Following the Addition of General Jack Keane, REalloys Further Strengthens Board with Addition of Former Vice Chairman of UBS Investment Bank Blackboxstocks/REalloys Form S-4 has been declared effective by the SEC, and, pending NASDAQ listing approval, the company expects to close the merger DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blackboxstocks Inc. (NASDAQ: BLBX) (“Blackboxstocks” or the “Company”) today announced that its merger target, REalloys Inc. (“REalloys”), has entered into a designate director ...

Core Viewpoint - Magnetite Mines has received all necessary permits and approvals for the initial drilling phase at its Ironback Hill rare earth element project in South Australia, with operations expected to commence shortly [1][6]. Group 1: Project Details - The planned drilling will involve up to 2,000 meters of aircore drilling to investigate the extent and geological controls of previously identified clay-hosted REE mineralization [2]. - The Ironback Hill REE project is located within exploration licence (EL) 6126 in the Braemar Iron Region, approximately 250 kilometers northeast of Adelaide [3]. - Initial REE mineralization was discovered in August 2025 through a reassessment of archived iron ore drilling samples, with further findings announced in November 2025 [3][4]. Group 2: Operational Timeline - Fieldwork for the drilling is expected to last around ten days, with sample assay results anticipated within six to eight weeks, depending on laboratory processing times [2]. - Drilling contractors have been engaged, and operations are set to start within the coming week [1]. Group 3: Strategic Alignment - The drilling program aligns with the company's strategy to create long-term shareholder value through a disciplined, multi-commodity exploration approach across its South Australian tenement portfolio [6]. - The company continues to prioritize the development of its flagship Razorback Iron Ore Project while exploring additional opportunities in rare earth elements [6].

Core Insights - The merger between REalloys and Blackboxstocks Inc. aims to establish North America's first industrial-scale heavy rare-earth processing and metallization platform, crucial for the U.S. defense supply chain [7][8][15] - REalloys has secured long-term agreements to access significant heavy rare earth outputs, positioning itself to meet the growing demand for defense and high-performance applications while avoiding reliance on Chinese sources [2][5][10] Group 1: Supply Chain and Production - SRC has secured feedstock for five years, with plans to further lock down upstream supply as commercial operations scale [1] - REalloys is set to secure 80% of SRC's expanded annual production, projected to include approximately 45 tonnes of dysprosium and terbium oxide, and 400-600 tonnes of high-purity NdPr metal by early 2027 [2] - The industrial core of this effort is REalloys' metallization facility in Euclid, Ohio, which will process rare-earth oxides into finished metals and alloys domestically [3] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Initiatives - REalloys has formed alliances with various companies to secure rare-earth feedstock from projects in Brazil, Greenland, and Kazakhstan, enhancing its supply chain diversity [9][10][11][12] - The U.S. Export-Import Bank has launched a $10 billion critical minerals initiative, with REalloys already securing a letter of interest for up to $200 million, indicating strong governmental support for domestic supply chains [5] Group 3: Defense and Industrial Applications - The production of rare-earth metals and alloys is critical for U.S. defense systems, underpinning various technologies such as magnets, motors, and guidance systems [6] - Retired General Jack Keane's appointment to the REalloys board highlights the strategic importance of rare-earth metallization in U.S. defense planning [8][15] Group 4: Market Context and Competitors - MP Materials Corp. is a key player in the North American rare earth market, focusing on vertical integration and securing long-term agreements to support its operations [16][17][18] - Other companies like Albemarle Corporation and Freeport-McMoRan are also positioning themselves strategically within the critical minerals space, emphasizing the importance of supply chain resilience and diversification [19][22][27]

Group 1 - Mkango Resources Ltd. has announced the confidential submission of a draft registration statement on Form F-4 by Mkango Rare Earths Limited, which is related to a proposed business combination [1] - The submission is part of the regulatory process for the business combination, indicating progress in the company's strategic initiatives [1] - This move highlights the growing interest and activity in the rare earths sector, which is critical for various high-tech and green technologies [1]

Group 1: Industry Overview - High-performance permanent magnets are essential for various technologies, including electric vehicles, fighter jets, wind turbines, blenders, smartphones, and artificial intelligence [1] - These magnets are primarily produced in China, highlighting a significant reliance on foreign supply chains [2] Group 2: Company Profile - USA Rare Earth, a mining start-up, controls a major rare-earth deposit at Round Top Mountain in Texas, containing 15 of the 17 rare-earth metals and significant lithium deposits [2] - The company aims to process materials from its site into permanent magnets, potentially closing a critical gap in the U.S. supply chain by manufacturing domestically [3] Group 3: Government Support and Financial Aspects - The Trump administration announced a 10% stake in USA Rare Earth through a $1.6 billion deal to support the development of the Round Top mine and a magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma [5] - Despite federal backing, the company faces significant financial challenges in building its mine and manufacturing operations [6] Group 4: Investment Considerations - A $1,000 investment in USA Rare Earth is considered high-risk, with many uncertainties affecting its potential for meaningful cash flow [7] - Analysts have identified other stocks as better investment opportunities compared to USA Rare Earth, suggesting caution for potential investors [8]

Core Viewpoint - USA Rare Earth, Inc. (NASDAQ:USAR) is recognized as one of the top meme stocks to invest in, with shares increasing over 60% year-to-date, particularly after the announcement of a $1.6 billion funding backed by the U.S. government [1]. Group 1: Company Developments - On January 26, USA Rare Earth announced a letter of intent for a debt-and-equity package aimed at developing a rare-earth mine in Texas and a magnet-manufacturing facility, which will enhance production of critical materials for defense and technology sectors while decreasing reliance on China [2]. - Following this announcement, Roth Capital raised its price target for USA Rare Earth from $25 to $35, maintaining a Buy rating, indicating that the funding will bolster the company's prospects for establishing a complete value chain for rare earth materials in the U.S. [3]. - On January 30, Cantor Fitzgerald increased its price target for the stock from $28 to $35 with an Overweight rating, highlighting that magnet production could potentially generate $1.2 billion in EBITDA by 2030, contingent on achieving key milestones [4]. Group 2: Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - As of February 12, USA Rare Earth is rated as a Strong Buy, with an average share price upside of nearly 94% [4]. - The company is involved in the mining and supply of rare earths and other critical materials, positioning itself strategically within the market [5].

Core Insights - President Trump announced "Project Vault," establishing a $12 billion U.S. critical mineral reserve, significantly impacting rare earth stocks, particularly Critical Metals Corp. (CRML), which surged 35% following the announcement [1][3][4] Group 1: Project Vault and Its Implications - Project Vault represents a strategic initiative to stockpile critical minerals, akin to a Strategic Petroleum Reserve, ensuring the U.S. government becomes a major buyer in the rare earth sector [4][5] - The program is financed with $10 billion from the Export-Import Bank and $2 billion in private capital, targeting materials essential for AI, electric vehicles, and defense systems [5][6] - The initiative guarantees federal purchases, providing demand certainty that is crucial for mining projects to secure financing and advance operations [5][11] Group 2: Market Dynamics and Geopolitical Context - China dominates the rare earth market, controlling approximately 70% of global mining and 90% of refining capacity, creating dependency for critical U.S. industries [6][7] - The U.S. has historically relied on China for these materials, which poses risks during trade disputes, highlighting the need for domestic production capabilities [6][12] Group 3: Companies Positioned to Benefit - MP Materials (MP) operates the only functioning rare earth mine in the U.S. and is expanding into refining [7][8] - USA Rare Earth (USAR) is developing the Round Top project in Texas, focusing on heavy rare earths for military applications [8] - Energy Fuels (UUUU) processes rare earths at its White Mesa Mill in Utah, one of the few U.S. facilities capable of producing separated oxides [8] - Critical Metals Corp. (CRML) controls the Tanbreez deposit in Greenland, aligning with U.S. efforts to diversify supply sources [8] - American Rare Earths (ARRN) is advancing the Halleck Creek project in Wyoming, responding to defense procurement rules that limit Chinese materials [8] Group 4: Broader Industrial Ecosystem - The development of domestic rare earth capacity necessitates significant industrial infrastructure, extending opportunities beyond mining companies [9][10] - Companies like Olin (OLN) provide specialized chemicals for processing, while Caterpillar (CAT) supplies heavy equipment for mine development [10] Group 5: Future Outlook and Investor Considerations - Analysts estimate a timeframe of three to seven years for meaningful domestic capacity to materialize, with federal backing reducing financing uncertainty [11][12] - The focus for investors should be on the U.S. rebuilding its domestic capacity for critical materials, which are essential for AI, EVs, renewable energy, and military applications [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials Corp may benefit from a government-backed price floor for rare earths, providing a unique earnings setup with potential upside [1] Group 1: Price Floor and Earnings Protection - The Department of Defense agreement establishes a $110/kg price floor for NdPr starting October 1, offering protection in a volatile market [2] - If NdPr prices stay above this level, MP retains full upside until its 10X magnet facility reaches capacity later this decade, creating an asymmetric risk-reward profile [3] Group 2: Production and Growth Outlook - Investors are focused on midstream NdPr production and the initial commercial magnet ramp expected in the second half of 2026, despite a potentially quiet near-term quarter [4] - EBITDA is projected to turn positive in Q4 due to DoD payments, with a long-term EBITDA floor estimated at $650 million once the 10X facility is fully operational [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance of Rare Earths - MP shares have rebounded this year as NdPr prices rise, although volatility persists due to trade policies and retail participation [5] - The strategic nature of rare earth security is viewed as structural rather than cyclical, positioning MP as a key player in building a strategic franchise [5]

Core Viewpoint - USA Rare Earth is positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for rare-earth metals, particularly for applications in electric vehicles, electronics, and clean energy technology, amid a strategic push for a domestic supply chain in the U.S. [1][2][6] Company Overview - USA Rare Earth controls the Round Top Mountain in Texas, which is rich in rare-earth metals essential for manufacturing powerful magnets [2][7] - The company has gained 62% in stock value in 2026, significantly outperforming the S&P 500, which has only increased by 1.7% [3] Government Support - The Trump administration plans to invest $1.6 billion for a 10% stake in USA Rare Earth, supporting its mining operations and a magnet manufacturing facility in Oklahoma [3][9] - The company has secured a total of $3.1 billion in funding in 2026, including the government investment [9] Market Dynamics - The demand for permanent magnets, particularly neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB), is driving the opportunity for USA Rare Earth, as these magnets are critical in various applications [6][8] - The Round Top deposit contains significant reserves of heavy rare-earth metals, which are rarely found in the U.S., enhancing the company's competitive edge [7] Risks and Challenges - The company faces potential market pressure from China, which could flood the market with rare-earth metals, impacting pricing [9] - USA Rare Earth is currently pre-revenue and targets commercial production by 2028, with its magnet facility expected to be operational by early 2026 [9][10] Investment Considerations - The stock is considered suitable for investors with a high risk tolerance, as its future upside is linked to continued policy support and successful execution of its plans [10] - Investors optimistic about the long-term viability of a domestic rare-earth supply chain may find the stock appealing [10]

Core Viewpoint - New Frontier Minerals (NFM) has signed a binding option and earn-in agreement to acquire a 90% interest in the Pomme Rare Earth Element (REE) Project in Québec, Canada, which is expected to significantly advance its critical minerals strategy [1][3]. Group 1: Project Details - The Pomme REE Project is located approximately 500km north-west of Montréal and encompasses 43 mineral claims over an area of 2,400 hectares [1]. - The project is situated near the Montviel Deposit, which has significant indicated and inferred resources, and benefits from easy access via existing logging roads [2]. Group 2: Exploration and Historical Data - Historical drilling at the Pomme REE Carbonatite site has shown promising results, including drill-hole POM-23-03 with 398m at 0.54% total rare earth oxides (TREO) and 0.05% niobium pentoxide from a depth of 16m, and drill-hole POM-23-01 with 513m at 0.33% TREO and 0.08% from a depth of 32m [5]. Group 3: Financial and Strategic Aspects - The agreement involves an initial investment of A$100,000 (approximately $71,149.8) in cash and A$200,000 in shares, with additional contingent payments based on meeting investment and technical milestones [6]. - NFM has engaged Viriathus Investor Advisory to enhance its visibility among US investors, and the strategic partnership with Metallium is expected to improve NFM's capabilities in REE resource development [6][4].