Core Viewpoint - McEwen Inc. has signed agreements to acquire approximately 31% equity interest in Britannia Mining Solutions Inc., which operates as Paragon Geochemical Laboratories, a provider of advanced analytical services to the mining industry, particularly known for its PhotonAssay™ technology [1][2]. Company Overview - McEwen Inc. is focused on expanding its portfolio in the mining sector, particularly through strategic investments in innovative technologies like PhotonAssay™ [1][2]. - Paragon Geochemical Laboratories is an ISO 17025:2017-accredited laboratory that serves mining clients across North America and plans to expand globally [3]. Technology and Innovation - PhotonAssay™ is a rapid, accurate, and non-destructive method for assaying precious and base metals, offering advantages over traditional fire assay techniques, such as faster turnaround times and improved accuracy [2]. - Paragon aims to position itself as a leading service provider in the mining sector by deploying this innovative technology [2]. Strategic Investment - McEwen will invest a total of CDN$15.3 million to acquire shares from Britannia Life Sciences Inc. and through a private placement, making it Paragon's largest shareholder [5][6]. - The investment includes the right to nominate an additional board member, enhancing McEwen's influence in Paragon's strategic direction [6]. Growth Plans - Paragon currently operates three laboratories and plans to construct eight additional sites in key mining regions over the next two years [3]. - The company is also in the process of becoming publicly traded, indicating aggressive growth ambitions [3]. Operational Synergies - McEwen is already utilizing PhotonAssay™ in its exploration programs at the Fox Complex in Ontario and the Gold Bar Mine Complex in Nevada, which allows for faster data-driven decisions and optimized drilling strategies [4].

Core Viewpoint - Britannia Mining Solutions Inc. (BMS) has entered into a non-binding letter of intent with 1317220 B.C. Ltd. for a proposed business combination transaction, which will involve a three-cornered amalgamation and a concurrent equity financing of up to $10 million [1][2][8] Proposed Transaction Summary - The proposed transaction will involve 1317220 B.C. acquiring all issued and outstanding common shares and warrants of BMS, with shareholders receiving common shares of 1317220 B.C. in exchange [2] - A definitive agreement is expected to be negotiated and executed by March 24, 2025 [2] Resulting Issuer - The resulting issuer will operate under the name Paragon Advanced Inc. and will focus on disrupting the global mining assay and environmental testing market [3] Regulatory and Approval Conditions - Completion of the proposed transaction is subject to various conditions, including negotiation of the definitive agreement, obtaining necessary approvals, and completion of the concurrent financing [5] Concurrent Financing Details - The concurrent financing will involve a private placement offering of common shares at an issue price of $1.75, with gross proceeds expected to reach up to $10 million [7][9] - The financing is anticipated to close around April 2, 2025, and will support the global lab buildout and deployment of PhotonAssay™ technology [8][11] Use of Proceeds - The net proceeds from the offering will be utilized to expand the company's network of laboratories, enhance sales and marketing resources, and develop new technologies and data solutions for mining operators [11][15] Company Background - BMS is a leading provider of innovative analytical technologies to the global mining industry, aiming to deploy the largest fleet of PhotonAssay™ machines by the end of 2025 [12][13]