Vancouver, B.C., 20th January 2026 – TheNewswire – In a major development for the U.S. critical minerals industry, Ares Strategic Mining Inc. (CSE: ARS) (OTC: ARSMF) (FRA: N8I1) has been officially awarded a $168,938,267.30 contract by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) – a significant initiative to help strengthen America’s domestic manufacturing and supply base and support the rebuilding of U.S. strategic mineral stockpiles. Click Image To View Full SizeThe a ...

Core Viewpoint - Westwater Resources, Inc. will participate in the DealFlow Discovery Conference on January 28-29, 2026, where the Executive Chairman will present and hold one-on-one investor meetings [1][2]. Group 1: Company Overview - Westwater Resources, Inc. is an energy technology company focused on developing battery-grade natural graphite [3]. - The primary project of Westwater is the Kellyton Graphite Processing Plant, which is currently under construction in east-central Alabama [3]. - The Coosa Graphite Deposit, located across 41,965 acres (~17,000 hectares) in Coosa County, Alabama, is the largest and most advanced natural flake graphite deposit in the contiguous United States [3]. Group 2: Event Details - The DealFlow Discovery Conference will take place at The Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ [2]. - Investors interested in meeting with the company can request an investor pass to attend the conference at no cost [2].

Core Viewpoint - Patriot Critical Minerals is addressing compliance issues with its technical report for the MEGA tungsten project, which was found not to meet the National Instrument 43-101 standards, and advises investors not to rely on the previously filed information [1][2]. Group 1: Technical Report Compliance - The technical report filed on November 27, 2025, is not compliant with National Instrument 43-101, leading to the issuance of this news release [1]. - The report was initially filed due to a news release on August 26, 2025, which triggered disclosure requirements under NI 43-101 [2]. - A revised technical report will be filed to address comments from the British Columbia Securities Commission, ensuring that commodity pricing information is validated by a Qualified Person [3]. Group 2: Company Overview - Patriot Critical Minerals is focused on developing critical minerals, particularly the MEGA tungsten project in Elko County, Nevada, which spans 310 acres across 15 unpatented lode mining claims [4]. - The MEGA project is recognized as one of the largest known tungsten deposits in the United States [4].

Core Insights - Element One Hydrogen & Critical Minerals Corp. is positioned for significant growth in the natural hydrogen sector, which is expected to disrupt the global energy market [2][3][10] - The company has established a strong foundation in critical mineral exploration and advanced extraction techniques, setting the stage for a defining year in 2026 [2][5] Company Overview - Element One focuses on the exploration, development, and commercialization of geologic hydrogen and critical mineral resources, with projects in Alaska and British Columbia [13] - The company has a small-cap structure with only 36 million shares outstanding, 80% of which are owned by management and long-term investors, creating scarcity and leverage [6] Natural Hydrogen Market - Natural hydrogen, also known as geologic hydrogen, occurs naturally and can be produced at significantly lower costs than fossil fuels and green hydrogen, with potential production costs as low as US$0.51 to US$0.75 per kilogram [3][4] - The natural hydrogen industry is in its early stages, but 2025 saw major developments, including the first wells drilled in Canada and successful tests in Oman [5] Strategic Initiatives - The company is pursuing a diversified strategy across three major forms of natural hydrogen: hard-rock stimulation and extraction, repurposing legacy oil and gas wells, and hydrogen accumulation systems [7] - In 2025, Element One upgraded its asset base with the acquisition of the HY Project and the Shulaps Project, which have favorable geological conditions for hydrogen generation [9] Leadership and Expertise - The management team includes experienced professionals who have previously achieved significant market capitalization growth and advanced valuable assets [8] - The company has strengthened its leadership with the addition of key personnel, aligning technical expertise with capital market execution [8] Future Outlook - As the global decarbonization trend accelerates, hydrogen is expected to play a central role, with Element One positioned to capitalize on cost-advantaged hydrogen supply [10][11] - Key milestones for 2026 include advancements in hard-rock hydrogen extraction technology, initial revenue generation through joint ventures, and increased market awareness of natural hydrogen as a clean energy solution [16]

Core Insights - MAX Power Mining Corp. has established itself as a leader in the Natural Hydrogen sector, achieving significant milestones in 2025 and positioning itself for further advancements in 2026 [2][5][12] Company Developments - The company successfully drilled Canada's first deep well specifically targeting Natural Hydrogen at Lawson, marking a transition from theoretical exploration to tangible subsurface evidence [7][8] - MAX Power has expanded its team by recruiting top talent across various sectors, enhancing its operational capabilities and strategic partnerships [2][5] - The company has secured significant investments, including a landmark partnership with Vietnam-based Bitexco, which represents the first major investment from Vietnam into Saskatchewan [11][12] Strategic Positioning - MAX Power holds approximately 1.3 million acres under permit in Saskatchewan, allowing for multiple exploration opportunities and scalable development [10] - The company is advancing a Large Earth Model Integration powered by AI for Natural Hydrogen, with plans to monetize this model in 2026 [7] - The ongoing developments at Lawson and the Genesis Trend are expected to lead to repeatable and scalable discoveries in the Natural Hydrogen sector [10][12] Future Outlook - The company anticipates that 2026 will be a pivotal year for Natural Hydrogen, moving from an academic concept to a viable energy solution [12] - MAX Power aims to leverage its geological and regulatory advantages in Saskatchewan to become a central player in the emerging clean energy sector [12][15] - The company is also advancing its U.S. subsidiary, Homeland Critical Minerals, with plans for a public listing in 2026, further diversifying its strategic focus [13]

Core Insights - M2i Global, Inc. is focused on establishing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals essential for U.S. national defense and economic security, positioning itself as a partner rather than a competitor in the industry [3][4] Strategic Roadmap for 2026 - The company has outlined its strategic roadmap for 2026, emphasizing the development of a Critical Mineral Reserve (CMR) and expanding partnerships and sourcing agreements [2][4] - M2i Global aims to secure access to critical minerals through collaborations with various partners, including Reforme Group, which has partnerships with over 40 critical mineral miners in Australia [4] Achievements in 2025 - In 2025, M2i Global made significant progress in expanding its ecosystem of partners and critical mineral sourcing agreements, including an exclusive offtake agreement for 88,000 tonnes of copper valued at $1 billion with NT Minerals [4] - The company is collaborating with Nimy Resources to develop gallium from the Mons Project in Western Australia, which has a compliant gallium resource [4] Critical Mineral Reserve (CMR) - The CMR is central to M2i Global's strategy, with support from the Hawthorne Army Depot for secure storage and logistics capabilities [4] - The CMR will include technological components for custody, storage, inventory management, and tracking from source to delivery [4] Processing and Technology Agreements - M2i Global has secured agreements for processing and technology rights, including the establishment of a lithium cathode materials manufacturing plant and the first spherical graphite refining facility in the U.S. [5] - The company is also pursuing options for transformational battery technology and recycling of battery metals [5] Business Combination and Uplisting - M2i Global is in the process of a business combination with Volato Group, Inc., having filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC [4][5] - The combination aims to enhance operational intelligence and transparency in the critical minerals supply chain [7] Visibility and Outreach Efforts - The company has increased its visibility through participation in investor forums, conferences, and launching a podcast series focused on critical minerals [4] - Engagement efforts include meetings with key stakeholders in government and industry to promote the importance of critical minerals [4]

Core Insights - Metallium, through its subsidiary Flash Metals USA, has signed a binding Letter of Intent with ElementUSA to recover gallium and scandium from red mud in Louisiana, with up to US$10.1 million in non-dilutive funding allocated for the initial deployment of its Flash Joule Heating technology [1][2] - The collaboration aims to support ElementUSA's development of a demonstration facility in Gramercy, Louisiana, focusing on the separation and purification of gallium and scandium from industrial waste [1][2] Company Overview - Metallium is focused on low-carbon, high-efficiency recovery of critical and precious metals from mineral concentrates and high-grade waste streams, utilizing its patented Flash Joule Heating technology [4] - The technology allows for the extraction of high-value materials such as gallium, germanium, antimony, rare earths, and gold from various feedstocks, including refinery scrap and e-waste [4] Industry Context - ElementUSA specializes in recovering critical minerals like gallium and scandium from industrial waste streams, employing advanced process development and various separation technologies [3] - The collaboration between Metallium and ElementUSA is positioned to enhance domestic capabilities in critical minerals, which are essential for defense, semiconductors, and advanced materials [2]

Core Viewpoint - Temas Resources Corp. is enhancing its investor awareness initiatives in Europe through a consulting agreement with Milestone Capital Partners, aiming to bolster its visibility and market presence in the region [1][2]. Group 1: Consulting Agreement - The consulting and marketing services agreement with Christian Klingebiel of Milestone Capital Partners is set for an eight-week engagement [2]. - Temas will pay a one-time fee of €70,000 for the services provided by Milestone Capital Partners [2]. - All public communications will be managed by Temas to ensure compliance with regulatory obligations [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - Temas Resources is a technology-driven critical minerals company focused on proprietary processing innovation and strategic mineral ownership [5][6]. - The company’s patented Regenerative Chloride Leach (RCL) technology can reduce operational costs by up to 65% compared to traditional processing methods, while also minimizing energy use and environmental impact [6][9]. - Temas owns two advanced titanium-vanadium-iron projects in Québec, Canada, which are integrated into its processing platform, creating a mine-to-market supply chain for Western metals [8][9]. Group 3: Strategic Goals - The combination of innovative IP commercialization and resource ownership positions Temas to provide scalable, low-carbon solutions that enhance Western critical-mineral independence [9].

Core Viewpoint - 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. is advancing key milestones to strengthen its position in the U.S. critical minerals supply chain, with a focus on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in refined borates and advanced boron derivative materials [1] Company Update - CEO Paul Weibel will present at the RedChip Critical Minerals Virtual Investor Conference on December 10, 2025, at 1:30 PM Eastern Time [1] - The presentation will highlight high-growth opportunities as North America accelerates efforts to onshore critical mineral supply chains [1]

Core Insights - The announcement highlights the appointment of Jon R. Marinelli as an Independent Director to the board of the United States Antimony Corporation (USAC) [1] Company Overview - USAC is recognized as a leading producer and processor of antimony, zeolite, and other critical minerals [1] - It is noted as the only fully integrated antimony company outside of China and Russia [1]