About this content About Angela Harmantas Angela Harmantas is an Editor at Proactive. She has over 15 years of experience covering the equity markets in North America, with a particular focus on junior resource stocks. Angela has reported from numerous countries around the world, including Canada, the US, Australia, Brazil, Ghana, and South Africa for leading trade publications. Previously, she worked in investor relations and led the foreign direct investment program in Canada for the Swedish government ...

Core Viewpoint - Rio2 Limited has successfully closed a brokered private placement, raising C$14 million (approximately US$10 million) through the sale of 6,306,300 common shares at a price of C$2.22 (approximately US$1.585) per share [1][2]. Group 1: Financial Details - The private placement involved the sale of 6,306,300 common shares [1]. - The total gross proceeds from the placement amounted to C$14 million (approximately US$10 million) [1]. - The shares were sold to investors in Peru and Chile [1]. Group 2: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the private placement will be utilized for working capital and general corporate purposes [2]. Group 3: Company Overview - Rio2 Limited is a mining company focused on the development and mining operations, particularly the Fenix Gold Project in Chile [4]. - The company aims to achieve production in the shortest possible timeframe through a staged development strategy [4]. - Rio2 is committed to high environmental standards and sustainable development practices [4].

Core Viewpoint - 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. has filed an omnibus application for a proprietary in-situ leach mining process, which aims to strengthen its competitive position and market leadership in the borate industry [1] Group 1: Patent Application Details - The omnibus application includes 167 invention claims related to 5E's end-to-end borate mining process [1] - The proprietary process is designed to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact [1] - If granted, the patent will create significant barriers for competitors attempting to replicate 5E's in-situ leach technology [1] Group 2: Company Profile - 5E Advanced Materials, Inc. is a U.S. development-stage company focused on becoming a vertically integrated global leader in refined borates and advanced boron derivative materials [1] - The company is actively working on the production of boric acid, gypsum, sodium chloride, and managing metal impurities [1]

Core Insights - The official launch of Hainan's free trade port operation on December 18, 2025, is expected to reshape the policy landscape and release multiple benefits across consumption, industry, and trade [2][17] - The upcoming closure is not a literal "closure" but a transformation into a special customs supervision area, allowing for zero tariffs on 74% of goods and a new regulatory framework [8][9] Consumption and Retail - A surge in consumer enthusiasm is evident in Haikou, with many tourists planning to shop at duty-free stores after the closure [4][6] - The duty-free shopping process has become streamlined, with significant discounts available, some items reaching nearly 60% off [6] - The number of duty-free product categories has increased from 45 to 47, including new categories like pet supplies and portable instruments [6] Policy Changes and Economic Impact - The "one line open, one line controlled, and free flow within the island" management model will enhance the convenience of purchasing duty-free goods for local residents [9] - The dual 15% tax policy aims to encourage local economic development, significantly reducing corporate income tax for qualifying industries [9] - The zero-tariff policy is expected to lower production costs for businesses, particularly benefiting companies from Shandong province [10][12] Industry Development - Hainan's free trade port is anticipated to accelerate industrial upgrades, attracting high-tech industries and modern services [15] - The region is positioned as a key intersection for domestic and international circulation, facilitating easier access for global goods and capital into China [16] - The implementation of a simplified sales tax system and a smart regulatory framework will enhance compliance efficiency and reduce costs for businesses [15] Strategic Positioning - Hainan is set to become a model for open economies, providing a framework for optimizing supply chains and trade facilitation in the Asia-Pacific region [16] - The transformation is seen as a significant signal of China's commitment to expanding its openness amid global trends of de-globalization [16][17]

Core Viewpoint - Asia Broadband Inc. is preparing to release a corporate update in January 2026, detailing the status and expectations of its mining and digital/cryptocurrency projects for the upcoming year [1] Group 1: Corporate Update - The corporate update will provide clarity on timelines and expectations for all AABB's mining and digital/cryptocurrency projects for 2026 [1] - The update is scheduled to be released after the holiday period and New Year's operations [1] Group 2: Company Overview - Asia Broadband Inc. focuses on the production of precious metals and the accumulation of physical gold and silver holdings, leveraging its geographic expertise and industry contacts in Mexico [3] - The company differentiates itself through its unique strengths in industry integration and asset diversification, creating distinctive value for shareholders [3] - AABB has a digital assets segment, including a gold-backed cryptocurrency and NFT collections, aiming to establish its token as a stable and trusted standard of exchange [3]

Core Viewpoint - MAX Power Mining Corp. has successfully closed a $5 million investment from Bitexco, a leading Vietnamese conglomerate, to accelerate Natural Hydrogen development in Saskatchewan, marking a significant step in clean energy initiatives in Canada [1][2][3]. Investment Details - The investment is part of a non-brokered private placement, resulting in the issuance of 16,666,666 units at a price of CDN $0.30 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $5 million [6][13]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a non-transferable common share purchase warrant, with the whole warrant allowing the purchase of one share at an exercise price of $0.45 for 24 months [7][8]. Strategic Partnership - The partnership with Bitexco is aimed at enhancing the discovery and commercial development of Natural Hydrogen across a significant land package of 1.3 million acres in Saskatchewan [2][3]. - This collaboration is seen as a strategic alignment between a global energy player and Canadian government entities, fostering innovation in clean energy [15][16]. Leadership and Expertise - Dr. Phung Khac Hoan, General Director of Big Energy, will join the MAX Power Board of Directors, bringing valuable expertise in the energy sector [10][11]. - Big Energy's experience in clean energy and investment opportunities is expected to support MAX Power's drilling program and commercialization efforts [11]. Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the investment will be utilized for exploration and drilling of Natural Hydrogen properties in Saskatchewan, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes [13]. Market Positioning - MAX Power is positioned as a first mover in the Natural Hydrogen sector, with a significant land position in Saskatchewan and ongoing drilling activities confirming the presence of Natural Hydrogen and helium [19]. - The investment enhances MAX Power's credibility and elevates its profile from a domestic exploration company to an internationally recognized clean energy platform [16].

Core Viewpoint - MAX Power Mining Corp. has successfully closed a $5 million investment from Bitexco, a leading Vietnamese conglomerate, to accelerate Natural Hydrogen development in Saskatchewan, marking a significant step in clean energy initiatives in Canada [1][2][3]. Investment Details - The investment is part of a non-brokered private placement, resulting in the issuance of 16,666,666 units at a price of CDN $0.30 per unit, generating total gross proceeds of $5 million [6][14]. - Each unit consists of one common share and one-half of a non-transferable common share purchase warrant, with the whole warrant allowing the purchase of one share at an exercise price of $0.45 for 24 months [7][8]. Strategic Partnership - The partnership between MAX Power and Bitexco is aimed at accelerating the discovery and commercial development of Natural Hydrogen across a significant land package of 1.3 million acres in Saskatchewan [2][3]. - This collaboration is seen as a strategic alignment between a global energy conglomerate and Canadian government entities, enhancing MAX Power's credibility and positioning it as a key player in the clean energy sector [16][17]. Corporate Governance - Dr. Phung Khac Hoan, General Director of Big Energy, is set to join the MAX Power Board of Directors, bringing valuable expertise in the energy sector [10][11]. - An investor rights and shareholder agreement has been established, granting Big Energy rights to participate in future financings and certain board nomination rights [9]. Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the investment will be utilized for exploration and drilling of Natural Hydrogen properties in Saskatchewan, as well as for working capital and general corporate purposes [14]. Industry Positioning - MAX Power is positioned as a first mover in the Natural Hydrogen sector, with a dominant land position in Saskatchewan and ongoing drilling programs aimed at commercializing Natural Hydrogen [20]. - The investment and partnership are expected to enhance MAX Power's ability to meet the growing global demand for secure, low-carbon energy infrastructure [17].

Core Viewpoint - Mason Resources Inc. held its Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders on December 16, 2025, where significant changes to the board of directors and company structure were approved by shareholders [1][2]. Group 1: Board of Directors - Shareholders re-elected Fahad Al-Tamimi, Peter Damouni, Adree Delazzer, and Roy McDowall as directors [2]. - Newly approved additions to the board include Victor Cantore and Simon Marcotte, both seasoned professionals in the capital markets and resource industry [2][3][4]. - Mr. Cantore has over 20 years of experience in advisory and leadership roles, while Mr. Marcotte has nearly 30 years of experience focused on commodities and has held executive positions in junior mining companies [3][4]. Group 2: Company Changes - The appointment of McGovern Hurley LLP as the Company's auditors was approved by shareholders [5]. - Shareholders reapproved the Company's Stock Option Plan, allowing the issuance of stock options to eligible participants, subject to regulatory approvals [5]. - The Company will change its registered office from Montreal, Quebec to Toronto, Ontario, and will also change its name to Mason Investments Inc. or another name acceptable to the Exchange and regulatory authorities, with a deadline to formalize these changes by June 30, 2026 [6].

Group 1 - Cabral Gold Inc. has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market, upgrading from the OTCQB Venture Market, which is a significant milestone for the company [1][3] - The company will begin trading under the symbol "CBGZF" and U.S. investors can access its financial disclosures and real-time quotes on the OTC Markets website [2] - The OTCQX Market is designed for established companies that meet high financial standards and corporate governance practices, enhancing visibility among U.S. investors [3] Group 2 - Cabral Gold Inc. is focused on the exploration and development of gold properties in Brazil, particularly in the Cuiú Cuiú gold district, where it holds a 100% interest [4] - The Cuiú Cuiú gold district has defined Indicated resources of 12.29 million tonnes at 1.14 g/t gold (450,200 ounces) and 13.56 million tonnes at 0.50 g/t gold (216,182 ounces), along with Inferred resources of 13.63 million tonnes at 1.04 g/t gold (455,100 ounces) and 6.4 million tonnes at 0.34 g/t gold (70,569 ounces) [4] - The resource estimates are based on various NI 43-101 technical reports dated from October 2022 to September 2025, ensuring compliance with industry standards [4]

Core Viewpoint - Orestone Mining Corp. has successfully completed a non-brokered private placement, raising a total of $2,240,000 through the issuance of 28,000,000 units at a price of $0.08 per unit [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The private placement consisted of units, each comprising one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with the warrants exercisable at $0.16 until December 16, 2026 [2]. - A hold period for the common shares and warrants will expire on April 17, 2026, and finders' fees of $14,070 were paid in connection with the placement [3]. - Strategic shareholder Crescat Capital LLC participated by subscribing for 3,094,461 units, contributing gross proceeds of $247,556.88 [4]. Group 2: Insider Participation - Certain insiders of the company purchased a total of 5,550,000 units, which is classified as a related party transaction under TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 [5]. - The company relied on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements due to the transaction's value not exceeding 25% of the company's market capitalization [5]. Group 3: Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the private placement will be allocated to further development of the Francisca property in Salta Province, Argentina, the Captain property in British Columbia, Canada, and for general administrative expenses and working capital [6]. Group 4: Company Overview - Orestone Mining Corp. is a Canadian company with a management team experienced in the mining sector, focusing on gold, silver, and copper projects in Canada and Argentina [7]. - The company's immediate objective for the Francisca property is to define an oxide gold deposit suitable for open-pit mining, while the Captain project is a permitted and drill-ready gold-copper project [7].