Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - March 25, 2026) - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. (CSE: SPRK) (OTC Pink: SPARF) (FSE: 8PC) ("Spark" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an operational update on exploration activities at its flagship Arapaima Project, located in Padre Paraíso, within Brazil's Lithium Valley.RC DRILLING PROGRAM - COMMENCEMENT AND SCOPEThe Company has mobilized to resume its next Reverse Circulation ("RC") drilling program at the Arapaima Project. The program is designed to inclu ...

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Core Viewpoint - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. has issued a news release to clarify previous disclosures regarding its Arapaima Project, emphasizing the need for compliance with NI 43-101 standards and retracting prior TREE and MREO values pending further testing [1][4][9]. Disclosure Clarifications - The company acknowledges that certain assay results presented in previous disclosures used TREE and MREO values that do not accurately reflect the economic significance and recoverability of each element, leading to potentially misleading equivalent grades [3][4]. - Investors are advised not to rely on previously disclosed TREE or MREO values, as the company retracts all prior figures until metallurgical testing is completed [4][9]. Project Status - The Arapaima Project is still in the exploration phase and has not reached the stage of mineral resource estimation or economic analysis, meaning the presence of minerals in adjacent properties does not guarantee similar findings at Arapaima [5][10]. - Comparisons made in prior disclosures between Arapaima and nearby projects were not compliant with NI 43-101 and should not be interpreted as indicative of Arapaima's potential [5]. Promotional Materials - The company recognizes that some promotional materials contained speculative commentary and has implemented enhanced review procedures to ensure compliance with securities laws [6][9]. - Statements suggesting that further exploration may lead to the development of mineral resources are considered overly promotional and should not be relied upon [6]. Future Compliance Measures - Moving forward, all technical and promotional disclosures will be reviewed by a Qualified Person and the company's legal team to ensure compliance with NI 43-101 [9]. - The company aims to provide balanced and factual technical information in its disclosures and will avoid using TREE/MREO values without appropriate supporting data [9]. Company Overview - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. is focused on the exploration and development of critical minerals in Brazil, particularly in the Lithium Valley, which is known for its lithium, gallium, and rare-earth potential [10]. - The Arapaima Project covers approximately 91,900 hectares and targets lithium and gallium-REE mineralization, contributing to the secure supply of minerals for clean energy [10].

Core Viewpoint - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. is conducting a non-brokered private placement to raise up to $300,000 through the sale of 5,000,000 units at a price of $0.06 per unit, aimed at advancing exploration work in Brazil's Lithium Valley and for general working capital [1][2]. Group 1: Offering Details - The Offering consists of units, each comprising one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with the warrant allowing the purchase of one share at $0.07 for three years [1]. - The total gross proceeds from the Offering are expected to be up to $300,000 [1]. - All securities issued will be subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day [2]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - Proceeds from the Offering will be allocated to advance exploration work at the Arapaima Project located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, as well as for general working capital [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. focuses on the exploration and development of critical minerals essential for the clean-energy transition, particularly in Brazil's Lithium Valley, which is recognized for its lithium, gallium, and rare-earth potential [4]. - The Arapaima Project spans approximately 91,900 hectares and hosts multiple targets for lithium and gallium-REE mineralization [4]. - The company is committed to responsible exploration practices and aims to support Brazil's development of a sustainable critical-minerals supply chain [4].

Core Insights - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. has reported promising results from its maiden Reverse Circulation drill program at the Arapaima Project in Brazil's Lithium Valley, indicating a laterally continuous critical minerals system [1][9]. Rare Earth Elements (REE) Highlights - All five drill holes intersected broad rare earth mineralization, with Magnet Rare Earth Oxides (MREO) comprising up to 33% of Total Rare Earth Oxides (TREO) [2][3][4]. - The consistent mineralization across all holes suggests a coherent and laterally continuous mineralized system rather than isolated high-grade zones [3][8]. Gallium Mineralization - Gallium was intersected from surface in all five holes, highlighting the near-surface character of the system and its strategic importance in advanced technologies [5][12]. - The presence of gallium is significant due to its critical role in semiconductors and other high-tech applications, with global supply being highly concentrated [5][20]. Geological Interpretation - The drilling results support the interpretation of a coherent and vertically developed supergene mineralized system formed through deep tropical weathering of granitic host rocks [9][10]. - The average spacing of approximately 380 meters between drill holes strengthens the interpretation of a laterally continuous mineralized system across a meaningful footprint [7][8]. Strategic Importance of the Arapaima Project - The Arapaima Project is located in Brazil's Lithium Valley, a region gaining international recognition for lithium and critical mineral discoveries, which aligns with global supply chain diversification efforts [17][18]. - As demand for magnet rare earths and gallium intensifies, Brazil's Lithium Valley continues to attract international attention as a prospective critical minerals district [20].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy (DUK) shares have declined 6.1% over the past three months, underperforming the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry's decline of 1.4, indicating financial pressure from rising leverage and interest expenses [1][7]. Financial Performance - Duke Energy's long-term debt increased to $79.3 billion as of September 30, 2025, from $76.34 billion at the end of 2024, leading to higher financing costs with interest expenses rising nearly 7% year over year to $2.69 million during the first nine months of 2025 [4][7]. - The company's total debt to capital ratio stands at 61.97%, which is higher than the industry's average of 61.13% [13]. - Duke Energy's current ratio is 0.63, indicating potential struggles to meet short-term obligations as current liabilities exceed current assets [14]. Industry Comparison - Other operators in the industry, such as NextEra Energy (NEE) and DTE Energy (DTE), also face risks from higher debt levels, with NEE's long-term debt rising to $84.17 billion and DTE's to $24.5 billion as of September 30, 2025 [2]. - Shares of NEE and DTE have declined 1.1% and 9.2%, respectively, over the past three months [2]. Weather Impact - Unfavorable weather events, including hurricanes, have caused significant outages and infrastructure damage, with restoration costs totaling nearly $789 million as of September 30, 2025 [5][8]. Growth and Transition - Duke Energy is advancing its clean-energy transition by planning to reduce coal generation to under 5% by 2030 and eliminate it by 2035, supported by retiring 58 coal units totaling 8,000 megawatts [10]. - The company aims to achieve net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with plans to add over 7,500 megawatts of new, lower-emission natural gas generation by 2030 [10]. Dividend and Profitability - Duke Energy's annual dividend is $4.26 per share, with a current dividend yield of 3.65%, outperforming the industry's average of 2.92% [15]. - The company's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 9.98%, lower than the industry average of 10.3%, indicating less effective utilization of shareholders' funds [17]. Valuation - Duke Energy is currently trading at a forward P/E ratio of 17.41X, which is a premium compared to the industry's 15.51X [18].

Core Viewpoint - Duke Energy (DUK) is experiencing growth in its renewable business and strategic investment plans, although its stock performance has lagged behind the industry average [1][20]. Group 1: Stock Performance - DUK shares have increased by 5.7% over the past six months, while the Zacks Utility-Electric Power industry has grown by 11.9% [1]. - Other industry players, NextEra Energy (NEE) and The Southern Company (SO), have seen stock gains of 23% and 1.3%, respectively, during the same period [2]. Group 2: Factors Driving Performance - Duke Energy is enhancing its energy mix through investments in modern technology and infrastructure, combining renewable resources with conventional sources [4]. - The company plans to reduce coal generation to under 5% by 2030 and eliminate it entirely by 2035, retiring 58 coal units totaling 8,000 megawatts (MW) [5]. - Duke Energy aims for net-zero methane emissions by 2030 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, with plans to add over 7,500 MW of new, lower-emission natural gas generation by 2030 [5]. Group 3: Investment Plans - The company plans to invest $190-$200 billion over the next decade to modernize infrastructure and enhance its renewable energy portfolio [8][9]. - Duke Energy is expanding its nuclear capabilities, partnering with GE Hitachi to advance small modular reactor technology as part of its clean energy strategy [10][20]. Group 4: Earnings Estimates and Performance - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for DUK's earnings per share (EPS) indicates a year-over-year increase of 7.29% for 2025 and 6.07% for 2026 [11]. - Duke Energy has consistently beaten earnings estimates over the past four quarters, with an average surprise of 5.72% [13]. Group 5: Dividend and Financial Metrics - Duke Energy's annual dividend is currently $4.26 per share, with a targeted payout ratio of 60-70% [15]. - The company's trailing 12-month return on equity (ROE) is 9.98%, higher than the industry average of 9.64% [17]. - DUK is trading at a forward 12-month P/E ratio of 18.55, which is a premium compared to the industry's 15.76 [18].

Core Insights - Spark Energy Minerals Inc. has reported new assay results from its Arapaima Project in Brazil's Lithium Valley, highlighting significant lithium and gallium-rare earth element (REE) anomalies [1][4] Group 1: Lithium Anomalies - Three lithium anomalies exceeding 1,000 ppm Li have been defined from surface rock samples at the Cruzeta target [8] - The ongoing exploration work includes mapping, geochemical analysis, and sampling to support the definition of high-priority critical-mineral drill targets [1][3] Group 2: Gallium and REE Expansion - The total rare earth oxide (TREO) values from stream-sediment samples at the Caladão target returned above 10,000 ppm (1%), extending the anomalous footprint southward [8] - The company is finalizing logistics and permitting for drilling at the gallium-REE Caladão target, adjacent to recent ionic-clay gallium and REE discoveries [3] Group 3: Drilling Plans - Initial drilling will test the subsurface continuity of lithium-bearing pegmatites and gallium-REE mineralization zones identified through surface sampling and mapping [3] - The exploration team is preparing to advance its first subsurface testing program within the district, guided by ongoing geochemical interpretation and field mapping [3][4]