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HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 2025 Production of 34,098 GEOs (32,990 gold ounces and 80,527 silver ounces)

  • Cash balance of US$41M as of December 31, 2025

Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it produced 8,459 Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs) (8,180 gold ounces and 21,494 silver ounces) in the three months ended December 31, 2025.

This resulted in a total production in calendar year 2025 of 34,098 GEOs (32,990 gold ounces and 80,527 silver ounces). As a result, the Company achieved its production guidance for 2025 of 31,000-41,000 GEOs (see news release dated February 4, 2025). Financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, will be reported during March 2026. Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs (‘AISC‘) are expected to be within the guidance range.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had a preliminary cash balance of US$41M and no debt. This provides a strong balance sheet for Heliostar’s 2026 growth initiatives, further supported by ongoing cash generated by operations.

Project  
  
Category 2025 Guidance Total 2025
La Colorada Mine  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 17,000-23,300 17,793
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 45,500-51,500 57,493
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 17,500-23,800 18,467
San Agustin Mine  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 13,000-16,700 14,883
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 34,000-43,000 22,469
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 13,500-17,200 15,139
Consolidated2  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 30,000-40,000 32,990
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 76,500-94,500 80,527
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 31,000-41,000 34,098
  1. Consolidated numbers include production from El Castillo, which was re-classified to closure status in the three months ended September 30, 2025. 

 
Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘This is a wonderful result for our first full year of gold production. Achieving our 2025 guidance was the result of the team successfully executing on the restart of operations at our two mines; La Colorada in January and San Agustin in December. The restart of San Agustin is expected to materially increase Heliostar’s year-on-year gold production in 2026, and we look forward to providing guidance for 2026 shortly. In addition to increasing production this year, we will be advancing Ana Paula through a feasibility study and recommencing the decline as we work toward our goal of becoming a 500,000 ounce per year producer by the end of the decade.’

Statement of Qualified Persons

Michael Gingles, Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the production and financial information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Gingles is employed as Vice President Corporate Development of the Company.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management believes that the reported non-GAAP financial measures will enable certain investors to better evaluate the Company’s performance, liquidity, and ability to generate cash flow. These measures do not have any standardized definition under IFRS, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold producer with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

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

This news release includes certain ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and ‘forward-looking information’ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘forecast’, ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘schedule’ and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the Company’s plans, prospects and business strategies; the Company’s guidance on the timing and amount of future production and its expectations regarding the results of operations; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279687

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HIGHLIGHTS:

  • 2025 Production of 34,098 GEOs (32,990 gold ounces and 80,527 silver ounces)

  • Cash balance of US$41M as of December 31, 2025

Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it produced 8,459 Gold Equivalent Ounces (GEOs) (8,180 gold ounces and 21,494 silver ounces) in the three months ended December 31, 2025.

This resulted in a total production in calendar year 2025 of 34,098 GEOs (32,990 gold ounces and 80,527 silver ounces). As a result, the Company achieved its production guidance for 2025 of 31,000-41,000 GEOs (see news release dated February 4, 2025). Financial results for the quarter and year ended December 31, 2025, will be reported during March 2026. Cash Costs and All-In Sustaining Costs (‘AISC‘) are expected to be within the guidance range.

As of December 31, 2025, the Company had a preliminary cash balance of US$41M and no debt. This provides a strong balance sheet for Heliostar’s 2026 growth initiatives, further supported by ongoing cash generated by operations.

Project  
  
Category 2025 Guidance Total 2025
La Colorada Mine  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 17,000-23,300 17,793
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 45,500-51,500 57,493
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 17,500-23,800 18,467
San Agustin Mine  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 13,000-16,700 14,883
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 34,000-43,000 22,469
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 13,500-17,200 15,139
Consolidated2  
  Gold Produced (Ounces) 30,000-40,000 32,990
  Silver Produced (Ounces) 76,500-94,500 80,527
  GEOs Produced (Ounces)1 31,000-41,000 34,098
  1. Consolidated numbers include production from El Castillo, which was re-classified to closure status in the three months ended September 30, 2025. 

 
Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘This is a wonderful result for our first full year of gold production. Achieving our 2025 guidance was the result of the team successfully executing on the restart of operations at our two mines; La Colorada in January and San Agustin in December. The restart of San Agustin is expected to materially increase Heliostar’s year-on-year gold production in 2026, and we look forward to providing guidance for 2026 shortly. In addition to increasing production this year, we will be advancing Ana Paula through a feasibility study and recommencing the decline as we work toward our goal of becoming a 500,000 ounce per year producer by the end of the decade.’

Statement of Qualified Persons

Michael Gingles, Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the production and financial information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Gingles is employed as Vice President Corporate Development of the Company.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Management believes that the reported non-GAAP financial measures will enable certain investors to better evaluate the Company’s performance, liquidity, and ability to generate cash flow. These measures do not have any standardized definition under IFRS, and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these measures differently.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold producer with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

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

This news release includes certain ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and ‘forward-looking information’ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘forecast’, ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘schedule’ and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, the Company’s plans, prospects and business strategies; the Company’s guidance on the timing and amount of future production and its expectations regarding the results of operations; and expectations for other economic, business, and/or competitive factors.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279687

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

(TheNewswire)

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Anchors to:

Drill hole LBX25-095

  • 3.50 m@ 1.40 g/t Au and 2.30% Zn (162.50 m to 166.00 m) 

including:

  • 0.70 m @ 5.97 g/t Au,18.4 g/t Ag and 10.8% Zn. 

  • 4.50 m@ 2.00 g/t Au, 5.75 g/t Ag and 1.22% Zn(188.00 m to 192.50 m), 

including:

  • 0.50 m @ 3.30 g/t Au,17.8 g/t Ag and 6.84% Zn (188.00 m to 188.50 m),  

  • 2.40 m @ 3.00 g/t Au and 0.78% Zn (190.10 m to 192.50 m), and 

  • 0.55 m @ 12.15 g/t Au, 16.1 g/t Ag and 2.66% Zn (191.10 m to 192.50 m). 

Drill hole LBX25-096

  •          3.85 m @ 1.92 g/t Au and 0.13% Zn (38.70 m to 42.55 m),
    including:
     

  • 0.60 m @ 2.78 g/t Au, 6.30 g/t Ag and 0.62% Zn (40.60 m to 41.20 m), and 

  • 55 m @ 9.59 g/t Au, 5.50 g/t Ag and 0.11% Zn (42.00 m to 42.55 m). 

TORONTO, ONTARIO (January 7, 2026) – TheNewswire – LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: LME | OTC: LMEFF | FSE: 5YD) (‘LAURION’ or the ‘Corporation’) is very pleased to report assay results of the first two drill holes from recent diamond drilling at the A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone at the Ishkōday Project, located in the Beardmore–Geraldton Greenstone Belt of north-western Ontario, approximately 220 kilometres northeast of Thunder Bay.

The current drill program focuses on the A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone, a structurally controlled gold-base metal corridor where historic drilling, surface work, and more recent LAURION drilling demonstrate repeated gold, silver, zinc, and copper mineralization along strike and at depth.

‘These results reinforce what we have been methodically building at Ishkōday — a structurally controlled gold-zinc system with repeated mineralization along a coherent corridor, stated Cynthia Le Sueur Aquin, President and CEO of LAURION. ‘The combination of higher-grade intervals within broader mineralized zones, supported by both historic and recent drilling, gives us confidence that our targeting approach is working as intended. As we continue drilling, our focus remains on understanding continuity, structure, and scale.’

Drill hole LBX25-095 was designed to test a segment of the A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone structural corridor supported by proximal historic drill holes 90-41 and 90-49, as well as modern LAURION drill holes LBX20-021 and LBX20-017. Historic drill hole 90-41 intersected multiple gold-bearing intervals at various depths, including 0.55 m grading 3.69 g/t Au and 1.70% Zn, 0.55 m grading 11.88 g/t Au, 8.0 g/t Ag and 8.6% Zn, and deeper intersections including 0.91 m grading 1.63 g/t Au,16.0 g/t Ag, 0.16% Cu and 6.7% Zn, 0.66 m grading 2.12 g/t Au, 14.0 g/t Ag and 10.3% Zn, and 5.36 m grading 0.44 g/t Au, 6.16 g/t Ag and 4.28% Zn (Orient Resources Inc., Sturgeon River Property Diamond Drill Program Report, Claude Larouche, 1990). Nearby historic drill hole 90-49 returned 0.31 m grading 3.87 g/t Au and 1.73 m grading 3.46 g/t Au, 20.36 g/t Ag and 3.72% Zn (Orient Resources Inc., Claude Larouche, 1990). More recent drilling confirmed continuity of mineralization within the same corridor, including 14.08 m grading 0.89 g/t Au in drill hole LBX20-021 and additional gold-silver intervals in LBX20-017 (LAURION press release dated July 28, 2020).

Drill hole LBX25-095 intersected multiple gold-and-zinc-bearing intervals hosted within sheared and altered volcanic rocks consistent with the main A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone geological framework.

Reported assay results include 2.60 m grading 1.84 g/t Au from 27.40 to 30.00 m, including 0.60 m grading 7.25 g/t Au, 1.00 m grading 1.02 g/t Au from 45.30 to 46.30 m, and several broader intervals of lower-grade gold with elevated zinc.

A mid-depth mineralized zone returned 3.50 m grading 1.40 g/t Au and 2.30% Zn from 162.50 to 166.00 m, including a higher-grade interval of 0.70 m grading 5.97 g/t Au, 18.4 g/t Ag, 0.22% Cu and 10.8% Zn from 163.05 to 163.75 m.

Deeper in the hole, drilling intersected 4.50 m grading 2.00 g/t Au, 5.75 g/t Ag and 1.22% Zn from 188.00 to 192.50 m, including 0.50 m grading 3.30 g/t Au,17.8 g/t Ag and 6.84% Zn, 2.40 m grading 3.00 g/t Au, and 0.55 m grading 12.15 g/t Au,16.1 g/t Ag and 2.66% Zn.  

Drill hole LBX25-096, located approximately 52 metres east of LBX25-095, was designed to test the eastern continuation of the same structurally controlled mineralized corridor. Targeting for LBX25-096 was informed by proximal drill holes LBX12-006, LBX20-020, and LBX22-089, which intersected gold-bearing mineralization within the same stratigraphic and structural package. Notably, drill hole LBX20-020 returned broad gold-bearing intervals including 6.86 m grading 0.47 g/t Au and 10.84 m grading 0.48 g/t Au, demonstrating mineralized width and continuity and supporting step-out drilling to the east (LAURION press release dated July 28, 2020). Drill hole LBX25-096 subsequently intersected multiple gold-bearing intervals within this corridor, including 3.85 m from 38.70 m to 42.55 m grading 1.92 g/t Au, including a higher-grade interval of 0.55 m from 42.00 m to 42.55 m grading 9.59 g/t Au, and a shallow interval of 1.15 m from 8.35 m to 9.50 m grading 2.14 g/t Au, including 0.50 m from 9.00 m to 9.50 m grading 4.76 g/t Au.

Gold mineralization at Ishkōday occurs within an orogenic gold framework and is commonly accompanied by silver, consistent with orogenic systems globally. In addition, localized enrichment in silver and base metals reflects polymetallic mineralizing events that are overprinted and locally modified by the orogenic gold event. These observations align with structural and geochemical interpretations supporting a multi-phase mineralizing history, as outlined in the Keaton Strongman Report 2024 on the Ishkōday: Ancestral structural controls between Archean epithermal and orogenic gold mineralization.

TABLE Of ASSAYS FOR DRILL HOLES LBX25-095 AND LBX25-096

 

Hole ID

From (m)

To (m)

Core Length (m)

Au (g/t)

Ag (g/t)

Zn (%)

LBX25-095

27.40

30.00

2.60

1.84

0.45

0.02

including

27.90

28.50

0.60

7.25

1.10

LBX25-095

45.30

46.30

1.00

1.02

0.25

0.15

LBX25-095

91.25

95.25

4.00

0.11

0.25

0.01

LBX25-095

132.10

132.60

0.50

0.27

1.40

1.27

LBX25-095

135.20

135.70

0.50

0.53

6.10

0.24

LBX25-095

141.00

141.60

0.50

0.13

1.00

0.13

LBX25-095

143.80

147.80

4.00

0.12

1.71

0.17

LBX25-095

145.00

147.80

2.80

0.14

2.16

0.21

LBX25-095

162.50

166.00

3.50

1.40

4.27

2.30

Including

163.05

163.75

0.70

5.97

18.40

10.80

LBX25-095

167.20

169.35

2.15

0.21

1.36

0.18

LBX25-095

188.00

192.50

4.50

2.00

5.75

1.22

Including

188.00

188.50

0.50

3.30

17.80

6.84

Including

190.10

192.50

2.40

3.00

4.80

0.78

Including

191.1

192.50

0.55

12.15

16.10

2.66

LBX25-096

8.35

9.50

1.15

2.14

5.18

0.61

Including

9.00

9.50

0.50

4.76

8.40

1.35

LBX25-096

10.90

11.40

0.50

0.52

0.70

0.02

LBX25-096

35.75

36.25

0.50

0.31

1.70

0.02

LBX25-096

38.70

42.55

3.85

1.92

2.41

0.13

Including

40.60

41.20

0.60

2.78

6.30

0.62

Including

42.00

42.55

0.55

9.59

5.50

0.11

LBX25-096

98.20

98.70

0.50

0.47

1.80

0.03

LBX25-096

106.80

108.50

1.70

1.19

1.49

0.07

Including

106.80

107.30

0.50

3.14

2.20

0.07

LBX25-096

118.70

121.60

2.90

0.28

3.65

1.41

Including

118.70

119.20

0.50

0.90

14.90

8.18

LBX25-096

129.60

130.10

0.50

2.22

10.10

3.05

 

Name

Elevation

Azimuth

Dip

Easting

Northing

Depth (m)

LBX25-095

332.5

124

-47

446115.3

5512416

201

LBX25-096

331.4

125

-45

446168

5512429

168

TOTAL

         

369

Mineralization on the A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone is interpreted to be controlled by the interaction of north–south-trending quartz-gold extensional veins and northeast–southwest-trending sulphide-rich shear veins. Reactivation of earlier sulphide zones during later deformation, locally associated with magnetite-rich assemblages, provides a structural framework that explains repeated gold enrichment, localized grade enhancement within wider base metal envelopes, and strong strike continuity beneath cover.

The current drilling on the A-Zone/McLeod/CRK Zone has focused on refining LAURION’s understanding of the geometry, continuity, and structural controls of the mineralized system. Ongoing work by the LAURION’s technical team and independent consultants is centred on consolidating historical and modern drilling, validating geological interpretations, and strengthening the 3D structural framework. This work is intended to ensure that any future technical milestones are based on a robust, well-constrained geological model, while preserving strategic flexibility as the Ishkōday Project continues to evolve.

Sampling and QA/QC Protocols

All drill core is transported and stored inside the core facility located at the Ishkōday Project in Greenstone, Ontario. LAURION employs an industry standard system of external standards, blanks and duplicates for all of its sampling, in addition to the QA/QC protocol employed by the laboratory. After logging, core samples were identified and then cut in half along core axis in the same building and then zip tied individually in plastic sample bags with a bar code. Approximately five or six of these individual bags were then stacked into a ‘rice’ white material bag and stored on a skid for final shipment to the laboratory.

All core samples were shipped to the ALS facility in Thunder Bay, Ontario, which were then prepared by ALS Global Geochemistry in Thunder Bay and analyzed by ALS Global Analytical Lab in North Vancouver, British Columbia. Samples are processed by 4-acid digestion and analyzed by fire assay on 50 g pulps and ICP-AES (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy). Over limit analyses are reprocessed with gravimetric finish.

A total of 5% blanks and 5% standard are inserted randomly within all samples. 5% of the best assay result pulps were sent for re-assays. All QA/QC were verified, and no contamination or bias have been observed. The remaining half of the core, as well as the unsampled core, is stored in temporary core racks at the core logging facility in Beardmore and moved to the core storage facility at the Ishkōday Project.

Note: QA/QC review of standards and duplicates indicates analytical results are reliable. One zinc standard adjacent to a high-grade zinc interval returned elevated values consistent with expected analytical behaviour following high-grade samples.

Qualified Person

The technical contents of this release were reviewed and approved by Jean-Philippe Paiement, P.Geo, MSc, a consultant to LAURION and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About LAURION Mineral Exploration Inc.

The Corporation is a mid-stage junior mineral exploration and development company listed on the TSXV under the symbol LME and on the OTCPINK under the symbol LMEFF. LAURION now has 278,716,413 outstanding shares, of which approximately 73.6% are owned and controlled by insiders who are eligible investors under the ‘Friends and Family’ categories.

LAURION’s emphasis is on the exploration and development of its flagship project, the 100% owned mid-stage 57 km2 Ishkōday Project, and its gold-rich polymetallic mineralization.

LAURION’s chief priority remains maximizing shareholder value. A large portion of the Corporation’s focus in this regard falls within the scope of its mineral exploration activities and more specifically, advancing the Ishkōday Project. A consequence of LAURION’s success and advancement over the past several years is that the Corporation has become positioned as an acquisition target for appropriate potential acquirors. Accordingly, the Corporation’s Board of Directors is aware that possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities may arise and/or could be procured in the short or medium terms. The Corporation will promptly issue a press release if any material change occurs.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT:

Laurion Mineral Exploration Inc.

Cynthia Le Sueur-Aquin – President and CEO

Tel: 1-705-788-9186 Fax: 1-705-805-9256

 

Douglas Vass – Investor Relations Consultant

Email: info@laurion.ca

Website: http://www.LAURION.ca

Follow us on: X (@LAURION_LME), Instagram (laurionmineral) and LinkedIn ()

 

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the Corporation’s current expectations regarding future events including with respect to LAURION’s business, operations and condition, management’s objectives, strategies, beliefs and intentions, the Corporation’s ability to advance the Ishkōday Project, the nature, focus, timing and potential results of the Corporation’s exploration, drilling and prospecting activities in 2026 and beyond, including the Corporation’s diamond drill program described in this press release and the Corporation’s other planned activities for the Ishkōday Project for the remainder of 2026, and the statements regarding the Corporation’s exploration or consideration of any possible strategic alternatives and transactional opportunities, as well as the potential outcome(s) of this process, the possible impact of any potential transactions referenced herein on the Corporation or any of its stakeholders, and the ability of the Corporation to identify and complete any potential acquisitions, mergers, financings or other transactions referenced herein, and the timing of any such transactions. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual events and future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements could differ materially from those projected herein including as a result of a change in the trading price of the common shares of LAURION, the TSX Venture Exchange or any other applicable regulator not providing its approval for any strategic alternatives or transactional opportunities, the interpretation and actual results of current exploration activities, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, future prices of gold and/or other metals, possible variations in grade or recovery rates, failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, the failure of contracted parties to perform, labor disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays in obtaining governmental approvals or financing or in the completion of exploration, as well as those factors disclosed in the Corporation’s publicly filed documents. Investors should consult the Corporation’s ongoing quarterly and annual filings, as well as any other additional documentation comprising the Corporation’s public disclosure record, for additional information on risks and uncertainties relating to these forward-looking statements. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. Subject to applicable law, the Corporation disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. All sample values are from grab samples and channel samples, which by their nature, are not necessarily representative of overall grades of mineralized areas. Readers are cautioned to not place undue reliance on the assay values reported in this press release.

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

 

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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(TheNewswire)

Prismo Metals Inc.

Crown Porphyry-Stockwork Drill Targets Confirmed

Vancouver, British Columbia, January 7th, 2026 TheNewswire Prismo Metals Inc. (‘Prismo’ or the ‘Company’) (CSE: PRIZ,OTC:PMOMF) (OTCQB: PMOMF) is pleased to announce it has received final assay results for samples taken at the Silver King Project from the Crown porphyry target area located on the east side of the property (Fig. 1).


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 1.  Map showing the location of the Crown porphyry and stockwork and Black Diamond replacement exploration targets at the Silver King project.  Claim boundaries are shown in yellow.

Overlimit silver assays have been received for the samples taken in late 2025, showing high grade silver mineralization associated with quartz-sulfide veins hosted by the Crown porphyry (Fig 2, Table 1). These assays provide evidence for a high-priority drill target, especially when taken in conjunction with the high gold assays reported previously for the stockwork intrusion (see the News Release of Dec. 3, 2025).  

‘Prismo optioned Silver King with existing drill targets around the historically significant high-grade silver mine. Based on the geology and its location in a well mineralized region, we believed that additional mineralization was also likely present. Our work in the second half of 2025 indicates that we were correct, and we now have exceptional drill targets at the Crown porphyry and adjacent Black Diamond replacement areas,’ stated Craig Gibson, Chief Exploration Officer of the Company. He added, ‘With the high-grade gold assays reported in December and the copper assays at the Black Diamond replacement, we now have a very significant precious-metal and copper target at Silver King similar to other areas in this well mineralized district that includes the Magma mine and the Resolution copper deposit.’  

‘These additional assay results along with the IP survey information continue to enhance and support our exploration thesis of the Silver King mine and surrounding areas,’ stated Gordon Aldcorn.  ‘This modern-day review has yielded additional drill targets and prospective structures to our program in this already very strategically located project.’

 

Table 1. Assay results for selected samples from the Crown porphyry stockwork

Sample

Location

Easting

Northing

Width m

Au g/t

Ag g/t

Cu %

Pb %

Zn %

544559

Crown porphyry

492681

3687905

0.5 m

0.02

18.91

0.02

0.07

0.04

544561

Crown porphyry

492673

3687904

2 m

0.02

177

0.07

0.37

0.02

544563

Crown porphyry

492613

3687848

0.5m

0.03

176

0.09

0.01

544591*

Crown porphyry

492799

3687851

1.0

5.19

46.44

0.05

0.21

0.06

544592*

Crown porphyry

492793

3687823

1.0

4.06

13.97

0.02

0.10

0.07

*Assays previously released in News Release of December 3, 2025.


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 2. Precious metal and copper assays from the Crown porphyry
and the Black Diamond replacement body at the Silver King Project.

IP Survey

The Company also completed a pole-dipole IP survey over a part of the Silver King project in December 2025.  This survey was designed to provide some additional 3-dimensional data for areas identified during the initial gradient array survey (see News Release dated December 3, 2025). This new survey confirmed the presence of important chargeability and resistivity anomalies at the Silver King project. The Silver King silver mine appears to be associated with a large low resistivity anomaly located on the contact of the Silver King diorite porphyry (Fig 3). There is also low resistivity anomalies associated with the Crown porphyry and near the replacement mineralization at Black Diamond (Fig 3). The highest chargeability anomalies appear to be associated with the altered country rocks along intrusive contacts, but a chargeability high is also associated with the Crown porphyry stockwork intrusion. The anomaly associated with the Crown porphyry is particularly interesting and can be traced from shallow levels to about 300 meters in depth.  


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 3. IP resistivity map at a depth of 75 meters, overlain on geology and showing the Silver King glory hole (black line), Black Diamond replacement body in red, and the Crown porphyry-stockwork in magenta.  


Click Image To View Full Size

Figure 4. IP chargeability at a depth of 75 meters, overlain on geology and showing the Silver King glory hole (black line), Black Diamond replacement body in red, and the Crown porphyry-stockwork in magenta.  

Drilling Update

Alain Lambert, CEO of Prismo commented: ‘The results announced today confirm the vast exploration potential at Silver King. While we look forward to drilling these new targets in the future, our plans remain unchanged. Our immediate priority is to undertake our fully funded drill program, as previously announced. This drill campaign will primarily focus on the historic Silver King mine site and will be about 2,000 meters. The objective is to test the upper half of the steeply dipping pipelike Silver King mineralized body as well as potential mineralization adjacent to the dense stockwork that was the focus of historic mining.’

Mr. Lambert added: ‘We are pleased with the steady progress on the permitting front. The collaboration of Forest Service officials demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting mining activities in Arizona.’

Prismo recently announced that the Forest Service, the federal surface land management entity for Silver King, had determined that the Company’s proposed drill plan meets the regulatory requirements for processing, and that such plan is complete, as described in the regulations at 36 CFR 228.4(c).

The Forest Service is currently proceeding with the environmental analysis pursuant to 36 CFR 228(a)(5) in conformity with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This analysis is proceeding as a Categorical Exclusion, the lowest level of environment reviews applicable to projects that are not expected to have a significant effect on the environment, such as Silver King.

QA/QC

Samples were analyzed by SGS, an internationally recognized analytical lab, with preparation at the Tempe, Arizona facility and analyses at the Burnaby laboratory.  Prismo inserts controls samples consisting of a standard pulps and a coarse blanks in the sample stream, and the lab also inserts control samples.  

Qualified Person

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

About Prismo Metals Inc.

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

Please follow @PrismoMetals on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube

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

  

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

 

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 ‘forward-looking 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 results of drilling at Silver King; and the intended use of any proceeds raised under recent financings.

These forward-looking 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: the potential inability of the Company to utilize the anticipated proceeds of the Private Placement as anticipated; and those risks set out in the Company’s public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.com) under the Company’s issuer profile.

In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will use the proceeds of the Second Tranche as currently anticipated and on the timeline currently expected.

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 outlook that are incorporated by reference herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. We seek safe harbor.

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

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The growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes is driving increasing innovation in medical device technology. In 2024 alone, 30 new devices were approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Wearable medical devices and the use of artificial intelligence in medical technology are two key trends in this sector.

Investors who want exposure to this wave of growth may want to consider NASDAQ small-cap medical device stocks. Below is a list of the top NASDAQ medical device companies based on year-on-year gains.

All data was compiled on December 31, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener, and the medical device makers listed below had market caps between US$50 million and US$500 million at that time.

1. MDxHealth (NASDAQ:MDXH)

Year-on-year gain: 50.86 percent
Market cap: US$173.24 million
Share price: US$3.50

MDxHealth is a commercial-stage precision diagnostics company specializing in molecular tests for urologic cancers, particularly prostate cancer, using genomic, epigenetic and exosomal technologies. Its US headquarters and operations are located in Irvine, California.

The company offers non-invasive and tissue-based diagnostic assays that run on standard PCR platforms.

In September, MDxHealth acquired Exosome Diagnostics from Bio-Techne (NASDAQ:TECH) for US$15 million, adding the ExoDx Prostate urine test to its portfolio. The deal also includes a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory and related assets. The deal is expected to generate over US$20 million in revenue in 2026.

2. KORU Medical Systems (NASDAQ:KRMD)

Year-on-year gain: 50.13 percent
Market cap: US$269.6 million
Share price: US$5.82

KORU Medical Systems develops and manufactures medical devices and supplies in the US and internationally, with a focus on mechanical infusion products. Its Freedom Syringe Infusion System first received FDA clearance in 1994.

Based on this system, its primary products include the Freedom60 and FreedomEdge syringe infusion systems, Precision Flow Rate Tubing and High-Flo Subcutaneous Safety Needle Sets.

KORU Medical Systems submitted a 510(k) premarket notification to the FDA on December 30, 2025, seeking clearance for its FreedomEdge system to deliver Phesgo — a HER2+ breast cancer targeted biologic — subcutaneously, targeting infusion centers to cut chair time and boost efficiency.

The company stated this is part of its strategy to expand the indications of FreedomEdge to the wider oncology infusion center market.

3. Vivani Medical (NASDAQ:VANI)

Year-on-year gain: 1.71 percent
Market cap: US$86.81 million
Share price: US$1.19

Vivani Medical is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing miniature, long-term subdermal drug implants using its proprietary NanoPortal technology to treat chronic conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Headquartered in Alameda, California, Vivani focuses on GLP-1 implants that provide steady drug release over six months to improve adherence and tolerability compared to daily pills or weekly injections.

In August, Vivani Medical reported positive Phase 1 results from its LIBERATE-1 trial of the NPM-115 exenatide implant, confirming safety and steady drug release for obesity treatment without major side effects.

The company plans to rapidly advance its NPM-139 semaglutide implant after it achieved preclinical results of sustained 20 percent weight loss. It is planning a Phase 1 clinical study in the first half of 2026.

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

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2025 marked a turning point for investment in the cannabis sector, shifting the focus toward operational resilience and consolidation after a sluggish 2024.

Key market drivers included an upswing in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity as stronger multi-state operators (MSOs) acquired distressed assets, alongside pivotal regulatory developments.

The central theme for the year was the expected US federal shift to Schedule III, a policy rollercoaster that culminated in an executive order to expedite rescheduling, focusing investor flows into scaled, cashflow-positive MSOs.

Internationally, incremental legalization in Europe, particularly the momentum in Germany, broadened the global footprint and provided new export channels for North American producers.

Within market trends, profitability pivoted away from bulk flower to high-margin consumables, with infused pre-rolls and edibles driving category growth and supporting a rerating of resilient operators.

US cannabis rescheduling a core shift

After 2024’s punishing drawdowns, cannabis navigated a high-stakes policy rollercoaster in 2025.

The sector bottomed in Q1 as anticipated US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rescheduling hearings were delayed, but ignited in late Q3 and Q4 as the narrative shifted toward a decisive executive-led reclassification.

This momentum culminated in US President Donald Trump’s December 18 executive order, which expedites rescheduling and CBD access. It triggered a parabolic surge followed by a violent ‘sell the news’ correction.

“Cannabis is not just a volatile sector or industry. It is the most volatile place,” said Dan Ahrens, managing director and portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (ARCA:MSOS). “It just proves the point, once again, that we really, really need this federal reform to be officially completed.”

Indeed, 2025 brought plenty of ups and downs. The year opened with Schedule III buzz, which came after prior Department of Health and Human Services recommendations and initial DEA scheduling proposals from late 2024; however, proceedings ground to a halt after the DEA postponed a key January hearing by over 180 days due to administrative turnover, bias claims and leadership gaps post-election. These disruptiosn kept Section 280E tax penalties in place and banking access frozen, keeping margins for MSOs compressed.

Meanwhile, House spending bills included language prohibiting the Department of Justice (DoJ) from spending any funds on rescheduling efforts, while Senate Farm Bill revisions redefined hemp to exclude intoxicating derivatives like delta-8 THC, capping them at trace levels and effectively imposing a nationwide hemp ban on high-potency alternatives.

The MSOS ETF’s portfolio construction exemplified the broader trend of investor flows concentrating into scaled, cash-flow-positive MSOs amid reform volatility. The fund’s top three holdings — Curaleaf Holdings (CSE:CURA,OTCQX:CURLF), Trulieve Cannabis (CSE:TRUL,OTCQX:TCNNF) and Green Thumb Industries (CSE:GTII,OTCQX:GTBIF) — accounted for over 68 percent of its total holdings as of December 31, underscoring confidence in these operators as resilient proxies for US cannabis maturation while smaller single-state players face dilution.

MSOS managers reinforced the shift in the year’s third quarter by trimming three underperformers from the ETF: 4Front Ventures (CSE:FFNT), Lowell Farms (CSE:LOWL) and Gold Flora.

Despite stalls in momentum, Trump kept hope alive in the cannabis sector throughout the year.

In September, he called cannabis reform an “80-20 issue” with broad public backing, and posted a Truth Social video promoting CBD for seniors and suggesting Medicaid coverage.

Those moves, alongside Representative Greg Steube’s (R-FL) Marijuana 1-to-3 Act, aimed at legislatively shifting cannabis to Schedule III, drove a surge in Q3 without any underlying procedural progress.

As mentioned, the December 18 executive order injected fresh life into the sector, directing the DoJ and DEA to expedite cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III, while launching a CMS Innovation Center pilot for federal health programs to cover hemp-derived CBD as early as April 2026, with up to US$500 annual reimbursement for eligible patients.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz previously endorsed Medicare reimbursement for CBD therapies during his confirmation hearings, framing them as “low-risk, high-impact” options for age-related ailments.

European cannabis legalization and international growth

2025 brought incremental legalization or medical frameworks in multiple jurisdictions, including Czechia, Malta, Poland, Switzerland and Luxembourg, broadening the investable global footprint.

This continental momentum has directly boosted North American producers through export ramps and licensing deals, with Canadian licensed producers capturing 43 percent of Germany’s Q2 imports alone.

The country’s CanG framework and adult‑use reform, which came into effect in April 2024, have made it Europe’s most important legal market, with 2025 medical sales expected to see explosive year-on-year growth.

Cannabis company trends in 2025

In 2025, cannabis companies pivoted toward operational resilience and product innovation amid persistent commoditization pressures. After 2024’s wholesale flower price declines, down roughly 32 percent since 2021 by some estimates, stronger MSOs like Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY) are demonstrating pricing power through branded products and category expansion into edibles, vapes and infused pre-rolls.

Deal flow rebounded from 2024’s US$1.17 billion trough, with US transactions reaching US$2.1 billion.

Against that backdrop, cash-rich MSOs pursued distressed roll-ups in oversupplied states like California and New York, with Vireo Growth’s (CSE:VREO,OTCQX:VREOF) acquisitions in Minnesota and New York exemplifying the trend, achieving critical mass with premium valuations amid hemp restrictions.

Private equity and creative deal structures dominated in the cannabis market, preparing operators for federal reform, while consolidating fragmented retail.

Investor takeaway

2025 marked a transformative year for cannabis, with regulatory breakthroughs and market maturation set against the backdrop of volatility. Trump’s execuctive order has brought new life into the sector in the US with the promise of not only banking and tax relief, but also bipartisan momentum for normalization; however, investors remain cautious.

“Everybody is waiting for it to be real and for it to be completed. Because even though we think the executive order was huge … nothing’s complete yet. Nothing’s official yet,” explained Ahrens.

Looking to 2026, he emphasized that the path forward for cannabis isn’t a straight line, but rather a series of volatile ‘waves’ tied to incremental regulatory milestones. Ahrens anticipates that while the finalization of Schedule III should trigger an initial move, it is merely the first domino; subsequent upside depends on the DoJ providing clear guidance for state-legal adult-use programs and the eventual passage of banking reform.

While he does foresee cannabis stocks uplisting to major exchanges, and Big Pharma companies beginning to make acquisitions in the space, Ahrens remains cautious about timing, noting that even with a signed order, large institutional banks will likely keep the ‘blockade’ in place until the legal ink is truly dry.

Ultimately, while 2025’s executive action has established a concrete foundation for federal reform in the US, the cannabis sector remains poised in a state of high-stakes volatility, with its full maturation dependent on official completion of milestones in 2026 and beyond.

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

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The global lithium market weathered a tough 2025, as persistent oversupply and softer-than-expected electric vehicle demand pushed prices for the battery metal to multi-year lows.

Lithium carbonate prices in North Asia fell below US$9,550 per metric ton in February — their weakest level since 2021 — prompting production cuts and project delays, particularly in Australia and China.

While brief rallies later in the year offered momentary relief, the market continued to struggle under the weight of rapid supply growth between 2021 and 2024.

Volatility defined the second half of the year. Prices spiked in July on speculation of supply cuts, briefly lifting carbonate above US$12,000, before retreating as those expectations faded. Policy uncertainty in the US and regulatory signals from China further weighed on sentiment.

Despite the downturn, analysts increasingly view 2026 as a potential turning point. Lithium equities reflected that shift, staging a sharp H2 rebound in 2025 as improving fundamentals and rising spot prices rekindled investor interest — a backdrop that continues to shape the outlook for Canadian lithium stocks.

1. Stria Lithium (TSXV:SRA)

Year-to-date gain: 708.33 percent
Market cap: C$19.11 million
Share price: C$0.48

Stria Lithium is a Canadian exploration company focused on developing domestic lithium resources to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. The company’s flagship Pontax Central lithium project spans 36 square kilometers in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada.

Cygnus Metals (TSXV:CYG,ASX:CY5,OTCQB:CYGGF) has an earn-in agreement with Stria to earn up to a 70 percent interest in Pontax Central. Cygnus completed the first stage in July 2023, acquiring a 51 percent interest by investing C$4 million in exploration and issuing over 9 million shares to Stria.

In May 2025, Stria and Cygnus agreed to extend the second stage of Cygnus’s earn-in agreement on the Pontax Central lithium project by 24 months. The second stage involves a further C$2 million in exploration spending and C$3 million in a cash payment.

Through its joint venture with Cygnus, Stria has outlined a JORC-compliant maiden inferred resource for Pontax Central of 10.1 million metric tons grading 1.04 percent lithium oxide.

In March, Stria closed a non-brokered private placement for C$650,000. The funds will be used in part for the evaluation of new mineral opportunities, according to the company.

Shares of Stria registered a year-to-date high of C$0.50 on December 30, 2025, coinciding with lithium carbonate prices rising to a near 24 month high.

2. Consolidated Lithium Metals (TSXV:CLM)

Year-to-date gain: 350 percent
Market cap: C$20.51 million
Share price: C$0.045

Consolidated Lithium Metals is focused on acquiring, developing and advancing lithium projects in Québec. Its properties — Vallée, Baillargé, Preissac-LaCorne and Duval — are located within the spodumene-rich La Corne Batholith area, near the restarted North American Lithium mine, a key area in Canada’s growing lithium sector.

Consolidated Lithium started the year with a C$300 million private placement earmarked for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In July, the company commenced a summer exploration program at the Preissac project, excavating a 100 by 30 meter trench in an area with a known lithium soil anomaly, uncovering an 18 meter wide pegmatite body at surface.

At the end of August, Consolidated Lithium signed a non-binding letter of intent with SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, to acquire an option to earn up to an 80 percent interest in the Kwyjibo rare earths project.

The project is located roughly 125 kilometers northeast of Sept-Îles in Québec’s Côte-Nord region.

Under the deal, which was finalized in November, Consolidated Lithium will become operator of the project and can earn an initial 60 percent stake over five years through a combined C$23.15 million in cash payments, share issuances and project expenditures.

A significant portion of those funds will be invested in advancing Kwyjibo through stages including negotiating and finalizing an agreement with the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, a metallurgical study and environmental permitting.

Upon completion, the partners will form a joint venture, and Consolidated will have the option to increase its interest to 80 percent by investing C$22 million over a further three years.

An uptick in lithium prices in October helped Consolidated shares rally to a year-to-date high of C$0.06 several times between October 22 and November 3.

3. Lithium South Development (TSXV:LIS)

Year-to-date gain: 330 percent
Market cap: C$48.76 million
Share price: C$0.43

Canada-based Lithium South Development currently owns 100 percent of the HMN lithium project in Argentina’s Salta and Catamarca provinces, situated in the heart of the lithium-rich Hombre Muerto Salar.

The project lies adjacent to South Korean company POSCO Holdings’ (NYSE:PKX,KRX:005490) billion-dollar lithium development to the east.

Exploration has defined a resource of 1.58 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average grade of 736 milligrams per liter lithium, with the majority in the measured category. A preliminary economic assessment outlines the potential for a 15,600 metric ton per year lithium carbonate operation.

In January 2024, Lithium South and POSCO signed an agreement to jointly develop the HMN lithium project. Under the deal, the companies will share production 50/50 from the Norma Edith and Viamonte blocks in Salta and Catamarca, resolving overlapping claims.

As for 2025, in June Lithium South’s shares tripled to C$0.30 after it received positive news regarding its environmental impact assessment.

Lithium South shared a huge update in July that changed its trajectory; the company received a non-binding cash offer of US$62 million from POSCO to purchase its lithium portfolio, including the HMN project.

POSCO would acquire Lithium South’s wholly owned subsidiary NRG Metals Argentina, which holds the HMN project and all of Lithium South’s other concessions, namely the Sophia I–III and Hydra X–XI claims.

The 60 day due diligence period concluded in late September, and on November 12, Lithium South announced a share purchase agreement to sell its Argentinian lithium portfolio to POSCO Argentina for US$65 million.

Company shares climbed to C$0.44 the next day, while its highest close of the year, C$0.45, came on December 24.

Lithium South officially signed the deal on December 8, with its closing subject to several approvals. Following the transaction’s completion, Lithium South plans to de-list from the TSXV and begin dissolution proceedings.

In connection with the news, the company intends to buy back all common shares at a price of C$0.505.

4. Standard Lithium (TSXV:SLI)

Year-to-date gain: 190 percent
Market cap: C$1.47 billion
Share price: C$6.15

Standard Lithium is a US-focused lithium development company advancing a portfolio of high-grade lithium brine projects with an emphasis on sustainability and commercial-scale production.

The company employs a fully integrated direct lithium extraction process and is developing its flagship Smackover Formation assets in Arkansas and Texas, including the South West Arkansas project. The projects are a partnership with Equinor ASA, under the 55/45 joint venture subsidiary Smackover Lithium.

In April, its South West Arkansas project was one of 10 US critical minerals projects designated for fast tracking under FAST-41.

On September 3, Standard Lithium reported results of its definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the South West Arkansas project. The DFS notes an initial capacity of 22,500 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with first production targeted for 2028. The study outlines an operating life of over 20 years based on average lithium concentrations of 481 milligrams per liter, supported by detailed resource and reserve modeling. The company filed the DFS on October 14.

In late October, Standard Lithium reported the unanimous approval of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for the company’s Integration Application for the project’s Reynolds brine unit, which is where the initial commercial phase of production is planned.

Standard is also actively exploring additional lithium brine opportunities in East Texas through the joint venture, and in November, Smackover Lithium filed the maiden inferred resource report for the Franklin project. The report highlights 2.16 million metric tons of LCE, 15.41 million metric tons of potash and 2.64 million metric tons of bromide contained in 0.61 square kilometers of brine volume.

The resource stands at an average lithium grade of 668 milligrams per liter, including a grade of 806 milligrams per liter at the Pine Forest 1 well, which the company states is North American’s highest concentration of lithium-in-brine.

The project covers roughly 80,000 acres, with 46,000 acres leased, and is poised to become the first phase in a broader East Texas expansion. Smackover Lithium ultimately aims to produce over 100,000 metric tons of lithium chemicals annually from its Texas operations.

On October 20, Standard closed a US$130 million underwritten public offering for 29,885,057 common shares, which will fund capital expenditures at the South West Arkansas project and the Franklin project.

Standard and Equinor ended the year advancing project financing for its South West Arkansas project, targeting up to US$1.1 billion in senior secured debt. The company has received over US$1 billion in combined interest from major export credit agencies, including the US EXIM Bank and Norway’s Eksfin.

The potential funds, alongside a US$225 million grant from the US Department of Energy, would support Phase 1 construction, which has an estimated US$1.45 billion in capital expenditures, FEED and feasibility study costs, and typical financing contingencies.

After climbing steeply starting in late September, the company’s shares hit a year-to-date high of C$7.64 on October 16.

5. Q2 Metals (TSXV:QTWO)

Year-to-date gain: 144.87 percent
Market cap: C$363.79 million
Share price: C$1.97

Exploration firm Q2 Metals is exploring three lithium properties — Cisco, Mia and Stellar — in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada. Contained within the portfolio is the Mia trend, which spans over 10 kilometers, while the Stellar lithium property comprises 77 claims and located 6 kilometers north of the Mia property.

In 2024, Q2 Metals acquired Cisco lithium property and spent the rest of the year exploring the area. The work led to Q2 acquiring a 100 percent interest in 545 additional mineral claims, tripling its land position at the Cisco lithium property.

A subsequent company update reported that metallurgical testing on drill core from its 2024 exploration work confirmed that spodumene is the primary lithium-bearing mineral within pegmatite at the project.

The company performed multiple drill campaigns in 2025, including a winter diamond drilling program. Over the course of the year, Q2 defined an exploration target and reported a series of positive results from test work and drilling at the project.

The most recent announcement, released December 3, singled out results from drill hole 44 as the ‘widest continuous spodumene pegmatite interval’ identified at the property. The hole intersected 457.4 meters of continuous mineralization with an average grade of 1.65 percent lithium oxide.

‘Drill hole 44 further showcases the Cisco project as a globally significant hard rock lithium discovery. The results to date will underpin the inaugural Mineral Resource Estimate, which we expect to announce in the first quarter of 2026, as we continue to advance Cisco,’ wrote Alicia Milne, president and CEO of Q2 Metals.

The company’s share price began climbing in late October following the news that it added Keith Phillips, CEO of Piedmont Lithium from 2017 to 2025, to its board of directors.

Propelled by the board addition and the drilling results results, shares of Q2 Metals ended 2025 on a high note, registering a year-to-date high of C$1.95 on December 30.

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

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2025 marked a turning point for investment in the cannabis sector, shifting the focus toward operational resilience and consolidation after a sluggish 2024.

Key market drivers included an upswing in merger and acquisition (M&A) activity as stronger multi-state operators (MSOs) acquired distressed assets, alongside pivotal regulatory developments.

The central theme for the year was the expected US federal shift to Schedule III, a policy rollercoaster that culminated in an executive order to expedite rescheduling, focusing investor flows into scaled, cashflow-positive MSOs.

Internationally, incremental legalization in Europe, particularly the momentum in Germany, broadened the global footprint and provided new export channels for North American producers.

Within market trends, profitability pivoted away from bulk flower to high-margin consumables, with infused pre-rolls and edibles driving category growth and supporting a rerating of resilient operators.

US cannabis rescheduling a core shift

After 2024’s punishing drawdowns, cannabis navigated a high-stakes policy rollercoaster in 2025.

The sector bottomed in Q1 as anticipated US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) rescheduling hearings were delayed, but ignited in late Q3 and Q4 as the narrative shifted toward a decisive executive-led reclassification.

This momentum culminated in US President Donald Trump’s December 18 executive order, which expedites rescheduling and CBD access. It triggered a parabolic surge followed by a violent ‘sell the news’ correction.

“Cannabis is not just a volatile sector or industry. It is the most volatile place,” said Dan Ahrens, managing director and portfolio manager of the AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (ARCA:MSOS). “It just proves the point, once again, that we really, really need this federal reform to be officially completed.”

Indeed, 2025 brought plenty of ups and downs. The year opened with Schedule III buzz, which came after prior Department of Health and Human Services recommendations and initial DEA scheduling proposals from late 2024; however, proceedings ground to a halt after the DEA postponed a key January hearing by over 180 days due to administrative turnover, bias claims and leadership gaps post-election. These disruptiosn kept Section 280E tax penalties in place and banking access frozen, keeping margins for MSOs compressed.

Meanwhile, House spending bills included language prohibiting the Department of Justice (DoJ) from spending any funds on rescheduling efforts, while Senate Farm Bill revisions redefined hemp to exclude intoxicating derivatives like delta-8 THC, capping them at trace levels and effectively imposing a nationwide hemp ban on high-potency alternatives.

The MSOS ETF’s portfolio construction exemplified the broader trend of investor flows concentrating into scaled, cash-flow-positive MSOs amid reform volatility. The fund’s top three holdings — Curaleaf Holdings (CSE:CURA,OTCQX:CURLF), Trulieve Cannabis (CSE:TRUL,OTCQX:TCNNF) and Green Thumb Industries (CSE:GTII,OTCQX:GTBIF) — accounted for over 68 percent of its total holdings as of December 31, underscoring confidence in these operators as resilient proxies for US cannabis maturation while smaller single-state players face dilution.

MSOS managers reinforced the shift in the year’s third quarter by trimming three underperformers from the ETF: 4Front Ventures (CSE:FFNT), Lowell Farms (CSE:LOWL) and Gold Flora.

Despite stalls in momentum, Trump kept hope alive in the cannabis sector throughout the year.

In September, he called cannabis reform an “80-20 issue” with broad public backing, and posted a Truth Social video promoting CBD for seniors and suggesting Medicaid coverage.

Those moves, alongside Representative Greg Steube’s (R-FL) Marijuana 1-to-3 Act, aimed at legislatively shifting cannabis to Schedule III, drove a surge in Q3 without any underlying procedural progress.

As mentioned, the December 18 executive order injected fresh life into the sector, directing the DoJ and DEA to expedite cannabis rescheduling to Schedule III, while launching a CMS Innovation Center pilot for federal health programs to cover hemp-derived CBD as early as April 2026, with up to US$500 annual reimbursement for eligible patients.

CMS Administrator Mehmet Oz previously endorsed Medicare reimbursement for CBD therapies during his confirmation hearings, framing them as “low-risk, high-impact” options for age-related ailments.

European cannabis legalization and international growth

2025 brought incremental legalization or medical frameworks in multiple jurisdictions, including Czechia, Malta, Poland, Switzerland and Luxembourg, broadening the investable global footprint.

This continental momentum has directly boosted North American producers through export ramps and licensing deals, with Canadian licensed producers capturing 43 percent of Germany’s Q2 imports alone.

The country’s CanG framework and adult‑use reform, which came into effect in April 2024, have made it Europe’s most important legal market, with 2025 medical sales expected to see explosive year-on-year growth.

Cannabis company trends in 2025

In 2025, cannabis companies pivoted toward operational resilience and product innovation amid persistent commoditization pressures. After 2024’s wholesale flower price declines, down roughly 32 percent since 2021 by some estimates, stronger MSOs like Tilray Brands (TSX:TLRY,NASDAQ:TLRY) are demonstrating pricing power through branded products and category expansion into edibles, vapes and infused pre-rolls.

Deal flow rebounded from 2024’s US$1.17 billion trough, with US transactions reaching US$2.1 billion.

Against that backdrop, cash-rich MSOs pursued distressed roll-ups in oversupplied states like California and New York, with Vireo Growth’s (CSE:VREO,OTCQX:VREOF) acquisitions in Minnesota and New York exemplifying the trend, achieving critical mass with premium valuations amid hemp restrictions.

Private equity and creative deal structures dominated in the cannabis market, preparing operators for federal reform, while consolidating fragmented retail.

Investor takeaway

2025 marked a transformative year for cannabis, with regulatory breakthroughs and market maturation set against the backdrop of volatility. Trump’s execuctive order has brought new life into the sector in the US with the promise of not only banking and tax relief, but also bipartisan momentum for normalization; however, investors remain cautious.

“Everybody is waiting for it to be real and for it to be completed. Because even though we think the executive order was huge … nothing’s complete yet. Nothing’s official yet,” explained Ahrens.

Looking to 2026, he emphasized that the path forward for cannabis isn’t a straight line, but rather a series of volatile ‘waves’ tied to incremental regulatory milestones. Ahrens anticipates that while the finalization of Schedule III should trigger an initial move, it is merely the first domino; subsequent upside depends on the DoJ providing clear guidance for state-legal adult-use programs and the eventual passage of banking reform.

While he does foresee cannabis stocks uplisting to major exchanges, and Big Pharma companies beginning to make acquisitions in the space, Ahrens remains cautious about timing, noting that even with a signed order, large institutional banks will likely keep the ‘blockade’ in place until the legal ink is truly dry.

Ultimately, while 2025’s executive action has established a concrete foundation for federal reform in the US, the cannabis sector remains poised in a state of high-stakes volatility, with its full maturation dependent on official completion of milestones in 2026 and beyond.

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

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Unico Silver Limited (“USL” or the “Company”) is pleased to report assay results for 31 holes (4,782m) as part of an ongoing drill program at the Company’s 100%-owned Joaquin Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Infill and extensional drilling at La Negra SE confirms broad, shallow zone of oxide silver-gold mineralisation over 850m strike and 175m vertical extent, open to the SE and at depth.
  • New standout drill results (from the SE of La Negra SE) include:

JDD0113-25

107m at 165gpt AgEq (1gpt Au, 70gpt Ag) from 18m, including:

55.6m at 245gpt AgEq (1.7gpt Au, 81gpt Ag) from 67.9m

JDD0118-25

74m at 134gpt AgEq (0.7gpt Au, 67gpt Ag) from 6m

35.6m at 207gpt AgEq (1.3gpt Au, 81gpt Ag) from 38.4m

JDD0108-25

81m at 107gpt AgEq (0.5gpt Au, 60gpt Ag) from 2m

15m at 183gpt AgEq (1.4gpt Au, 49gpt Ag) from 62m

JDD0112-25

46.2m at 117gpt AgEq (0.3gpt Au, 91gpt Ag) from 6.8m

27m at 145gpt AgEq (0.4gpt Au, 106gpt Ag) from 21m

JDD0111-25

58m at 100gpt AgEq (0.6gpt Au, 39gpt Ag) from 89m

7.45m at 1G3gpt AgEq (1.4gpt Au, 55gpt Ag) from 135m

JDD0123-25

56m at 106gpt AgEq (0.4gpt Au, 66gpt Ag) from 5m

10.7m at 1G5gpt AgEq (1.2gpt Au, 79gpt Ag) from 33.3m

  • True thickness ranges from 15 to 75 metres, supporting bulk open pit mining potential.
  • Drilling resumed 5 January 2026 and includes three diamond rigs and one Reverse Circulation (RC) rig. At La Negra SE, infill drilling on a 50m by 25m grid is nearing completion with 8 holes remaining to support a high confidence Indicated Resource.
  • Based on timing and new results, the Company will proceed directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS)-level Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE), covering La Negra, La Negra SE and La Morocha. Infill drilling at La Morocha SE will commence in February and is upside for future resource estimates and mining studies.
  • Regional exploration and soil geochemical sampling SE of La Morocha defines the 650m by 150m “La Rubia” silver anomaly (>2500ppb) confirming the potential for additional shallow discoveries along strike from La Morocha (Figure 3 to 4).

Managing Director Todd Williams states:

“Infill drilling at La Negra SE continues to deliver wide, shallow zones of oxide silver-gold mineralisation with excellent continuity across the full 850-metre strike length. These results confirm the scale and geometry required for conventional open-pit development and support our decision to move directly to a Pre-Feasibility Study Mineral Resource Estimate.

With infill drilling nearing completion, geotechnical and comminution programs already underway, and three key prospects – La Negra, La Negra SE and La Morocha – advancing to Indicated Resource status, Joaquin is rapidly transitioning from exploration to development while remaining open to further growth.”


Click here for the full ASX Release

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The global lithium market weathered a tough 2025, as persistent oversupply and softer-than-expected electric vehicle demand pushed prices for the battery metal to multi-year lows.

Lithium carbonate prices in North Asia fell below US$9,550 per metric ton in February — their weakest level since 2021 — prompting production cuts and project delays, particularly in Australia and China.

While brief rallies later in the year offered momentary relief, the market continued to struggle under the weight of rapid supply growth between 2021 and 2024.

Volatility defined the second half of the year. Prices spiked in July on speculation of supply cuts, briefly lifting carbonate above US$12,000, before retreating as those expectations faded. Policy uncertainty in the US and regulatory signals from China further weighed on sentiment.

Despite the downturn, analysts increasingly view 2026 as a potential turning point. Lithium equities reflected that shift, staging a sharp H2 rebound in 2025 as improving fundamentals and rising spot prices rekindled investor interest — a backdrop that continues to shape the outlook for Canadian lithium stocks.

1. Stria Lithium (TSXV:SRA)

Year-to-date gain: 708.33 percent
Market cap: C$19.11 million
Share price: C$0.48

Stria Lithium is a Canadian exploration company focused on developing domestic lithium resources to support the growing demand for electric vehicles and lithium-ion batteries. The company’s flagship Pontax Central lithium project spans 36 square kilometers in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada.

Cygnus Metals (TSXV:CYG,ASX:CY5,OTCQB:CYGGF) has an earn-in agreement with Stria to earn up to a 70 percent interest in Pontax Central. Cygnus completed the first stage in July 2023, acquiring a 51 percent interest by investing C$4 million in exploration and issuing over 9 million shares to Stria.

In May 2025, Stria and Cygnus agreed to extend the second stage of Cygnus’s earn-in agreement on the Pontax Central lithium project by 24 months. The second stage involves a further C$2 million in exploration spending and C$3 million in a cash payment.

Through its joint venture with Cygnus, Stria has outlined a JORC-compliant maiden inferred resource for Pontax Central of 10.1 million metric tons grading 1.04 percent lithium oxide.

In March, Stria closed a non-brokered private placement for C$650,000. The funds will be used in part for the evaluation of new mineral opportunities, according to the company.

Shares of Stria registered a year-to-date high of C$0.50 on December 30, 2025, coinciding with lithium carbonate prices rising to a near 24 month high.

2. Consolidated Lithium Metals (TSXV:CLM)

Year-to-date gain: 350 percent
Market cap: C$20.51 million
Share price: C$0.045

Consolidated Lithium Metals is focused on acquiring, developing and advancing lithium projects in Québec. Its properties — Vallée, Baillargé, Preissac-LaCorne and Duval — are located within the spodumene-rich La Corne Batholith area, near the restarted North American Lithium mine, a key area in Canada’s growing lithium sector.

Consolidated Lithium started the year with a C$300 million private placement earmarked for working capital and general corporate purposes.

In July, the company commenced a summer exploration program at the Preissac project, excavating a 100 by 30 meter trench in an area with a known lithium soil anomaly, uncovering an 18 meter wide pegmatite body at surface.

At the end of August, Consolidated Lithium signed a non-binding letter of intent with SOQUEM, a subsidiary of Investissement Québec, to acquire an option to earn up to an 80 percent interest in the Kwyjibo rare earths project.

The project is located roughly 125 kilometers northeast of Sept-Îles in Québec’s Côte-Nord region.

Under the deal, which was finalized in November, Consolidated Lithium will become operator of the project and can earn an initial 60 percent stake over five years through a combined C$23.15 million in cash payments, share issuances and project expenditures.

A significant portion of those funds will be invested in advancing Kwyjibo through stages including negotiating and finalizing an agreement with the Innu of Uashat mak Mani-Utenam, a metallurgical study and environmental permitting.

Upon completion, the partners will form a joint venture, and Consolidated will have the option to increase its interest to 80 percent by investing C$22 million over a further three years.

An uptick in lithium prices in October helped Consolidated shares rally to a year-to-date high of C$0.06 several times between October 22 and November 3.

3. Lithium South Development (TSXV:LIS)

Year-to-date gain: 330 percent
Market cap: C$48.76 million
Share price: C$0.43

Canada-based Lithium South Development currently owns 100 percent of the HMN lithium project in Argentina’s Salta and Catamarca provinces, situated in the heart of the lithium-rich Hombre Muerto Salar.

The project lies adjacent to South Korean company POSCO Holdings’ (NYSE:PKX,KRX:005490) billion-dollar lithium development to the east.

Exploration has defined a resource of 1.58 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) at an average grade of 736 milligrams per liter lithium, with the majority in the measured category. A preliminary economic assessment outlines the potential for a 15,600 metric ton per year lithium carbonate operation.

In January 2024, Lithium South and POSCO signed an agreement to jointly develop the HMN lithium project. Under the deal, the companies will share production 50/50 from the Norma Edith and Viamonte blocks in Salta and Catamarca, resolving overlapping claims.

As for 2025, in June Lithium South’s shares tripled to C$0.30 after it received positive news regarding its environmental impact assessment.

Lithium South shared a huge update in July that changed its trajectory; the company received a non-binding cash offer of US$62 million from POSCO to purchase its lithium portfolio, including the HMN project.

POSCO would acquire Lithium South’s wholly owned subsidiary NRG Metals Argentina, which holds the HMN project and all of Lithium South’s other concessions, namely the Sophia I–III and Hydra X–XI claims.

The 60 day due diligence period concluded in late September, and on November 12, Lithium South announced a share purchase agreement to sell its Argentinian lithium portfolio to POSCO Argentina for US$65 million.

Company shares climbed to C$0.44 the next day, while its highest close of the year, C$0.45, came on December 24.

Lithium South officially signed the deal on December 8, with its closing subject to several approvals. Following the transaction’s completion, Lithium South plans to de-list from the TSXV and begin dissolution proceedings.

In connection with the news, the company intends to buy back all common shares at a price of C$0.505.

4. Standard Lithium (TSXV:SLI)

Year-to-date gain: 190 percent
Market cap: C$1.47 billion
Share price: C$6.15

Standard Lithium is a US-focused lithium development company advancing a portfolio of high-grade lithium brine projects with an emphasis on sustainability and commercial-scale production.

The company employs a fully integrated direct lithium extraction process and is developing its flagship Smackover Formation assets in Arkansas and Texas, including the South West Arkansas project. The projects are a partnership with Equinor ASA, under the 55/45 joint venture subsidiary Smackover Lithium.

In April, its South West Arkansas project was one of 10 US critical minerals projects designated for fast tracking under FAST-41.

On September 3, Standard Lithium reported results of its definitive feasibility study (DFS) for the South West Arkansas project. The DFS notes an initial capacity of 22,500 metric tons per year of battery-grade lithium carbonate, with first production targeted for 2028. The study outlines an operating life of over 20 years based on average lithium concentrations of 481 milligrams per liter, supported by detailed resource and reserve modeling. The company filed the DFS on October 14.

In late October, Standard Lithium reported the unanimous approval of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission for the company’s Integration Application for the project’s Reynolds brine unit, which is where the initial commercial phase of production is planned.

Standard is also actively exploring additional lithium brine opportunities in East Texas through the joint venture, and in November, Smackover Lithium filed the maiden inferred resource report for the Franklin project. The report highlights 2.16 million metric tons of LCE, 15.41 million metric tons of potash and 2.64 million metric tons of bromide contained in 0.61 square kilometers of brine volume.

The resource stands at an average lithium grade of 668 milligrams per liter, including a grade of 806 milligrams per liter at the Pine Forest 1 well, which the company states is North American’s highest concentration of lithium-in-brine.

The project covers roughly 80,000 acres, with 46,000 acres leased, and is poised to become the first phase in a broader East Texas expansion. Smackover Lithium ultimately aims to produce over 100,000 metric tons of lithium chemicals annually from its Texas operations.

On October 20, Standard closed a US$130 million underwritten public offering for 29,885,057 common shares, which will fund capital expenditures at the South West Arkansas project and the Franklin project.

Standard and Equinor ended the year advancing project financing for its South West Arkansas project, targeting up to US$1.1 billion in senior secured debt. The company has received over US$1 billion in combined interest from major export credit agencies, including the US EXIM Bank and Norway’s Eksfin.

The potential funds, alongside a US$225 million grant from the US Department of Energy, would support Phase 1 construction, which has an estimated US$1.45 billion in capital expenditures, FEED and feasibility study costs, and typical financing contingencies.

After climbing steeply starting in late September, the company’s shares hit a year-to-date high of C$7.64 on October 16.

5. Q2 Metals (TSXV:QTWO)

Year-to-date gain: 144.87 percent
Market cap: C$363.79 million
Share price: C$1.97

Exploration firm Q2 Metals is exploring three lithium properties — Cisco, Mia and Stellar — in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Québec, Canada. Contained within the portfolio is the Mia trend, which spans over 10 kilometers, while the Stellar lithium property comprises 77 claims and located 6 kilometers north of the Mia property.

In 2024, Q2 Metals acquired Cisco lithium property and spent the rest of the year exploring the area. The work led to Q2 acquiring a 100 percent interest in 545 additional mineral claims, tripling its land position at the Cisco lithium property.

A subsequent company update reported that metallurgical testing on drill core from its 2024 exploration work confirmed that spodumene is the primary lithium-bearing mineral within pegmatite at the project.

The company performed multiple drill campaigns in 2025, including a winter diamond drilling program. Over the course of the year, Q2 defined an exploration target and reported a series of positive results from test work and drilling at the project.

The most recent announcement, released December 3, singled out results from drill hole 44 as the ‘widest continuous spodumene pegmatite interval’ identified at the property. The hole intersected 457.4 meters of continuous mineralization with an average grade of 1.65 percent lithium oxide.

‘Drill hole 44 further showcases the Cisco project as a globally significant hard rock lithium discovery. The results to date will underpin the inaugural Mineral Resource Estimate, which we expect to announce in the first quarter of 2026, as we continue to advance Cisco,’ wrote Alicia Milne, president and CEO of Q2 Metals.

The company’s share price began climbing in late October following the news that it added Keith Phillips, CEO of Piedmont Lithium from 2017 to 2025, to its board of directors.

Propelled by the board addition and the drilling results results, shares of Q2 Metals ended 2025 on a high note, registering a year-to-date high of C$1.95 on December 30.

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

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