Agreement is first step to advance critical minerals shipment assurance, digital chain-of-custody, and authenticated marketplace transactions Atlanta, GA and Reno, NV, Feb. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- M2i Global, Inc. (“M2i,” the “Company,” “we,” “our” or “us”) (OTCQB: MTWO), a company specializing in the development and execution of a complete global value supply chain for critical minerals, along with Volato Group, Inc. (“Volato”) (NYSE American: SOAR), a technology-driven company, is pleased to announce ...

Core Viewpoint - M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc. have announced the initiation of titanium ore shipments from Titanium X, marking a significant step in securing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals essential for national security and advanced technologies [1][4]. Company Overview - M2i Global specializes in developing a global value supply chain for critical minerals, focusing on national defense and economic security [11]. - Volato Group is a technology-driven company that enhances business decision-making through scalable software and data solutions [11]. Shipment Details - The first shipment from Titanium X consists of titanium ore samples sourced from mineral sands and hard rock, intended for analysis by academic institutions and a defense industrial base company [2]. Collaboration and Strategy - M2i Global and Titanium X are collaborating on financing, development, and commercialization of critical mineral assets, leveraging M2i's expertise in mineral project execution [3]. - The shipment aligns with M2i Global's long-term strategy to establish a transparent supply network for critical minerals, combining physical access with digital traceability [6]. Market Context - Titanium is classified as a critical mineral by the U.S. Geological Survey, vital for sectors such as aerospace, defense, and green energy, despite supply chain risks concentrated in a few countries [4][10]. - The U.S. critical minerals market is estimated to exceed $320 billion annually, highlighting the strategic importance of domestic sourcing and logistics [7]. Titanium X Overview - Titanium X aims to be a leading provider of high-performance titanium alloys, utilizing patented technologies to produce titanium with lower energy consumption and carbon emissions [8]. - The company is positioned to capitalize on its dual business divisions in advanced metal production and resource development through joint ventures and licensing [8].

Core Insights - M2i Global and Volato Group have announced the first shipment of high-grade gallium from Nimy Resources' Mons Project in Western Australia to the U.S. This shipment marks a significant milestone in establishing a secure, non-Chinese source of gallium for the Western supply chain [2][4][7] Company Developments - Nimy Resources has initiated its first shipment of gallium ore, which will be analyzed by selected academic institutions and defense industrial base companies to determine the refining processes needed for their applications [4][7] - The collaboration between Nimy and M2i focuses on developing and supplying gallium from the Mons Project, which also contains other critical minerals, including rare earth elements [5][7] - Nimy's Block 3 has confirmed high-grade gallium intervals exceeding 450 g/t Ga₂O₃, supporting the potential for future supply into the Western supply chain [6][7] Industry Context - The U.S. critical minerals market is projected to exceed $320 billion annually, highlighting the strategic importance of domestic sourcing and supply chain resilience [9] - The collaboration aims to enhance the reliability of gallium supply, which is essential for global semiconductor and defense needs, thereby contributing to national security [4][6]

Core Viewpoint - The proposed merger between M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc. aims to create a robust platform for critical minerals supply chain management, aligning with U.S. policies to enhance domestic and allied supply chains for processed critical minerals and their derivatives [1][3][4] Group 1: Merger Details - The merger is expected to enhance logistics, technology, and operational execution capabilities, positioning the combined company to better support sectors affected by evolving critical minerals policies [3][4] - The merger is anticipated to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions [7] - The combined company is projected to tap into a U.S. critical minerals market estimated to exceed $320 billion annually, emphasizing the strategic importance of domestic sourcing and logistics [8] Group 2: Policy Context - On January 14, 2026, the White House announced actions to adjust imports of processed critical minerals under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, highlighting national security concerns [2] - The U.S. government is initiating negotiations to address the threat of imported minerals, with potential tariffs if agreements are not reached promptly [6] - The State Department is hosting a critical minerals ministerial in February 2026 to discuss supply chains and counteract Chinese dominance in the sector [6] Group 3: Company Strategies - M2i Global is focused on building a critical minerals supply chain with sourcing partners in Australia, gaining access to essential minerals such as titanium, graphite, copper, gallium, antimony, and tungsten [4] - The merger aims to enhance operational reliability, secure logistics, and disciplined execution in line with U.S. regulatory and security priorities [4][5] - The companies emphasize that their transaction is grounded in broader objectives and not solely dependent on any single policy outcome, reflecting adaptability in a changing regulatory environment [5]

Core Viewpoint - Volato Group, Inc. and M2i Global, Inc. are on track to complete their business combination by the first quarter of 2026, supported by progress in the SEC review process and operational planning [1][2][3]. Regulatory Process - The merger agreement's end date has been extended to March 31, 2026, to align with the SEC review process and ensure a compliant execution [3]. - Amendment No. 1 to the Form S-4 was filed to address SEC comments and advance the registration statement, which was delayed due to a temporary slowdown in SEC operations [4]. Strategic Rationale - The companies express confidence in the strategic rationale for the merger, emphasizing the importance of completing regulatory steps in an orderly manner [5]. - Both companies are making progress in merger integration preparation, focusing on governance, reporting, internal controls, and operational alignment to ensure a smooth transition post-closing [5]. Company Profiles - Volato Group, Inc. is a technology company that enhances decision-making through scalable software and data solutions, and is expanding into the critical minerals sector through its merger with M2i Global [6]. - M2i Global, Inc. focuses on ensuring access to critical minerals for national defense and economic security, aiming to create a resilient supply chain to address global shortages [7].

Core Viewpoint - M2i Global, Inc. and Titanium X have entered into a strategic collaboration to enhance domestic refining capabilities and secure the supply chain for critical minerals in the U.S. [2][3] Company Collaboration - The agreement involves cooperation on financing, development, and commercialization of Titanium X's critical mineral assets, utilizing M2i's expertise in mineral project execution [3]. - The two companies are in discussions to finalize an exclusive supply agreement for titanium concentrate [3]. Leadership Statements - Major General (Ret) Alberto Rosende, CEO of M2i, emphasized the importance of this collaboration in strengthening the U.S. supply chain for critical minerals, combining Titanium X's assets with M2i's execution capabilities [4]. - Justin Warburton, Executive Director of Titanium X, highlighted that partnering with M2i Global will accelerate their mission to become a premier domestic supplier of titanium and other critical minerals [4]. Product Focus - Titanium X is focused on upgrading Ilmenite from mineral sand deposits, particularly from Western Australia, which has numerous producers and undeveloped JORC-compliant resources [5]. Strategic Goals - The collaboration aligns with both companies' commitment to responsible resource development, national sustainability goals, and building secure mineral supply chains in North America [5]. - M2i Global aims to establish a Critical Mineral Reserve to address the global shortage of essential minerals and metals [7].

Core Insights - M2i Global, Inc. is focused on developing a global value supply chain for critical minerals and was recently featured on the educational series "Advancements with Ted Danson" [1][2] Group 1: Company Overview - M2i Global collaborates with a strategic group of partners and industry professionals to create a transparent and sustainable supply chain for critical minerals, emphasizing responsible mining practices and water reclamation technologies [2][3] - The company aims to establish a Critical Mineral Reserve to address the global shortage of essential minerals and metals, ensuring access for national defense and economic security [5] Group 2: Industry Context - The urgency of securing critical mineral supply chains is highlighted due to increasing geopolitical risks, resource concentration, and demand for advanced technologies [3] - The episode discusses the importance of resilient midstream infrastructure, responsible sourcing, and recycling as foundational elements for economic stability and national security [3][4] - M2i Global's integrated approach connects public policy, private sector innovation, and project execution to strengthen the minerals and metals ecosystem [4] Group 3: Strategic Partnerships - Volato Group, Inc. is acquiring M2i Global to leverage its software expertise in enhancing transparency and operational intelligence in critical minerals supply chains [5] - The partnership aims to improve the reliability of high-stakes business decisions through advanced data solutions [5]

Core Insights - M2i Global, Inc. is focused on establishing a reliable supply chain for critical minerals essential for U.S. national defense and economic security, positioning itself as a partner rather than a competitor in the industry [3][4] Strategic Roadmap for 2026 - The company has outlined its strategic roadmap for 2026, emphasizing the development of a Critical Mineral Reserve (CMR) and expanding partnerships and sourcing agreements [2][4] - M2i Global aims to secure access to critical minerals through collaborations with various partners, including Reforme Group, which has partnerships with over 40 critical mineral miners in Australia [4] Achievements in 2025 - In 2025, M2i Global made significant progress in expanding its ecosystem of partners and critical mineral sourcing agreements, including an exclusive offtake agreement for 88,000 tonnes of copper valued at $1 billion with NT Minerals [4] - The company is collaborating with Nimy Resources to develop gallium from the Mons Project in Western Australia, which has a compliant gallium resource [4] Critical Mineral Reserve (CMR) - The CMR is central to M2i Global's strategy, with support from the Hawthorne Army Depot for secure storage and logistics capabilities [4] - The CMR will include technological components for custody, storage, inventory management, and tracking from source to delivery [4] Processing and Technology Agreements - M2i Global has secured agreements for processing and technology rights, including the establishment of a lithium cathode materials manufacturing plant and the first spherical graphite refining facility in the U.S. [5] - The company is also pursuing options for transformational battery technology and recycling of battery metals [5] Business Combination and Uplisting - M2i Global is in the process of a business combination with Volato Group, Inc., having filed a Registration Statement on Form S-4 with the SEC [4][5] - The combination aims to enhance operational intelligence and transparency in the critical minerals supply chain [7] Visibility and Outreach Efforts - The company has increased its visibility through participation in investor forums, conferences, and launching a podcast series focused on critical minerals [4] - Engagement efforts include meetings with key stakeholders in government and industry to promote the importance of critical minerals [4]

Core Insights - M2i Global, Inc. and Volato Group, Inc. support the U.S. Department of State's Pax Silica initiative aimed at establishing a secure and innovative silicon supply chain for critical minerals and advanced technologies [1][2][3] Company Overview - M2i Global specializes in developing a global value supply chain for critical minerals, focusing on sourcing, processing, and technology to ensure reliable access for national defense and economic security [4] - Volato Group is a technology-driven company that enhances business decision-making through scalable software solutions and is expanding into the critical minerals sector through its acquisition of M2i Global [4] Strategic Initiatives - The Pax Silica initiative is a U.S.-led effort to create a resilient ecosystem across the global technology supply chain, involving multiple countries including Japan, South Korea, and Australia [2][3] - M2i Global's partnerships with Australian companies like NT Minerals and Nimy Resources align with the goals of the Pax Silica initiative, enhancing mineral sourcing capabilities [2] Industry Context - The initiative reflects a broader commitment to securing the supply chain for critical minerals essential for future technologies, including semiconductors and AI infrastructure [3]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the first Li-NCA cathode materials manufacturing plant outside of China is a significant step towards enhancing supply chain resilience for critical minerals, with commissioning expected by Q2 2027 and full-scale production by 2028 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Project Overview - Next-Gen Energy Technology is developing the Li-NCA cathode materials manufacturing plant in Australia, which will have a production capacity of 10,000 tons per annum by 2028, generating an estimated annual revenue of US $340 million (AU$520 million) at full scale [2][3]. - The project is part of a long-term collaboration and offtake agreement with M2i Global, leveraging patented technology for advanced cathode materials [3][4]. Group 2: Strategic Importance - The U.S.–Australia Critical Minerals Framework aims to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates over 90% of global refining capacity for rare earths and battery metals, highlighting the strategic importance of this project [4][6]. - The initiative supports U.S. energy security and the global transition to clean energy, ensuring sovereign manufacturing capability for Australia [4][7]. Group 3: Economic and Environmental Impact - The project is expected to create jobs, foster technology transfer, and support the recovery of $53 billion worth of identified resources under the bilateral framework [7]. - M2i Global's ecosystem provides partners with access to turnkey solutions, facilitating expanded business opportunities and securing offtake agreements, with a project pipeline of up to $8.5 billion for mining and processing critical minerals [6][7].