Core Points - Electra Battery Materials Corporation held its 2025 annual general and special meeting of shareholders on June 24, 2025, in Toronto [1] - A total of 5,222,899 common shares, representing 29% of the issued and outstanding shares, were voted at the meeting, with shareholders approving all items of business [2] - All five director nominees were elected with significant support, with votes for ranging from 96.34% to 97.43% [3] Company Updates - The 2022 Amended and Restated Long-Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) was approved, increasing the number of Options from 1,429,961 to 2,500,000, PSUs from 100,000 to 125,000, and DSUs from 175,000 to 400,000, while RSUs remain at 125,000 [4] - The maximum number of common shares reserved for issuance under the LTIP has been revised from 1,829,961 to 3,150,000 [4] - The LTIP is conditionally approved by the TSX Venture Exchange and is subject to final acceptance [5] Industry Position - Electra is positioned as a leader in advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries, focusing on developing the only cobalt sulfate refinery in North America [6] - The company's strategy includes onshoring critical minerals refining, nickel refining, and battery recycling, with growth projects in black mass recycling and cobalt production opportunities in Quebec [6]

Core Insights - The successful installation of groundwater monitoring wells at the Cowboy State Mine marks a significant milestone in the environmental permitting process for American Rare Earths Limited [2][3][5] - The project is part of the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, which is strategically positioned to support U.S. critical minerals supply chain security [6][9] Environmental Permitting Process - Groundwater monitoring wells have been installed to collect baseline hydrological and environmental data, which is essential for the state mining permit application [3][4] - The data collection will inform groundwater modeling, mine planning, and support the formal submission of the mining permit application [4][8] - The permitting process benefits from a simplified framework due to the project being located on State-managed land [4][7] Project Development Timeline - The company is on track to complete the Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) by the end of 2025, with ongoing data collection and analysis [5][8] - Quarterly groundwater sampling and analysis will continue throughout the 12-month monitoring period, alongside 24-hour pump tests [8][9] Strategic Importance - The Halleck Creek Project is one of the largest rare earth projects in the U.S., with a JORC Resource of 2.63 billion tonnes, highlighting its potential to secure America's critical mineral independence [7][9] - The project aims to reduce U.S. reliance on rare earth imports, particularly from China, while addressing the growing demand for these elements in defense and advanced technologies [9]

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation commends the Ontario government's C$500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund, which aims to build a domestic supply chain for clean energy technologies [1] - The fund is expected to enhance local industry capabilities and support the growth of electric vehicle and battery manufacturing in Ontario [2] - Electra's CEO highlighted the importance of a North America-first approach to secure critical mineral supply chains amid global competition, particularly against China's dominance [6] Group 1: Government Initiatives - The C$500 million fund represents a significant investment in critical mineral processing, aligning with Electra's mission to create a sustainable battery materials supply chain [1][2] - The fund is anticipated to generate economic opportunities in Northern Ontario communities, supporting clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing [2] Group 2: Company Strategy and Positioning - Electra is focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and aims to onshore critical minerals refining to reduce foreign reliance [7] - The company is also exploring nickel refining and battery recycling, with projects including black mass recycling and potential cobalt production in Quebec [7] Group 3: Industry Engagement - At the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, Electra's CEO engaged with key stakeholders, emphasizing the urgency of reducing foreign dependence on critical minerals [4] - The company looks forward to collaborating with newly appointed federal cabinet ministers to advance clean energy and critical minerals priorities [5]

Core Insights - Electra Battery Materials Corporation commends the Ontario government's C$500 million Critical Minerals Processing Fund, which aims to build a domestic supply chain for clean energy technologies [1][2] - The fund is expected to enhance local industry capabilities and create economic opportunities in Northern Ontario, aligning with Electra's mission to develop a sustainable North American battery materials supply chain [2] Industry Developments - The prioritization of critical mineral processing in Ontario will accelerate strategic mineral processing projects that support the electric vehicle and battery manufacturing ecosystem [2] - At the 2025 SelectUSA Investment Summit, Electra's CEO engaged with key stakeholders, highlighting the urgency to reduce foreign dependence on critical minerals [4] Company Strategy - Electra is focused on developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and aims to onshore critical minerals refining to reduce reliance on foreign supply chains [7] - The company is also exploring opportunities for nickel refining and battery recycling, including integrating black mass recycling at its existing refining complex [7] Leadership and Collaboration - Electra expresses support for newly appointed federal cabinet ministers, emphasizing the importance of their leadership in advancing clean energy and critical minerals priorities [5] - The company is committed to collaborating with all levels of government to support industrial innovation and energy security [5][6]

Core Insights - First Atlantic Nickel Corp. has reported positive assay results from drill hole AN-24-05, confirming a 400-meter north-south mineralized strike length at the RPM Zone, with an average of 0.23% nickel and 0.29% chromium over 396 meters [1][4][7] - The Phase 1 drilling program has established a 400-meter by 500-meter mineralized footprint at the RPM Zone, with all four drill holes ending in mineralization, indicating significant potential for further expansion [2][5][11] - Phase 2 drilling commenced on May 7, 2025, targeting extensions of the RPM Zone in multiple directions, with ongoing metallurgical testing to assess the suitability of the mineralization for commercial processing [2][10][17] Phase 1 Drilling Results - Drill hole AN-24-05 intersected 396 meters grading 0.23% nickel and 0.29% chromium, starting after 6 meters of overburden [4][6] - The hole reached a total depth of 402 meters and ended in mineralization, indicating further expansion potential [4][7] - Awaruite mineralization was consistently observed across all Phase 1 holes, reinforcing the potential for additional discoveries [5][22] Phase 2 Drilling Program - The fully funded Phase 2 program aims to expand the mineralized footprint established in Phase 1, with strategic step-out drilling planned in various directions [10][11] - The program will explore deeper mineralization and assess geological continuity between the RPM Zone and nearby areas [12][11] - Enhanced drilling capabilities and full road access are expected to improve efficiency and reduce costs during the Phase 2 program [11][10] Metallurgical Testing - Davis Tube Recovery (DTR) testing is underway for drill holes AN-24-04 and AN-24-05 to evaluate magnetically recoverable nickel content [17][22] - Initial DTR results from earlier holes indicated an average of ~1.35% nickel in magnetic concentrates, supporting a low-energy processing approach [17][22] - The processing method aligns with sustainable development objectives and North America's critical minerals strategy, particularly in light of new regulations under the US Inflation Reduction Act [22][31] District-Scale Potential - The RPM Zone is part of a 30-kilometer ultramafic ophiolite nickel trend, with significant exploration upside across the region [2][5] - Historical drilling and recent discoveries have confirmed the presence of awaruite mineralization across a 26-kilometer strike length within the Atlantic Nickel Project [5][22] - Awaruite's unique properties allow for cleaner processing compared to conventional nickel sources, enhancing North America's domestic critical minerals supply chain [22][25]

Core Viewpoint - Electra Battery Materials Corporation is making significant progress in establishing a North American supply chain for critical minerals, particularly focusing on cobalt sulfate refining and battery materials recycling to support the clean energy transition [3][4]. Financial Highlights - The company reported a cash position of C$3.2 million at the end of the first quarter of 2025 [12]. - Electra has secured up to US$54 million in non-dilutive funding, including US$34 million in government support and a US$20 million strategic investment proposal [4]. Operational Developments - The current priority is the recommissioning and expansion of the cobalt sulfate refinery in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, requiring approximately US$60 million to complete [3]. - Electra has established partnerships with Glencore and Eurasian Resources Group (ERG) for cobalt feed sourcing and has a long-term offtake agreement with LG Energy Solution [5]. Recycling Initiatives - The company operated a year-long plant-scale recycling program in 2023, successfully recovering critical metals needed for lithium-ion batteries [6]. - An engineering study for a new battery recycling refinery adjacent to the cobalt refinery commenced in January 2025, building on previous technology and expertise [8]. Strategic Partnerships and Exploration - Electra signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Nord Precious Metals to process cobalt-bearing silver concentrates [7]. - The company is exploring its CAS Property in the Idaho Cobalt Belt, highlighting high-grade gold values that reinforce its critical minerals strategy [10][11]. Leadership Changes - In early 2025, Electra strengthened its leadership team by appointing Marty Rendall as CFO and Alden Greenhouse to the Board of Directors [7].

Core Viewpoint - Energy Fuels has significantly increased its 2025 uranium production and finished goods inventory guidance by 22% and 193% respectively, while enhancing its working capital position and advancing its high-grade U.S. uranium production and rare earth projects [1][3][4]. Financial Performance - For Q1 2025, Energy Fuels reported a net loss of $26.32 million on revenues of $16.90 million, primarily due to ramping up mining operations and retaining finished goods inventory for future sales at higher prices [6][22]. - The company has a robust balance sheet with over $210 million in liquidity and no debt, including $73 million in cash and cash equivalents [6][22]. Production and Inventory Guidance - The revised guidance for mined uranium in 2025 is between 875,000 and 1,435,000 pounds of U3O8, reflecting a 22% increase from previous estimates [9][14]. - Expected production of finished U3O8 in 2025 is projected to reach up to 1,000,000 pounds, with significant contributions from the Pinyon Plain, La Sal, and Pandora mines [3][10][14]. Strategic Collaborations - Energy Fuels has entered into strategic collaborations with POSCO International and The Chemours Company to create a domestic supply chain for critical minerals, including rare earth elements [5][10]. - The company is also advancing its capabilities to produce mid and heavy rare earths, which are currently subject to Chinese export controls [5][10]. Market Position and Future Outlook - The company is recognized as a leading force in establishing a U.S.-based supply chain for critical materials, supported by various government initiatives [2][5]. - Energy Fuels is prepared to invest hundreds of millions of dollars in U.S. critical mineral processing and mines in allied nations, maintaining its position as a leading U.S. producer of uranium and advanced rare earth materials [6][10]. Recent Developments - A landmark agreement with the Navajo Nation has been signed to ensure safe uranium ore transport and to accept uranium-bearing materials from historic abandoned mines [10][14]. - The company continues to explore and develop its projects, including the Roca Honda and Bullfrog uranium projects, which have the potential to significantly increase production capacity in the coming years [10][14].

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Atlantic Nickel Corp. (TSXV: FAN) (OTCQB: FANCF) (FSE: P21) ("First Atlantic" or the "Company") expresses its gratitude to the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador for awarding the Company the maximum grant of $150,000 through the Junior Exploration Assistance (JEA) program. The funding will support critical mineral exploration at the Company's Atlantic Nickel Project (the "Project"), a 100%-owned, district-scale nickel project strategically ...

Core Points - Electra Battery Materials Corporation has successfully closed the final tranche of an oversubscribed non-brokered private placement, raising approximately US$3.5 million [1][2] - The offering consisted of 3,125,000 units issued at a price of US$1.12 per unit, with each unit comprising one common share and one transferable common share purchase warrant [2] - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized to advance the company's Refinery project in Temiskaming Shores, Ontario, and for general corporate purposes [2] Offering Details - The offering was conducted in two tranches, with the first tranche closing on April 3, 2025, and the second on April 14, 2025 [2] - Each warrant allows the holder to purchase one common share at a price of US$1.40 for a period of eighteen months following the issue date [2] - The company paid US$219,447 in cash finders fees and issued 183,333 non-transferrable finders warrants to eligible finders [5] Related Party Transactions - Key executives and directors of the company participated in the offering, constituting a "related party transaction" under applicable securities laws [3][4] - The company did not file a material change report prior to closing due to the timing of insider participation [4] - As the transaction does not exceed 25% of the company's market capitalization, no formal valuation or minority shareholder approval is required [4] Securities Regulations - The common shares and warrants issued under the offering are not subject to a hold period under Canadian securities laws [6] - Securities issued to insiders will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day from the date of issuance [6] - The offering remains subject to final approval from the TSX Venture Exchange [6] Company Overview - Electra Battery Materials is focused on advancing North America's critical minerals supply chain for lithium-ion batteries [8] - The company is developing North America's only cobalt sulfate refinery and has plans for nickel refining and battery recycling [8] - Growth projects include integrating black mass recycling and exploring opportunities for cobalt and nickel production in North America [8]