Best-to-date titanium–vanadium–iron drill results at Trapper Zone underscore Radar’s large-scale oxide system within the 160 km² Dykes River intrusive complex near tidewater in Labrador VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Jan. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. (“SAGA” or the “Company”) (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to highlight a strengthened titanium thesis for its Radar Ti-V-Fe Project near the port of C ...

A drill rig at Saga’s Trapper target in Labrador. Credit: Saga Metals Initial drilling by Saga Metals (TSXV: SAGA; US-OTC: SAGMF) at its Radar iron-titanium-vanadium project in Labrador is revealing high grades at shallow depths that show its Trapper target rivals the nearby Hawkeye zone. Shares jumped.Highlight hole R-0009 cut 296 metres grading 39.75% iron oxide, 7.46% titanium oxide (Ti02) and 0.25% vanadium oxide (V2O5) from 2.5 metres depth, including 63 metres at 44% iron oxide, 9% Ti02 and 0.25% V2O5 ...

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has reported the first assay results from the Trapper Zone following the completion of the 2025 Phase of the Mineral Resource Estimate drill program, indicating significant mineralization potential [1][3]. Assay Highlights - The initial results from two drill holes (R-0008 and R-0009) show high grades of iron (Fe₂O₃), titanium (TiO₂), and vanadium (V₂O₅), with R-0008 yielding 36.21% Fe₂O₃, 6.57% TiO₂, and 0.244% V₂O₅ over 269.36 meters, while R-0009 yielded 39.75% Fe₂O₃, 7.46% TiO₂, and 0.25% V₂O₅ over 296.47 meters [6][11]. - Notably, 193 out of 418 samples graded over 7% TiO₂, with 97 samples exceeding 10% TiO₂, and 241 samples graded over 0.2% V₂O₅, with 128 samples over 0.3% V₂O₅ [6][9]. Comparative Analysis - The assay results from the Trapper Zone show a significant increase compared to the Hawkeye Zone, with Fe₂O₃ increasing by 124%, TiO₂ by 105.90%, and V₂O₅ by 36.90% [7][11]. - The best full hole metrics from Trapper Zone (R-0009) are substantially higher than those from the Hawkeye Zone, establishing a clear step-change in iron and titanium grades [7][11]. Geological Context - The drilling targeted a strong magnetic anomaly identified in the 2025 ground geophysical survey, which traces the shape of an apparent fold structure, indicating a promising geological setting for mineralization [14][19]. - The Radar Property, encompassing 24,175 hectares, hosts the Dykes River intrusive complex, with confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, suggesting potential for further mineralization expansion [19][25]. Future Plans - The company anticipates receiving additional assay results by mid-January, with plans to initiate the 2026 phase of the MRE drill program at the Trapper Zone shortly thereafter [14][15].

Core Viewpoint - The Algerian mining sector is gaining attention from various parties, including the United States, due to the rising global demand for rare earth and critical metals [1] Group 1: U.S. Engagement - The U.S. has recently intensified its engagement with Algerian mining authorities and state-owned enterprises to explore potential collaboration in mineral resource development [1] - The CEO of Algeria's state mining group Sonarem met with the head of the U.S. Embassy's commercial section to discuss investment, cooperation, and partnerships in the mining sector [1] - Plans are in place to continue discussions via video conferencing starting January 2026, indicating that these talks are still in the preliminary stages [1] Group 2: Focus Areas of Discussion - The discussions between the U.S. and Sonarem focused on mineral resource exploration and development, value-added utilization of resources, and the introduction of innovative technologies [1] - The interest from the U.S. is seen as a positive signal amid increasing global competition for strategic resources [1] Group 3: Ongoing Mining Projects - Algeria is advancing several mining development projects, including the Gara Djebilet iron ore project, and is conducting geological surveys nationwide [1] - Various mineral resources, including lithium, gold, sulfur, iron, lead, zinc, and copper, are currently in the exploration phase [1] - These developments are viewed as crucial for supporting Algeria's economic diversification and reducing reliance on oil and gas exports [1]

The internet was convinced China's newest humanoid was human. But did it fool our reporter when they got to see it up close. This is Iron, created by Xping, the Chinese Tesla competitor known for electric vehicles, flying cars, and robots that are so real they need to be sliced open to prove they aren't human.And when Iron was unveiled, the internet kind of lost its mind. Some people were convinced this was just someone in a suit. So naturally, X-ping CEO grabbed a knife and cut it open.Mashable reporter Am ...

Chinese electric vehicle (EV) makers from Xpeng to Chery Automobile, leveraging their technological and manufacturing strength, are intensifying efforts to build humanoid robots as they position themselves as potential game-changers amid Beijing's ambitions to gain an upper hand over the US in the hi-tech sector. Guangzhou-based Xpeng said it envisioned sales of 1 million units by 2030 after its next-generation humanoid robot Iron won praise from Tesla CEO Elon Musk early this month. He Xiaopeng, co-foun ...

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has completed the first drill hole (R-0008) of its 2025-2026 drill program at the Trapper Zone of the Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project, indicating significant mineralization potential [1][6][10] Drill Program Details - The drilling employs oriented NQ core to gather detailed structural data, utilizing specialized survey tools to model geological features [3] - The program focuses on 100-meter-spaced section drilling across TMI magnetic-high anomalies identified in the 2025 summer field program [3] Drill Hole R-0008 Findings - Drill hole R-0008 intercepted 156 meters of semi-massive to massive oxide layering, with oxide content ranging from 35% to 90% [6][7] - The hole provided valuable insights into the structural geometry of the igneous layering, including localized mylonitic shearing and faulting [6][7] Ongoing and Future Drilling - The second drill hole (R-0009) is currently active at a depth of 200 meters, expected to add further data on the oxide layering [7] - The drilling campaign aims to establish a maiden mineral resource estimation, with plans for a 15,000-meter diamond drilling program [12][13] Geological Context - The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the Dykes River intrusive complex, with geological mapping confirming oxide layering over more than 20 kilometers [9] - The vanadiferous titanomagnetite mineralization at Radar is comparable to global Fe–Ti–V systems, positioning the project as a potential strategic supplier for North American markets [10] Company Overview - SAGA Metals Corp. focuses on the exploration of critical minerals essential for North America's supply security, with a diverse portfolio including the Radar Titanium Project and the Double Mer Uranium Project [18][19][20]

Core Insights - Xpeng, a Chinese EV startup, is focusing on creating a humanoid robot named Iron that is designed to be "highly human-like" to compete with Tesla's Optimus robot [1][2] - The company aims to sell 1 million units of Iron annually by 2030, with mass production expected to start by the end of 2026 [3][4] - Xpeng plans to utilize Iron in retail settings and as tour guides, indicating a strategic approach to market entry [4] Company Developments - Xpeng has showcased Iron with customizable body types, including male and female variants, to enhance user appeal [2] - The company is set to launch seven new vehicles next year, including three robotaxi models, and plans to begin mass production of a $280,000 flying car in 2026 [6] - Xpeng has achieved significant sales growth this year and is nearing profitability, positioning itself as a strong competitor in the EV market [5] Market Outlook - The CEO of Xpeng predicts that the market for humanoid robots could surpass that of the automotive market in the long run [4] - Xpeng's strategy to incorporate humanoid robots into its stores next year reflects a proactive approach to leveraging technology for customer engagement [4]

Core Insights - The unveiling of XPeng's humanoid robot Iron has sparked widespread debate about its authenticity, with many questioning whether it is a real robot or a human in disguise [1][2] - XPeng's CEO, He Xiaopeng, demonstrated Iron's capabilities, including its flexible skin and advanced mechanics, aiming to dispel doubts about the robot's identity [1][2] - The humanoid robot market is rapidly expanding, with approximately 18 automotive companies entering the field, driven by technological synergies and commercial motivations [4][6] Technical Features - Iron features 82 degrees of freedom, allowing it to perform complex movements like a model walk, significantly surpassing the 19 degrees of freedom of a previously showcased robot [2][3] - The robot is equipped with three Turing AI chips, providing a processing power of 2250 TOPS, and utilizes a self-developed physical world model for enhanced multi-modal coordination [3][6] - The design of Iron incorporates a bionic spine and flexible skin, contributing to its human-like movement and appearance [2][3] Industry Trends - The automotive industry is increasingly investing in humanoid robots as a means to leverage existing technologies from electric vehicles, with cost advantages estimated to be 30%-50% lower than tech companies [6][8] - The competition in the electric vehicle market has intensified, prompting companies to explore new narratives, with humanoid robots seen as a more imaginative venture [8][10] - The commercialization of humanoid robots is expected to progress faster than that of autonomous driving, due to more controllable environments and lower risks [8][10] Strategic Implications - Automotive companies are not just creating robots for novelty; they aim to reshape a new intelligent ecosystem that integrates vehicles, robots, and energy systems [10][11] - Companies like Tesla and XPeng envision their robots as extensions of AI ecosystems, with applications in various sectors including manufacturing and home assistance [11][12] - The development of humanoid robots is viewed as a competition for energy efficiency, with the potential for solid-state batteries to enhance the capabilities of these robots [11][12]

Core Insights - XPeng Inc. is entering the humanoid robot market with its prototype named Iron, which is set to begin mass production by the end of next year, potentially outpacing Tesla's Optimus timeline by a year [1][2] - The humanoid robot Iron has been well-received, with its lifelike appearance leading to initial confusion among observers who mistook it for a human in costume [2] - XPeng positions itself as an AI-first mobility company, developing humanoids, robotaxis, and flying cars powered by its proprietary Turing AI chip, contrasting with Tesla's more ambitious claims about the capabilities of its robots [3][4] Company Developments - Iron will initially serve roles such as a museum guide, receptionist, and sales assistant, rather than replacing human workers [4] - XPeng plans to test three autonomous vehicle models in Chinese cities, while Tesla is set to roll out Cybercab robotaxis in the U.S. next year [5] - The company is also developing a hybrid road-and-air vehicle called the Land Aircraft Carrier, with mass production expected in 2026 [5] Financial and Market Position - XPeng's vehicle sales are projected to double to 400,000 units this year, which is significantly lower than Tesla's eight million, but the company maintains high ambitions [6] - Unlike Tesla, XPeng continues to attract external investment to support its AI and aerial initiatives, indicating a different funding strategy [6] - XPeng is establishing 200 "sky camps" for consumers to pilot its compact electric aircraft, reflecting a more pragmatic approach compared to Tesla's broader vision [6][7]