April 25, 2024 — In a recent InvestorNews interview, host Peter Clausi spoke with John Passalacqua, CEO and Director of First Phosphate Corp. (CSE: PHOS), a mineral development company dedicated to the extraction and purification of phosphate for the LFP battery industry. The discussion highlighted significant advancements at their Bean L Marsh property, where a comprehensive 25,000-meter drill program is almost complete. The company has started receiving promising drill results, with phosphate grades on par with the top-producing mines globally. “We’re seeing phosphate grades over 10-12%, which positions us well for developing an effective open pit operation,” Passalacqua remarked. The interview also covered the company’s strategic partnership with a local indigenous group, a collaboration that aligns with First Phosphate’s commitment to responsible and sustainable mining practices. This partnership is crucial, not only for community integration but also for supporting the project’s role in global decarbonization efforts. First Phosphate is actively developing over 1,500 sq. km of royalty-free district-scale land claims in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean Region of Quebec, Canada. These properties consist of rare anorthosite igneous phosphate rock, typically yielding high-purity phosphate material. Passalacqua also discussed the competitive edge of lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries in the market, particularly their role in reducing costs for electric vehicles and stationary energy storage, aligning with the Inflation Reduction Act in the United States. He highlighted the strategic importance of this for First Phosphate, stating, “We are rapidly positioning to meet North American LFP battery producers’ needs for battery-grade LFP cathode active material from a consistent and secure supply source.”

In a recent interview with Tracy Weslosky from InvestorNews, Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Nickel Inc. (TSXV: PNPN | OTCQB: PNPNF), detailed the company’s latest achievements and future prospects concerning their drilling activities and discoveries announced earlier this week. Lynch proudly announced the recent drill results from their project, describing the findings as “exciting” with significant copper, gold, and PGM (platinum group metals) yields, marking a continuation from a discovery almost a year prior. He emphasized the impressive consistency of the results, stating, “we drilled 15 holes and 14 of the 15 (drilling holes) hit — an amazing track record.” Remarking that the high-grade and near-surface nature of the findings, which he believes indicates a “major discovery” at the newly named Lion Zone, previously known as Wildcat Zone. During the discussion, Lynch also highlighted the economic significance of the recent discoveries, explaining the potential for substantial profitability due to the high-value of the extracted materials. He noted, “A million-ounce deposit would be considered a good deposit…So this rock is going to be ranged between $1000 and $2000…more valuable.” Such figures suggest a profound impact on the company’s market value and operational direction. He pointed out the strategic advantage of the location, being near surface and close to infrastructure in a safe jurisdiction, making it ideal for mining operations. Lynch also touched on broader aspects of Power Nickel’s strategy, including their approach to making geoscience accessible and understandable for investors, highlighting the need to contextualize their findings beyond the technical details to showcase their broader significance.

In this InvestorNews interview with host Tracy Weslosky, Russell Fryer, CEO and Executive Director of Critical Metals PLC (LSE: CRTM), shared insights into the strategic developments at their past-producing Molulu Copper/Cobalt Project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Russell outlined plans for essential infrastructure improvements, particularly the rehabilitation of a 28km road crucial for local logistics, which will facilitate the resumption of copper ore sales from Molulu. He also highlighted the positive outlook for the copper market, mentioning, “Copper prices have actually changed a lot… We saw the Bank of America come out and say they expect a 30% rise in the copper price within the next 12 months.” Russell also provided an update on the drill program aimed at enriching the company’s mining block model and developing a JORC-compliant report, which are key steps toward escalating the Molulu project towards production. Additionally, Russell discussed the company’s strategic move to expand Critical Metals’ investor base with an upcoming listing on the US OTCQB market. The interview also delved into the potential financial backing from the US Government, with Russell discussing the recent receipt of a term sheet for an $11 million loan, supported by loan guarantees. This financial support highlights the confidence in the viability of Critical Metals’ operations in the region to bring critical minerals to the global market.

Defense Metals Corp. (TSXV: DEFN | OTCQB: DFMTF), represented by Dr. Luisa Moreno, President and Director, discusses recent developments and strategic partnerships in an interview with InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky. The conversation highlights the appointment of Mr. Guy de Selliers de Moranville to the board, emphasizing his extensive experience in banking, financing, and rare earths. Dr. Moreno underscores the significance of strategic funding review by HCF International, noting their recognition of the Wicheeda project’s potential and Mr. Moranville’s alignment with Defense Metals’ goals. The interview also touches on recent milestones, including the shipping of samples to potential partners for rare earths separation. Dr. Moreno emphasizes the project’s strategic location in Canada and the support from Discovery Group, outlining Defense Metals’ commitment to sustainable development and strong governance. Dr. Moreno’s on Mr. Moranville’s unique expertise in rare earths starts: “He brings significant experience in banking and financing, as well as rare Earths… there’s not a lot of people out there that actually have experience in the rare earths space.” Highlighting the competitive advantage of Defense’s project, she adds: “Having reviewed the Wicheeda project and compared it to many others… I am confident that the Wicheeda REE project possesses the essential qualities needed to emerge as North America’s next Rare Earth Mine.”

In this InvestorNews interview with host Tracy Weslosky, John Carter, CEO and Director of Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF), delves into the unique origin story of the company and its innovative approach to mining and silver production. Carter recounted a story linking their McMorris Mine to the legendary Lone Ranger series, shedding light on the mine’s history. He explained that the author of the Lone Ranger book “actually came out to the McMorris Mine and bought silver directly from the mine, which they used to make silver bullets for promoting the Lone Ranger series.” This historical tidbit not only underscores the mine’s storied past but also serves as a testament to its long-standing significance in silver production. Further into the discussion, Carter highlighted SBMI’s unconventional strategy towards mining and financial sustainability. With over 40 years of experience, Carter has witnessed the cyclic challenges of the sector, including the need for continuous capital raising and its dilutive effects on shareholders. SBMI’s strategy circumvents these issues by reactivating past-producing mines and utilizing existing resources to fund further exploration and development, rather than relying solely on external financing. This model is currently being applied in Arizona and Idaho, with the company already “producing silver” in Arizona and planning to use the generated revenues to bolster exploration efforts. Furthermore, the recent strategic business alliance with Countryman Investments and the appointment of Dave Richardson to SBMI’s Advisory Board signal a significant strengthening of the company’s financial and operational capabilities.

FuelPositive Corporation (TSXV: NHHH | OTCQB: NHHHF), a leader in clean technology solutions, recently announced a provisional patent for its Green Aqueous Ammonia add-on module systems, marking a significant milestone in its mission to revolutionize the agricultural industry. This innovative module allows farmers to produce Green Aqueous Ammonia fertilizer on-site, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional methods. Chairman and CEO Ian Clifford highlighted the importance of this patent, stating that it “opens up our market globally dramatically” and sets the stage for future developments in sustainable agriculture. FuelPositive is also making strides in delivering its first commercial system to a farm in Manitoba, with factory acceptance testing scheduled ahead of schedule in mid-April. The company’s focus on on-site production aims to eliminate carbon emissions and provide energy and fertilizer security for farmers. Selecting Manitoba as the initial location was strategic, given its abundant green electricity and large farming community eager for sustainable solutions. The company’s commitment to innovation is evident in its modular approach, which allows for customizable nitrogen concentrations and pH balances tailored to various agricultural needs. With plans for commercial production as early as next year, FuelPositive aims to meet the growing demand for environmentally friendly fertilizer solutions worldwide. As Chairman Clifford emphasized, “the world will need thousands and thousands of these systems,” highlighting the company’s ambitious goals for a greener future in agriculture.

In a recent enlightening interview with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews, Danny Huh, the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Operations at NEO Battery Materials Ltd., (TSXV: NBM | OTCQB: NBMFF) detailed the company’s strides in silicon anode technology for lithium-ion batteries, underlining their consistent progress over the past three years. Particularly notable was the discussion around the application for their 9th patent a month ago, marking a technological leap aimed at significantly enhancing their silicon anode materials’ production capacity and efficiency. NEO Battery Materials has been actively engaged with evaluations of its anode active materials alongside global battery cell manufacturers, automotive OEMs, and major chemical material companies. The promising initial outcomes have ushered these collaborations into more extensive testing phases. This involves integrating NEO Battery’s silicon anode materials with traditional graphite anode materials in various larger cell formats, which are crucial for the batteries used in electric vehicles. A standout achievement shared by Danny was the company’s successful pilot-scale capacity expansion to about 4,000 kilograms per year. Remarkably, this was accomplished without any need for additional equipment or alterations to the existing processes. This achievement not only underscores NEO Battery Materials’ innovative capabilities but also significantly boosts its production efficiency. Further emphasizing the strategic maneuvers of NEO Battery Materials, Danny discussed the decision to increase the company’s ownership stake in NBM Korea. This move reflects the company’s determination to maximize the economic and technological gains from NBM Korea’s advancements and market penetration, showcasing NEO Battery Materials’ commitment to leveraging its silicone anode materials’ enhanced performance.

In an engaging interview with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews, George Glasier, the President, CEO, and Director of Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE: WUC | OTCQX: WSTRF), provided valuable insights into the company’s progress, its role in the uranium and vanadium markets, and its future prospects. Glasier’s optimism about the uranium market’s recovery is palpable. He stated, “I think we’re in a sustained recovery for uranium, and we’re ready,” highlighting the company’s preparation for an upturn in market conditions. This preparation is crucial for the Sunday Mine Complex (SMC), an underground mine situated about 88 kilometers west of Telluride, Colorado: which is on track to achieve full production readiness by 2025. Glasier also discussed the widening gap between uranium demand and supply, a trend that presents both challenges and opportunities for Western Uranium & Vanadium. Moreover, he delved into the market dynamics of vanadium, the company’s coproduct, emphasizing its importance in steel production and the burgeoning technology of vanadium redox flow batteries. The company is not solely focused on ramping up immediate production but is also actively exploring potential acquisitions to broaden its resource base. This strategic vision is supported by the increasing investment interest in the uranium sector, signaling a promising future for the company and its stakeholders.

In a comprehensive interview hosted by Stephen Lautens of the Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) with Roman Stiftner, Managing Director of the Austrian Mining and Steel Association during PDAC 2024, Stiftner shared valuable insights into the European Union’s growing focus on the mining sector. Stiftner, who also serves as the vice president of Euromines, outlined the strategic efforts by these organizations to consolidate the industry’s voice within Europe. Highlighting the importance of a united front, he remarked, “Coming from a small country, it’s sometimes important to collect a bit more the strength of a common voice and be vocal in this way.” This collective approach aims to enhance the visibility and impact of the mining, steel, and non-ferrous metals industries at an international level, particularly through advocating for the sector’s interests to the European Commission, Parliament, and the wider public. Stiftner emphasized the importance of mining to achieving carbon neutrality across the continent and the planet, underscoring the sector’s foundational significance in the transition towards a more sustainable future. The discussion explored the evolving importance of Europe in global mining, influenced by recent crises such as the pandemic, geopolitical tensions, and the urgent need to combat climate change. Stiftner identified these challenges as catalysts for a paradigm shift towards securing local mining operations and raw material supplies to bolster resilience and support the ecological transition. “We have to do something against climate change… Having mines in Europe and having the raw material side available for a more resilient supply of raw materials is key to make this transformation happen,” Stiftner explained, highlighting Europe’s active role in the green technology and electric vehicle revolutions. Furthermore, he advocated for stronger transatlantic cooperation based on shared ESG values, aiming to establish global standards for responsible sourcing. Recognizing Europe’s dependence on strategic partnerships for essential raw materials, Stiftner’s presence at PDAC underscored the Europe’s pursuit of collaboration with reliable partners like Canada, aiming to mutually enhance economic and environmental outcomes through mining.

In a comprehensive interview with InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky, Peter Clausi, President, CEO & Director of CBLT Inc. (TSXV: CBLT), delved into the company’s strategic focus on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and asset development across the mineral exploration sector. Clausi articulated CBLT’s pre-emptive strategy to bolster its financial position by liquidating assets ahead of anticipated market downturns, ensuring the company remains financially robust with “cash in the bank.” This prudent financial management, according to Clausi, positions CBLT advantageously during both prosperous and challenging times, enabling continued exploration and project development activities. Clausi emphasized CBLT’s unique approach to growth, stating, “In our belief, you can make more money with the pen than with the drill bit at less risk,” highlighting the company’s success in maximizing value through strategic M&A activities rather than solely relying on direct exploration. This philosophy has allowed CBLT to maintain a lean share structure over 15 years, with only 75 million shares issued, a testament to their efficient capital management and strategic project acquisitions. The interview further shed light on CBLT’s diverse portfolio, ranging from gold and cobalt to lithium and copper properties across Canada, each selected for its potential to address future market demands. Notably, Clausi spotlighted the acquisition and planned development of the historic Falcon Gold Mine in Sudbury, illustrating CBLT’s knack for identifying and revitalizing underexplored or forgotten assets. This property, alongside others such as Michaela in British Columbia and a lithium property adjacent to the Tanco Mine in Manitoba, underscores CBLT’s strategic foresight in project selection and development. Adding to the company’s strategic capabilities, CBLT announced the addition of James R. Atkinson, a geologist with over 40 years of experience, to its board of directors, promising to further bolster its expertise in mineral exploration and project evaluation. Moreover, Clausi provided insights into the company’s recent sale of the non-core Ryliejack asset in northern British Columbia, demonstrating CBLT’s strategic asset management and focus on optimizing its portfolio for financial and operational efficiency. Throughout the interview, Clausi’s narrative was one of strategic foresight, prudent financial management, and a deep understanding of the mineral exploration sector. His perspective on the critical role of copper as a technology metal, over other more transient battery metals, reflected a long-term strategic outlook on commodity investment, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and foresight in the rapidly evolving resource sector. Clausi’s articulate discussion highlighted CBLT’s commitment to strategic growth, value creation, and operational excellence in the exploration industry.

In an engaging interview at PDAC 2024, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Director Peter Clausi sat down with Chris Buncic, Director of Chrysalis Copper Corporation, to discuss the company’s ambitious plans in Chile. Buncic, bringing a wealth of experience from his tenure at Ascendant Resources and Alto Verde Copper / Interra Copper, shared insights into Chrysalis Copper’s strategy to revitalize two historical copper mines, leveraging their significant untapped resources for rapid production startup and growth. The company’s approach is to initiate production under small miners permits, a strategy that promises to expedite the timeline to production to less than 12 months for both the Linderos and Santa Monica projects. Chrysalis Copper’s Linderos project, with a 15,000+ hectare land package, showcases a past-producing Tambor Mine with a fast track to re-initiation of production under a small miners permit, targeting an initial output of 250 tonnes per day (tpd). This project holds over 146 million pounds of copper in historical resources, setting the stage for a quick transition to NI 43-101 compliance and further exploration upside. Buncic highlighted, “It’s shocking that we’re going to be in production within 12 months. We have a great price for these operations and significant exploration upside on four drill-ready properties.” The Santa Monica project echoes this rapid development approach, aiming for near-term production with substantial exploration potential indicated by historical resources and the proximity to other major mines. Both projects are poised for an accelerated path to production, minimal upfront investment, and significant ROI potential, underscoring Chrysalis Copper’s strategy to become a mid-sized copper producer in Chile with a steady-state annualized production target of 57 million pounds of Copper Equivalent (CuEq) across both projects. Buncic’s previous success in turning around operations and driving them to profitability was a focal point, and the broad technical and management experience of the Company’s team in Chile will lead Chrysalis Copper towards a promising future. With plans to bring resources into compliance and explore the significant upside potential, there will be no shortage of catalysts to be watching for as these mines get closer to production. “The resources we’ve seen are great; they just don’t have core. So, we’ll go back, twin those, and within the next 12 to 18 months, we’ll have 43-101 compliant resources on each of these mines,” Buncic stated, emphasizing the company’s commitment to validating and expanding its resource base. Chrysalis Copper Corporation, is set to rapidly advance its copper projects from near-term production to significant exploration and expansion, leveraging historical resources, strategic permitting, and an experienced team in Chile. This strategy not only underscores the company’s potential for growth but also highlights its contribution to the copper sector’s development in Chile, one of the world’s premier copper-producing countries.

In an insightful interview with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews, Constantine Karayannopoulos, a renowned expert in the field of critical minerals, shared his perspectives on the current state and future prospects of the critical minerals market. Karayannopoulos highlighted the pivotal role of critical minerals such as rare earths, lithium, and nickel in the burgeoning sectors of battery technology and electric vehicles (EVs), underscoring the global buzz around these resources. He noted the current challenges faced by small companies in raising funds and the general market sentiment. Despite these hurdles, he expressed optimism, suggesting that the downturn in valuations and financing is temporary. “We’re at close to or at the bottom of the cycle with a lot of these commodities,” he stated, advising resilience for these firms in anticipation of a market rebound fueled by sustained demand for technologies reliant on critical minerals. Karayannopoulos offered insightful commentary on the critical minerals market, particularly focusing on lithium and rare earths. With a bullish stance on lithium, he reminisced about the industry’s past pricing projections and observed the current market’s resilience despite recent price drops. “Lithium still is the workhorse in the battery space… for the next decade, lithium will be the workhorse of the EV battery,” he affirmed, advocating for strategic investments in this area during market lows. His observations extended to the rare earths market, noting its sensitivity to Chinese economic dynamics and the potential for price stabilization in the near term. Highlighting Brazil’s emerging role in diversifying the global supply of heavy rare earths, he emphasized the importance of exploring favorable mineralogy and environmental practices in new geographies. This strategic diversification, he argued, is crucial for addressing the geopolitical and social concerns associated with current heavy rare earths sourcing, primarily from Myanmar.

In an insightful interview at PDAC 2024, Critical Minerals Institute (CMI) Director Peter Clausi and PearTree Financial‘s CEO Ron Bernbaum discussed the pivotal role and challenges of flow-through financing in Canada’s mining sector. Bernbaum highlighted that flow-through financing is instrumental for junior mining companies, facilitating over 90% of exploration investment. This model supports critical exploration activities such as drilling and First Nations engagement, with PearTree playing a significant role by facilitating over $500 million annually in Flow-Through Share Financings across more than 600 transactions. Bernbaum expressed concern over recent tax changes, particularly the modifications in the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) rules, which could potentially reduce exploration capital by approximately one-third. Despite these challenges, the introduction of the Critical Mineral Exploration Tax Credit in 2022, which led to $350 million of investment, demonstrates the federal government’s recognition of the sector’s importance. However, Bernbaum underscored the need for sustainability in these incentives amidst tax policy changes. Amidst regulatory challenges, Bernbaum remains hopeful for positive amendments to tax regulations and lauds provinces like Quebec for their additional support through tax incentives. He stressed the complexity and the essential nature of flow-through financing in leveraging government policies and tax incentives to support mining exploration. This system has facilitated significant investments in the mining sector, demonstrating the interplay between government initiatives and the industry’s funding mechanisms. PearTree’s unique position, offering Charity Flow-Through Financings, connects donors, investors, and mining companies, maximizing benefits for all parties involved and ensuring the continued flow of essential exploration capital in Canada’s mining industry.

In a recent conversation with InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky, Jean-Francois Meilleur, President, and CEO of Xcite Resources Inc. (CSE: XRI), provided an insightful overview of the uranium market and the strategic positioning of Xcite’s uranium assets in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan. Meilleur shared his enthusiasm for the sector, stating, “Certainly, a lot of the analysts that I’m following are calling a much longer-term cycle than we experienced in the late 2006-2008,” highlighting expectations of a sustained period of strong demand for uranium. He further emphasized the unique appeal of Saskatchewan, noting, “Saskatchewan, Athabasca Basin specifically produces 20% of the world’s uranium… it’s the best place, the best address to explore and find new discoveries.” With the recent acquisition of six projects in the Athabasca Basin, including three past producers, Meilleur underlined the basin’s untapped potential for significant uranium discoveries. He articulated the strategic advantage of their locations, saying, “The best place to own a project or to make a significant discovery is in the shadow of a headframe, and we have three of those projects in the most prolific basin in the world.” This expansion underscores Xcite’s commitment to exploring high-potential sites within a well-established mining environment, emphasizing the Athabasca Basin’s global importance and Saskatchewan’s favorable ranking for mining investments by the Fraser Institute. Meilleur’s decision to step in as CEO was driven by the compelling quality of the assets uncovered during the negotiation and due diligence phases. “As you’re running and you’re finding more and more interesting stuff…it looks better and better and better,” Meilleur remarked, highlighting surface sampling results up to 36% uranium and the presence of graphite conductors, indicative of the potential for significant discoveries. Owning a substantial share of the company, Meilleur’s personal investment and leadership underscore his belief in Xcite’s potential to develop and monetize its assets for shareholders. At PDAC 2024, Xcite’s objective was clear: to introduce the company’s promising projects and underscore its undervalued market cap compared to its peers. With historic production and very high-grade surface results, Meilleur is focused on raising awareness about Xcite’s value proposition, stating, “We’re prediscovery, historic production, very high-grade results at surface…we need to tell the story.” Jean-Francois Meilleur’s leadership and strategic acquisitions position Xcite Resources Inc. as an emerging player in the uranium sector, with the Athabasca Basin serving as a cornerstone for the company’s exploration efforts. His insights into the uranium market and the strategic importance of their assets in Saskatchewan reflect a deep understanding of the industry’s dynamics and the potential for significant discoveries in one of the world’s most prolific uranium-producing regions.

In a comprehensive discussion at PDAC 2024, Edward Gosselin, CEO, Director, and Corporate Secretary of Kobo Resources Inc. (TSXV: KRI), shed light on the company’s strategic objectives and its recent advancements in gold exploration within Côte d’Ivoire, one of West Africa’s most prolific and developing gold districts, hosting several multi-million-ounce gold mines. Gosselin elucidated the company’s primary mission of showcasing their venture to prospective investors and operating companies, aiming to augment their capital for an expanded drill program. Emphasizing the concept of “closeology play,” Gosselin stated, “We’re less than 9 km away from one of the region’s largest gold mines with established processing facilities…it’s a no-brainer.” This strategic proximity underscores Kobo’s leverage in logistics and geological similarity, making it an attractive Brownfield project. Kobo Resources Inc., with its 100%-owned Kossou Gold Project located near the capital city of Yamoussoukro and adjacent to the substantial Yaouré mine operated by Perseus Mining Limited (ASX: PRU | TSX: PRU), is poised for growth. The company’s focus on the Kossou Gold Project aims to delineate the potential size and scale of the discovery within a 9+ km strike length of highly prospective gold in soil geochemical anomalies. The completion of approximately 6,000 meters of RC drilling and 5,400 meters of trenching in 2023, with plans for further exploration in 2024, highlights significant gold mineralization within a potentially large mesothermal gold system. Christopher Ecclestone underscores the project’s strategic positioning in another InvestorNews interview with: “If Kobo strikes gold in commercial quantities, they’re going to be sort of a natural prey for Perseus to move upon to provide Perseus with extended mine life with Yaouré.” The Kossou Gold Project’s promising initial exploration results and the upcoming Phase 2 Diamond Drilling in March 2024 signal the project’s vast potential. With a keen emphasis on rigorous exploration and the allure of significant gold anomalies, Kobo Resources Inc. represents a compelling investment opportunity, underscored by a seasoned leadership team with extensive in-country experience. The company’s strategic location and exploration prowess underscore its potential as a pivotal player in the gold-rich grounds of West Africa.

In an insightful interview with InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky, Guy Bourassa, CEO and Director of Scandium Canada Ltd. (TSXV: SCD | OTCQB: SCDCF), highlighted their unique position in the global scandium market as the owner of “…one of the largest primary scandium projects in the world”. Bourassa emphasized that this distinction is particularly significant given the current scarcity of scandium, which is primarily sourced as a byproduct from regions such as Russia and China. The scarcity of scandium underscores the strategic importance of Scandium Canada’s Crater Lake Project, as industries worldwide are increasingly in need of reliable and scalable sources of scandium to meet the growing demand for this high-performance metal. Bourassa discussed how scandium offers remarkable benefits when added to aluminum alloys, significantly enhancing their properties. These enhanced scandium-aluminium alloys exhibit increased strength, improved thermal resistance, and greater weldability compared to their standard aluminum counterparts. This combination of traits makes scandium-alloyed materials highly sought after, especially in sectors where material performance and weight reduction are critical, such as aerospace, automotive, and defense industries. Bourassa explained that incorporating scandium leads to significant weight reduction, facilitating more efficient aircraft and vehicles which, in turn, contributes to a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Bourassa drew an intriguing parallel to the history of niobium, an element that revolutionized the steel industry by enhancing steel’s properties when alloyed. He added, “Scandium Canada is going to do the same thing for the aluminum sector.” Furthermore, the strategic initiatives undertaken by Scandium Canada, including leveraging significant grants and government programs available for critical mineral projects in Canada, position the company advantageously for rapid project advancement with minimal shareholder dilution. This financial acumen, coupled with the project’s significance in providing a primary source of scandium, places Scandium Canada in a strong competitive position.

During a revealing interview at PDAC 2024 with Jack Lifton of InvestorNews, Robert “Bobby” Stewart, the driving force behind Geophysx Jamaica Ltd., shared insights into the company’s pioneering exploration efforts and strategic partnerships in Jamaica. Over the past five to six years, Geophysx Jamaica has conducted a comprehensive exploration campaign across the island, identifying significant copper and gold targets and recently announcing a joint venture with C3 Metals to further develop these findings. This collaboration aims to leverage both entities’ resources and expertise, particularly spotlighting the integration of the past-producing Pennants Gold Mine with the Main Ridge Project to establish the Super Block Project. Stewart highlighted the venture’s potential to unlock untapped mineral wealth, emphasizing the strategic importance of copper and gold in technological advancements and space exploration. Stewart’s revelation of a substantial rare earths discovery in Jamaica underscores a significant leap forward in the nation’s mineral exploration landscape. Covering about 100 square kilometers, this area exhibits unusually high concentrations of rare earth elements, diverging from the typical geological signatures found in Jamaica’s bauxite-rich regions. This finding positions Jamaica as a potential key player in the global critical minerals supply chain, with Stewart remarking on the indispensable role of copper in electricity transmission and the protective qualities of gold in space exploration technologies. The interview delves into the technical and logistical facets of Geophysx Jamaica’s exploration strategy, including extensive geochemical and geophysical surveys. Stewart also discusses the company’s future plans, hinting at the possibility of public offering and the exploration of downstream processing opportunities in Jamaica to enhance the value of its mineral projects. This conversation with Lifton not only sheds light on Geophysx Jamaica’s ambitious exploration endeavors but also highlights the broader implications for Jamaica’s role in the global mining industry.

In an engaging discussion with Tracy Weslosky of InvestorNews during PDAC 2024, Peter Nicholson, President of WEALTH (WCPD Inc.), shared his insights into the prevailing market dynamics and the burgeoning opportunities within the critical minerals’ domain. Nicholson highlighted the challenges faced by the sector in recent years but pointed to a silver lining brought about by increasing global emphasis on critical minerals, vital for green technology and achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. He noted the shift in investor perception towards mining, especially with critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper, and uranium, which are now seen as essential for future technological advancements. Nicholson underscored the significance of recent legislation in positively influencing the mining industry in Canada, transforming it into a more attractive investment avenue. This shift is particularly important as it counters the long-standing environmental and human rights concerns associated with mining, encouraging a new wave of investments in the sector. He emphasized the unique position of provinces like Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, which offer additional incentives for flow through investments in critical minerals, making them prime targets for investors looking to capitalize on this trend. For those new to the industry or considering diversifying their portfolios, Nicholson suggested looking into these critical mineral opportunities as a strategic investment move, pointing towards the potential for significant returns as the market rebounds. Through his conversation, Nicholson conveyed a comprehensive overview of the critical minerals sector’s potential, highlighting WEALTH’s (WCPD Inc.)s role in facilitating investments that not only promise returns but also contribute to the broader goal of a sustainable future.

In a conversation with InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky, Rowena Smith, the Managing Director of Australian Strategic Materials Ltd. (ASX: ASM), highlighted the company’s innovative edge in the rare earth sector. Smith detailed ASM’s end-to-end approach from mining to metal production, underscoring its capability to control the entire supply chain outside China—a key differentiator in the market. She also pointed to the operational success of the Korean Metals Plant (KMP), which is already producing essential rare earth metals and alloys. Smith mentioned plans to expand KMP’s production to include heavy rare earths, reinforcing ASM’s competitive advantage and commitment to technological advancement. Smith also delved into the technological innovations at the KMP, showcasing ASM’s forefront position in metallurgical advancements. The KMP’s current production of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr) and the development of neodymium iron boron (NdFeB) alloys are pivotal for high-performance magnets used in renewable energy and electric vehicles. This technological edge not only demonstrates ASM’s capacity to meet critical global demands but also reinforces its role as a leader in reducing dependency on the conventional rare earth supply chains. Smith’s narrative underscores ASM’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, highlighting its readiness to meet the increasing demands for rare earth elements critical to modern technology and green energy solutions.

During the PDAC 2024 event, InvestorNews host Tracy Weslosky engaged in a detailed conversation with John Carter, CEO and Director of Silver Bullet Mines Corp. (TSXV: SBMI | OTCQB: SBMCF), shedding light on the company’s significant strides in the silver industry. Carter revealed the transformation of their Arizona site from a bare landscape to a fully operational 125 metric ton per day processing facility, emphasizing the shift from traditional financing models towards self-sustaining revenue generation. This strategic move aims to minimize shareholder dilution and finance exploration across their expansive 5,000 acres through the revenue generated from their mine and mill operations. Highlighting the innovative approach, Carter stated, “the plan is to be an exploration company but not an exploration company that has to finance to do the exploration. We will finance ourselves by generating revenue from our mine and our Mill.” Further elaborating on the company’s unique position and future prospects, Carter pointed out three key reasons why investors should consider Silver Bullet Mines: a protective share structure, revenue generation to fund exploration without the need for external financing, and the leveraging of past mining operations for future success. With an eye towards past-producing mines, the company aims to build upon historical successes to discover and develop new resources. Additionally, Carter touched upon the broader market dynamics of silver, its industrial applications, and realistic price expectations, suggesting a cautious yet optimistic outlook on silver prices and its implications for SBMI’s operations. In conjunction with the interview, recent news releases from February 2024 underlined SBMI’s ongoing production at its mill near Globe, Arizona, and the continuation of operations following compliance with MSHA regulations. The company has been processing high-grade silver from the Buckeye Silver Mine, with promising assay results guiding production targets. Furthermore, SBMI’s exploration and production strategy, including the processing of high-grade gold concentrate and the development of silver/gold production at its Washington Mine in Idaho, positions the company for substantial growth and operational expansion. This integrated approach not only underscores SBMI’s commitment to leveraging its operational capabilities for sustained growth but also highlights its potential to redefine revenue generation within the junior mining sector.