GOUVERNEUR, N.Y., Dec. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Titan Mining Corporation (TSX:TI, NYSE-A:TII), (“Titan” or the “Company”) an existing zinc concentrate producer in upstate New York and an emerging natural flake graphite producer (a key component of the broader rare earths and critical minerals ecosystem), has closed its previously announced US$15 million private placement (the “Offering”), providing the Company with additional financial flexibility to advance the Kilbourne Graphite Project (“Kilbourne”) ...

Core Insights - The article discusses the strategic initiatives of Locksley Resources Ltd. to establish a fully integrated "Mine to Market" supply chain for antimony in the U.S. [1][9] Industry Overview - Antimony has been designated as a critical mineral by the U.S. Department of the Interior due to its importance in national security and various economic sectors, with significant supply chain risks due to reliance on imports from China and Russia [4] - The global antimony market is projected to reach USD 4.38 billion by 2035, with a CAGR of 6.0% from a valuation of USD 2.45 billion in 2025 [5][6] Company Developments - Locksley Resources is advancing the Mojave Project in California, focusing on antimony and rare earth elements, and is implementing a mine-to-market strategy to reestablish domestic supply chains [9][25] - The company has initiated the engineering partner selection process for a pilot plant design, engaging with Tier 1 U.S. service providers as part of its accelerated development program [11][12] - A recent capital raise secured approximately A$17 million, indicating strong investor confidence in Locksley's strategy [14][16] - The appointment of Stacy Newstead to the advisory board enhances Locksley's engagement with U.S. partners and access to federal programs supporting domestic critical mineral supply chains [19][20] Technical Progress - Locksley has achieved a concentrate grade of 68.1% Sb and is conducting metallurgical optimization work to support project planning [13][25] - The company has established an exploration target at the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) containing between 19,400 to 67,000 tons of antimony metal, with recent bulk sampling showing high head grades of 7.6% to 7.8% Sb [27][28]

Group 1 - GMV Minerals Inc. has increased the size of its non-brokered private placement from C$4,000,000 to C$4,550,000 due to strong investor demand [1] - The announcement of the private placement was initially made on December 5, 2025 [1] - The offering is aimed at raising aggregate gross proceeds to support the company's initiatives [1]

Core Viewpoint - Titan Mining Corporation has secured a US$15 million investment to enhance its balance sheet and expedite the development of its Kilbourne Graphite Project in New York State [1][2]. Investment Details - The investment will be executed through a private placement of 6,666,666 special warrants at a price of US$2.25/C$3.10 per warrant [3]. - Each special warrant grants the holder the right to receive one common share and one common share purchase warrant upon meeting certain conditions [3]. Project Advancement - The new funding, along with US$5.5 million support from the U.S. EXIM Bank, positions Titan to fast-track the completion of the Kilbourne Graphite Feasibility Study in 2026 and move towards construction [2]. Warrant Terms - The warrants will be exercisable for up to three years in two tranches, with 50% exercisable at a 35% premium and the remaining at a 65% premium to the issue price [4]. - The company may call the warrants if its common shares trade above 150% of the applicable exercise price for 15 trading days within any 30-day period [5]. Company Overview - Titan Mining Corporation is a zinc concentrate producer operating the Empire State Mine in New York and is emerging as a natural flake graphite producer [7]. - The company aims to be the first end-to-end producer of natural flake graphite in the USA in 70 years, focusing on enhancing the domestic supply chain of critical minerals [7].

Core Viewpoint - Titan Mining Corporation is positioning itself as the only end-to-end domestic producer of natural graphite in the U.S., enhancing the supply of critical minerals and addressing supply chain vulnerabilities [1][3][4] Group 1: Project Development - Ore feeding has commenced at Titan's Kilbourne graphite demonstration facility, marking a significant step towards the first production of graphite concentrate in over 70 years [1][2] - The Kilbourne Project aims to reach an annual production capacity of 40,000 tonnes of graphite concentrate, potentially supplying nearly half of the current U.S. natural graphite demand [3][4] Group 2: Economic and Financial Support - The project has received strong backing from the Export-Import Bank of the United States, including an additional $5.5 million in non-dilutive funding and a non-binding Letter of Interest for up to $120 million in project financing [4] - The Kilbourne Project Study confirmed robust project economics, underscoring the strategic importance of restoring a fully integrated U.S. graphite supply chain [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The establishment of a secure U.S. supply of battery-grade natural flake graphite is crucial for energy storage, defense, and strategic industries [2][4] - The commencement of operations at the Kilbourne facility is seen as a pivotal moment for U.S. critical minerals independence [2]

Core Viewpoint - Tronox Holdings received letters of support from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and Export Finance Australia for potential financing of up to $600 million to enhance its rare earth supply chain [1][2]. Group 1: Financing and Support - The financing will support the development of Tronox's rare earth supply chain, including mine extensions, infrastructure support, and cracking and leaching capacity [2]. - The letters of support align with the US-Australia Critical Minerals Framework and EFA's Single Point of Entry Framework, which includes Australia's $4 billion Critical Mineral Facility established in 2021 [4]. Group 2: Company Operations and Market Impact - Tronox is advancing a definitive feasibility study for a proposed cracking and leaching facility in Western Australia, aimed at producing mixed rare earth carbonate containing both light and heavy rare earth elements [3]. - The company's stock surged over 32%, increasing its market capitalization to $782.4 million [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for fiscal year 2025 was approximately $1.25 billion, an increase of 11% year-over-year [13] - Adjusted EBITDA for the fourth quarter grew significantly to $42 million from roughly $16 million the previous year [12] - Consolidated net loss improved to $7.2 million from a net loss of $48 million in the same period last year [12] - For the full fiscal year, consolidated net loss was $80 million, compared to a net loss of $206 million a year ago [14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Salt business revenue in Q4 was $182 million, up from $163 million a year ago, with total volumes increasing by 13% [14] - Highway de-icing volumes increased by 20% year-over-year, while CNI volumes declined by 3% [15] - Plant nutrition segment saw a 19% increase in volumes for the full year, totaling 326,000 tons, despite a 9% volume dip in Q4 [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Inventory values and volumes for North America highway de-icing were lower by 33% and 36% respectively compared to the prior year [19] - The company expects sales volumes to decline approximately 8% at the midpoint of guidance for 2026, driven by typical winter weather assumptions [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a back-to-basic business model, improving financial position, and enhancing operational efficiency [5][10] - Strategic initiatives include rationalizing corporate costs and improving operational aspects of the business, particularly in the salt segment [8][9] - The company plans to implement a Fatal Risk Management System and develop life-of-mine planning processes to enhance operational efficiency [27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's improved financial stability and operational efficiency, positioning it well for future growth [21] - The guidance for total company Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is projected to be between $200 million and $240 million, with salt segment Adjusted EBITDA expected to improve [22][23] - Management acknowledged the importance of winter weather in driving demand and sales volumes for the upcoming season [23] Other Important Information - The company successfully refinanced its debt, enhancing liquidity and providing greater financial flexibility [20] - Legal and tax matters have been resolved, allowing the company to focus on operational efficiencies [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you address the volume decline forecast in highway de-icing? - Management indicated that the decline is a reversion to typical winter assumptions, not a structural decline [32] Question: What are the drivers for reaching the upper and lower ends of the EBITDA guidance? - The primary driver is expected to be winter weather, along with operational efficiencies [35][36] Question: Will inventories grow next year given the expected volume declines? - Management confirmed that they will align inventories with production levels to meet demand, indicating no plans to build excess inventory [39][40] Question: Were there one-time benefits in the fourth quarter affecting plant nutrition projections? - Management noted that price upside will primarily influence the projections for plant nutrition [45]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported consolidated operating earnings of $12 million for Q4 2025, an improvement from an operating loss of $30 million in the same period last year [11] - Consolidated net loss was $7.2 million, improving from a net loss of $48 million a year ago [11] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q4 increased to $42 million from approximately $16 million the previous year [11] - For the full fiscal year, consolidated revenue was approximately $1.25 billion, up 11% year over year [11] - The company reported a consolidated net loss of $80 million for the full year, compared to a net loss of $206 million the previous year [12] - Adjusted EBITDA for the year was $199 million, compared to $206 million last year, with a modified adjusted EBITDA increasing by approximately 4% year over year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Salt business revenue in Q4 was $182 million, compared to $163 million a year ago, with total volumes up 13% [12] - Highway de-icing volumes increased by 20% year over year, while CNI volumes declined by 3% [13] - For the full fiscal year, revenue from the salt segment totaled over $1 billion, up 13% year over year [14] - Plant nutrition segment saw a 9% decline in volumes in Q4, but pricing increased by 8% to $670 per ton [16] - For the full year, plant nutrition volumes were 326,000 tons, a 19% increase year over year, with average pricing down approximately 4% to $634 per ton [17] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a more average winter compared to the weak 2023-2024 de-icing seasons, contributing to improved sales volumes [14] - Inventory values and volumes for highway de-icing were lower by 33% and 36% respectively compared to the prior year [18] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a back-to-basic business model, improving financial position, and enhancing operational efficiency [4][10] - Strategic decisions included scaling back production to address excess inventory and rationalizing corporate costs [5] - The company aims to improve operational aspects, including safety systems and production processes, particularly in the salt and plant nutrition segments [6][8] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the company's improved stability and financial flexibility following a successful refinancing [19] - The guidance for total company Adjusted EBITDA for 2026 is projected to be between $200 million and $240 million, with salt segment Adjusted EBITDA expected to improve [20] - The company anticipates a decline in sales volumes for 2026, primarily due to a reversion to typical winter weather patterns [21] Other Important Information - The company resolved several legal and tax matters, including a class action lawsuit and a mining tax dispute, which alleviated uncertainties for stakeholders [19] - Liquidity at the end of the quarter was $365 million, consisting of $60 million in cash and $305 million in revolving capacity [19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you address the volume decline forecast in highway de-icing? - Management indicated that the decline is a reversion to typical winter assumptions, moving away from the previous year's high commitment levels [27] Question: What drivers could impact the full-year guidance range? - The primary driver for reaching the upper end of the guidance would be favorable winter weather and operational efficiencies [28] Question: Given expected lower volumes, will inventories grow next year? - Management confirmed that they will align inventories with production levels to meet demand, with no plans to build excess inventory [29][30] Question: Why were volumes pulled forward in plant nutrition? - The market behavior allowed the company to serve business and monetize inventory effectively in fiscal 2025 [31] Question: Why isn't plant nutrition expected to generate more EBITDA next year? - The expected price upside in the P&L will primarily drive the EBITDA projections, despite lower volumes [32]

Core Viewpoint - Compass Minerals executed a back-to-basics strategy in fiscal 2025, focusing on improving the performance of its core Salt and Plant Nutrition businesses, resulting in a leaner and more resilient company [2]. Fiscal Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Summary - The company reported a net loss of $7.2 million for Q4 2025, an improvement from a net loss of $48.3 million in the same period last year [6]. - Total adjusted EBITDA for Q4 2025 was $41.6 million, up from $15.6 million year-over-year [6]. - For the full fiscal year 2025, the reported net loss was $79.8 million compared to a loss of $206.1 million in fiscal 2024 [6]. - Total adjusted EBITDA for the year was $198.8 million, down 4% year-over-year, but increased 4% when adjusted for the impact of contingent consideration [6]. Salt Business Recap - Q4 2025 revenue for the Salt segment was $181.6 million, a 12% increase year-over-year, driven by a 13% increase in sales volumes [8]. - For the full year, Salt segment revenue rose 13% to $1,022.5 million, with a 20% increase in highway deicing sales volumes [9]. - The Salt segment's adjusted EBITDA per ton declined to approximately $20.20, an 18% decrease from fiscal 2024 levels [9]. Plant Nutrition Business Recap - Q4 2025 revenue for the Plant Nutrition segment was $41.8 million, flat year-over-year, with a 9% decrease in sales volumes but an 8% increase in price [10]. - For the full fiscal year, Plant Nutrition revenue grew 14% to $206.3 million, driven by a 19% increase in sales volumes [11]. Cash Flow and Financial Position - Net cash provided by operating activities was $197.7 million for fiscal 2025, significantly up from $14.4 million in the prior year [12]. - Net cash used in investing activities was $50.0 million, down $66.1 million year-over-year [13]. - The company ended the fiscal year with $59.7 million in cash and cash equivalents and $304.9 million available under its revolving credit facility, totaling $364.6 million in liquidity [15]. Fiscal 2026 Outlook - Guidance for total adjusted EBITDA in 2026 is projected to be between $200 million and $240 million [6]. - Salt segment adjusted EBITDA is expected to range from $225 million to $255 million, with improved margins anticipated due to stronger pricing and lower per-ton costs [6]. - Plant Nutrition segment adjusted EBITDA is forecasted to be between $31 million and $36 million, with a focus on restoring the pond complex at the Ogden facility [19].

Core Viewpoint - GMV Minerals Inc. has announced a non-brokered private placement to raise up to C$4,000,000 through the issuance of 20,000,000 units at a price of C$0.20 per unit [1] Group 1 - The private placement is aimed at raising aggregate gross proceeds of up to C$4,000,000 [1] - Each unit in the offering is priced at C$0.20 [1] - The total number of units to be issued is up to 20,000,000 [1]