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 ...

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SAGA Metals Corp. ("SAGA" or the "Company") (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company advancing critical mineral discoveries, is pleased to announce the completion of the first hole (R-0008) of the 2025-2026 drill program at the high-priority Trapper Zone on its 100%-owned Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron ("Ti-V-Fe") Project located near Cartwright, Labrador. Highlights Extensive semi-massive to massive oxide layer ...

A Chinese Tesla rival is betting on huggability to take on Elon Musk's Optimus robot. EV startup Xpeng unveiled the latest version of its humanoid robot, called Iron, earlier this month, and CEO He Xiaopeng said the company wanted its bipedal bots to be "highly human-like."In an earnings call on Monday, he told analysts that Xpeng had found adding fake muscles and "bionic skin" to Iron made people more comfortable touching and even hugging the robot. "This is very exciting because traditional robots reall ...

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]

Core Insights - SAGA Metals Corp. has initiated Phase 1 diamond drilling at the Trapper Zone of its Radar Titanium-Vanadium-Iron Project, aiming to advance towards a maiden indicated Mineral Resource Estimate [1][4][16] Drilling Program Overview - The Phase 1 program will involve up to 15,000 meters of diamond drilling across approximately 25-30 holes, with an average depth of 250-300 meters, targeting the main oxide layer along a 3.3 km magnetic anomaly [4][10] - The drilling will be conducted by Gladiator Drilling Inc., the same contractor that successfully executed the previous drilling program at the Hawkeye Zone [4][10] - Initial drilling will focus on both North and South sections of the Trapper Zone to assess grade, width, and structural continuity, with results expected to inform a maiden MRE anticipated in H2 2026 [4][10][17] Geological and Mineralization Insights - The Trapper Zone is characterized by vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) mineralization, which is comparable to major global deposits such as Panzhihua in China and Bushveld in South Africa [15] - Geological mapping and geophysical surveys have confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, indicating significant mineralization potential [14][15] Strategic Importance - The project is positioned to become a strategic supplier of critical minerals, including titanium, vanadium, and iron, to North American markets amid rising demand driven by green energy transitions [16][22] - The systematic approach to drilling and resource definition aims to de-risk the project and facilitate potential partnerships in the mining sector [16]

Core Points - Firestone Ventures Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with RSA and Aurania Resources Ltd. to explore the recovery of metals and carbon capture from tailings at the former Balangero Asbestos Mine [1][2] - The MOU allows for data collection and sampling of approximately 60 million cubic meters of serpentinite waste rock, with the potential to extract valuable metals and permanently neutralize asbestos [2][9] - The project aims to combine environmental remediation, carbon storage, and resource recovery, potentially setting a benchmark for similar initiatives in Europe [9] Project Details - The MOU has a term of one year, after which a commercial agreement may be established if results are favorable [2] - The main tailings pile is approximately 250 meters high and consists of material that has been crushed to less than 1 cm [2] - Each tonne of serpentinite can theoretically bind 0.476 tonnes of CO2, with a maximum potential capacity of 70-73 million tonnes of CO2 for the Balangero site [5] Research and Development - Dr. Chiara Boschi and her team are developing a process to use CO2 from industrial sources to neutralize asbestos in the tailings and fix carbon permanently [3][4] - A detailed mineralogical study is underway to determine the most efficient carbonation route, focusing on either chrysotile alone or both chrysotile and antigorite [6] Environmental Impact - The project is positioned as a high-ESG initiative, addressing legacy mine site issues while contributing to climate mitigation and responsible mineral management [9] - RSA has over 20 years of experience in managing the Balangero Mine site, successfully reducing airborne asbestos threats [11]

Core Insights - Bolt Metals Corp. has completed ground Induced Polarization (IP) surveys in five high-potential zones at its Northwind property, following a historical heliborne TDEM survey [1][2] - The analysis revealed eight primary IP axes indicating distinct polarizable anomalies, which correlate with low resistivity conductors and suggest potential gold mineralization [3][4] - The recent surge in gold prices, reaching approximately US$4,381 per ounce, enhances the economic viability of gold exploration assets, including Bolt's Northwinds project [8] Survey and Findings - The IP surveys covered 11.125 line-km across five grids, utilizing a dipole-dipole electrode array with 20 survey lines spaced 200 meters apart [2] - Eight polarizable anomalies were identified, with the most promising targets located in IPG-1, IPG-3, and IPG-4, indicating favorable conditions for gold mineralization [4] Property Details - The Northwind property consists of 53 claims covering approximately 2,986 hectares in the Urban-Barry greenstone belt of Quebec, strategically located near significant gold discoveries [5][7] - The geological composition includes diorite, pegmatitic granite, tonalite, and gneissic tonalite, with proximity to notable gold deposits [7] Strategic Initiatives - The company has entered a non-binding letter of intent to acquire a 100% interest in an iron property in Brazil, involving a payment of USD$200,000 and issuance of shares over 30 months [9][10] - A non-brokered private placement of up to $1,500,000 units is planned, with proceeds aimed at general working capital [11] Market Context - The current high gold prices lower the effective cut-off grade, improving the economics of potential gold discoveries and maximizing value per ounce [13] - The company is planning a comprehensive exploration program at the Northwinds property in 2026, capitalizing on favorable market conditions [13]

Core Insights - St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. has reported significant surface exploration results from the Julie Nickel-Copper-Cobalt-PGE Project, confirming the presence of platinum-group elements (PGEs) across multiple zones for the first time [1][4]. Exploration Results - The September 2025 surface exploration program identified new mineralized showings and confirmed high-grade nickel values, with samples showing up to 1.65% Ni [6]. - A total of 49 surface samples were collected, with significant findings including 67.8% Fe₃O₄ from a massive magnetite discovery associated with PGE mineralization [3][5]. - The new "Vincent Showing" was discovered approximately 4 km west of the main Julie trend, characterized by high-grade iron and associated PGEs [6]. Future Plans - The company plans to conduct detailed mapping, additional channel sampling, and geophysical interpretation to refine drill targets for the next exploration phase [7]. - The data will also be used to evaluate the potential link between nickel-bearing lenses and the newly identified mineralization to the west [7]. Quality Assurance - All samples were collected by experienced field teams and analyzed at IGS Laboratories, an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited facility, ensuring high-quality results [8]. Company Overview - St-Georges Eco-Mining Corp. develops new technologies and holds a diversified portfolio of assets, including advanced battery processing, metallurgical R&D, and high-grade gold exploration projects [11].

Core Insights - The iron market serves as an indicator of global macroeconomic trends, with significant price increases observed around 2020 due to supply-side shortages and monetary easing that stimulated construction projects [1] Industry Analysis - Iron and steel prices rose dramatically around 2020, influenced by supply-side shortages and global monetary easing [1] - China is identified as the primary player in the iron and steel market, impacting global supply and demand dynamics [1] Analyst Background - The analyst, Harrison, has been writing on Seeking Alpha since 2018 and has over a decade of experience in market analysis [1] - Harrison's professional background includes private equity, real estate, and economic research, complemented by academic expertise in financial econometrics and global monetary economics [1]