billion, down 5.9 percent year-over-year, while gross profit reached US$904.1 million.

The company’s third-quarter performance highlighted the turnaround, as SQM achieved record lithium sales volumes. It reported net income of US$178.4 million, up 36 percent from Q3 2024, and revenue of US$1.17 billion, up 8.9 percent. Gross profit for the quarter climbed 23 percent to US$345.8 million.

SQM attributed the rebound to higher realized lithium prices and improved operational efficiency, signaling a strong recovery trajectory for the remainder of 2025.

Shares of SQM reached a year-to-date high of US$71.63 on December 26.

3. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB)

Year-to-date gain: 64.29 percent
Market cap: US$16.71 billion
Share price: US$142.01

North Carolina-based Albemarle is dividing into two primary business units, one of which — the Albemarle Energy Storage unit — is focused wholly on the lithium-ion battery and energy transition markets. It includes the firm’s lithium carbonate, hydroxide and metal production.

Albemarle has a broad portfolio of lithium mines and facilities, with extraction in Chile, Australia and the US. Looking first at Chile, Albemarle produces lithium carbonate at its La Negra lithium conversion plants, which process brine from the Salar de Atacama, the country’s largest salt flat. Albemarle is aiming to implement direct lithium extraction technology at the salt flat to reduce water usage.

Albemarle’s Australian assets Wodgina hard-rock lithium mine in Western Australia, which is owned and operated by the 50/50 MARBL joint venture with Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF). Albemarle wholly owns the on-site Kemerton lithium hydroxide facility. The company’s other Australian joint venture is the Greenbushes hard-rock mine, in which it holds a 49 percent interest.

In late October, Albemarle signed an agreement to sell its 51 percent stake in its refining catalyst business, Ketjen, leaving it with 49 percent ownership, part of a broader portfolio reshaping that also includes the sale of Ketjen’s 50 percent stake in the Eurecat joint venture to partner Axens.

The combined deals are expected to generate approximately US$660 million in pre-tax cash proceeds and strengthen Albemarle’s financial flexibility. Both transactions are anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.

In November, Albemarle reported third‑quarter results that reflected improved operations amid continued lithium market headwinds. The company logged net sales of roughly US$1.31 billion, a slight year‑over‑year decline driven by lower energy storage pricing.

Albemarle generated US$356 million in quarterly cash from operations, noting the company remained on track to reduce full‑year capital expenditures to around US$600 million while targeting positive free cash flow of US$300 million to US$400 million in 2025.

Shares of Albemarle marked a year-to-date high of US$150.01 on December 26, amid strengthening lithium prices.

4. Lithium Americas (NYSE:LAC)

Year-to-date gain: 47 percent
Market cap: US$1.24 billion
Share price: US$4.41

US-focused Lithium Americas is developing its flagship Thacker lithium Pass project located in Humboldt County in northern Nevada. The project is a joint venture between Lithium Americas at 62 percent and General Motors (NYSE:GM) at 38 percent.

According to the company, Thacker Pass holds the “largest measured lithium reserve and resource in the world.”

In March, Lithium Americas secured a US$250 million investment from Orion Resource Partners to advance Phase 1 construction of the project, which is expected to fully cover development costs through the construction phase. On April 1, the joint venture partners made a final investment decision for the project, with completion targeted for late 2027.

Shares of Lithium Americas surged in late September, rising from US$3.07 to US$7.37 in three days. Its share price reached a 2025 high of US$10.05 on October 13.

Lithium Americas’ share price rose on news of renegotiation talks over its US$2.26 billion Department of Energy loan tied to the Thacker Pass project. According to media reports, the Trump administration was seeking up to a 10 percent equity stake as part of amendments to the loan’s repayment structure.

In response, Lithium Americas offered no-cost warrants for 5 to 10 percent of its shares and agreed to cover related administrative costs, while requesting changes to the amortization schedule without altering the loan’s term or interest.

An agreement was reached on October 1 and Lithium Americas received the first US$435 million installment of the loan on October 20.

The company ended the year by announcing it was being added to the S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX).

5. Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ:SGML)

Year-to-date gain: 20.23 percent
Market cap: US$1.5 billion
Share price: US$13.49

Sigma Lithium is a Brazil-focused lithium producer supplying chemical-grade lithium concentrate to the global battery market. The company operates the Grota do Cirilo project in Minas Gerais, one of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium operations.

Sigma’s Greentech industrial lithium plant currently produces about 270,000 metric tons per year of lithium concentrate, equivalent to roughly 38,000 to 40,000 metric tons of LCE. The company is building a second processing plant that is expected to lift total capacity to approximately 520,000 metric tons of concentrate annually.

In September, Sigma Lithium’s flagship Grota do Cirilo operation in Brazil faced both regulatory scrutiny and operational disruption.

That month, Brazilian prosecutors requested a pause in operations after a technical review flagged shortcomings in the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment, citing potential water-management risks to the Piauí stream from planned open pits, a key water source for nearby communities, particularly during droughts.

While it denied issues with its EIA, Sigma paused mining to upgrade equipment and improve efficiency. The company phased down operations in September and shut the mine throughout October, leading to a sharp drop in output.

In mid-November, Sigma reported a strong Q3 2025, with net revenue rising 69 percent quarter-over-quarter and 36 percent year-over-year. The company generated US$24 million from final price settlements on sales completed by the end of Q3, with a further US$4 million in cash expected from additional settlements.

Sigma also expects to receive approximately US$33 million from the sale of 950,000 metric tons of lithium-bearing material that can be reprocessed by its customers, providing an additional near-term cash inflow.

Operationally, it said mining activities would restart by the end of November, with full ramp-up targeted for the first quarter of 2026. Because the company took over mining operations from its equipment contractor earlier in 2025, the restart is supported by upgraded equipment leased directly from manufacturers and operated in-house.

Sigma Lithium shares rose to a year-to-date high of US$14.50 on December 26.

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

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Yvonne Blaszczyk, president and CEO of BMG Group, sees the gold price hitting US$5,000 per ounce in Q1 on the back of a complex geopolitical landscape.

‘In terms of the geopolitical configuration of the world, we are witnessing history right now,’ she said.

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

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Investor Insight

Brightstar is a cash-flowing gold producer with a 4.0Moz Mineral Resource base and two major development hubs advancing toward investment decisions. Mining from two high-grade underground mines in Laverton, continuous high-grade drilling success and near-term production expansion positions the company for significant value creation in a record gold price environment.

Overview

Gold continues to demonstrate its strength as a store of value, reaching record highs above US$4,000 per ounce in 2025 amid persistent global uncertainty, inflationary pressures and heightened geopolitical risk. In this environment, investors are increasingly turning to high-quality Australian gold producers with scale, growth visibility and near-term catalysts.

Aerial view of Brightstar Resources

Brightstar Resources (ASX:BTR) is strategically positioned to benefit from this macro setting as a cash-flowing, multi-asset gold producer and developer with operations and growth projects across the Goldfields (Laverton–Menzies) and Sandstone regions of Western Australia. The company now controls 3.9 Moz of mineral resources across these assets, providing a diversified and scalable platform for sustained growth.

Brightstar’s unique value proposition is centered on its existing production from two underground mines, which Brightstar operates directly rather than relying on external mining contractors. The Second Fortune and Fish underground mines are delivering consistent production under an ore purchase agreement with Genesis Minerals, generating cashflow that supports ongoing drilling and development studies.

Map of Brightstar Resources

The company’s growth is anchored by a dual-hub development strategy. In the Goldfields region, the company has completed a definitive feasibility study outlining ~70,000 ounces per annum of production over an initial five-year period, with a final investment decision targeted for early 2026. Ongoing underground and near-mine drilling continues to confirm mine life extensions and additional high-grade potential.

At Sandstone, Brightstar has consolidated a 2.4 Moz district-scale gold system following the Alto and Aurumin transactions and is now progressing a major PFS evaluating a new 4 to 5 Mtpa processing facility. More than 70,000 metres of drilling has already been completed toward a material mineral resource upgrade planned for mid-2026.

Together, these hubs underpin a pipeline of near-term and long-term catalysts supported by extensive infrastructure, a strengthened technical team, and a well-funded balance sheet. As Brightstar advances feasibility work, executes its multi-rig drilling programs, and expands its production profile, the company is well placed to deliver meaningful shareholder value in a rising gold price environment.

Company Highlights

  • ASX-listed gold producer and developer with a consolidated 3.9 Moz mineral resource base at 1.5 g/t gold, spanning the Goldfields portfolio (Laverton + Menzies projects) and the Sandstone Hub in Western Australia.
  • Established Goldfields production base, with Brightstar operating two underground mines – Second Fortune and Fish – within the Laverton area, supplying continuous gold production under an ore purchase agreement with Genesis Minerals.
  • Goldfields feasibility study (June 2025) completed, outlining ~70,000 oz of annual gold production over the first five years, with a final investment decision targeted for March 2026.
  • High-grade mine life growth targeted from the Goldfields underground mines, including depth and strike extensions at Fish and strong regional hits near Second Fortune.
  • Menzies Hub is positioned for future production, with Yunndaga advancing toward underground development following significant 2025 drill results, informing upcoming mineral resource and development updates.
  • Sandstone Hub expanded to 2.4 Moz at 1.5 g/t gold, with a major pre-feasibility study (PFS) underway for a 4 to 5 Mtpa processing facility and more than 70,000 m of drilling completed toward a material mineral resource upgrade in mid-2026.
  • Strong exploration momentum, with active drilling programs at Laverton and Sandstone and exceptional 2025 results, including 10 m @ 43.8 g/t gold at the Musketeer prospect.
  • Well-funded balance sheet, with ~$41 million in cash and liquidity (as of September 2025) and a revolving stockpile finance facility supporting continuous drilling and development activities.

Key Projects

Goldfields Assets (Laverton + Menzies)

Brightstar’s Goldfields portfolio combines the Laverton and Menzies hubs into a single, development-ready production centre. Together, these assets host a significant portion of Brightstar’s consolidated resource base and provide both near-term production and long-term growth opportunities.

Laverton Hub

Brightstar’s Laverton Hub comprises two operating underground mines – Second Fortune and Fish– and a series of advanced open pit deposits, including the material Cork Tree Well and Lord Byron Deposits. These deposits sit on granted mining leases and benefit from established haul roads, existing mine infrastructure, and proximity to Brightstar’s planned processing facility.

Map of gold mines and facilities near Laverton, featuring Brightstar Plant and nearby locations.

Highlights:

  • Two operating underground mines: Second Fortune and Fish continue to deliver steady production into Genesis Minerals’ Laverton mill under the ore purchase agreement. Recent underground and surface drilling has confirmed strong continuity of mineralisation at depth, particularly at Fish where multiple lodes have been intersected, including 7.0m @ 3.31 g/t gold, 9.9m @ 2.90 g/t gold, and 1.1m @ 17.6 g/t gold.
  • High-grade near-mine discoveries: At Second Fortune, drilling at nearby prospects such as Linden Giant and Alawa has returned strong results (10m @ 9.83 g/t gold; 1m @ 53.8 g/t gold), demonstrating the potential for new satellite ore sources within 3 km of existing mine workings.
  • Large-scale open pit opportunity: Cork Tree Well and Lord Byron remain central to Brightstar’s long-term development plan. The planning scenarios outlined in the June 2025 feasibility study support multi-year open pit mining with robust production profiles and strong economic potential.

Growth Drivers:

  • Ongoing underground drilling campaigns at Second Fortune and Fish targeting mine life extensions
  • DFS optimisation underway to refine the design and throughput of Brightstar’s proposed 1 Mtpa to 1.5 Mtpa processing plant
  • Continued evaluation of near-mine targets leveraging existing infrastructure and haulage routes
  • Integration of new high-grade drilling into updated open pit and underground mine plans

Menzies Hub

The Menzies Hub comprises a district-scale mineralised corridor extending more than 20 km along the Menzies Shear Zone. These deposits lie directly adjacent to the Goldfields Highway and sit on granted mining leases, supporting near-term development readiness.

Highlights

  • Substantial resource base: The Menzies Hub hosts 0.7Moz @ 1.5g/t Au of mineral resources across multiple deposits including Lady Shenton, Yunndaga, Aspacia and the Lady Harriet system.
  • Advancing underground development: Yunndaga is emerging as Brightstar’s next underground mining front, with drilling completed in 2025 returning high-grade intercepts such as 16m @ 8.03 g/t gold and 8m @ 6.67 g/t gold. These results will underpin updated mineral resource and ore reserve estimates planned for late 2025.
  • Open pit opportunities: Lady Shenton and surrounding deposits are expected to support a multi-year open pit mining schedule, forming part of the production base in the Goldfields feasibility study. Permitting and approvals work is progressing, with first production targeted post-FID.

Growth Drivers:

  • Updated mineral resource for Yunndaga to support underground mine planning
  • Feasibility study optimisation to refine timing and sequencing of Menzies open pits
  • Ongoing engagement with regional mills to evaluate toll-milling options where appropriate
  • Progression toward a mining decision following completion of study phases

Sandstone Hub

Brightstar’s Sandstone Hub has been transformed into a major district-scale opportunity following the consolidation of Alto Metals and Aurumin’s Sandstone assets. The combined project now contains 2.4 Moz at 1.5 g/t gold, spread across multiple open pit camps including Lords, Vanguard, Indomitable, Havilah and Montague.

Map showing Brighstar Resources

Highlights:

  • Significant resource growth platform: The ambition at Sandstone is to convert this extensive mineralised system into a long-life standalone operation. Brightstar has already completed more than 70,000 m of drilling since acquisition, with a major mineral resource update targeted for mid-2026.
  • High-grade exploration success: Recent drilling has delivered standout results such as 10 m @ 43.8 g/t gold at the Musketeer prospect, highlighting the potential for new high-grade zones within the broader system.
  • Processing pathway defined: A PFS is underway examining a new 4 to 5 Mtpa processing hub located at the historic Sandstone mill site, aiming to establish Sandstone as a cornerstone asset in Brightstar’s future growth.

Growth Drivers:

  • 120,000 m drilling program planned through June 2026 to upgrade key deposits to indicated category
  • PFS delivery targeted for mid-2026
  • Long-term development scenario supported by strong infrastructure and granted mining tenure

Management Team

Alex Rovira – Managing Director

Alex Rovira is a qualified geologist and an experienced investment banker having focused on the metals and mining sector since 2013. Rovira has experience in ASX equity capital markets activities, including capital raisings, IPOs and merger and acquisitions.

Richard Crookes – Non-executive Chairman

Richard Crookes has over 35 years’ experience in the resources and investments industries. He is a geologist by training having previously worked as the chief geologist and mining manager of Ernest Henry Mining in Australia. Crookes is managing partner of Lionhead Resources, a critical minerals investment fund and formerly an investment director at EMR Capital. Prior to that he was an executive director in Macquarie Bank’s Metals Energy Capital (MEC) division where he managed all aspects of the bank’s principal investments in mining and metals companies.

Andrew Rich – Executive Director

Andrew Rich is a degree qualified mining engineer from the WA School of Mines and has obtained a WA First Class Mine Managers Certificate. Rich has a strong background in underground gold mining with experience predominantly in the development of underground mines at Ramelius Resources (ASX:RMS) and Westgold Resources (ASX:WGX).

Jonathan Downes – Non-executive Director

Jonathan Downes has over 30 years’ experience in the minerals industry and has worked in various geological and corporate capacities. Experienced with gold and base metals, he has been intimately involved with the exploration process through to production. Downes is currently the managing director of Kaiser Reef, a high grade gold producer, and non-executive director of Cazaly Resources.

Nicky Martin – Chief Financial Officer

Nicky Martin is an experienced finance and accounting professional holding tertiary qualifications in accounting and finance and is a qualified CPA. Martin was previously the Head of Finance at Pilbara Minerals Ltd (ASX:PLS) where she oversaw and was actively involved in a rapidly growing mining success story.

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Commodities giants Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) said on Thursday (January 8) that they have restarted talks about a potential business combination.

The two major miners spoke previously back in 2024, but failed to reach an agreement.

This time around, they say their preliminary discussions are centered around a combination of some or all of their businesses; this could include the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto.

The news was first reported by the Financial Times, with both companies confirming the story via press release shortly thereafter. According to the news outlet, the combination of Rio Tinto and Glencore would create a massive mining company with an enterprise value north of US$260 billion.

The two firms have said there’s no guarantee that any transaction will go through.

However, it’s worth noting that Rio Tinto has changed leadership since the 2024 talks ended, with Simon Trott now at the helm. For its part, Glencore has reorganized its coal assets.

The Financial Times also notes that Glencore CEO Gary Nagle spoke last month about the importance of size in the mining industry, saying that bigger companies have various advantages.

“It makes sense to create bigger companies,” the executive explained to reporters. “Not just for the sake of size, but also to create material synergies, to create relevance, to attract talent, to attract capital.”

Regulations require Rio Tinto to announce its intentions either way by February 5 of this year.

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

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Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (‘Blackrock’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the completion of its non-brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’) previously announced on December 24, 2025. 2176423 Ontario Ltd., a company beneficially owned by Eric Sprott, purchased an aggregate of C$6,999,960 of the Offering. The Offering consisted of a total of 13,636,300 units of the Company (the ‘Units’) at a price of C$1.10 per Unit for gross proceeds of C$14,999,930. Each Unit consisted of one common share of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share’) and one-half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘Warrant’). Each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of C$1.50 per Common Share until January 8, 2028.

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock’s President and Chief Executive Officer, commented: ‘Supported by Eric Sprott and a new cornerstone investor, this $15 million financing meaningfully strengthens our balance sheet as we advance Tonopah West toward development. As an emerging American silver developer, we are accelerating permitting and de-risking initiatives in 2026 to support the advancement of a secure, high-quality domestic source of silver for the U.S. market.’

The net proceeds of the Offering are intended to be used by the Company to fund exploration, permitting and pre-development activities on the Company’s Tonopah West project and for general working capital.

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid Research Capital Corporation (the ‘Finder‘) finder’s fees in cash totalling C$689,997 and issued to the Finder a total of 627,270 non-transferable finder’s warrants (‘Finder’s Warrants‘) in connection with the Units placed by the Finder. Each Finder’s Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire one Common Share at an exercise price of C$1.50 until January 8, 2028.

The participation of Eric Sprott in the Offering constituted a ‘related party transaction’, within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 (‘MI 61-101‘). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of the related party participation in the Offering as neither the fair market value (as determined under MI 61-101) of the subject matter of, nor the fair market value of the consideration for, the transaction, insofar as it involved the interested parties, exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization (as determined under MI 61-101).

The Common Shares, Warrants and Finder’s Warrants issued in connection with the Private Placement and the Common Shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants and Finder’s Warrants are subject to a hold period expiring on May 9, 2026.

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

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the net proceeds from the Offering and the intended use of proceeds therefrom; the advancement of the Tonopah West project towards development, including the acceleration of permitting and de-risking initiatives at the Tonopah West project; and the intention for the Tonopah West project to function as a future secure, high-quality domestic source of silver for the U.S. market.

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company’s operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market, political, economic and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption ‘Risks Factors’ in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

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

For Further Information, Contact:

Andrew Pollard
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 817-6044
info@blackrocksilver.com

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279846

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Nickel prices stabilized on Thursday (January 8) after a turbulent week that saw the market swing sharply higher before retreating as traders reassessed the balance between existing supply risks and a growing overhang of inventory.

Three-month nickel on the London Metal Exchange (LME) hovered near US$17,900 per metric ton, recovering from a mid-week slump but still up roughly 7 percent on the week and close to a 19-month high.

The pause followed a dramatic surge Wednesday (January 7), when prices jumped more than 10 percent in their biggest one-day gain in over three years, driven by heavy Chinese buying and renewed concern over production curbs in Indonesia, the world’s dominant supplier.

The rally reversed two years of pressure on nickel, which had been weighed down by Indonesia’s rapid expansion of mining and processing.

That flood of material weighed on prices and dented enthusiasm for nickel’s role in electric vehicle batteries, where demand growth has been slower than initially anticipated.

This week’s shift, however, further highlighted how sensitive the market remains to policy signals from Jakarta and shifts in speculative positioning.

Indonesia’s policy signals jolt the market

At the center of the latest volatility are expectations that Indonesia may tighten mining quotas under its annual RKAB approval process.

Mining Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said that the government would reduce output quotas to support commodity prices and boost state revenues. Indonesia produced about 70 percent of the world’s nickel last year, giving policymakers outsized influence over prices.

Those concerns were reinforced when Vale (NYSE:VALE) subsidiary PT Vale Indonesia temporarily halted mining at its Pomalaa and Bahodopi operations after failing to secure approval for its 2026 production plan.

The company said output during the stoppage would run at roughly 30 percent of normal capacity, though it added that the delay “will not disrupt overall operational sustainability” and that approvals were expected “in the near future.” Operations at Vale’s flagship Sorowako mine continue.

Deputy Mining Minister Yuliot Tanjung confirmed that the approvals were “currently being consolidated” but declined to specify the final quota levels.

The uncertainty amplified short-covering in the nickel market, helping push prices toward US$18,800 per metric ton earlier this week before momentum cooled.

Meanwhile, inventory levels remain a critical counterweight. Stocks registered with the LME have surged more than 300 percent since early 2025 to around 275,600 metric ton, with a further 112,000 metric ton sitting off-warrant and potentially available to the market.

That buffer has limited the durability of rallies, even as prices respond sharply to headline risk.

Regulatory scrutiny adds pressure on supply

Regulatory scrutiny beyond Indonesia is also shaping the market’s longer-term outlook.

In Europe, the European Commission has launched a Phase II investigation into the proposed US$500 million sale of Anglo American’s (LSE:AAL,OTC:NGLOY) nickel business to China-backed MMG (OTCPK:MMLTF), citing concerns over supply security for the bloc’s stainless steel industry.

EU competition chief Teresa Ribera said regulators will examine whether the transaction “could jeopardise continued and reliable access in Europe” to ferronickel supply.

MMG said it would continue to work with regulators and expressed confidence that it could address the commission’s concerns, while Anglo American said it believes European customers would support its continued role as a marketer of ferronickel if the deal proceeds.

The Commission has set March 20, 2026 as the deadline for a final decision.

Capital flows target nickel assets

Alongside volatile spot-market trading, longer-term capital is continuing to target nickel and other critical minerals through dedicated investment vehicles.

Appian Capital Advisory and the International Finance Corporation, a member of the World Bank Group, have launched a new US$1 billion partnership focused on developing critical minerals, metals, and mining projects in emerging markets.

The partnership’s first investment is in Atlantic Nickel’s producing Santa Rita nickel-copper-cobalt project in Brazil. The investment is a co-investment alongside Appian to advance the mine’s transition to underground operations.

Santa Rita, located in Bahia state, is expected to ramp up production to approximately 30,000 metric tons per year of nickel equivalent and has a projected mine life exceeding 30 years. The asset is owned by Atlantic Nickel, a wholly owned affiliate of Appian.

For now, nickel’s steadier tone suggests the market is recalibrating after an explosive move. With prices still well above late‑2025 levels but inventories rising and policy signals remaining fluid, the next leg of the market is likely to hinge on enforcement rather than demand.

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

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TSXV: DMCU; OTCQB: DMCUF; FSE: 03E) provides an exploration update. The company has received analytical results for 310 surface samples from the summerFall field campaign at the Smart Creek Project (‘Project’) in Montana. The program was designed to characterize known mineralized zones, refine drill target locations and identify new areas for follow-up exploration. The program has successfully identified high-grade gold, copper, and silver at the Smart Creek Project and has expanded all known targets and identified new high-grade copper, gold and copper mineralization across the property (Figures 1-4).

Gord Neal, CEO of Domestic Metals Corp. commented: ‘The 2025 field campaign was a success. These are the highest-grade field samples results I have ever been presented with in my career. In my experience these kinds of returns are harbingers of major economic discoveries. High grade mineralization has been identified in several locations, including new discovery areas. We look forward to firming up drill targets, deploying a targeted geophysics program followed by a diamond drill program in Q1, 2026’

Highlight High-Grade Assay Results

  • 102 g/t Au (Sample G019007)
  • 74.7 g/t Au, 13.8% Cu, 3810 g/t Ag (Sample G019235)
  • 30.4 g/t Au (Sample G019001)
  • 26.6 g/t Au (Sample G019353)
  • 23.1% Cu, 424 g/t Ag (Sample G019225)
  • 19.65% Cu, 458 g/t Ag (Sample G019031)
  • 19.05% Cu, 582 g/t Ag (Sample G019038)

Highlight, high-grade surface samples are provided in the table below:

Sample Easting Northing Sample Sample Copper Gold Silver
ID (m) (m) Lithology Type (%) (g/t) (g/t)
G019001 321345 5150400 Quartzite Outcrop 0.549 30.4 12
G019007 321365 5150392 Limestone Outcrop 0.377 102 20.7
G019029 326795 5148835 Siltstone Outcrop 6.75 0.313 173
G019031 326790 5148864 Siltstone Outcrop 19.65 0.877 458
G019038 326847 5148970 Siltstone Subcrop 19.05 0.763 582
G019082 321640 5151163 Marble Mine Dump 1.835 15.7 6.5
G019093 320056 5149968 Quartz Vein Prospect Pit 0.875 0.226 186
G019094 320870 5147635 Sandstone Mine Dump 0.073 1.5 222
G019151 321361 5150388 Dolostone Outcrop 0.787 15.05 15
G019219 326817 5148809 Limestone Subcrop 2.72 0.167 148
G019225 326843 5148971 Siltstone Outcrop 23.1 0.814 424
G019235 321541 5148233 Limestone Mine Dump 13.8 74.7 3810
G019238 321545 5148248 Limestone Mine Dump 2.19 9.45 359
G019298 325631 5148102 Limestone Mine Dump 4.00 0.259 161
G019353 321592 5150732 Breccia Trench/Float 2.63 26.6 55.2
G019378 320281 5149152 Breccia Mine Dump 0.329 0.487 157
G019379 326830 5149873 Siltstone Mine Dump 8.42 0.137 187
G019422 325394 5148187 Siltstone Mine Dump 7.88 0.301 134
G019427 325610 5148683 Siltstone Float 12.35 0.747 266
G019447 323588 5150514 quartz vein Test Pit 0.177 0.426 105
G019465 326802 5149930 Siltstone Mine Dump 16.1 0.007 9.5

Table 1. Highlight rock sample assay results for the 2025 exploration program

Summary

  • Domestic completed successful mapping, sampling and prospecting at the Smart Creek Project. The new data will be coupled with a geophysical (MT/IP) program in advance of drilling scheduled for Q1/2026.
  • Rock sample assays from outcrops, historic trenching, mines and workings demonstrate high-grade gold, copper, silver and zinc and confirms the project is prospective for porphyry copper deposits, carbonate replacement deposits (‘CRD’), skarn and exotic copper deposits.
  • 39 samples (out of 310) exceed 0.5 g/t Au, 43 samples (out of 310) exceed 1 % Cu, 35 samples (out of 310) exceed 30 g/t Ag, 31 samples (out of 310) exceed 0.1% Zn.
  • All targets (Sunrise Mine, Smart Creek, Radio Tower, Exotic Cu) are significantly expanded based on the results of the 2025 exploration program at the Project.

Project location, key targets, favourable geology, airborne magnetics, IP targets and highlight, selected high-grade rock samples from the 2025 surface sampling program at the Smart Creek ProjectFigure 1. Project location, key targets, favourable geology, airborne magnetics, IP targets and highlight, selected high-grade rock samples from the 2025 surface sampling program at the Smart Creek Project

Domestic Metals 2025 Exploration Program Review

Domestic Metals completed a 40-day field campaign in August-September 2025 focused on geological mapping as well as several novel rock sampling techniques including: prospecting grab/composite grab samples and limestone sampling for trace metal vectoring. Sample subsets were also evaluated for alteration (slab and stain for potassic alteration related to porphyry mineralization), UV light evaluation (seeking metal contaminated calcite veins that can assist with vectoring toward CRD and porphyry mineralization), short-wave infrared evaluation (clay alteration vectoring) and portable XRF evaluation of iron oxide fracture fill (geochemical leakage vectoring technique to identify mineralization). Data from techniques other than the prospecting samples is currently being reviewed by Domestic Metals and will be the subject of future news release.

Property location, drill hole collars, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Smart Creek Project including copper geochemistry(3)

Figure 2. Property location, drill hole collars, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Smart Creek Project including copper geochemistry3

Property location, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Smart Creek Project including gold geochemistry(3)

Figure 3. Property location, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Smart Creek Project including gold geochemistry3

Property location, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Project including silver geochemistry(3)

Figure 4. Property location, favourable host rocks, IP targets, magnetic features and Surface rock sampling results (grab and composite grab samples) from the 2025 surface rock sampling program at the Project including silver geochemistry3

Smart Creek Porphyry Copper Project

The Smart Creek Copper Porphyry Project is a joint venture with Rio Tinto, where Rio will retain 40% of the asset. Rio drilled around 26 of the 40 permitted sites over 2.5 years as they vector toward the centre of the porphyry and at the Smart Creek Target returned 109.73 meter @ 0.75% Cu, which included 89 metres of 0.97% Copper (SMCR0022; see NR dated August 20, 2024)3

Exceptional rock sample results have been received from the 2025 field work, which highlights several opportunities including porphyry, skarn, CRD and structurally-controlled gold.

Of particular interest, the Smart Creek project area is underlain by geology that is highly prospective for CRD style deposits:

  1. The Helena Fm silty limestones are superb reactive trap rocks.
  2. Heat and fluid sources are abundant in this prolific western Montana porphyry belt.
  3. The CRD signature alteration footprints are widespread at Smart creek (marble and manganese oxides).
  4. Massive to semi-massive sulfides with excellent metal tenor have been sampled and mapped on the property.

Major deposits in the carbonate-hosted clan can yield high unit-value deposits with an excellent pedigree in the western unit states. Examples include the Copper Queen CRD deposit in the Bisbee Arizona District which yielded historic production of 53 Mt @ 6% Cu1,2. The Domestic Metals technical team has extensive experience with this style of mineralization and will systematically explore for the CRD deposit style at the Project using modern toolkits.

The geochemical data is enhancing known target areas and is allowing Domestic Metals to identify targets for follow up diamond drilling scheduled for late Q1, 2026. New target areas have also been identified for target work-up.

Technical Information

All scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Daniel MacNeil, P.Geo. Mr. MacNeil is a Technical Advisor to the Company and is a qualified person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

Mr. MacNeil has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the assay and test data underlying the information or opinions contained in this news release. Mr. MacNeil verified the data disclosed (including previously released Domestic data underlying the information disclosed) in this news release by reviewing imported and sorted assay data; checking the performance of blank samples and certified reference materials; reviewing the variance in field duplicate results; and reviewing grade calculation formulas. Mr. MacNeil detected no significant QA/QC issues during review of the data and is not aware of any sampling, recovery or other factors that could materially affect the accuracy or reliability of the drilling data referred to in this news release.

Samples were coarse crushed, fine crushed to 70% <2mm, split using a Boyd rotary splitter, pulverized up to 250g 85% <75micrometers. Analysis was conducted following 4-acid digestion (34 elements ICP-AES; ME-ICP61). Gold was analysed by 30g fire assay – AA finish (Au-AA23). Overlimits were evaluated by Au-GRA21, Ag-OG62, Cu-OG62, Zn-OG62 and Ag-GRA21. The company used ALS Labs in Reno, Nevada.

Samples with certified reference materials were inserted at intervals for ~5% of the submitted samples (15 standards total). QAQC results are satisfactory for the standards.

Disclosure Notes

1 Briggs, D.F., 2015, History of the Warren (Bisbee) Mining District. Arizona Geological Survey Contributed Report CR-15-b, 8 p.
2 Past producing deposits and development projects shown outside of the Smart Creek land position provide geologic context for the Property, but this is not necessarily indicative that the Property hosts similar grades or tonnages of mineralization.
3 Data disclosed in this news release includes historical drilling results and information derived from historic drill results, Domestic Metals has not undertaken any independent investigation of the sampling, nor has it independently analyzed the results of the historical exploration work to verify the results. Domestic considers these historical data relevant as the Company is using this data as a guide to plan exploration programs. The Company’s current and future exploration work includes verification of the historical data through drilling.

About Domestic Metals Corp.

Domestic Metals Corp. is a mineral exploration company focused on the discovery of large-scale, copper and gold deposits in exceptional, historical mining project areas in the Americas.

The Company aims to discover new economic mineral deposits in historical mining districts that have seen exploration in geologically attractive mining jurisdictions, where economically favorable grades have been indicated by historic drilling and outcrop sampling.

The Smart Creek Project is strategically located in the mining-friendly state of Montana, containing widespread copper mineralization at surface and hosts 4 attractive porphyry copper, epithermal gold, replacement and exotic copper exploration targets with excellent host rocks for mineral deposition.

Domestic Metals Corp. is led by an experienced management team and an accomplished technical team, with successful track records in mine discovery, mining development and financing.

On behalf of Domestic Metals Corp.

Gord Neal, CEO and Director
(604) 657 7813

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For more information on Domestic Metals, please contact:
Gord Neal, Phone: 604 657-7813 or Michael Pound, Phone: 604 363-2885

Please visit the Company website at www.domesticmetals.com or contact us at info@domesticmetals.com.

For all investor relations inquiries, please contact:
John Liviakis, Liviakis Financial Communications Inc., Phone: 415-389-4670

Neither 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain statements that may be deemed ‘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 may include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s continued stock exchange listings and the planned exploration activities on properties. 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, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: competition within the industry; actual results of current exploration activities; environmental risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future price of commodities; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents, and other risks of the mining industry; delays in obtaining approvals or financing; risks related to indebtedness and the service of such indebtedness; as well as those factors, risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company’s public filings under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law.

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Nextech3D.ai Launches AGORACOM Cashless AI Marketing Program

Correction: The number of warrants and common shares underlying the convertible notes was incorrectly reported as 2,299,412 common shares at a warrant exercise price/conversion price of $0.14/share. The corrected warrant exercise price/conversion price is $0.165/share and the corrected number of warrants and common shares underlying the convertible notes is 1,951,012

Correction: Nextech3D.ai Provides Shareholder Update on Krafty Labs Acquisition $321,917 CEO Investment

TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / January 8, 2026 / Nextech3D.ai (CSE:NTAR,OTC:NEXCF)(OTCQB:NEXCF)(FSE:1SS), an AI-first event technology and digital engagement company, is correcting the number of warrants and common shares underlying the convertible notes issued in connection with its recent acquisition of Krafty Labs from 2,299,412, to 1,951,012, issuable based upon a warrant exercise price and conversion price of $0.165 per share respectively. All securities issued pursuant to the transaction are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws, expiring on May 6, 2026.

In connection with the Company’s continued execution and growth strategy, Evan Gappelberg, Chief Executive Officer of Nextech3D.ai, invested $321,917 directly into the Company through an 18-month convertible note bearing 12% annual interest.

Key terms of the CEO investment include:

  • Term: 18 months

  • Conversion Option: At the CEO’s sole discretion, the note may be converted into 1,951,012 common shares at a fixed conversion price of $0.165 per share (correction)

  • Warrants Issued: As compensation, the CEO received 1,951,012 common share purchase warrants

  • Warrant Terms:

    • Exercise Price: $0.165 per share

    • Term: 3 years

Mr. Gappelberg will continue to be the Company’s largest shareholder, currently owning 32,757,017 common shares, further reinforcing strong alignment between management and shareholders.

The transaction constitutes a related party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 on the basis that the transaction does not exceed 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The transaction is subject to approval of the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE).

Management believes this insider investment reflects confidence in Nextech3D.ai’s strategy, execution, and long-term growth prospects.

Strengthening an AI-First Event Platform

The combination of Krafty Labs’ enterprise-grade engagement capabilities with Nextech3D.ai’s existing event technology stack is expected to drive increased average contract values, deeper customer relationships, and enhanced monetization opportunities across in-person, virtual, and hybrid events.

Agoracom:

The also company announces the launch of a 12-month online marketing campaign with AGORACOM that will feature industry leading AI generated content to reach investors of all demographics around the world. In addition, Nextech3D.ai will launch a Verified Forum on AGORACOM that will provide moderated, civilized engagement between management and shareholders. The Company will pay $0 in cash for the program, utilizing AGORACOM’s cashless, fully compliant shares-for-services program.

AGORACOM, a pioneer in online investor relations for over 25 years, has launched its AI Content Showcase to help companies like Nextech3D.ai tell their stories faster and more emotionally through cinematic AI videos, avatars, and multilingual content. Nextech3D.ai gains exposure across AGORACOM’s network of 9 million investors, 900+ million page views, and industry-leading engagement, supported by verified forums that ensure transparent communication and protection against misinformation.

SHARES FOR SERVICES

FEES: $CDN 125,000 + HST
$25,000 worth of shares (+HST) will be issued in 5 instalments:

  • Commencement

  • $25,000 + HST shares for services at the end of the third month: March 8, 2026

  • $25,000 + HST shares for services at the end of the sixth month: June 8, 2026

  • $25,000 + HST shares for services at the end of the ninth month: September 8, 2026

  • $25,000 + HST shares for services at the end of the term: January 31, 2027

The deemed price of the securities to be issued will be determined after the date services are provided to the advertiser in each period, calculated using the closing price on the Canadian Securities Exchange on each of the dates as stated above.

About Nextech3D.ai

Nextech3D.ai is an AI-powered technology company specializing in 3D asset generation, spatial computing, and comprehensive AI Event Solutions for virtual, hybrid, and in-person experiences. Through Map Dynamics, Eventdex, and Krafty Labs, Nextech3D.ai delivers a unified global platform for Google, Microsoft, Netflix, Oracle, Yelp, ZoomInfo, Spotify, Meta conferences, expos, corporate activations, learning programs, and enterprise engagement.

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

For further information, please visit: www.Nextech3D.ai.

Investor Relations: investors@nextechar.com

For more information, visit Nextech3D.ai.

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Evan Gappelberg /CEO and Director
866-ARITIZE (274-8493)

Forward-Looking Statements
This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Krafty Labs, the anticipated timing and consideration, expected benefits and synergies, product integrations, and growth opportunities. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. There can be no assurance that the proposed transaction will be completed as anticipated or at all. Nextech3D.ai disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Forward-looking Statements
The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain information contained herein may constitute ‘forward-looking information’ under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as, ‘will be’ or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘will’ occur. Forward-looking statements regarding the completion of the transaction are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Nextech will not update any forward-looking statements or forward-looking information that are incorporated by reference herein, except as required by applicable securities laws

SOURCE: Nextech3D.ai Corp

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