Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 18, 2025) - Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX: AVL) (OTCQB: AVLNF) ("Avalon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Vienna Psihos as Manager, Public Affairs & Government Relations.Ms. Psihos brings strong experience at the intersection of government decision-making, regulatory processes, and strategic communications. Her expertise will support Avalon as it advances key critical minerals projects across Canada. Ms. Psihos holds a Bachelor o ...

Core Insights - Kincora Copper Limited has been awarded a A$143,484 co-funding grant for drilling at the Wongarbon project, marking the first drilling to basement geology at this site [1][3][7] - The grant is part of the New South Wales (NSW) Government's Critical Minerals Strategy 2024-35, which aims to enhance exploration and investment in critical minerals [2][6] - The Wongarbon project is located within a significant geological area, the Macquarie Arc, which is known for its potential in copper and gold discoveries [3][10] Company Overview - Kincora Copper Limited is an emerging gold-copper explorer with a hybrid project generator strategy, focusing on extensive project portfolios in Australia's Lachlan Fold Belt and Mongolia's Southern Gobi [9][10] - The company has secured over A$100 million in potential partner funding for various projects, supporting significant drilling activities [11][12] - Kincora aims to position itself as a leading institutional-grade explorer in the public Australian and Canadian markets [13] Industry Context - The NSW Government's Critical Minerals Strategy emphasizes the importance of copper as a critical mineral for energy transition and national security [2][6] - The recent competitive grant process awarded funding to 18 explorers, with a focus on copper exploration, highlighting the growing demand for critical minerals [7][8] - The Macquarie Arc is recognized as Australia's foremost porphyry region, indicating a favorable environment for mining and exploration activities [3][6]

Core Insights - Surge Battery Metals Inc. is advancing its 2025 drilling program at the Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) to update resource estimates and support a Pre-Feasibility Study (PFS) planned for 2026 [1][2][4] - The company has engaged Cassidy & Associates to navigate U.S. federal policy and funding opportunities related to the domestic battery supply chain [4][7][8] Drilling Program - Surge is executing a nine-hole core drill program aimed at upgrading resources to Indicated and Measured categories, with completion expected by the end of October 2025 [2][3] - As of now, 80% of the drilling program has been completed, with initial observations showing promising results in lithium-bearing claystone horizons [3] Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) Results - The recently completed PEA indicates strong economic potential for the NNLP, with an after-tax NPV at 8% of US$9.17 billion and an IRR of 22.8% based on a lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) price of US$24,000 per ton [6][10] - The project is expected to produce 3.6 million tons of battery-grade LCE over a 42-year mine life, with an average annual production of 86,300 tons [6] Engagement with Cassidy & Associates - Cassidy & Associates will assist Surge in advocating for federal funding opportunities, aligning with U.S. critical minerals strategies, and ensuring regulatory compliance as development progresses [7][8] - The engagement aims to enhance the company's capabilities in navigating the U.S. policy landscape [4][8] Marketing and Investor Awareness - Surge has entered into a marketing agreement with New Era Publishing Inc. for promotional services, aimed at increasing investor awareness [8]

Core Insights - Lion Rock Minerals has secured an $8.6 million strategic placement from Tronox Holdings to advance its Minta monazite and rutile project in Cameroon, resulting in Tronox acquiring 5% equity in Lion Rock [1][4]. Investment Details - Tronox will receive approximately 153 million new shares of Lion Rock at a price of $0.056 each and will provide commercial and technical services for the project [2]. - The investment is intended to accelerate drilling, resource definition, metallurgical test work, and product qualification in Cameroon [3]. Long-Term Partnership - The partnership aims to leverage Lion Rock's resource base with Tronox's mine-to-pigment capabilities, enhancing Tronox's strategic expansion into the rare earth value chain [3][5]. - Tronox's involvement is expected to create a foundation for collaboration in developing critical minerals, particularly in rare earths and titanium feedstock [4][5]. Strategic Importance - The Minta project is viewed as a significant opportunity for Tronox to advance its critical mineral strategy, particularly in rare earths and high-grade rutile [5][6]. - Tronox, a leading producer of titanium products, operates globally with a focus on mining titanium-bearing mineral sands and producing high-quality titanium feedstock materials [6][7].

Core Insights - The United States is shifting from rhetoric to direct investment in the global critical minerals sector, exemplified by its 10% equity stake in Trilogy Metals, leading to a 225% surge in the company's shares [1][2]. Government Involvement - The US government is increasing its involvement in critical minerals funding, as seen with the Defense Department's 15% stake in MP Materials and a 5% investment in Lithium Americas, indicating a hands-on approach to securing supply chains essential for national security and clean energy [3]. Market Reactions - The investment from the White House has triggered a rally among US-listed resource developers and renewed interest in smaller explorers with North American exposure, reshaping market sentiment [7]. Australian Companies' Opportunities - Nova Minerals has become the first ASX-listed company to benefit from US critical minerals investment, securing US$43.4 million for its Estelle Gold Project, highlighting the growing recognition of ASX-listed companies as credible partners in the US strategy [5][6]. - Other Australian companies, such as Trigg Minerals and Resolution Minerals, are well-positioned to capitalize on the US government's focus on critical minerals, potentially leading to a structural rerating for ASX juniors with US exposure [10][11]. Strategic Shift - The US is transitioning from being a consumer to a strategic shareholder in critical minerals, creating a new investment dynamic where policy, funding, and exploration converge, with ASX explorers potentially playing a key role in America's industrial strategy [12][13].

Core Insights - Western Star Resources Inc. is conducting a preliminary due diligence review of The Real American Corp, revealing strong historical data that highlights the project's high-grade potential and strategic value. The full due diligence process is expected to be completed within 20 days, after which the company plans to move towards a definitive agreement for acquisition [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Western Star is a resource exploration company focused on advancing its flagship gold and silver project in Canada while expanding into the U.S. with an emphasis on strategic critical minerals [3]. - The company is committed to responsible exploration and development, aligning its asset portfolio with U.S. government priorities to secure domestic supplies of minerals essential for defense, energy, and advanced manufacturing [3]. Group 2: The Real American Corp - The Real American Corp is a privately held mining company with a focus on critical mineral assets, particularly tungsten, in Nevada. The company utilizes AI technology to evaluate high-potential assets across North America [4]. - The project includes historical samples with assays reporting up to 5.12% WO₃, significantly higher than the North American average of approximately 0.3% WO₃ [5]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - The Real American Corp aligns with U.S. government directives aimed at securing a domestic tungsten supply, a resource critical to national security, with no U.S. commercial production since 2015 and global supply dominated by China (approximately 85%) [2]. - The project is located in a prolific district recognized for tungsten-bearing skarn deposits, near the historic Springer Tungsten Mine, with multiple underexplored outcrops and mineralized zones that present exploration upside [5].

Core Viewpoint - The announcement of funding from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) for the Kazozo copper-cobalt project in Zambia signifies a strategic partnership aimed at enhancing U.S.-Zambia economic cooperation and securing critical mineral supplies for global energy transition [1][2]. Group 1: Project Details - Terra Metals Inc. and Metalex Commodities' joint venture, Lunda Resources, received USTDA funding for a feasibility study of the Kazozo mine and adjacent exploration licenses in northwestern Zambia [1]. - The project aligns with the Trump administration's "trade, not aid" policy and the U.S. critical minerals strategy, contributing to job creation and GDP growth in both countries [1]. Group 2: Company Statements - Terra Metals Inc. Chairman Mumena Mushinge emphasized the achievement as a result of persistent efforts and strong belief in Zambia's copper-cobalt resource potential, thanking local chiefs for their support [2]. - Metalex Commodities CEO Ayo Sopitan highlighted the collaboration between the U.S. and Zambia to develop world-class copper-cobalt resources, aiming to empower industries and strengthen long-term economic cooperation [2]. Group 3: Strategic Importance - Senator Ted Cruz underscored the importance of U.S. involvement in African mining development, stating that critical minerals are foundational for future economies and that the U.S. must not fall behind China in this sector [2].

Summary of Ecora Resources Investor Presentation Company Overview - **Company**: Ecora Resources PLC (OTCPK:ECRA.F) - **Date of Presentation**: September 09, 2025 - **Key Speakers**: Marc Bishop-Lafleche (CEO), Kevin Flynn (CFO) Key Industry and Company Insights Industry Focus - **Critical Minerals and Base Metals**: The presentation highlighted strong growth in the critical minerals sector, particularly in base metals, with a focus on cobalt and copper. Financial Performance - **Half-Year Results**: The company reported strong volume growth in its base metals portfolio, with an 81% increase in the first half of the year [2][6]. - **Revenue Expectations**: For 2025, it is expected that more than half of the revenue will come from critical minerals, a significant increase from less than $20 million in 2020 [3][4]. - **Income Projections**: Projected income from producing assets could reach $50 million, with potential growth to $100 million from development-stage assets by 2030 [4][5]. Asset Performance - **Voisey's Bay**: Cobalt deliveries increased significantly, with 140 tons delivered in the first half of the year compared to 56 tons previously. The ramp-up is expected to continue, with a steady-state production capacity of around 560 tons annually [9][21]. - **Mantos Blancos**: Achieved record quarterly production, with copper prices trading around $4.50 per pound, significantly higher than the acquisition price assumption of $3 per pound [11][24]. - **Mimbula Copper Stream**: The acquisition is expected to contribute to immediate cash flow, with $1.4 million recognized in Q2 [12][26]. Strategic Transactions - **Duke Bee Gold Royalty Sale**: The sale could realize up to $20 million, aiding in deleveraging efforts following the Mimbula acquisition [3][15]. - **Portfolio Management**: The company is focused on diversifying its revenue sources, reducing reliance on any single asset, with Kestrel expected to contribute less over time [42][51]. Market Dynamics - **Cobalt Pricing**: Cobalt prices have shown recovery, moving from $13 per pound to a range of $18.25 to $20 per pound due to supply constraints and demand growth [10][22]. - **Government Actions**: The U.S. Department of Defense is stockpiling critical minerals, including cobalt, which could benefit Ecora's assets [30][31]. Future Outlook - **Growth Strategy**: The company aims to expand its portfolio in critical minerals, particularly copper and base metals, to capitalize on increasing electricity demand driven by digital infrastructure and renewable energy [52][53]. - **Production Guidance**: The company anticipates a more linear growth trajectory for its producing portfolio, while development-stage assets may have lumpier contributions [64][66]. Dividend Policy - **Dividend Announcement**: An interim dividend of $0.0060 per share was declared, representing approximately 25% of free cash flow, with potential for growth as the portfolio expands [55][57]. Additional Insights - **ESG Considerations**: The company emphasizes responsible investment practices and the importance of jurisdiction in its investment decisions to ensure adherence to ESG standards [58][59]. - **Dual Listing**: Ecora is dual-listed on the London Stock Exchange and the TSX, enhancing its visibility to North American investors [60]. Conclusion - **Pivotal Year**: 2025 is viewed as a significant turning point for Ecora Resources, transitioning from reliance on Kestrel to a more diversified portfolio with strong cash generation potential from critical minerals [34][70].

Core Points - Northern Graphite Corporation has secured a repayable contribution of up to $6.225 million from the Canadian government to extend the life of its Lac des Îles graphite mine in Quebec [1][2][7] - The funding will cover 75% of the eligible costs for the pit extension, supporting continued production from North America's only operating graphite mine [2][9] - The mine produces approximately 15,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate annually, with a capacity of 25,000 tonnes per year, and is crucial for meeting rising demand in various sectors, including lithium-ion battery manufacturing [4][10][11] Company Strategy - The CEO of Northern Graphite emphasized the importance of Lac des Îles in the company's growth strategy and its goal to become a key supplier for defense and battery markets [3][11] - The company is in discussions with other parties to finance the remaining costs of the mine extension [3] - The pit extension is based on a resource estimate that indicates potential for extending the mine's life and increasing operational capacity [10] Government Support - The investment is part of Canada's strategy to establish itself as a sustainable supplier of critical minerals, which is essential for energy, digital technologies, and national defense [5][6] - The funding is expected to have positive economic impacts for Quebec workers and communities [5][6] Operational Plans - The funding will help avoid putting the Lac des Îles mine on care and maintenance at the end of 2025, allowing immediate work on the pit extension [9] - The first production from the new zones is anticipated within six to eight months, while the company will continue to supply customers from existing resources [9] - The repayment of the contribution will begin 36 months after project completion, with 84 equal monthly installments [9]

Core Insights - Troilus Gold Corp. has been invited to participate in two significant Canadian government-led international missions, highlighting the strategic importance of its copper-gold project to Canada's critical minerals agenda [1][4] - The company will join a Canadian business delegation to Berlin, Germany, to showcase its role as a major future copper-gold producer and its partnerships with key players in the supply chain [2][4] - Troilus will also attend the Canadian Critical Minerals Investment Forum in Tokyo, Japan, and Seoul, Korea, to engage with global investors and industry leaders [3][4] Company Overview - Troilus Gold Corp. is a Canadian development-stage mining company focused on advancing the former Troilus Mine towards production, located in Quebec, Canada [5] - The company holds a significant land position of 435 km² in the Frôtet-Evans Greenstone Belt and has completed a Feasibility Study supporting a large-scale 22-year, 50ktpd open-pit mining operation [5]