Core Viewpoint - South Star Battery Metals Corp. has successfully closed the first tranche of its non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of C$828,227 (approximately US$595,847) by issuing 5,521,512 units at a price of C$0.15 per unit [1][3]. Group 1: Unit Offering Details - Each unit consists of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with the warrant allowing the purchase of an additional share at C$0.20 for five years, subject to acceleration conditions [2]. - The securities from the first tranche are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day, and the net proceeds will be allocated for exploration, development, and working capital [3]. - The company plans to close additional tranches of the Unit Offering, pending necessary approvals [4]. Group 2: Changes in Financing Strategy - The company has decided to cancel a previously announced Note Offering of convertible notes for gross proceeds of up to C$2.085 million, redirecting those funds to purchase units in the Unit Offering instead [5]. - This change has increased the total size of the Unit Offering to up to C$6,255,000 (US$4.5 million) [5]. Group 3: Insider Participation - Funds controlled by Mr. Tiago Cunha purchased 1,557,912 units in the first tranche, giving him control of 19.9% of the company's shares [6]. - The company intends to hold a shareholder meeting to seek approval for Mr. Cunha to become a control person, which would allow for the purchase of an additional 12,342,088 units [6]. - Insiders collectively purchased 2,007,912 units in the first tranche, qualifying as a related party transaction under MI 61-101, with the company relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval [7]. Group 4: Company Overview - South Star Battery Metals Corp. is focused on developing battery metals projects in the Americas, with its Santa Cruz Graphite Project in Brazil being the first to enter production [11]. - The Santa Cruz project has shown promising results, with successful pilot-plant testing indicating high-quality graphite concentrate [11]. - The BamaStar Project in Alabama is also in development, with strong economic assessments indicating a pre-tax NPV of US$2.4 billion and an IRR of 35% [12].

- NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR THROUGH U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES - VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- South Star Battery Metals Corp. (“South Star” or the “Company”) (TSXV: STS) (OTCQB: STSBF), is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of units (the “Units”) for gross proceeds of up to C$4.17 million (US$3.0 million) (the “Unit Offering”) and a concurrent non-brokered private placement of unsecured convertible notes (the “Notes”) for gross proceeds of ...

Core Insights - Focus Graphite Inc. has successfully conducted a pilot beneficiation program for its Lac Knife project, achieving a large flake recovery of approximately 47% while meeting U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) standards [2][5][10] Group 1: Pilot Program Results - The pilot program, executed by American Energy Technologies Company (AETC), processed over 800 kilograms of Lac Knife graphite-bearing rock, resulting in a concentrate with 95.5% total graphite content (TGC) and a significant increase in coarse flake recovery from 33% to 47% [3][9] - The results indicate that the Lac Knife material exceeds U.S. Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) procurement specifications for natural graphite, aligning with the requirements for both defense-grade and battery-grade materials [5][10] Group 2: Market Positioning and Applications - The increase in large and jumbo flake recovery positions Lac Knife to supply high-margin specialty applications, particularly in aerospace, defense, and energy storage sectors, while also addressing the growing demand for environmentally friendly materials [9][11] - Focus Graphite aims to leverage its unique position to serve both the electric vehicle (EV) and stationary energy storage markets, as well as premium aerospace and defense markets, thereby reducing risk and expanding opportunities [10][11] Group 3: Strategic Importance - The pilot program results reinforce Lac Knife's capability to deliver both defense-grade and battery-grade materials at scale, which is critical for North America's supply chain of critical minerals [10][21] - The project is strategically important as it positions Focus Graphite to meet the anticipated demand for natural flake graphite, especially in light of recent export restrictions from China [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - South Star Battery Metals Corp has signed a non-binding indicative term sheet for a US$4,000,000 loan facility with Sprott Streaming to support the development of the Phase 1 Santa Cruz Graphite Mine in Brazil [1][6]. Loan Details - The loan has a maturity of 3 years, with the initial tranche of US$200,000 contingent on US$2,000,000 equity or subordinated debt financing [1][4]. - The loan proceeds will be exclusively used for equipment adjustments, working capital, and process optimization at the Santa Cruz Graphite Mine, aiming for a production ramp-up from 450 tonnes per month to 1,000 tonnes per month [2][6]. - The loan will have an interest rate of 12% per annum for the first 24 months, increasing to 18% for the final 12 months, with a 12-month grace period [4]. Management Commentary - The CEO of South Star expressed satisfaction with the financing partnership with Sprott Streaming, highlighting the importance of this facility for advancing the Santa Cruz Graphite Mine and enhancing the company's position as a critical materials supplier for the energy transition [3][6]. Financial and Operational Strategy - A detailed development plan has been prepared to improve operational performance and ensure consistent product quality at Santa Cruz [2]. - The loan will enhance operational robustness and provide financial flexibility for executing the development plan [2]. Leadership Changes - Mr. Darren Prins has been appointed as the new Chief Financial Officer, bringing over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting [5][7]. - The CEO welcomed Mr. Prins to the team, emphasizing the value of his extensive experience in senior finance roles [8]. Company Overview - South Star is focused on developing battery-metals projects in the Americas, with the Santa Cruz Graphite Project being the first of its kind in the region since 1996 [9]. - The company is also advancing the BamaStar Project in Alabama, which has shown strong economic results in preliminary assessments [10]. ESG Commitment - South Star is committed to high standards of ESG principles, emphasizing transparency, stakeholder engagement, and stewardship in its operations [11].

Core Viewpoint - South Star Battery Metals Corp has successfully completed an initial tranche of a non-brokered private placement, raising gross proceeds of US$302,610 (CA$415,263.45) for development, production, and working capital needs [1][2]. Private Placement Details - The first tranche consists of 1,375,500 Units, each comprising a common share priced at US$0.22 (CA$0.3019) and a common share purchase warrant [2]. - Each warrant is exercisable into one common share at the same price for five years from the date of issue, and the Units are subject to a four-month hold period [2]. - The closing of the Private Placement is contingent upon customary conditions, including TSX Venture Exchange approval [2]. Insider Participation - An insider participated in the Private Placement, acquiring 1,000,000 Units for a total of US$220,000, which is classified as a related party transaction [4]. - The company is relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements under MI 61-101, as the transaction does not exceed 25% of the company's market capitalization [4]. Bridge Loans - South Star has secured bridge loans totaling US$450,000 to provide short-term funding while pursuing the closing of the subsequent tranche of the private placement [5]. - The bridge loans are evidenced by unsecured promissory notes with a 1% monthly interest rate, maturing on January 7, 2026, unless repaid earlier [6]. - The proceeds from the bridge loans will be used for general working capital purposes [7]. Related Party Transactions - US$450,000 of the bridge funding was provided by directors and officers of the company, also constituting a related party transaction [8]. - The company is relying on exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements for this transaction as well [8]. Company Overview - South Star Battery Metals Corp is focused on developing battery-metals projects in the Americas, with its Santa Cruz Graphite Project in Brazil being the first to enter production [11]. - The Santa Cruz project has shown promising results, with a significant portion of graphite concentrate being of high quality [11]. - The company is also developing the BamaStar Project in Alabama, which has demonstrated strong economic results in preliminary assessments [12].

Core Viewpoint - South Star Battery Metals Corp. is initiating a non-brokered private placement to raise up to US$2 million, with each unit priced at US$0.22, consisting of one common share and one warrant for a five-year exercise period [1][2]. Group 1: Private Placement Details - The private placement aims to raise gross proceeds of up to US$2 million (C$2,744,600) [1]. - Each unit will include one common share and one warrant, with the warrant allowing the purchase of one common share at an exercise price of US$0.22 (C$0.3019) [1]. - The closing of the private placement is contingent upon customary conditions, including TSX Venture Exchange approval [2]. - Proceeds will be allocated for exploration, development, corporate general and administrative expenses, and general working capital [2]. - The company may pay finders' fees to eligible finders and has the option to increase the placement size by up to 15% [3]. Group 2: Insider Participation and Warrant Terms - Insiders may participate in the private placement, with exemptions from formal valuation and minority shareholder approval due to the transaction's market capitalization not exceeding 25% [4]. - The warrants will include an acceleration clause, allowing the company to expire unexercised warrants if the trading price exceeds C$1.25 for ten consecutive trading days [5]. Group 3: Company Overview and Projects - South Star Battery Metals Corp. focuses on developing battery metals projects in the Americas, with the Santa Cruz Graphite Project in Brazil being the first to enter production [7]. - The Santa Cruz project has shown promising results, with over 65% of graphite concentrate being +80 mesh and 95%-99% graphitic carbon [7]. - The BamaStar Project in Alabama is strategically located in a developing electric vehicle and aerospace hub, with a pre-tax NPV of US$2.4 billion and an IRR of 35% [8]. - The company has received a US$3.2 million grant from the US Department of Defense to advance the BamaStar project feasibility study [9].