Brightstar Resources (BTR:AU) has announced Lord Byron RC Drilling Results and Mineral Resource Upgrade
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We also break down next week’s catalysts to watch to help you prepare for the week ahead.
In this article:
This week’s tech sector performance
Tech markets spent the first full week of 2026 responding to headlines out of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) announcements helped drive Nasdaq Composite (INDEXNASDAQ:.IXIC) momentum. This enthusiasm pushed the index to a fresh record midweek before a bout of profit taking and renewed concerns weighed on sentiment heading into Friday (January 9).
The Nasdaq finished the week up 0.95 percent from Monday’s (January 5) open, powered by gains in memory and storage names like Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU) and Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) after upbeat commentary on next-generation data infrastructure. However, the rally faded as investors rotated into defensive stocks after US President Donald Trump proposed a US$1.5 trillion “Dream Military” budget.
Labor market indicators for the week suggest a continued, gradual cooling in the American job market, supporting the case for future US Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.
North of the border, Canada’s S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) retreated after briefly hitting a record, mirroring the US market’s rotation in the second half of the week, weighed down by Venezuela oil fears.
3 tech stocks moving markets this week
1. Micron Technology (NASDAQ:MU)
Shares of Micron Technology rose 0.12 percent on Monday after the company provided an investor update confirming strong demand for its high-bandwidth memory, critical for AI GPUs, through 2026.
Comments on storage shortages at CES amplified gains on Tuesday, driving an 8.25 percent advance for Micron that day alongside additional memory stocks. The company saw a 6.14 percent weekly gain.
2. Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT)
Lockheed Martin jumped by as much as 2.06 percent on Thursday (January 8) after Trump’s Truth Social post prompted an investor rotation to defensive tech stocks.
3. SanDisk (NASDAQ:SNDK)
Sandisk, a company focused on NAND flash, SSDs and memory cards for consumer and AI data center use, jumped as much as 27.57 percent on Tuesday as comments at CES from NVIDIA (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Samsung Electronics (KRX:005930,OTCPL:SSNLF) executives reignited concerns of forthcoming price increases for NAND flash memory.
SanDisk, Lockheed Martin and Micron Technology performance, January 5 to 9, 2026.
Chart via Google Finance.
Top tech news of the week
- Huang also announced that NVIDIA’s new AI server racks will not require outside cooling, a revelation that caused the stocks of cooling equipment suppliers, such as Modine Manufacturing (NYSE:MOD) and Johnson Controls International (NYSE:JCI), to fall.
Tech ETF performance
Tech exchange-traded funds (ETFs) track baskets of major tech stocks, meaning their performance helps investors gauge the overall performance of the niches they cover.
This week, the iShares Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXX) advanced by 2.47 percent, while the Invesco PHLX Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SOXQ) saw a gain of 1.45 percent.
The VanEck Semiconductor ETF (NASDAQ:SMH) also increased by 1.98 percent.
Tech news to watch next week
Next week will bring bank earnings, starting with JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) on January 12, and Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) on January 15. January 15 will also bring the latest quarterly results from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:TSM).
US producer price index data will hit on January 14, testing Fed interest rate cut bets, while Micron is set to break ground on its US$100 billion New York mega-fab on January 16.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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The gold price started off the new year on a strong note, approaching the US$4,500 per ounce level midway through the week and breaking through it on Friday (January 9).
As is often the case, silver put on a bumpier performance, trading within about a US$10 range. It recorded lows under US$73 per ounce and highs above US$82.
Beyond day-to-day price moves, there’s a lot of focus right now on how gold and silver will perform in 2026, and I want to spend some time looking at what experts see coming.
When it comes to gold I’m now seeing US$5,000 mentioned frequently, with multiple market watchers calling for it to reach that level as soon as the first quarter.
The consensus is that all of gold’s drivers either remain in place or are intensifying, including strong central bank buying, geopolitical tensions and easy money policies.
Here’s Alain Corbani of Montbleu Finance explaining why US$5,000 gold makes sense:
‘Between the end of the quantitative tightening and the end of the quantitative easing, usually gold doubles or triples, which means that in a perfect world, gold could go … from US$4,000 to US$6,000 — this is basically the bull figure. So that’s why, when we say US$5,000, that’s only 10 percent more than what we are trading at today.’
Silver is trickier to predict. The white metal is known for being volatile, and its strong end-of-2025 performance means that some experts’ 2026 price calls were reached before last year even ended.
So where does silver stand as the year begins?
I heard this week from David Morgan of the Morgan Report, who didn’t give a specific forecast, but said he believes silver is currently in ‘price discovery’ mode:
‘I’ve stated that we’re still in the price discovery mode — I truly believe that. What the true price of silver is in US dollars, Canadian dollars, I do not know. I think it’s north of $100 in US dollar terms, but it could be much higher than that.
I also spoke about silver with Doug Casey of InternationalMan.com. He said US$100 or even US$200 silver is possible, but for him the metal itself isn’t a speculative tool:
‘Is silver at a new high where it’s going to stay there? Yeah, very possibly — not a prediction. But I’m not selling my silver. I mean, why should I sell it? I’m holding it as an asset, not as a speculative device. So is it going to US$100 or US$200? It’s possible. I don’t really care, because … I don’t use either my silver or my gold as speculative vehicles. That’s not what they’re about to me.’
Andy Schectman of Miles Franklin made a similar statement, saying that while he’s certainly bullish on silver, 2025 showed how unpredictable it can be:
‘Rather than pick a price, I say we live in a world of probabilities. The probability that we see silver well north of US$100 to me is rather strong. Could it be as high as US$200 or higher? Sure. But to say that would be a guess, and an optimistic guess.
‘But look, if I would have told you last year that we would see silver at US$80, you’d say, ‘You know, well, that’s a pretty big statement, Andy.’ Yeah, sure it is. A 150 percent gain in a year is pretty big. So rather than continue with that, I would just simply say: higher than most people would actually probably think possible.’
Bullet briefing — Rio Tinto, Glencore reopen M&A talks
Commodities giants Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) say they have restarted talks about potentially combining forces.
The two major miners spoke previously back in 2024, but failed to reach an agreement. This time around, they say their preliminary discussions are centered on merging some or all of their businesses, and could include the acquisition of Glencore by Rio Tinto.
The news was first reported by the Financial Times, with both companies confirming the story in press releases shortly thereafter. According to the news outlet, the combination would create a massive mining company with an enterprise value of over US$260 billion.
Both companies have said there’s no guarantee that any transaction will go through. However, it’s worth noting that Rio Tinto has changed leadership since the 2024 talks ended, with Simon Trott now at the helm. For its part, Glencore has reorganized its coal assets.
The Thursday (January 8) Financial Times piece also notes that Gary Nagle, chief executive at Glencore, spoke last month about the importance of size in the mining industry, saying that bigger companies are better able to create synergies, as well as attract talent and capital.
Regulations require Rio Tinto to announce its intentions either way by February 5 of this year.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Statistics Canada released December jobs figures on Friday (January 9). The data shows that 8,200 new jobs were added during the month, while the unemployment rate rose to 6.8 percent, up 0.3 percentage points from November.
The agency attributes the gain to more Canadians actively seeking work. Analysts had expected a decrease of 5,000 jobs and a smaller increase in the unemployment rate to 6.6 percent.
Among the highlights of the report was an improvement in the type of labor, as part-time jobs fell by 42,000, while full-time jobs rose by 50,000. The gains bring the total number of jobs added to the Canadian economy since September to 181,000, ending the year with strong momentum after little growth earlier in 2025.
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics also released jobs data, indicating that the US economy added 50,000 jobs in December, with an unemployment rate of 4.4 percent, down 0.1 percentage points from November.
Excluding 2020 at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 584,000 jobs added in 2025 mark the worst performance for the US jobs market since 2009 at the height of the global financial crisis.
On Wednesday (January 7), US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that Venezuela would be turning over up to 50 million barrels of oil to the US, worth approximately US$2.8 billion, and it would be sold at market price.
Trump wrote that he will control the money made from the sales “to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.” The announcement comes days after US forces executed an operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and return him to the US to stand trial for drug trafficking and weapons charges.
Trump also stated that the US will be overseeing the governance of the South American nation, while eyeing a return for US oil companies, giving the US control of one of the world’s largest oil reserves indefinitely.
The actions brought widespread criticism from US allies and foes alike, as the US violated international and domestic laws by working outside traditional mechanisms to carry out the operation, which included bombing strikes on strategic military targets in the country. Due in part to concerns of competition from rising Venezuelan oil production, some Canadian oil stocks fell by as much as 7 percent on Monday (January 5).
In mining news, Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO) and Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTCPL:GLCNF) restarted merger discussions this week. The companies previously discussed creating a combined entity in 2024, but talks stalled.
For more on what’s moving markets this week, check out our top market news round-up.
Markets and commodities react
Canadian equity markets were on the rise this week.
The S&P/TSX Composite Index (INDEXTSI:OSPTX) gained 2.51 percent over the week and set a new record to close Friday at 32,612.93; the S&P/TSX Venture Composite Index (INDEXTSI:JX) fared a little better, rising 4.91 percent to 1,052.18. The CSE Composite Index (CSE:CSECOMP) also gained ground, rising 5.17 percent to close at 182.45.
The gold price was trading near all-time highs this week following the US incursion into Venezuela. It gained 4.36 percent on the week to reach US$4,506.84 per ounce by Friday at 4:00 p.m. EST. The silver price did even better, trading near an all time high at US$82.54 per ounce on Tuesday (January 6). Although the price pulled back on Wednesday and Thursday (January 8), it rebounded on Friday to end the week up 10.17 percent at US$79.75.
In base metals, the Comex copper price climbed to its own record high, reaching US$6.12 per pound on Monday, before pulling back to end the week down 0.67 percent at US$5.91.
The S&P Goldman Sachs Commodities Index (INDEXSP:SPGSCI) rose 2.06 percent to end Friday at 559.83.
Top Canadian mining stocks this week
How did mining stocks perform against this backdrop?
Take a look at this week’s five best-performing Canadian mining stocks below.
Stocks data for this article was retrieved at 4:00 p.m. EST on Friday using TradingView’s stock screener. Only companies trading on the TSX, TSXV and CSE with market caps greater than C$10 million are included. Mineral companies within the non-energy minerals, energy minerals, process industry and producer manufacturing sectors were considered.
1. Gold Reserve (TSXV:GRZ)
Weekly gain: 131.78 percent
Market cap: C$662.66 million
Share price: C$5.47
Gold Reserve is an exploration company that holds a minority share in the Siembra Minera gold and copper project in Venezuela. It is currently in a dispute with the Venezuelan government, which holds a majority stake in the project, claiming that it has deprived Gold Reserve of its rights to the multi-billion dollar mining project.
In 2014, the government was ordered to pay over US$700 million to Gold Reserve, but, in a show of good faith, the company agreed to enter into settlement negotiations, ultimately agreeing in 2016 to pay the arbitration award in installments. However, according to Gold Reserve, the government failed to make payments and, by 2021, had shifted to sabotaging negotiations, entering into new deals over the property with rivals, and imprisoning the company’s chief legal and commercial representative. The company states the imprisonment intimidated potential court representatives for the company, and the Supreme Court of Venezuela dismissed Gold Reserve’s appeal for “lack of representation.”
More recently, Gold Reserve has pursued legal action in Delaware regarding the forced sale of assets owned by Venezuela’s state-owned oil producer, PDVSA, and CITGO. In its most recent update on the Delaware case Friday, Gold Reserve said that it filed its opening appeal brief with the US Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit in connection with the proposed sale of the oil companies’ assets. Although Gold Reserve was the highest bidder, the District Court approved the sale to Elliott Investment Management and affiliate Amber Energy. Gold Reserve asserts that the order approving the sale violated Delaware requirements that attached shares be sold to the highest bidder.
The company believes there are enough concerns to vacate the sale order. It also added that it is reviewing security plans and taking proactive steps to support an eventual safe return to its operations in Venezuela.
Shares surged this week following the capture of Venezuela’s Maduro by US forces on January 3.
2. Peloton Minerals (CSE:PMC)
Weekly gain: 92.86 percent
Market cap: C$42.06 million
Share price: C$0.27
Peleton Minerals is an exploration company focused on its flagship North Elko lithium project in Nevada, US.
The property consists of 442 mineral claims covering 37 square kilometers, west of a major discovery made by Surge Battery Metals (TSXV:NILI,OTCQX:NILIF) in 2023. In 2024 and 2025, Peloton carried out several exploration programs at the site, including airborne hyperspectral imaging, a soil geochemistry survey and geological mapping.
In November 2025, the company commenced a maiden drill program at the site, saying it planned to target lithium-bearing claystone layers with potential for other critical minerals.
The program consisted of four holes, each drilled to a depth of approximately 500 feet. Peloton announced on December 10 that the program was complete and confirmed near-surface clay layers. The company had submitted samples for multi-element analysis, with results not expected until the end of January 2026.
Shares in the company gained this week, but it has not released news since December 31, when it reported the closing of the third and final tranche of its non-brokered private placement. The three fundraising rounds raised C$1.17 million in total and proceeds will fund lithium exploration in Northern Nevada and working capital.
3. Decade Resources (TSXV:DEC)
Weekly gain: 77.78 percent
Market cap: C$13.84 million
Share price: C$0.08
Decade Resources is focused on advancing a portfolio of properties in the Golden Triangle region of BC, Canada.
Among its interests is a 55 percent stake in the Del Norte property located near Stewart, BC. The company acquired its share in the property from Teuton Resources (TSXV:TUO,OTCQB:TEUTF) via a January 2020 option deal.
Since that time, the company has executed the required C$4 million in exploration expenditures at Del Norte, and is now looking toward earning an additional 20 percent stake by bringing the property to commercial production.
Drilling at the site in 2024 led to the discovery of a new zone with assays of 6.59 grams per metric ton (g/t) gold and 946 g/t silver over 1 meter, located below the Kosciuszko zone.
The most recent update came on Tuesday, when Decade provided an overview of the property and laid out its exploration plans for 2026. The work would focus on several areas, including one 800 meters southwest of the Eagle’s Nest zone where a historic float sample returned values of 4,232.2 g/t silver and 13.59 g/t gold in 1994. Targets also include the 2024 discovery, and along strike from the Kosciuszko and Eagle’s Nest zones.
4. SouthGobi Resources (TSX:SGQ)
Weekly gain: 68.89 percent
Market cap: C$99.39 million
Share price: C$0.38
SouthGobi is a coal mining company with assets located in Southern Mongolia near the border with China.
Its flagship operation is the Ovoot Tolgoi coal mine, which consists of the Sunrise and Sunset pits and has been producing since 2008. SouthGobi holds permits to mine until 2037. The company also owns two additional properties in the region. The Soumber deposit is located 20 kilometers east of the Ovoot Tolgoi mine, meaning that any potential mining of Soumber could share Ovoot Tolgoi’s infrastructure. Its last property is the Zag Suuj deposit, located 150 kilometers east of Ovoot Tolgoi and 80 kilometers from the Mongolia-China Border.
The company has not released any news this past week.
5. Regency Silver (TSXV:RSMX)
Weekly gain: 65.38 percent
Market cap: C$19.16 million
Share price: C$0.215
Regency Silver is an exploration company focused on its Dios Padre precious metals and copper property in Sonora, Mexico. The site comprises three concessions covering a total area of 728 hectares and was acquired through a 2017 earn-in agreement with Minera Pena Blanca. It hosts the historic Dios Padre silver mine.
A March 2023 technical report outlines an inferred resource of 1.38 million metric tons of ore containing 10.15 million ounces of silver with an average grade of 228 g/t, plus 14,294 ounces of gold with an average grade of 0.32 g/t.
The most recent update from the project came on Thursday, when Regency announced a 225 meter step-out extension from the previous drilling. The company said it encountered sulfide-specularite supported breccia across a broad, non-continuous interval of 240 meters. While it has not received analytical results, it compared the breccia to that found in multiple other holes at the site, including one in which a 35.8 meter intersection returned grades of 6.84 g/t gold, 0.88 percent copper and 21.82 g/t silver. The news coincides with near-record-high gold and silver prices.
FAQs for Canadian mining stocks
What is the difference between the TSX and TSXV?
The TSX, or Toronto Stock Exchange, is used by senior companies with larger market caps, and the TSXV, or TSX Venture Exchange, is used by smaller-cap companies. Companies listed on the TSXV can graduate to the senior exchange.
How many mining companies are listed on the TSX and TSXV?
As of May 2025, there were 1,565 companies listed on the TSXV, 910 of which were mining companies. Comparatively, the TSX was home to 1,899 companies, with 181 of those being mining companies.
Together, the TSX and TSXV host around 40 percent of the world’s public mining companies.
How much does it cost to list on the TSXV?
There are a variety of different fees that companies must pay to list on the TSXV, and according to the exchange, they can vary based on the transaction’s nature and complexity. The listing fee alone will most likely cost between C$10,000 to C$70,000. Accounting and auditing fees could rack up between C$25,000 and C$100,000, while legal fees are expected to be over C$75,000 and an underwriters’ commission may hit up to 12 percent.
The exchange lists a handful of other fees and expenses companies can expect, including but not limited to security commission and transfer agency fees, investor relations costs and director and officer liability insurance.
These are all just for the initial listing, of course. There are ongoing expenses once companies are trading, such as sustaining fees and additional listing fees, plus the costs associated with filing regular reports.
How do you trade on the TSXV?
Investors can trade on the TSXV the way they would trade stocks on any exchange. This means they can use a stock broker or an individual investment account to buy and sell shares of TSXV-listed companies during the exchange’s trading hours.
Top 5 Canadian Mining Stocks This Week: St. Augustine Rises 67 Percent on Private Placement
Article by Dean Belder; FAQs by Lauren Kelly.
Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
Securities Disclosure: I, Lauren Kelly, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
This post appeared first on investingnews.com
(TheNewswire)
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VANCOUVER, January 9, 2026 TheNewswire – Providence Gold Mines Inc. (TSX-V: PHD) (‘Providence’ or the ‘Company’) The Company wishes that all our shareholders have had a wonderful Holiday Season and prosperity for the New Year.
With the holiday season ending, the Company is pleased to announce that during the holidays significant road work was completed to repair the La Dama de Oro property access road. The damage occurred during the recent flooding reported in southern California.
In addition to the financing announcement reported on December 11,2025, the Company, subject to regulatory approval, announces an increase of the Private Placement to $150,000 and a 30-day extension.
Use of proceeds:
Proceeds from the private placement will be used for general administration and for sampling activities to assess mineralization potential at the La Dama de Oro project. The Company intends to proceed immediately with work related to the permitted 1,000-ton bulk sample.
Private Placement
The Private Placement is for of up to 3,000,000 units at a price of $0.05 per unit, for gross proceeds of up to $150,000. Each unit will consist of:
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one common share; and
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one full, non-transferable warrant exercisable at $0.05 for a period of two years from the date of issue.
For more information, please contact Ronald Coombes, President, and CEO of the Company.
Ronald A. Coombes, President & CEO
Phone: 604 724 2369
roombesresources@gmail.com.com
CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION
Neither the OTCQB and or the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
All statements, trend analysis and other information contained in this press release relative to markets about anticipated future events or results constitute forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, including, without limitation, statements relating to the permitting process, future production of Providence Gold Mines, budget and timing estimates, the Company’s working capital and financing opportunities and statements regarding the exploration and mineralization potential of the Company’s properties, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to business and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results of operations to differ materially from those contained in the forward- looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Providence Gold Mines expectations include fluctuations in commodity prices and currency exchange rates; uncertainties relating to interpretation of drill results and the geology, continuity and grade of mineral deposits; the need for cooperation of government agencies and native groups in the exploration and development of properties and the issuance of required permits; the need to obtain additional financing to develop properties and uncertainty as to the availability and terms of future financing; the possibility of delay in exploration or development programs and uncertainty of meeting anticipated program milestones; and uncertainty as to timely availability of permits and other governmental approvals. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and opinions of management at the date the statements are made. Providence Gold Mines does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable securities laws. Investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statement
Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.
News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia
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Sentiment for lithium prices and lithium stocks turned bullish in late 2025 as global demand surged, suggesting that a market surplus could tighten into a deficit sooner than previously expected.
Prices, which had soared through late 2022, faced volatility but rebounded in H2 on robust demand growth, inventory drawdowns and regulatory tightening.
Notably, Contemporary Amperex Technology (CATL) (SZSE:300750,HKEX:3750) halted operations at a major Chinese lithium mine, while Beijing introduced measures to prevent sales at unsustainably low prices.
The growing recognition of lithium as a critical mineral, alongside Western concerns over China’s dominance in supply chains, has strengthened the market outside of China, supporting prices and investment sentiment.
According to Benchmark Mineral Intelligence, global lithium demand in 2025 is projected to reach roughly 285,000 metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), up from 220,000 metric tons in 2024, driven largely by electric vehicle adoption and the rapid growth of battery energy storage systems.
Analysts anticipate continued price support as higher-cost producers exit, while demand from EVs, grid storage, and the energy transition catches up with supply constraints.
Against this backdrop, some lithium stocks are seeing share price gains. Below is a look at the lithium stocks in Canada, the US and Australia that performed the best in 2025, including updates on their news and activities.
This list of the top-gaining lithium companies is based on year-to-date as per TradingView’s stock screener. Data for all Canadian stocks, US and Australian stocks was gathered on December 30, 2025. Lithium stocks with market caps above $10 million in their respective currencies were considered.
Top 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.
Top US lithium stocks
1. Lithium Argentina (NYSE:LAR)
Year-to-date gain: 106.39 percent
Market cap: US$891.03 million
Share price: US$5.49
Lithium Argentina produces lithium carbonate from its Caucharí-Olaroz brine project in Argentina, developed with Ganfeng Lithium (OTC Pink:GNENF,HKEX:1772). The company was spun out from Lithium Americas in October 2023 and changed its name from Lithium Americas (Argentina) in January 2025.
In mid-April, Lithium Argentina executed a letter of intent with Ganfeng Lithium to jointly advance development across the Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes basins.
In August, Lithium Argentina agreed to form a new joint venture with Ganfeng Lithium that will combine the companies’ projects in the Pozuelos and Pastos Grandes basins of Salta, Argentina.
The joint venture will bring together Ganfeng’s wholly owned Pozuelos-Pastos Grandes (PPG) project and Lithium America’s Pastos Grandes and Sal de la Puna projects, in which Ganfeng currently holds a 15 percent and 35 percent stake respectively.
Once completed, Ganfeng will hold a 67 percent stake in the consolidated PPG project, and Lithium Argentina will hold a 33 percent interest.
In Q4, Lithium Argentina released a positive scoping study for the PPG project, confirming its scale and strong economics. The consolidated project hosts a measured and indicated resource of 15.1 million metric tons of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) and is designed for staged production of up to 150,000 metric tons per year over a 30 year mine life.
In the same announcement, the company confirmed receipt of an environmental approval for Stage 1 from the Secretariat of Mining and Energy of the Province of Salta.
Lithium Argentina released its Q3 results in November, noting approximately 8,300 metric tons of lithium carbonate production at its Caucharí-Olaroz operation during the quarter, with 24,000 metric tons produced between January and September.
Company shares rose to a year-to-date high of US$5.58 on December 31, in line with rising lithium carbonate prices.
2. Sociedad Química y Minera (NYSE:SQM)
Year-to-date gain: 87.39 percent
Market cap: US$19.66 billion
Share price: US$68.98
SQM is a major global lithium producer, with operations centered in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. The company extracts lithium from brine and produces lithium carbonate and hydroxide for use in batteries.
SQM is expanding production and holds interests in projects in Australia and China, including a 50/50 joint venture for the Mt Holland lithium operation in Western Australia. In July, the company produced its first battery-grade lithium hydroxide production at its Kwinana refinery in the state.
In late April, Chile’s competition watchdog approved the partnership agreement between SQM and state-owned copper giant Codelco aimed at boosting output at the Atacama salt flat. The deal, first announced in 2024, reached another milestone when it secured approval for an additional lithium quota from Chile’s nuclear energy regulator CChEN.
SQM ended the year finalizing the agreement. The partnership was formalized through SQM’s subsidiary SQM Salar absorbing Codelco’s Minera Tarar and being renamed Nova Andino Litio.
SQM reported a net income of US$404.4 million for the first nine months of 2025, rebounding from a US$524.5 million loss in the same period of 2024. Revenue totaled US$3.25 billion, down 5.9 percent year-over-year, while gross profit reached US$904.1 million.
The company’s third-quarter performance highlighted the turnaround, as SQM achieved record lithium sales volumes. It reported net income of US$178.4 million, up 36 percent from Q3 2024, and revenue of US$1.17 billion, up 8.9 percent. Gross profit for the quarter climbed 23 percent to US$345.8 million.
SQM attributed the rebound to higher realized lithium prices and improved operational efficiency, signaling a strong recovery trajectory for the remainder of 2025.
Shares of SQM reached a year-to-date high of US$71.63 on December 26.
3. Albemarle (NYSE:ALB)
Year-to-date gain: 64.29 percent
Market cap: US$16.71 billion
Share price: US$142.01
North Carolina-based Albemarle is dividing into two primary business units, one of which — the Albemarle Energy Storage unit — is focused wholly on the lithium-ion battery and energy transition markets. It includes the firm’s lithium carbonate, hydroxide and metal production.
Albemarle has a broad portfolio of lithium mines and facilities, with extraction in Chile, Australia and the US. Looking first at Chile, Albemarle produces lithium carbonate at its La Negra lithium conversion plants, which process brine from the Salar de Atacama, the country’s largest salt flat. Albemarle is aiming to implement direct lithium extraction technology at the salt flat to reduce water usage.
Albemarle’s Australian assets Wodgina hard-rock lithium mine in Western Australia, which is owned and operated by the 50/50 MARBL joint venture with Mineral Resources (ASX:MIN,OTC Pink:MALRF). Albemarle wholly owns the on-site Kemerton lithium hydroxide facility. The company’s other Australian joint venture is the Greenbushes hard-rock mine, in which it holds a 49 percent interest.
In late October, Albemarle signed an agreement to sell its 51 percent stake in its refining catalyst business, Ketjen, leaving it with 49 percent ownership, part of a broader portfolio reshaping that also includes the sale of Ketjen’s 50 percent stake in the Eurecat joint venture to partner Axens.
The combined deals are expected to generate approximately US$660 million in pre-tax cash proceeds and strengthen Albemarle’s financial flexibility. Both transactions are anticipated to close in the first half of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals.
In November, Albemarle reported third‑quarter results that reflected improved operations amid continued lithium market headwinds. The company logged net sales of roughly US$1.31 billion, a slight year‑over‑year decline driven by lower energy storage pricing.
Albemarle generated US$356 million in quarterly cash from operations, noting the company remained on track to reduce full‑year capital expenditures to around US$600 million while targeting positive free cash flow of US$300 million to US$400 million in 2025.
Shares of Albemarle marked a year-to-date high of US$150.01 on December 26, amid strengthening lithium prices.
Top Australian lithium stocks
1. Argosy Minerals (ASX:AGY)
Year-to-date gain: 310.71 percent
Market cap: AU$169.78 million
Share price: AU$0.115
Argosy Minerals is currently focused on advancing its Rincon lithium project in Salta Province, Argentina. The company also owns the Tonopah lithium project located in Nevada, US.
The Rincon project spans 2,794 hectares within the Lithium Triangle. Argosy currently holds a 77.5 percent interest in Rincon, with plans to increase to 90 percent through its earn-in agreement.
It entered production of battery-grade lithium carbonate in 2024 at Rincon’s 2,000 tonne per year demonstration facility, but has since suspended operations due to the low lithium price environment. The company continues to advance feasibility for its 12,000 tonne per year expansion.
The project currently holds a JORC total mineral resource estimate of 731,801 tonnes of lithium carbonate.
On June 27, the company announced a lithium carbonate spot sales contract with a Hong Kong-based chemical company for 60 tonnes of 99.5 percent lithium carbonate.
A few weeks later, Argosy announced that detailed engineering and feasibility works were underway to develop a 7 kilometre electric transmission line able to supply up to 40 megawatts of energy to Rincon.
In late October, Argosy released its Q3 results highlighting advanced development of its Rincon lithium project. The period saw progression in engineering and feasibility work towards its 12,000-tonne-per-year operation at Rincon being construction-ready.
During the 90 day session, the company also completed a AU$2 million placement to strengthen its balance sheet.
Argosy ended the period with cash reserves of about AU$4.6 million as of September 30, and said its development strategy continues to be supported by forecasted growth in global lithium demand.
In mid-November, Argosy signed another spot sales agreement, this time with China’s Chengdu Chemphys Chemical Industry for the sale of 16.1 tonnes of lithium carbonate produced at Rincon.
Shares of Argosy reached a 2025 high AU$0.125 on December 23, as lithium prices continued to trend higher.
2. European Lithium (ASX:EUR)
Year-to-date gain: 269.05 percent
Market cap: AU$274.7 million
Share price: AU$0.155
European Lithium is an Australia-based lithium exploration and development company. The company also holds several earlier-stage lithium exploration projects across Austria and a 100 percent interest in the Leinster lithium project in Ireland. European Lithium is also pursuing 20 year special permits for the extraction and production of lithium at the Shevchenkivske project and Dobra project in Ukraine.
In addition, European Lithium owns a significant equity stake in Critical Metals (NASDAQ:CRML), which it spun out in 2024 to operate the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria.
Wolfsberg benefits from established road and rail infrastructure and is supported by a mining license and a broad package of exploration permits. Critical Metals has since acquired a stake in the Tanbreez rare earth project in Greenland, giving European Lithium exposure to both lithium and rare earth development in Europe.
The company sold portions of its holding in Critical Metals during 2025 to raise funds as Critical Metals’ share price rose.
In July, European Lithium raised a combined AU$5.2 million through the sale of 1 million shares, and in early October it raised a further AU$31.75 million by selling 3 million shares to a US institutional investor.
Shares of European Lithium rose to a year-to-date high of AU$0.465 on October 14. The rally coincided with European Lithium’s sale of 3.85 million Critical Metals shares in an off-market placement to a single US institutional investor at US$13 per share, raising about AU$76 million in net proceeds. Days later, it sold another 3.03 million for AU$76 million.
Following the last sale in October, the company still held 53 million shares of Critical Metals.
At the end of October, the company reported an active third quarter marked by portfolio funding, exploration progress and project development. Exploration advanced at European Lithium’s Irish lithium assets, and planning work was completed on the energy supply corridor for the Wolfsberg lithium project in Austria.
3. Global Lithium (ASX:GL1)
Year-to-date gain: 244.44 percent
Market cap: AU$167.51 million
Share price: AU$0.62
Global Lithium Resources is a lithium exploration company with multiple assets in Western Australia, including the 100 percent owned Manna lithium project in the Goldfields region and the Marble Bar lithium project in the Pilbara region.
Together, these projects host a combined indicated and inferred mineral resource of 69.6 million tonnes of ore at a grade of 1.0 percent lithium oxide, with Manna alone holding 19.4 million tonnes at 0.91 percent Li2O in ore reserves.
In an effort to focus on its core lithium projects, Global Lithium launched an initial public offering to spin out its Marble Bar gold assets into a separate company, MB Gold, in October. Global Lithium will retain the rights to the lithium tenements at Marble Bar.
The same month, Global Lithium released its Q3 results, highlighting advanced permitting and development work across its Western Australian portfolio.
Additionally, the company secured a Native Title Mining Agreement with the Kakarra Part B group and was granted a mining lease for its flagship Manna lithium project, while continuing definitive feasibility study (DFS) work aimed at improving project economics.
At Marble Bar, drilling results were released from a co-funded exploration program. Corporate activity included the sale of its investment in Kairos Minerals (ASX: KAI,OTC Pink:KAIFF) leaving Global Lithium with a cash position of AU$21 million at quarter end.
The DFS for the Manna project was completed in December, which Global Lithium said confirmed it as a long-life, economically robust development. The DFS outlines a post-tax net present value of AU$472 million and an internal rate of return of 25.7 percent, supported by competitive costs, a 14 year mine life and recently secured permitting milestones, positioning the project for a future investment decision.
Global Lithium ended the year by signing a non-binding memorandum of understanding with the Southern Ports Authority to assess export options for spodumene concentrate from the Manna lithium project. The agreement focuses on the potential shipment of up to 240,000 tonnes per year through the Port of Esperance.
Global Lithium shares reached a 2025 high of AU$0.69 on December 28.
FAQs for investing in lithium
How much lithium is on Earth?
While we don’t know how much total lithium is on Earth, the US Geological Survey estimates that global reserves of lithium stand at 22 billion metric tons. Of that, 9.2 billion MT are located in Chile, and 5.7 billion MT are in Australia.
Where is lithium mined?
Lithium is mined throughout the world, but the two countries that produce the most are Australia and Chile. Australia’s lithium comes from primarily hard-rock deposits, while Chile’s comes from lithium brines. Chile is part of the Lithium Triangle alongside Argentina and Bolivia, although those two countries have a lower annual output.
Rounding out the top five lithium-producing countries behind Australia and Chile are China, Argentina and Brazil.
What is lithium used for?
Lithium has many uses, including the lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles, smartphones and other tech, as well as pharmaceuticals, ceramics, grease, lubricants and heat-resistant glass. Still, it is largely the electric vehicle industry that is boosting demand.
How to invest in lithium?
Those looking to get into the lithium market have many options when it comes to how to invest in lithium.
Lithium stocks like those mentioned above could be a good option for investors interested in the space. If you’re looking to diversify instead of focusing on one stock, there is the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:LIT), an exchange-traded fund (ETF) focused on the metal. Experienced investors can also look at lithium futures.
Unlike many commodities, investors cannot physically hold lithium due to its dangerous properties.
How to buy lithium stocks?
Through the use of a broker or an investing service such as an app, investors can purchase lithium stocks and ETFs that match their investing outlook.
Before buying a lithium stock, potential investors should take time to research the companies they’re considering; they should also decide how many shares will be purchased, and what price they are willing to pay. With many options on the market, it’s critical to complete due diligence before making any investment decisions.
It’s also important for investors to keep their goals in mind when choosing their investing method. There are many factors to consider when choosing a broker, as well as when looking at investing apps — a few of these include the broker or app’s reputation, their fee structure and investment style.
Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Japan will begin testing deep-sea mining for rare earth elements this month, moving into uncharted territory as supply security concerns intensify amid China’s tightening grip on critical minerals.
The government-backed trial, scheduled to run from January 11 to February 14, will take place in waters around Minamitori Island, roughly 1,900 kilometers southeast of Tokyo.
The test is designed to evaluate equipment capable of retrieving up to 350 metric tons of sediment per day while simultaneously monitoring environmental impacts both on the seabed and aboard the vessel.
According to a December Reuters report, Japanese officials say a larger-scale trial could follow next year if the initial phase proves successful.
Tokyo’s push into deep-sea mining comes as concerns grow over its exposure to Chinese export controls. China dominates the rare earth supply chain, accounting for about 70 percent of global production and more than 90 percent of refining capacity, according to Japanese government estimates.
Despite years of diversification efforts, Japan still sources around 60 percent of its rare-earth imports from China and remains almost entirely dependent on Beijing for certain heavy rare earths.
Those vulnerabilities have become more acute as China signals a tougher stance on exports.
Earlier this week, Beijing announced restrictions on the overseas sale of so-called “dual-use” items with potential military applications, a category analysts say could be interpreted broadly enough to encompass some rare earth materials.
The announcement revived memories of 2010, when China quietly halted rare-earth shipments to Japan during a territorial dispute, disrupting manufacturing and forcing Tokyo to reassess its supply risks.
Japanese government estimates suggest the economic fallout from another disruption could be severe. A three-month interruption in rare-earth supplies could cost domestic companies more than US$4 billion, while a year-long halt could shave nearly 0.5 percent off annual GDP.
Japan is also exploring potential cooperation with the US in the waters around Minamitori Island as part of a broader effort to build more resilient supply chains for rare earths and other critical minerals.
The two countries have already committed last year to collaborate on mining, processing, and supply chain development.
Beyond the current trial, Japan is also laying plans to build a dedicated processing facility on Minamitorishima by 2027 as part of its Strategic Innovation Promotion Program (SIP).
The facility would handle mud recovered from the seabed and form part of an end-to-end domestic supply chain for marine-based rare earths. A full-scale demonstration is scheduled for February 2027 to test the facility’s ability to recover up to 350 metric tons of rare-earth mud per day.
“We will ultimately demonstrate the entire process of extracting rare-earth elements from mud and then assess its economic viability,” Shoichi Ishii, program director at the Strategic Innovation Promotion Program, told Nikkei Asia.
Marine scientists and environmental groups, however, continue to warn that deep-sea mining could cause long-lasting damage to ecosystems that remain poorly understood.
Despite those calls, a growing number of countries are pressing ahead with exploratory projects as competition for critical minerals intensifies.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Savannah Resources Plc, the developer of the Barroso Lithium Project in Portugal, a ‘Strategic Project’ under the European Critical Raw Materials Act and Europe’s largest spodumene lithium deposit (the ‘Project’), is delighted to announce the award of a non-reimbursable grant (the ‘Grant’) of up to approximately €110 million (approximately US$128 million) from the Portuguese State and supported by national funds under the European Commission Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
The Grant represents a highly significant financial contribution towards the planned construction of the Project and further demonstrates the support the Project is receiving from the Portuguese State in recognition of its status as an asset of national and European importance in a new strategic industry for the country and the European Union.
Highlights:
- Source: The Grant draws on the State’s ‘Investments in Strategic Sectors’ Incentive Scheme, ruled by Government Order no. 306-A/2024/1, of November 27th (‘Regulation’) and falls under the contractual investment regime (‘RCI’), approved by Decree-Law No. 191/2014, of 31 December, representing a large investment project in sectors that are fundamental to the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and in strategic sectors for the transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
- State Entities involved: The award is made by means of an investment agreement with the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (‘AICEP’), pursuant to the approval by the Managing Authority of the Thematic Programme for the Innovation and Digital Transition Programme (COMPETE 2030) and the Ministry of Economy and Territorial Cohesion and supported under the European Commission’s Temporary Crisis and Transition Framework.
- Conditions precedent: Savannah must comply with certain conditions and Project timelines in order to receive the Grant (see below).
- Next steps: Pursuant to the signing of the investment contract by the parties, Savannah will work with AICEP to make the Grant compatible with any future Project Financing and/or other potential funding options to complement the development of the Project. Once executed, Savannah expects that draw down from the first tranche of the funding will take place in parallel with the initial capital development phase of the Project.
Emanuel Proenca, CEO of Savannah said, ‘The award of this Grant marks another, highly important, milestone for Savannah and the Barroso Lithium Project. The scale of the financial commitment being made by the Portuguese State will provide a significant contribution towards the Project’s CAPEX as we target production from 2028. It also underlines the Portuguese State’s significant support for the Project’s delivery, and mirrors similar recent actions taken by other governments in support of strategic projects elsewhere in Europe and around the world.
‘There are multiple social and economic benefits associated with bringing our Project into production, including creating a new industry and economic growth for Portugal, providing a domestic source of responsibly produced lithium raw material for Europe’s greater energy independence, and bringing much needed development and job opportunities to the Barroso region and the wider northeast of Portugal. We are conscious of the responsibility we have to deliver a project in accordance with the best international standards and to the benefit of many people and entities on the ground in the Barroso region with whom we already work. We are committed to fulfilling the demands and responsibilities associated with Portuguese State investment, and we have strong confidence in the State’s commitment to continue to do its part in making Portugal’s lithium battery value chain a success for the country’s current and future generations.’
‘I look forward to providing Savannah’s shareholders and stakeholders with further updates regarding the Grant as it progresses’.
Henrique Freire, CFO of Savannah said, ‘This Grant is excellent news and represents strong financial and national support to our Project, which will instil great confidence in our existing and future stakeholders.
‘Savannah has already made good progress on key elements of the potential financing package for the Project, including this Grant, ahead of a Final Investment Decision expected later in the year. In the months ahead we will continue to work on additional elements, such as debt financing and additional partnerships, so that we have a full suite of financing options available to deliver full execution of this highly strategic project.’
Further information
- Process and source of funding: The Grant is made following the call for Applications SIFN/ISE/01-2024 – Incentive System «Investments in Strategic Sectors», supported by national funds. Application no. 25645 was submitted by Savannah’s Portuguese subsidiary, Savannah Lithium, Unipessoal Lda, under the contractual investment regime (‘RCI’), approved by Decree-Law No. 191/2014, of December 31, and paragraph 1 of Article 1 of the Regulation, presenting large investment projects in sectors that are fundamental to the transition towards a carbon-neutral economy and in strategic sectors for the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The application was evaluated and negotiated with AICEP and then received approval from the Managing Committee of the Managing Authority of the Thematic Programme for the Innovation and Digital Transition Programme (COMPETE 2030) and the Portuguese Government, under Order no. 241/2026, of December 29th, published within the Official Gazette (‘Diário da República’), Series 2, no. 4, on 7 January 2026.
- Objective: Construction of a new extraction and production unit for spodumene concentrate essential for the production of batteries, electrolyzers and other equipment that incorporate lithium in their composition, in Boticas (Vila Real district, NUTS II Norte).
- Financing: The call allows for 35% of the total amount of eligible expenses to be granted to the applicant. Hence, Savannah can receive up to a maximum total value of €109.67 million (US$128.31 million) in the form of a Non-Refundable Grant divided into two parts as follows:
- An amount of up to €82.25 million (US$96.23 million) equivalent to 75% of the total, granted as consideration for the execution of the operation (CAPEX); and
- An amount of up to €27.42 million (US$32.08 million) equivalent to 25% of the total, awarded as a contractual performance bonus sometime between 2031 and 2042.
- Status of Grant: The Grant is executed through an investment contract entered into between AICEP and Savannah Lithium Unipessoal Lda, under the terms of Decree‑Law no. 191/2014, of 31 December and the Regulation.
- Conditions precedent and execution risk. Savannah notes that while this Grant represents a significant milestone, the Project remains subject to permitting, financing, construction, and operational risks typical of mining developments. Shareholders should note that the timing and quantum of Grant receipts are contingent on meeting all contractual conditions. Should Savannah or the Portuguese State not comply with the conditions precedent before the end of the year, the contract would be void.
- Next steps: Pursuant to the signing of the investment contract, Savannah will work with AICEP to complete its execution and the fulfilment of all contractual and legal obligations, notably regarding the Grant’s compatibility with any future Project Financing and/or other potential funding option to complement the development of the Project.
Regulatory Information
This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of the Market Abuse Regulation (EU) 596/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (‘MAR’), and is disclosed in accordance with the Company’s obligations under Article 17 of MAR.
Follow @SavannahRes on X (Formerly known as Twitter)
Follow Savannah Resources on LinkedIn
For further information please visit www.savannahresources.com or contact:
|
Savannah Resources PLC Emanuel Proença, CEO |
Tel: +44 20 7117 2489 |
|
SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP (Nominated Advisor & Broker) David Hignell/ Charlie Bouverat (Corporate Finance) Grant Barker/Abigail Wayne (Sales & Broking) |
Tel: +44 20 3470 0470 |
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Canaccord Genuity Limited (Joint Broker) James Asensio / Charlie Hammond (Corporate Broking) Ben Knott (Sales) |
Tel: +44 20 7523 8000 |
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Portugal Media Relations Savannah Resources: Antonio Neves Costa, Communications Manager |
Tel: +351 962 678 912 |
About Savannah
Savannah Resources is a mineral resource development company and the sole owner of the Barroso Lithium Project (the ‘Project’) in northern Portugal. The Project is the largest battery grade spodumene lithium resource outlined to date in Europe and was classified as a ‘Strategic Project’ by the European Commission under the Critical Raw Materials Act in March 2025.
Through the Project, Savannah will help Portugal to play an important role in providing a long-term, locally sourced, lithium raw material supply for Europe’s lithium battery value chain. Once in operation the Project will produce enough lithium (contained in c.190,000tpa of spodumene concentrate) for approximately half a million vehicle battery packs per year and hence make a significant contribution towards the European Commission’s Critical Raw Material Act goal of a minimum 10% of European endogenous lithium production from 2030.
Savannah is focused on the responsible development and operation of the Barroso Lithium Project so that its impact on the environment is minimised and the socio-economic benefits that it can bring to all its stakeholders are maximised.
The Company is listed and regulated on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and trades under the ticker ‘SAV’.
Source
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Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDF), an international mineral exploration and production company, is pleased to provide the following update on Q4 and 2025 performance and activities.
Highlights
- Significant share price appreciation in 2025 – up 470% and one of the top performing companies listed on AIM
- Exceptional drill results received from three of nine drill holes completed at the Company’s Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project
- Positive metallurgical work from Stage 1 studies with mass recovery to flotation feed of approximately 43.9%, and stage metal recoveries of 94.3% tungsten, 95.6% tin, and 90.7% copper to an average 2.1x upgrade ratio
- On target to release updated Mineral Resource Estimate before the end of Q1 2026
- Renewed investor and stakeholder engagement including non-deal institutional roadshow, a webinar presentation with approximately 1,000 recorded views, and attendance at the Critical Minerals Association and Resourcing Tomorrow conferences in London
- Cobre magnetite operation recorded its 3rd highest annual ore sales in 14 years with 61,279 tons sold to a diverse customer base, generating sales of approximately US$4.23 million
- Exercise of exclusive call option by Cuprum Metals (‘Cuprum’) to acquire the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Leigh Creek Copper Mine with A$0.25 million received so far through the call option payment of A$0.1 million and First Instalment payment on A$0.15 million. A further A$1.75 million is due upon the earlier of 31 May 2026 or the execution of a Definitive Agreement between the Company and Cuprum. Along with a subsequent earn-out from production of A$4 million and receiving 19.9% of the shares of any entity that Cuprum intends to list on the Australian Securities Exchange, this brings the total consideration up to A$9 million.
- Strategic Minerals’ cash as at 31 December 2025 was US$0.78 million after continued substantial investment in Cornwall Resources’ development programme and awaiting a further rebate from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund
Operational Highlights (By Subsidiary)
Cornwall Resources
Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project, Cornwall, UK (‘Redmoor’)
- Awarded c.£764,000 UK Government grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which together with matched funds from the Company’s April 2025 placing, is supporting the programme to accelerate Redmoor towards pre-feasibility
- 1st drilling since 2018 began in June with 5048.70 m completed by December 2025 ahead of schedule, within budget, and with exceptional results reported to date
- Includes 1.10 m @ 7.19% WO3, 0.02% & 1.11% Cu (7.51% WO3.Eq) and 0.97m at 7.52 WO3, 0.03% Sn & 0.87% Cu (7.78% WO3.Eq), including one of the top 10 highest-grade sample results recorded at Redmoor from all previous drilling campaigns
- Multiple mineralised intervals and wide zones of mineralisation within the Redmoor sheeted vein system identified, reinforcing Redmoor’s status as one of the highest-grade undeveloped tungsten deposits globally
- Re-analysis of historical samples confirmed previous underreporting of certain samples and an average 9.2% increase in tungsten grades, further solidifying Redmoor’s position as Europe’s highest-grade undeveloped tungsten deposit
- Strategic Minerals invested in upgraded facilities and team expansion to support the programme
Southern Minerals Group
Cobre Magnetite Stockpile, New Mexico, USA
- Continued strong operational performance across 2025 despite 10-day shutdown due to wildfires
- Sales of magnetite increased over the course of the year
- Q4 sales were up 4% on Q3, and Q3 sales were up 45% on Q2
- By volume, H2 saw an increase of 15.2%
- Total sales of approximately US$4.23 million (2024: US$4.75 million) generated from 61,279 tons or ore sold to customers (2024: 70,659 tons)
Sales comparisons on quarterly and yearly periods, along with associated volume details, are shown in the table below:
|
Volume (tons) |
Sales (US Leigh Creek Copper Mine (‘LCCM’) Leigh Creek Copper Project, South Australia
*Cuprum’s right to acquire LCCM will lapse if the Second Instalment has not been paid to the Company by 31 May 2026 Mark Burnett, Executive Director of Strategic Minerals, commented: ‘2025 was a transformational year for Strategic Minerals. We successfully restructured and reorganised the Company, positioning it to deliver increased near-term revenue from Cobre and long-term value creation from the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project. We are utilising sustainable cash flows from Cobre to unlock the full potential of Redmoor with a clear opportunity to develop it and the surrounding area into a world leading source of tungsten, tin and copper to provide resilience to western world supply chains. The Redmoor drill programme has gone exceptionally well so far, and we anticipate further resource growth and additional efficiencies for future infill drilling as part of a pre-feasibility programme.’
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Notes to Editors
About Strategic Minerals plc and Cornwall Resources Limited
Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDY) is an AIM-quoted, producing minerals company, actively developing strategic projects in the UK, United States and Australia.
In 2019, the Company completed the 100% acquisition of Cornwall Resources Limited and the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project.
The Redmoor Project is situated within the historically significant Tamar Valley Mining District in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with a JORC (2012) Compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate published 14 February 2019:
|
Cut-off (SnEq%) |
Tonnage (Mt) |
WO3 % |
Sn % |
Cu % |
Sn Eq1 % |
WO3 Eq % |
|
>0.45 <0.65 |
1.50 |
0.18 |
0.21 |
0.30 |
0.58 |
0.41 |
|
>0.65 |
10.20 |
0.62 |
0.16 |
0.53 |
1.26 |
0.88 |
|
Total Inferred Resource |
11.70 |
0.56 |
0.16 |
0.50 |
1.17 |
0.82 |
1 Equivalent metal calculation notes; Sn(Eq)% = Sn% x 1 + WO3% x 1.43 + Cu% x 0.40. WO3(EQ)% = Sn% x 0.7 + WO3 + Cu% x 0.28. Commodity price assumptions: WO₃ US$ 33,000/t, Sn US$ 22,000/t, Cu US$ 7,000/t. Recovery assumptions: total WO3 recovery 72%, total Sn recovery 68% & total Cu recovery 85% and payability assumptions of 81%, 90% and 90% respectively
More information on Cornwall Resources can be found at: https://www.cornwallresources.com
In September 2011, Strategic Minerals acquired the distribution rights to the Cobre magnetite project in New Mexico, USA, through its wholly owned subsidiary Southern Minerals Group. Cobre has been in production since 2012 and continues to provide a sustainable revenue stream for the Company.
In March 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of the Leigh Creek Copper Mine situated in the copper rich belt of South Australia. South Pacific Mineral Investments Pty Ltd trading as Cuprum Metals has exercised an exclusive Call Option to acquire 100% of the project.
About the CIOS Good Growth Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund
This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.
Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has been allocated £184 million for local investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. This new approach to investment is designed to empower local leaders and communities, so they can make a real difference on the ground where it’s needed the most.
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.
For more information, visit
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com
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The executive order (EO) of December 18 to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III is a monumental decision that will fundamentally reshape the market.
The official recognition of its medical utility is a designation that cannot be removed from the administrative record.
The industry is evolving from a lifestyle-driven, speculative sector into a professionalized asset class centered on medical and pharmaceutical applications. This shift moves the sector from a speculative, wait-and-see environment to a high-stakes period requiring fundamental restructuring.
Clearing the judicial runway
The path to federal rescheduling is currently obstructed by a stalled administrative hearing process that has reached a procedural standstill.
While the EO mandates an expeditious timeline, the actual movement is frozen because the DEA has yet to enter a briefing schedule following a request for an interlocutory appeal.
Legal expert Shane Pennington suggests that the most efficient path forward is for the administration to simply cancel or withdraw the pending ALJ hearing altogether by citing the lack of constitutional Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and documented ex parte communications, and move directly toward a final rule based on the HHS’s already established medical record.
By withdrawing the hearing, the Department of Justice effectively moots the current interlocutory appeal, allowing the DOJ to issue a Final Rule relatively quickly.
Once the final rule is published, the industry and movement will likely shift to the DOJ side against prohibitionist stays in federal appellate courts. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where advocates were on the offensive.
The capital markets thaw
The true catalyst for investors in 2026 is not the headline of rescheduling but the fundamental transformation of balance sheets. For decades, the cannabis industry operated under so-called “cannabis exceptionalism”, a state where standard business rules, tax laws and banking protections were suspended, blocking deductions and choking liquidity.
Rescheduling will remove these barriers to unleash normalized cash flows and institutional capital into a sector long treated as radioactive, though Ahrens notes major wirehouses will block stocks until the ink dries
Additionally, moving to Schedule III eliminates the Section 280E penalty, which currently prevents businesses from deducting standard operating expenses like rent and payroll, and unlocks bankruptcy protections. Ahrens pointed out that US cannabis firms have been forced to operate leanly on a shoestring compared to Canadian counterparts; normalized taxation will finally allow these firms to operate as legitimate consumer or healthcare categories.
Current effective tax rates can soar to 70 percent or more; post-rescheduling, these rates are expected to align closer to the standard 21 percent corporate rate.
The removal of Section 280E is expected to trigger a cash flow expansion. Perceived risk reduction could cause valuation multiples to improve after-tax earnings. Higher valuations and greater cash flow will increase debt capacity and make acquisitions easier to finance and more accretive.
“The first thing US cannabis companies are going to do is pay down their debt,” said Ahrens. “I’d (also) expect to see more M&A once everything is complete.”
Clinical legitimacy and the CBD bridge
Schedule III, while not legalizing cannabis, reduces the federal hurdle for clinical trials. This eases security and compliance requirements for researchers, paving the way for FDA-approved cannabinoid treatments and creating a formal pipeline for medical legitimacy.
Dr. Priyanka Sharma of Casmira Therapeutics noted the EO’s call for HHS, FDA, CMMS and NIH to collaborate on research methods using real-world evidence, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies and patient interviews to inform clinical standards.
She emphasized a CMMI pilot arming healthcare professionals with tools to manage complex Medicare patients on hemp-derived CBD, including duration, dosing and drug interactions.
With federal research barriers lowered, MSOs become realistic acquisition targets for Big Pharma giants looking for validated medical compounds.
A critical wildcard for the 2026 market is the impending federal crackdown on intoxicating hemp products under Farm Bill revisions, set to take effect in November 2026.
Ahrens expects the new definition to remove unfair competition by pulling intoxicating gray market products from shelves, pushing consumers toward the regulated MSO market.
Sharma noted the EO explicitly acknowledges this hemp-derived legal instability, positioning CBD as a federal priority for research coordination and clinical frameworks.
The bottom line
While market volatility remains high, this remains a market for long-term fundamental thinkers, not short-term speculators, as the industry moves toward concrete regulatory execution.
Securities Disclosure: I, Meagen Seatter, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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