Survey highlights multiple known and new rare earth targetsLarge 600m x 500m thorium anomaly highlights rare earth potential1.5 km linear thorium anomaly along the shore of Ena LakeVancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - January 20, 2026) - Searchlight Resources Inc. (TSXV: SCLT) (OTC Pink: SCLTF) ("Searchlight" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the initial results of the airborne radiometric and magnetic surveys on the Company's Bear Lake Rare Earth Element ("REE") project, located approxima ...

Core Viewpoint - Powermax Minerals Inc. has initiated its 2025 exploration program at the Atikokan Property in Northwestern Ontario, focusing on rare earth elements and critical metals within a promising geological corridor [1][8]. Atikokan Property Overview - The Atikokan Property consists of three claim blocks (A, B, and C) covering approximately 7,120 hectares, underlain by various geological formations known to host pegmatites and rare-metal mineralization, including rare earth elements (REEs), uranium, thorium, and niobium [2]. - Regional geochemical and radiometric data have identified several lake sediment anomalies that will guide the current exploration phase [2]. 2025 Exploration Program - The Phase 1 program will last 4-6 weeks, depending on terrain and weather, and aims to establish a technical foundation for prioritizing targets and planning follow-up exploration in 2026 [3]. - Key activities include desktop data compilation, field prospecting, geological mapping, geochemical sampling (100-150 rock samples, approximately 350 soil samples, and 20-50 stream sediment samples), and radiometric surveys [6]. Project Significance - The Atikokan Property is strategically located within a rare-metal corridor of the Superior Province, where previous surveys have documented REE-enriched systems. The program aims to confirm regional geochemical trends and delineate potential mineralized zones for further exploration [7]. CEO Statement - The CEO of Powermax Minerals expressed excitement about the exploration program, highlighting its potential to contribute to North America's critical minerals supply chain and the global transition to clean energy [8]. Company Overview - Powermax Minerals Inc. is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing rare earth element projects, holding options to acquire the Cameron REE Property and the Atikokan REE Property, along with a 100% interest in the Ogden Bear Lodge Project in Wyoming [9].

Core Insights - E-Tech Resources Inc. has provided a corporate update regarding its Eureka Project in Namibia, highlighting the submission of a transfer for the Exclusive Prospecting Licence (EPL 8748) and the designation of nuclear fuels as a commodity [1][2][3] Group 1: Licence Transfer and Ownership Structure - The company has submitted the transfer of EPL 8748 to a new Namibian entity, with E-Tech holding 85% ownership and local partners holding 15%, fulfilling a key condition of the Purchase Agreement [2] - This transfer consolidates project ownership and establishes a framework for future exploration and development activities [2][4] Group 2: Inclusion of Nuclear Fuels - The terms of EPL 8748 have been amended to include nuclear fuels, allowing E-Tech to expand its exploration to include uranium and thorium alongside its existing rare earth element resources [3] - This amendment enhances the long-term value potential of the Eureka Project by broadening its exploration mandate [3][4] Group 3: Future Plans and Strategic Positioning - The company plans to advance targeted exploration programs to define new critical mineral prospects while continuing to expand and de-risk its established rare earth element resource base [4] - The interim CEO emphasized that these developments position the Eureka Project to advance under a supportive framework for both rare earth resources and additional critical minerals [4] Group 4: Project Location and Context - The Eureka Project is located approximately 250 km northwest of Windhoek, Namibia, and 140 km east of Walvis Bay, situated next to the national B1 highway in the Erongo Region [5] - The project lies within the Southern Central Zone of the Neoproterozoic Damara Belt, covering EPL 6762 and surrounding EPL 8748 [6] - Namibia is noted for its political stability, established infrastructure, and transparent mining laws, providing a favorable environment for mining activities [7]

Core Insights - Mustang Energy Corp. has received exploration permits from the Saskatchewan Government for the Spur Project, enabling ground-based exploration activities [1][2] - The permits include various authorizations such as Crown Land Work Authorization and Aquatic Habitat Protection Permit, valid until April 30, 2028 [2] - The Spur Project covers 23,680 hectares and is located south of the Athabasca Basin, an area known for high-grade uranium deposits [4] Exploration Activities - The permits allow for activities including trail construction, line-cutting, ground geophysical surveys, and diamond drilling [2] - The company emphasizes ongoing engagement with local communities to address concerns and ensure sustainable project implementation [3] Geological Context - The Spur Project's geological setting includes Proterozoic basement rocks and uraniferous pegmatites, indicating potential for uranium, thorium, and rare earth element exploration [4] - Adjacent properties have reported high-grade surface grab samples, with notable results such as 8.0% U₃O₈ and 1.93% U [4] Company Overview - Mustang Energy Corp. focuses on acquiring and developing uranium and critical mineral assets, holding a total of 92,211 hectares around the Athabasca Basin [7][9] - The company has multiple projects, including the Ford Lake project and the Yellowstone Project, expanding its footprint in the region [7][9]

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials and Idaho Strategic Resources are pivotal in enhancing U.S. critical mineral independence and national security through domestic resource development [1][2][3] Group 1: Company Overview - MP Materials is the only fully integrated rare earth producer in the U.S., with a market capitalization of $3.22 billion [1] - Idaho Strategic Resources is a gold producer with a market capitalization of around $190 million and holds the largest rare earth elements land package in the U.S. [2] Group 2: Market Context - Rare earth elements (REEs) are essential for clean-tech applications, including electric vehicles and defense, with the market currently dominated by China [3] - There is a growing emphasis on developing domestic REE capabilities in the U.S. to reduce reliance on foreign sources [3] Group 3: MP Materials Performance - MP Materials reported a 25% year-over-year revenue increase to $60.8 million in Q1 2025, with NdPr production soaring 330% to 563 metric tons [6] - The company experienced a 33% decline in sales volumes of rare earth concentrate, leading to a $10 million revenue drop in that segment [7] - MP Materials halted rare earth concentrate shipments to China due to tariffs, which previously accounted for approximately 50% of its revenues in Q1 2025 [9] Group 4: Idaho Strategic Resources Performance - Idaho Strategic Resources achieved a 23% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.3 million in Q1 2025, driven by a 44.7% rise in average realized gold prices [16] - The company reported earnings of 12 cents per share, a 29% decline year-over-year, attributed to increased exploration costs [16][17] - IDR plans to execute its largest exploration program at the Golden Chest Mine and other properties in 2025 [19] Group 5: Future Outlook - MP Materials expects to ramp up production of separated rare earth products, which will lead to higher costs in 2025 [10] - Idaho Strategic Resources is focusing on thorium mining and has signed a MoU with Clean Core Thorium Energy to advance a domestic supply chain [18] Group 6: Valuation and Investment Considerations - MP Materials has a forward price-to-sales ratio of 9.85X, while Idaho Strategic Resources has a lower ratio of 6.55X [25] - Despite near-term earnings pressure, MP Materials is viewed as a strong investment due to its integrated supply chain capabilities [27]