Critical Metals (NASDAQ: CRML) stock, a start-up miner of lithium and rare-earth elements in Greenland, jumped 3.7% through 11:40 a.m. ET on some news that... ordinarily many investors would consider bad: Critical Metals insiders are selling stock. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now, when you join Stock Advisor. See the stocks » A lot of stock. 2.8 million shares of stock -- about 2.4% of all shares outstanding. Imag ...

周二，稀土概念走高，Critical Metals(CRML.US)、USA Rare Earth(USAR.US)涨超7%，MP Materials(MP.US)、Energy Fuels(UUUU.US)涨超3%。消息面上，据报道，特朗普政府计划利用美国防 部创建的人工智能项目，在努力构建一个全球金属贸易集团之际，协助设定关键矿产的参考价格。这些 矿产参考价格将由美国防部的"国家安全开放价格探索"(OPEN)人工智能金属项目设定。据消息人士 称，特朗普政府官员正初步将OPEN的定价模型聚焦于至少四种关键矿产，包括锗、镓、锑和钨，之后 再扩展到其他矿产。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The rare earth sector experienced a rise, with companies like Critical Metals, USA Rare Earth, MP Materials, and Energy Fuels seeing significant stock increases due to the Trump administration's plans to establish a global metal trading group and set reference prices for critical minerals through an AI project by the Department of Defense [1] Group 1: Market Reaction - Critical Metals (CRML.US) and USA Rare Earth (USAR.US) saw stock increases of over 7% [1] - MP Materials (MP.US) and Energy Fuels (UUUU.US) experienced stock increases of over 3% [1] Group 2: Government Initiative - The Trump administration is leveraging an AI project created by the Department of Defense to assist in establishing reference prices for critical minerals [1] - The initiative is part of efforts to build a global metal trading group [1] Group 3: Focused Minerals - The initial focus of the pricing model under the "National Security Open Price Exploration" (OPEN) AI project includes at least four critical minerals: germanium, gallium, antimony, and tungsten [1] - There are plans to expand the pricing model to include additional minerals in the future [1]

Core Insights - Critical Metals Corp announced strong REE assay results from the Hill Deposit at the Tanbreez Heavy REE Project, with grades reaching up to 0.94% TREO, reinforcing the asset's world-class status and validating the company's development strategy [1][4]. Exploration Results - The announcement reports assay results from 33 drill holes, with a weighted average TREO+Y of 0.44% and grades ranging from 0.31% to 0.94%, including an average of 24.1% heavy rare earth oxides (HREO) [6][18]. - Gallium Oxide assays ranged from 87 ppm to 117 ppm, while Zirconium oxide assays varied from 1.04% to 3.81% [6][18]. - The results demonstrate strong correlation and consistency of high-grade REE mineralization within the existing Hill Deposit [6][18]. QA/QC and Methodology - A rigorous QA/QC review was conducted to verify the reliability of historical drilling and enhance geological understanding, confirming TREO grades within a tight 2–5% precision range [5][18]. - The resampling program involved 1,014 pulp samples from the 2010 drilling campaign, aimed at verifying the historical dataset and establishing a consistent analytical methodology [14][17]. Future Plans - The company plans priority infill resource drilling for the 2026 field season to convert inferred and indicated resources into measured resources [21][19]. - Ongoing metallurgical and environmental studies are being conducted to advance project permitting and feasibility [6][19]. - Active engagement with strategic partners and capital markets is underway to accelerate development [6][19]. Strategic Positioning - Critical Metals Corp aims to become a leading supplier of critical heavy rare earths, capitalizing on the growing global demand for these materials used in magnets, electric vehicles, defense, and advanced technologies [6][1]. - The Tanbreez project is strategically located in Southern Greenland, with year-round shipping access via deep water fjords, enhancing its logistical advantages [27][24].

Key Highlights $973,685 received from the exercise of Warrants $395,600 deposit received from Critical Metals Corp. (NASDAQ: CRML)   Vancouver, BC – TheNewswire - February 17, 2026 – Critical Infrastructure Technologies Ltd. (CSE: CTTT) (OTC: CITLF) (FRA: X9V) (“CiTech” or the “Company”), a leading developer of autonomous, high-capacity mobile communications and security platforms, is pleased to a significant strengthening of its financial position following the successful exercise of company warrants an ...

Core Insights - President Trump announced "Project Vault," establishing a $12 billion U.S. critical mineral reserve, significantly impacting rare earth stocks, particularly Critical Metals Corp. (CRML), which surged 35% following the announcement [1][3][4] Group 1: Project Vault and Its Implications - Project Vault represents a strategic initiative to stockpile critical minerals, akin to a Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ensuring the U.S. government becomes a major buyer in the rare earth sector [4][5] - The program is financed with $10 billion from the Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private capital, targeting materials essential for AI, electric vehicles, and defense systems [5][6] - The initiative guarantees federal purchases, providing demand certainty that is crucial for mining projects to secure financing and advance operations [5][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics and Geopolitical Context - China dominates the rare earth market, controlling approximately 70% of global mining and 90% of refining capacity, creating dependency for critical U.S. industries [6][7] - The U.S. has historically relied on China for these materials, which poses risks during trade disputes, highlighting the need for domestic production capabilities [6][12] Group 3: Companies Positioned to Benefit - MP Materials (MP) operates the only functioning rare earth mine in the U.S. and is expanding into refining [7][8] - USA Rare Earth (USAR) is developing the Round Top project in Texas, focusing on heavy rare earths for military applications [8] - Energy Fuels (UUUU) processes rare earths at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, one of the few U.S. facilities capable of producing separated oxides [8] - Critical Metals Corp. (CRML) controls the Tanbreez deposit in Greenland, aligning with U.S. efforts to diversify supply sources [8] - American Rare Earths (ARRN) is advancing the Halleck Creek project in Wyoming, responding to defense procurement rules that limit Chinese materials [8] Group 4: Broader Industrial Ecosystem - The development of domestic rare earth capacity necessitates significant industrial infrastructure, extending opportunities beyond mining companies [9][10] - Companies like Olin (OLN) provide specialized chemicals for processing, while Caterpillar (CAT) supplies heavy equipment for mine development [10] Group 5: Future Outlook and Investor Considerations - Analysts estimate a timeframe of three to seven years for meaningful domestic capacity to materialize, with federal backing reducing financing uncertainty [11][12] - The focus for investors should be on the U.S. rebuilding its domestic capacity for critical materials, which are essential for AI, EVs, renewable energy, and military applications [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the potential of three companies—The Metals Company (TMC), Critical Metals (CRML), and NioCorp Developments (NB)—in the context of U.S. government initiatives to secure domestic critical mineral supplies through "Project Vault" [4][18]. Company Summaries The Metals Company (TMC) - TMC is a pre-revenue developer focused on extracting polymetallic nodules from the deep seafloor, which could provide a non-traditional supply source for critical minerals [3]. - As of September 30, 2025, TMC reported cash reserves of $115.6 million and a net loss of $184.5 million, equating to $0.46 per share [1]. - TMC's stock has increased by 277% over the past 52 weeks and 6% year-to-date [2]. - The company secured a $37 million investment and an $85.2 million strategic investment from Korea Zinc, which indicates strong interest in U.S.-based refining [7]. - Analysts have a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for TMC, with an average price target of $10.60, suggesting a potential upside of about 62% [8]. Critical Metals (CRML) - CRML is a development-stage rare earths company advancing the Tanbreez project in Southern Greenland [9]. - The stock has risen by 54% over the past 52 weeks and 88% year-to-date, reflecting positive market sentiment [10]. - The company closed a $50 million PIPE financing to support its project, extending its operational runway [12]. - U.S. government interest in CRML has been highlighted by discussions of converting a $50 million Defense Production Act grant into an equity stake [13]. - One analyst rates CRML as a "Strong Buy" with a price target of $20, indicating a potential upside of approximately 54% [13]. NioCorp Developments (NB) - NioCorp is focused on developing the Elk Creek Project in Nebraska, targeting scandium, niobium, and titanium materials [14]. - The stock has appreciated by 161% over the past 52 weeks and 26% year-to-date [14]. - For the three months ending September 30, 2025, NioCorp reported a cash balance of $162.8 million and a net loss of $42.7 million, or $0.53 per share [15]. - The U.S. Department of Defense awarded up to $10 million to support NioCorp's domestic scandium supply chain, indicating strategic importance [16]. - Analysts have a consensus "Strong Buy" rating for NioCorp, with an average price target of $13.12, suggesting a potential upside of about 97% [17]. Industry Context - The U.S. government is prioritizing domestic critical mineral supplies due to China's dominance in the sector, controlling approximately 70% of rare earths mining and 90% of processing [6]. - "Project Vault" aims to create a strategic reserve of rare earth elements, with nearly $12 billion allocated to reduce reliance on China [6]. - The demand for critical minerals is projected to double or triple by 2030, emphasizing the urgency of securing domestic sources [6].

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. government is launching new initiatives to stabilize key rare earth market prices, utilizing tariff measures to create a protected trade zone aimed at encouraging private mining investments in rare earth minerals, which are considered the "cornerstone of the modern economy" [1]. Group 1: Government Initiatives - U.S. Vice President Vance announced plans to establish a protected trade zone with a price floor supported by adjustable tariffs to ensure reasonable pricing for rare earth minerals [1]. - The U.S. government is initiating the "Treasury Plan," which includes $10 billion in loans from the Export-Import Bank and nearly $1.67 billion in private capital to create a specific rare earth reserve [1]. Group 2: Market Reactions - Following the announcement, U.S. rare earth stocks initially surged but experienced a significant decline the following day, with notable drops in companies such as United States Antimony (down 16.3%) and Lightbridge (down 15%) [2]. - The inaugural "Critical Minerals Ministerial Meeting" attracted over 50 foreign ministers from various countries, with discussions led by U.S. Secretary of State Rubio to promote participation in the newly established protected trade zone [2]. Group 3: Legislative Actions - Recent actions have extended to Congress, where the House is debating the "Critical Minerals Dominance Act," aimed at expanding mineral extraction on federal lands, alongside plans to extend the Export-Import Bank's financing authority for another 10 years [2]. Group 4: International Participation - There is uncertainty regarding the effectiveness of tariff measures in building a global trade zone, as many countries remain hesitant to participate, with Vance urging representatives to finalize agreements promptly [3].

Group 1 - Critical Minerals Corporation's shares increased by 12.4% despite a downturn in broader market indexes, indicating strong investor interest [1] - The stock's rise is attributed to the Trump Administration's Department of the Interior expanding "Project Vault," which aims to stockpile critical materials [3] - Critical Minerals Corporation is focused on rare-earth and lithium mining, with significant interests in projects located in Greenland and Austria [2][4] Group 2 - "Project Vault" will increase stockpiles of critical materials for national defense, potentially boosting demand for the output of Critical Minerals Corporation [3][4] - The list of critical minerals includes both rare-earth elements and lithium, which are essential for various industries [4] - Critical Minerals Corporation is currently pre-revenue, with mining projects expected to commence in 2028, making it a highly speculative investment [5]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of macro-oriented and data-driven investment strategies, highlighting the need to connect trends that may not be immediately visible to mainstream financial media [1] - It advocates for holding idiosyncratic positions in investments, suggesting that successful investing often requires taking unconventional risks [1] Investment Philosophy - The author manages risk through disciplined position sizing, indicating that the size of an investment can be more critical than the selection of the security itself [1] - The concept of "information alpha" is introduced, referring to the pursuit of uncovering narrative trends before they become widely recognized [1] Quotes and Influences - The article includes notable quotes from investment figures, such as Howard Marks and Timothy Snyder, reinforcing the idea that history provides valuable lessons for investors [1]