Disseminated on behalf of Search Minerals Inc. (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) and may include paid advertising.

• The depth of Search Minerals’ management and board experience plays a central role in shaping its technical direction and strategy
• At the executive level, the company is led by professionals with decades of experience in mining, finance and corporate leadership
• Board members have extensive experience in mining operations, capital markets, engineering and environmental management

Successful critical minerals development depends not only on geology and technology but also on leadership capable of navigating technical, regulatory, financial and community-related complexities. As demand for rare earth elements accelerates globally, companies seeking to move projects toward production must demonstrate disciplined governance, credible technical oversight and long-term strategic vision. Search Minerals (TSX.V: SMY) (OTC: SHCMF) has built its growth strategy around these principles, supported by a leadership team whose experience spans mineral exploration, mine development, processing innovation and regulatory engagement.

A Canada-based mineral exploration and development company, Search Minerals is focused on advancing rare earth element resources in Newfoundland and Labrador. The company’s flagship Critical Rare Earth District includes the Foxtrot and Deep Fox deposits, which are being developed using a proprietary direct extraction process designed to improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. As Search Minerals progresses toward potential development, the depth of its management and board experience plays a central role in shaping its technical direction and long-term strategy.

At the executive level, Search Minerals is led by professionals with decades of experience across mining, finance and corporate leadership. At the forefront is Joseph Lanzon, CEO and director, an experienced strategist with a background in government relations, regulatory navigation and shareholder advocacy. Lanzon has a track record of building strong relationships with key stakeholders and guiding public companies through complex legislative and market environments, bringing high-level communication, negotiation and strategic thinking to the company’s leadership team.

CFO Jason Macintosh complements this with more than 25 years of comprehensive finance experience, including strategic financial leadership at STLLR Gold Inc., where he directed accounting and finance operations and established robust financial controls. His appointment strengthens Search Minerals’ financial discipline and supports the alignment of fiscal strategy with the company’s long-term growth objectives.

This combination of executive skills, spanning operations, stakeholder engagement and financial governance, is particularly important in the rare earth sector, where technical complexity and permitting considerations often intersect with evolving environmental and regulatory standards.

The board of directors provides additional oversight and strategic depth. The Search Minerals board includes members with extensive experience in mining operations, capital markets, engineering and environmental management. Several directors have held senior roles at mining and resource-focused companies, contributing practical insight into project evaluation, risk management and governance best practices. This experience supports informed decision-making as the company advances its assets through exploration, metallurgical testing and potential development pathways.

Leadership experience also plays a key role in regulatory navigation and stakeholder engagement. Operating in Labrador requires ongoing coordination with provincial regulators, Indigenous organizations and local municipalities. Search Minerals has highlighted its commitment to transparent consultation and responsible development, supported by leadership familiar with Canadian regulatory frameworks and community engagement practices. The presence of experienced directors and advisers helps ensure that regulatory compliance and social responsibility are integrated into project planning rather than treated as afterthoughts.

The company’s governance structure reflects an understanding that long-term value creation in critical minerals depends on aligning technical progress with environmental stewardship and social acceptance. Search Minerals has publicly stated that its leadership approach prioritizes sustainable development and ethical resource practices, particularly as governments and end users increasingly scrutinize the origins of rare earth supply chains. This emphasis is reinforced by leadership experience in jurisdictions where regulatory standards are high and community expectations are well defined.

As global interest in domestic and allied rare earth supply continues to grow, Search Minerals’ leadership credentials help differentiate the company within a competitive sector. The Government of Canada has formally identified rare earth elements as strategically important to clean-energy technologies, advanced manufacturing and supply chain security, emphasizing the need for projects that align with environmental stewardship, Indigenous engagement and strong governance.

Within this policy environment, companies advancing rare earth projects are often assessed not only on resource potential but also on their ability to navigate regulatory frameworks, demonstrate technical credibility and maintain effective leadership. Search Minerals experienced executive team and board, combined with its focus on environmentally conscious processing innovation and stakeholder engagement in Labrador, position the company to advance its projects in alignment with these evolving strategic priorities.

Looking ahead, the company’s leadership team is expected to remain a central driver of progress as Search Minerals moves through further metallurgical optimization, project evaluation and engagement with potential strategic partners. The collective track record of the company’s leaders provides continuity and stability at a time when rare earth markets are evolving rapidly. For investors and stakeholders assessing the company’s growth trajectory, the depth of expertise guiding Search Minerals offers an important measure of confidence as it works toward realizing the long-term potential of its critical rare earth district.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://searchminerals.ca.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SHCMF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SHCMF

Disseminated on behalf of Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) and may include paid advertising.

• A Foremost MPD-1500 track-mounted reverse-circulation drill rig and support equipment have begun Lahontan’s maiden drill campaign at West Santa Fe
• Validating historical drilling can be a cost-effective way to de-risk a target and accelerate the timeline to more formal technical deliverables
• Management has framed West Santa Fe as both a standalone opportunity and a strategic extension of the Santa Fe development story

Consistent operational progress is critical for junior mining companies working to establish credibility, advance projects and build long-term value in a competitive exploration landscape. With that in mind, Lahontan Gold (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF), recently announced it has commenced drilling at its West Santa Fe project in Nevada’s Walker Lane, marking a new phase of exploration designed to validate historical data and support future development planning. The program complements ongoing work at the company’s flagship Santa Fe Mine project and underscores Lahontan’s focus on advancing its portfolio of gold and silver assets in a well-established U.S. mining jurisdiction.

According to the company, a Foremost MPD-1500 track-mounted reverse-circulation drill rig and support equipment have begun Lahontan’s maiden drill campaign at West Santa Fe. The near-term focus is “twining” multiple historic drill holes from the 1980s to validate the historic drill-hole database, an important technical step because that can determine whether older results are reliable enough to support future modeling and, potentially, future mineral resource estimation work.

Lahontan reported that prior operators completed 171 drill holes totaling 13,107 meters at West Santa Fe between 1980 and 1995. “Confirming the validity of this robust database may enable the company to use this drill hole data in any future Mineral Resource Estimate for the project,” the announcement noted.

For investors, the significance of this approach is straightforward: Validating historical drilling can be a cost-effective way to de-risk a target and accelerate the timeline to more formal technical deliverables, provided the data stands up to verification work. The current West Santa Fe drilling project emphasizes the depth and scope of historical work, noting that previous drilling totals more than 13,000 meters in 171 holes and that only five holes are deeper than 165 meters, suggesting exploration remains, particularly at depth. The company also characterizes West Santa Fe as a “bolt on” project with “excellent resource potential,” noting that the project is 100% controlled through a seven-year option agreement, with an 11.8 km2 land package in Mineral County, Nevada.

In addition, Lahontan has completed its 2025 phase two drilling program at the Santa Fe Mine project. The company drilled 20 reverse-circulation holes in the Slab and York resource areas with objectives that included expanding gold and silver resources at depth and stepping out to grow mineral resources in the York area. The company reported that the Slab-area holes were up to 194 meters deep and remained in oxidized and hydrothermally altered rock to their final depth, an operational detail that can matter for metallurgy and processing assumptions in oxide-style systems.

Management has framed West Santa Fe as both a standalone opportunity and a strategic extension of the Santa Fe development story. “Lahontan is excited to begin our maiden drill campaign at West Santa Fe,” said Lahontan founder, CEO and president Kimberly Ann. “The historic drill hole data are very encouraging, and we look forward to drill testing this important gold and silver resource exploration target. At the Santa Fe Mine project, the 20 drill holes completed this year represent the largest number of drill holes completed in a single year since the company began drilling the project in 2021.

“Since that time, Lahontan has completed 99 diamond and reverse-circulation drill holes totaling 22,431 meters at Santa Fe,” she continued. “We plan on updating the Santa Fe Mine MRE in early 2026 utilizing the new drill hole data and then incorporating the MRE into a Preliminary Economic Assessment of the project in H1 2026.”

From an investor perspective, two things stand out: First, the West Santa Fe campaign is explicitly structured around validation, an effort to convert historical work into data that can credibly support modern technical reporting, which can be a meaningful value driver if successful. Second, Lahontan is pairing that satellite work with continued drilling at Santa Fe and a stated plan to update the mineral resource estimate and feed that into a preliminary economic assessment timeline in 2026, which provides identifiable milestones that the market can watch.

Taken together, the launch of drilling at West Santa Fe and the completion of an expanded 2025 program at the Santa Fe Mine highlight Lahontan Gold’s methodical approach to advancing its Nevada portfolio. By pairing historical data validation with new drilling and clearly articulated plans to update resources and advance economic studies, the company is working to convert exploration activity into tangible development milestones. In a sector where execution, jurisdiction and project continuity matter, Lahontan’s steady progress in the Walker Lane positions it to remain on investors’ radar as results emerge and the next phase of technical work unfolds.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.LahontanGoldCorp.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LGCXF are available in the company’s newsroom at http://ibn.fm/LGCXF

Disseminated on behalf of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) and may include paid advertising.

• In the shareholder update, Ryan detailed how 2025 served as a foundational year for advancing the company’s REE separation and processing agenda.
• Ucore’s RapidSX technology is central to the company’s strategy.
• Ucore’s update also emphasized government support and alignment with critical minerals policy frameworks.

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) delivered an upbeat holiday message to shareholders, reflecting on a year of advancing its rare earth element (“REE”) separation technology and strategic growth while reinforcing its mission to establish a resilient, Western-aligned supply chain in the critical minerals sector. The seasonal message from CEO Pat Ryan reiterated the company’s progress across technology development, government engagement and commercial positioning, underscoring milestones that build toward a future where North America can produce and refine rare earth materials once dominated by foreign sources. Ucore’s work in commercializing its RapidSX(TM) separation technology and advancing facilities in Canada and the United States shapes a narrative of measured progress and long-term strategic positioning for 2026 and beyond.

“In 2025, we focused on advancing our business plan by leveraging unprecedented government support to take a leadership position in the important business of mid-market rare earth refining and processing,” stated Ryan. “Western supply chains are currently being reshaped at a furious pace, and I am pleased to report that we have made good progress in the areas of technology, facilities, government alignment opportunities, business relationships, and capital in implementing our plans for a North American rare earth refining platform outside of China.”

In the shareholder update, Ryan detailed how 2025 served as a foundational year for advancing the company’s REE separation and processing agenda. One of the most significant achievements cited in the update was the continued operation and data gathering at Ucore’s Commercial Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario, where thousands of hours of simulated commercial run-time helped validate the performance of RapidSX technology. Taking more than 5,500 hours and totaling 11,000 process samples, Ucore collected data that informs optimization for the first commercial RapidSX machine, a key step toward eventual commercial-scale operation. Results from this demonstration helped compare RapidSX favorably against conventional solvent extraction, especially in terms of throughput, projected operating expenses, and estimated capital costs.

Ucore’s RapidSX technology is central to the company’s strategy. RapidSX is a proprietary rare earth separation platform that aims to improve on traditional solvent extraction by increasing processing speed, reducing equipment footprint and lowering operational expenses. The modular design of the technology makes it adaptable to different feedstock types and scalable from demonstration to commercial operations, a quality that Ucore believes will help bridge the gap between mine output and downstream manufacturing needs. RapidSX is envisioned as a cornerstone of the company’s broader effort to create an integrated, Western-controlled REE supply chain that includes extraction, separation, and refinement of individual oxides necessary for permanent magnets and other advanced applications.

Throughout the year, Ucore reached several additional milestones. In October, the company announced that it received conditional approval from the Government of Canada for up to $36.3 million to support its Pathway to Samarium and Gadolinium Security Project, which focuses on scaling up a commercial processing facility in Kingston dedicated to refining critical heavy rare earth elements such as samarium and gadolinium. This funding, provided through Natural Resources Canada’s Global Partnerships Initiative and FedDev Ontario, is intended to address gaps in North American supply chains by producing oxides that feed into high-performance magnet production.

Earlier in the year, Ucore also signed a strategic alliance with Vacuumschmelze GmbH & Co. KG and eVAC Magnetics LLC, which aims to coordinate the supply of high-purity rare earth oxides for permanent magnet manufacturing. This memorandum of understanding is designed to align Ucore’s refining plans in Louisiana and Ontario with magnet producers in South Carolina and Europe, helping secure a steady supply of oxides for NdFeB and SmCo magnet production that serve key industrial and defense markets.

Beyond technology and commercial partnerships, Ucore’s holiday update also emphasized government support and alignment with critical minerals policy frameworks. For example, the company previously updated shareholders on progress with its U.S. Strategic Metals Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana, where it is advancing plans for heavy rare earth processing in partnership with the U.S. Department of War through a multi-phase funding agreement. Progress reported in September included completion of initial field work, application of Defense Priorities and Allocations System status for project procurement, and advancement of full commercial scale-up engineering efforts.

Ryan also acknowledged the evolving policy landscape around rare earths and critical minerals. As Western nations, including the United States and Canada, increase investments and coordination to reduce dependency on concentrated foreign supply sources, companies such as Ucore see opportunities to accelerate domestic processing and secure long-term contracts with consumers of magnet materials in automotive, energy and defense supply chains. Recent headlines from industry forums and rare earth market updates highlight these broader geopolitical shifts and underscore the strategic importance of establishing resilient supply chains.

Looking ahead to 2026, Ryan noted that the company would provide further updates as key milestones are reached. The company’s integrated strategy, combining RapidSX technology, demonstration and commercial facilities in two countries, and partnerships across industry and government, positions it to take advantage of growing global demand for rare earth oxides and to contribute meaningfully to Western supply independence.

For more information, visit www.Ucore.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to UURAF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/UURAF

Disseminated on behalf of LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) and may include paid advertising.

• LaFleur Minerals Inc., a Canadian near-term gold producer, just announced the closure of a non-brokered hard dollar private placement yielding gross proceeds of $900,000
• This follows the recently closed LIFE offering that yielded $4,695,000 and a Flow-Through offering that brought in $2,205,421, bringing total proceeds to $7,800,421
• With these funds, LaFleur is set to commission and restart gold production operations at its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mine and Mill, which it acquired in Fall 2024

LaFleur Minerals (CSE: LFLR) (OTCQB: LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is a Canadian gold exploration and development company advancing its district-scale Swanson Gold Project in Québec’s prolific Abitibi Gold Belt and progressing toward the near-term restart of gold production at its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mill. The company just marked a strategic inflection point as it transitions from exploration to near-term gold production and value creation. LaFleur just announced the closure of a non-brokered hard-dollar private placement for 1,800,000 units at $0.50 per unit, yielding gross proceeds of $900,000. This follows the recently closed LIFE offering, which yielded gross proceeds of $4,695,000, and the Flow-Through offering, which brought in $2,205,421 in gross proceeds (https://ibn.fm/EZch9).

With these funds, LaFleur is set to commission and restart gold production operations at its wholly owned Beacon Gold Mine and Mill, starting with the processing of 10,000 to 20,000 metric tons of existing mineralized stockpiles on-site for initial trial runs. In addition, it can begin work on its Swanson Gold Project in Val d’Or, Québec, the subject of an upcoming PEA and primary source of mineralized material for Beacon’s gold processing operations. The funds will also be utilized for general working capital purposes, bringing it closer to realizing its goal of transitioning from an exploration to a near-term gold production and value-creation company, demonstrating their commitment to achieve restart of production at the Beacon Gold Mill in early 2026 (https://ibn.fm/VsqyQ). LaFleur is strategically positioned for success with infrastructure, located in a top mining jurisdiction, a district-scale exploration project with high-grade occurrences, scalability and optionality in terms of footprint and at its Beacon Gold Mill, which can be expanded in capacity down the line and the company starts generating revenues.

LaFleur acquired the Beacon Gold Mill in Fall 2024. Before the acquisition, the facility had undergone over C$20 million in repairs and refurbishments. Immediately, LaFleur set out to complete a comprehensive PEA along with twinning historical holes that formed the basis of the mineral resource at its Swanson Gold Deposit. “Advancing the Beacon Gold Mill to restart gold production with gold prices at record levels above $4,000 per ounce offers amazing economic potential,” noted Paul Teniere, LaFleur’s CEO (https://ibn.fm/lnymH). Beacon Gold Mill, with a replacement cost estimated by an independent valuation conducted to exceed $70 million, is a rare asset to have by a junior gold miner with a current market cap nearly half its value worth in infrastructure. 

For company information, visit the company’s website at www.LaFleurMinerals.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to LFLRF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/LFLRF

Qualified Person Statement:

All scientific and technical information contained in this article has been reviewed and approved by Louis Martin, P.Geo. (OGQ), Exploration Manager and Technical Advisor of the company, and considered a Qualified Person for the purposes of NI 43-101.

• SPAI Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of Safe Pro Group Inc., that was established to pursue both strategic collaborations and investments with Ukrainian and other international tech developers.
• The company plans to create a collaborative framework to accelerate growth in defense tech, fostering innovation, and creating optimal conditions for technological advancement.
• Through SPAI Ventures, Safe Pro Group Inc. will evaluate opportunities in which to invest or to commercialize technologies that it believes could complement the capabilities of its portfolio of AI and ballistic protective solutions.

Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI), a developer of AI-powered security and defense solutions, recently announced the formation of a wholly-owned subsidiary called SPAI Ventures (https://ibn.fm/DYrQK). This unit was established to evaluate and pursue strategic partnerships and investments with technology developers from the Ukraine and other international markets.

Together with Ukrainian entrepreneurs, defense professionals, and other local stakeholders, SPAI Ventures is creating a collaborative framework with the goal of accelerating growth in defense tech, fostering better innovation, and creating the right conditions for technological advancement.

SPAI Ventures is also intended to support Safe Pro’s existing portfolio which includes the patented Safe Pro Object Threat Detection (“SPOTD”) AI image analysis and detection platform, as well as the company’s ballistic protection solutions.

Safe Pro believes that blending the company’s AI capabilities alongside battle-tested hardware and software solutions can help it better meet the evolving needs and requirements of US and NATO defense customers, governments, and humanitarian organizations.

The formation of the company also comes after interest from both US and UK defense stakeholders in technologies that have undergone real-world operational use in Ukraine.

The SPOTD technology has been used in operational environments throughout Ukraine for nearly three years, and has analyzed over 2.4 million images, identified well over 43,000 threats, and has covered around 29,300 acres of land.

In addition, according to reports out of Washington, D.C., the US may be re-evaluating its policy against the use of anti-personnel mines, while also seeking methods to reduce the risk of harm to non-combatants, which is something Safe Pro is well-equipped to help with.

Safe Pro expects to use SPAI Ventures to evaluate investment, integration, and commercialization opportunities that it believes can improve the performance, scalability, and market applicability of the company’s solutions. SPAI Ventures will be headquartered in the USA, but may operate in the Ukraine through local representation.

Speaking about the announcement, Safe Pro Group Chairman and CEO, Dan Erdberg, said that “SPAI Ventures is intended to allow us to build on our operational experience and extensive relationships in the region while remaining disciplined and selective in how we pursue potential opportunities. We believe this approach is consistent with our strategy of expanding Safe Pro’s capabilities while managing risk and maintaining capital flexibility.”

About Safe Pro Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SPAI) 

Safe Pro Group is a tech company that’s delivering AI-powered security and defense solutions for customers in a variety of industries including homeland security, law enforcement, humanitarian, and more. The company’s computer vision technology helps organizations rapidly detect and identify small objects like landmines in drone video and images, to ensure field operations are safe and more efficient.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.SafeProGroup.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to SPAI are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/SPAI

Disseminated on behalf of Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) and may include paid advertising.

• Trilogy Metals’ JV company Ambler Metals has recently approved the $35 million 2026 program focused on initiating mine permitting for the Arctic Project while advancing technical de-risking work
• The joint venture plans to target mine permit submissions in 2026, potentially leveraging FAST-41 federal expedited permitting for critical infrastructure projects
• Trilogy maintains a strong cash position exceeding $50 million, with additional funding expected from a $35.6 million US Department of War investment anticipated to close in early 2026

In an industry with a historically lengthy gap between discovery and production, the ability to advance projects through the permitting gauntlet separates aspirational deposits from future mines. Trilogy Metals (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) is positioning 2026 as the year that transforms the Arctic Project in Alaska from a world-class copper resource into a permitted mining operation.

On December 17, 2025, Trilogy announced that Ambler Metals LLC, its 50-50 joint venture with South32 Limited, approved a $35 million program for 2026 that marks a strategic pivot toward permitting and production planning. This budget represents more than capital allocation; it signals confidence in both the project’s technical foundation and the shifting regulatory environment for domestic critical mineral development.

Permitting Takes Center Stage

The 2026 work program prioritizes the mine permit submission for the Arctic Project, with Ambler Metals targeting federal expedited permitting through the FAST-41 framework. FAST-41 was designed specifically to enhance coordination, transparency, and predictability for critical infrastructure projects, and with President Trump’s recent Executive Orders emphasizing domestic critical mineral production, the timing aligns with policy priorities.

Given that the Arctic Project is located on state and private land, the key federal permit will be the Clean Water Act (“CWA”) Section 404 Dredge-and-Fill Permit that is issued by the US Army Corps of Engineers. All other significant permits are issued by the State of Alaska, creating a streamlined permitting pathway compared to projects burdened by federal land restrictions. This jurisdictional advantage, combined with three years of baseline data already collected, positions Arctic for an efficient permitting timeline.

The 2026 program will advance engineering, environmental, and technical work required to support a future final investment decision for mine construction and operations. The program also includes geotechnical and condemnation drilling at Arctic to refine mine design and infrastructure placement, along with preparation of the Bornite Project camp for multi-year exploration use.

Building Institutional Capacity

Ambler Metals will re-establish an independent management team in 2026 dedicated to managing the next phase of development. This team will focus on advancing the permitting, completing technical programs, executing drill campaigns critical for mine design, and strengthening community engagement and workforce development initiatives.

The emphasis on local participation reflects the joint venture’s ongoing partnership with NANA Regional Corporation, which provides a framework for exploration and development in cooperation with local communities. Engagement with regional stakeholders remains a core element of the program, with continued focus on transparent communication, consultation, and long-term workforce planning.

The Road Forward

Ambler Metals will continue evaluating early-stage funding opportunities to support the advancement of the Ambler Access Project (also known as the Ambler Road), through its existing arrangement with the Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority. The proposed 211-mile industrial-use road connecting the Ambler Mining District to the Dalton Highway received federal Right-of-Way permits in October 2025 following President Trump’s decision to overturn the Biden Administration’s 2024 rejection of the project.

The Arctic Project’s feasibility study, released in February 2023, demonstrated robust economics with a pre-tax NPV of $1.5 billion and a 25.8% IRR at base case metal prices. The project hosts probable mineral reserves of 46.7 million tonnes grading 2.11% copper, 2.9% zinc, 0.56% lead, 0.42 g/t gold, and 31.8 g/t silver. At current spot prices, the project’s pre-tax NPV exceeds $3.9 billion.

With the January 2025 release of the Bornite Preliminary Economic Assessment showing potential to extend mine life beyond 30 years, the projects in the Ambler Mining District represent a generational opportunity to establish a premier North American copper supplier.

For more information, visit www.TrilogyMetals.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to TMQ are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/TMQ

Disseminated on behalf of Ucore Rare Metals Inc. (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) and may include paid advertising.

• Ucore reports preparations for heavy rare earth element (“REE”) processing at its Strategic Metals Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana, with a goal of commissioning the first commercial RapidSX(TM) separation unit in mid-2026.
• RapidSX is Ucore’s proprietary REE separation platform designed to improve on conventional solvent extraction processes.
• Ucore’s broader mission is to establish a resilient, vertically integrated REE supply chain in North America.

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) is signaling a major leap forward in the race to establish a secure Western supply chain for heavy rare earth elements, with plans ramping up for commercial operations targeted in Louisiana by 2026. The company recently released detailed information about significant progress on its proprietary rapid-separation technology and its transition from demonstration testing in Canada toward full deployment at a U.S. facility that could help reduce longstanding dependencies on foreign processors. The announcement underscores not only technological advancement but also strategic alignment with North American critical-mineral security goals.

In the announcement, Ucore highlights the company’s preparations for heavy rare earth element (“REE”) processing at its Strategic Metals Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana, with a goal of commissioning the first commercial RapidSX(TM) separation unit in mid-2026. This project builds on nearly two years of demonstration work with Ucore’s RapidSX technology at the company’s Commercialization and Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario. According to the company, the Kingston demonstration has completed thousands of hours of continuous processing and tens of thousands of analytical samples, generating data that supports the commercial scalability of RapidSX and its application to rare earth oxide feedstocks.

RapidSX is Ucore’s proprietary REE separation platform designed to improve on conventional solvent extraction processes. Independent descriptions of the technology note that RapidSX can process rare earth elements significantly faster than traditional systems while reducing required plant footprint, construction and operating costs, and time to achieve steady-state production. The modular design enables adaptability to different feedstocks within a smaller physical profile compared with conventional solvent extraction, and its scalability is intended to facilitate staged, phased deployments.  

Ucore’s Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex is designed to address a critical gap in North American rare-earth separation capacity. Historically, rare-earth processing has been concentrated in Asia, particularly China, leaving the United States and Canada reliant on imports for refined rare-earth oxides that are essential for permanent-magnet production and many high-tech and defense applications. By leveraging its RapidSX technology, Ucore aims to produce mid and heavy rare earth oxides at commercial scale in the United States on a timeline that aligns with projected demand from defense and clean-energy sectors.  

Ucore’s Louisiana project is supported by a significant Other Transaction Agreement with the U.S. Department of War valued at $22.4 million. This agreement is tied to the deployment and commercialization of RapidSX heavy rare earth separation operations at the Alexandria site and positions Ucore’s project within the broader U.S. strategy to reshore critical mineral processing. Industry reporting confirms that the company plans to install its first RapidSX commercial module, known as RapidSX Machine #1, at the Louisiana facility by mid-2026 as part of a modular build-out approach.  

Ucore’s broader mission is to establish a resilient, vertically integrated REE supply chain in North America that spans from ore sources through separation and refinement to feed the high-performance magnet manufacturing required for defense, automotive electrification, wind energy and other advanced technologies. The Louisiana facility is a cornerstone of this strategy. Supported by demonstration data and government partnerships on both sides of the border, Ucore’s RapidSX technology and phased commercialization plan represent a practical step toward reducing reliance on foreign processing and advancing Western supply chain self-sufficiency for critical minerals.

For more information, visit www.Ucore.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to UURAF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/UURAF

• GridAI Technologies provides exposure to the convergence of artificial intelligence, energy infrastructure modernization, and large-scale electrification trends.
• The Grid AI platform is software-first and hardware-agnostic, supporting scalable deployment without requiring extensive new physical infrastructure.
• Rising power demands from AI data centers and electrified systems create structural demand for real-time energy-orchestration solutions.
• The company’s legacy biopharmaceutical assets provide additional optionality alongside its expanded activities in AI-driven energy infrastructure.
• Public-market access through its Nasdaq listing supports capital formation, visibility, and potential strategic partnerships as deployments scale.

GridAI Technologies (NASDAQ: GRDX) is a company operating at the intersection of artificial intelligence and energy infrastructure following its acquisition of Grid AI Corp. Formerly known as Entero Therapeutics Inc., the company has expanded its corporate scope to include intelligent energy-orchestration solutions designed to address reliability, cost, and sustainability challenges across modern power systems.

GridAI Technologies is focused on enabling more flexible, resilient, and economically optimized electricity systems by coordinating generation, storage, and demand in real time. Its approach centers on software-driven control that integrates with existing hardware, allowing utilities, energy retailers, and large power users to manage increasingly volatile loads associated with electrification, electric vehicles, and AI-driven computing.

In parallel with this expansion, the company continues to advance its legacy life sciences operations developed under Entero Therapeutics, maintaining its clinical-stage gastrointestinal pipeline while pursuing opportunities in AI-enabled energy systems.

The company is headquartered in Boca Raton, Florida.

Products and Platform

GridAI Technologies’ primary operations are anchored in the Grid AI energy-orchestration platform, an AI-native software system designed to coordinate distributed energy resources across multiple scales. The platform monitors real-time conditions, including device status, energy prices, weather, and grid signals, calculates optimal operating strategies, and synchronizes assets so they can function collectively as a flexible power resource.

For residential and small-business users, Grid AI enables behind-the-meter orchestration of devices such as electric-vehicle chargers, batteries, HVAC systems, and appliances. This capability supports participation in demand-response programs and helps enable more efficient energy usage and greater alignment with renewable generation.

In commercial and utility environments, the platform manages fleets of distributed energy resources, supporting peak-load reduction, dynamic pricing programs, and market-based dispatch. At the industrial and hyperscale level, Grid AI is designed to support large, energy-intensive campuses, including AI data centers, by orchestrating scalable power environments that integrate grid connections, on-site generation, and storage to support reliability and cost-efficient operations.

Legacy Biopharmaceutical Pipeline

In addition to its Grid AI operations, the company continues to advance the biopharmaceutical assets developed under Entero Therapeutics. These programs focus on targeted, orally delivered, non-systemic therapies for gastrointestinal diseases.

The pipeline includes latiglutenase, an oral biotherapeutic designed to aid gluten digestion; capeserod, a selective 5-HT4 receptor partial agonist being developed for multiple GI indications; and adrulipase, a recombinant lipase intended to support nutrient absorption in patients with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. All programs remain at the clinical stage and continue alongside the company’s activities in AI and energy infrastructure.

Market Opportunity

GridAI Technologies is positioned within two large and expanding markets: global energy infrastructure and AI-driven data-center development. Industry projections indicate that AI data centers alone are expected to drive more than 50 gigawatts of incremental power demand by 2028, with total AI-related load growth potentially exceeding 200 gigawatts by 2030.

Meeting this demand is expected to require several trillion dollars in new energy and grid infrastructure investment over the coming decade, as utilities contend with aging assets, extended upgrade timelines, and increasing system volatility. These challenges are further amplified by the variable and high-intensity load profiles associated with GPU-based computing, which place new stresses on traditional grid-planning models.

Grid AI’s software-first orchestration approach is designed to help address these constraints by unlocking flexibility from existing assets and enabling faster deployment than large-scale physical infrastructure alone. As hyperscale campuses, electrified transport, and distributed energy resources continue to expand, the need for real-time, AI-driven coordination across generation, storage, and demand represents a significant and growing market opportunity.

Leadership Team

GridAI Technologies is led by an executive team with experience spanning energy infrastructure, grid optimization, and software-based platform development. Leadership is focused on commercializing complex energy technologies, scaling partnerships with utilities and enterprise customers, and supporting deployment across residential, commercial, and hyperscale environments.

The broader management group brings backgrounds in energy markets, distributed energy resources, and technology commercialization, with an emphasis on integrating physical infrastructure with intelligent digital control systems while maintaining continuity across the company’s diversified operations.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://grid-ai.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to GRDX are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/GRDX

• ParaZero operates as a defense aerospace company specializing in multi-layered Counter-UAS solutions for modern battlefield and homeland security environments.
• The DefendAir platform offers three complementary interception layers (airborne, turret-based, and hand-held) providing forces with flexible, low-collateral responses to diverse hostile drone threats.
• Company-reported demonstrations with Israeli defense authorities have shown effective real-time interception across fast, maneuverable, and RF-denied drone scenarios.
• DropAir delivers validated precision-delivery capability for medical and tactical supplies, including successful collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the IDF Medical Corps.
• Rising global demand for cost-effective and scalable Counter-UAS systems positions ParaZero for continued expansion across defense and homeland security markets.

ParaZero Technologies (NASDAQ: PRZO) is a defense aerospace company specializing in multi-layered Counter-Unmanned Aircraft System (“Counter-UAS”) technologies engineered to neutralize hostile drones in complex, contested, and urban environments. Founded by aviation and defense technology professionals, the company develops autonomous interception and precision-delivery systems that support military forces, homeland security agencies, and operators of strategic infrastructure. ParaZero’s mission is to provide reliable, practical, and scalable counter-drone capabilities for frontline and fixed-site defense scenarios where rapid, accurate, and low-collateral response is essential.

As drone threats evolve from low-cost commercial platforms to fast, low-signature systems operating in RF-denied conditions, ParaZero focuses on solutions that deliver actionable last-layer defense. Its technologies integrate with existing detection and command systems, allowing operators to respond effectively across military bases, sensitive facilities, border regions, and high-risk operational zones. The company’s defense portfolio continues to expand through field collaboration with Israeli defense authorities and international security organizations seeking capable interception systems.

Building on more than a decade of engineering and operational experience, ParaZero offers autonomous counter-drone and precision-delivery capabilities designed for modern defense requirements.

The company is headquartered in Kfar Saba, Israel.

DefendAir

DefendAir is ParaZero’s multi-layered Counter-UAS system designed to intercept hostile drones with high accuracy and minimal collateral damage. The platform employs patented net-interception technology and supports defense forces protecting bases, critical infrastructure, government facilities, and frontline units. Company-reported demonstrations conducted with Israeli defense and homeland security authorities have shown successful interception across a range of real-time scenarios involving fast, maneuverable, and RF-denied drones.

DefendAir is deployed through three complementary delivery mechanisms that enable flexible interception across dynamic battlefield and fixed-site environments:

• Interception Drone – The airborne configuration places a net-interception pod on an autonomous multirotor, enabling rapid engagement of hostile drones approaching from extended ranges or complex angles. This mobile layer offers adaptable response options where ground-based systems may have limited reach.
• Stationary Turret – The turret provides automated 360-degree perimeter coverage for fixed sites. Using optical detection and autonomous tracking, it identifies and intercepts approaching drones with a non-explosive, low-collateral method suitable for urban or sensitive environments.
• Hand-Held Net Launcher – The hand-held launcher offers infantry and security personnel a lightweight, tactical close-range interception tool. It enables unit-level drone neutralization in environments where jamming or spoofing is ineffective, providing a practical last-line defense option.

Together, these configurations provide flexible interception capabilities for a wide range of defense and security missions.

DropAir

DropAir is ParaZero’s high-accuracy aerial delivery solution engineered for autonomous or remotely controlled missions in complex and hostile environments. The system enables safe, precise delivery of sensitive payloads, including medical supplies, blood transfusions, tactical equipment, and humanitarian aid, without requiring the drone to land or expose ground personnel to risk. Its HALO-style late parachute deployment minimizes drift and lowers detectability, supporting both multirotor and fixed-wing UAVs.

DropAir has demonstrated operational effectiveness in collaboration with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the Israel Defense Force Medical Corps, including a breakthrough field trial in which blood transfusions dropped from 200 meters were recovered fully intact and suitable for human use.

The system’s modular pod design secures a variety of payloads and is adaptable to a wide range of UAV platforms, with carrying capacities of 5, 10, or 20 kilograms depending on drone capability. Built for rapid deployment and all-weather performance, DropAir provides reliable resupply options for defense, disaster response, and remote operations where conventional logistics cannot safely reach.

Market Opportunity

ParaZero operates within rapidly expanding segments of the global unmanned systems and defense markets. According to Fortune Business Insights, the anti-drone (“counter-UAS”) market was valued at $2.4 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow from $3.1 billion in 2025 to $12.24 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 21.62%. This expansion is driven by the increasing use of drones in modern conflicts, the emergence of new threat types such as RF-denied and fiber-optic-guided drones, and the need to protect critical infrastructure, military bases, and sensitive facilities.

The precision airdrop category is also gaining traction as defense forces and emergency agencies seek secure, rapid, and unmanned delivery solutions for time-critical missions. ParaZero’s DropAir program has advanced into Phase II with the Israeli Defense Force Medical Corps, highlighting governmental adoption of autonomous delivery technologies for military and humanitarian use.

Leadership Team

Ariel Alon, Chief Executive Officer, is an experienced executive with a proven track record of leading high-performing business teams across unmanned aircraft systems, finance, high-tech, defense, and government sectors in Israel, the U.S., EMEA, and APAC. Prior to joining ParaZero, he served as Chief Sales Officer of Aerodrome Group and CEO of its subsidiary, Aerodrome LTD. His earlier roles include vice president of sales and general manager for Israel at Voyager Labs, Israeli country manager for Atos, and business development positions at companies including Elbit Systems and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Mr. Alon holds a B.A. in business administration and an M.B.A. in finance and marketing from the Ruppin Academic Center in Israel.

Regev Livne, Chief Financial Officer, previously served as CFO of Votiro, where he raised capital and supported the company’s expansion into North America and Asia. His earlier experience includes serving as CFO of SCR Engineers Ltd., along with finance roles at 3M Attenti and Dmatek Ltd. Mr. Livne began his career as a senior accountant at PwC Israel, auditing both public and private companies. He is a Certified Public Accountant in Israel and holds a master’s degree in finance and management and a B.A. in business administration and accounting from the Israeli College of Management.

Alon Yasovsky, Vice President of R&D, is an engineering leader with more than 20 years of experience across electro-optics, machine vision, embedded systems, and advanced technology development. He previously worked in Samsung Electronics Israel’s Open Innovation group and evaluated R&D investments for the Israeli Innovation Authority. Earlier in his career, he held engineering and leadership roles at SensoGenic, Kornit Digital, Intel, Apple, PrimeSense, and Elbit Systems. Mr. Yasovsky holds a B.Sc. in electrical and electronic engineering from Tel Aviv University and completed the U.S.–Israel Innovation Bridge Leadership Executives Program at the University of California, Irvine.

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This press release constitutes a paid promotional communication. The company has engaged a third-party service provider to provide investor awareness and promotional services, including the dissemination of this press release, and has paid a fee for such services. The company exercises editorial control over the content of this press release but does not control how, when, or to whom the information is distributed by such third party.

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the company. Investing in securities involves significant risks, and readers are encouraged to review the company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission available at www.sec.gov before making any investment decision.

For more information, visit the company’s website at https://parazero.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to PRZO are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/PRZO

• Recent announcement of a manufacturing expansion plan aimed at onboarding a larger, globally scaled manufacturing partner so it can support projected increases
• TechForce also announced the development and pending launch of a proprietary beverage dispensing robotic system called the Beverage Bot
• Management’s framing across both announcements is consistent: Scale and proprietary innovation are meant to reinforce each other

Nightfood Holdings Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) d.b.a. TechForce Robotics, is heading into the new year with news that points to faster deployment, broader product capability and a clearer path to scaled revenue. In late December, the company detailed a manufacturing scale strategy designed to meet rising demand, then unveiled a new in-house beverage robotics platform aimed at helping high-traffic venues serve more customers, more quickly, with fewer operational bottlenecks. Together, the announcements signal a push to convert interest and pilots into larger fleet rollouts while expanding the portfolio with proprietary systems built for measurable customer returns. 

The manufacturing update centers on readiness. TechForce said it currently relies on an established manufacturing partner in Beijing that has supported its initial commercialization efforts and delivered high-quality units, although the facility’s current capacity is not expected to meet the company’s anticipated demand next year. To address that gap, TechForce described a “parallel manufacturing expansion plan” aimed at onboarding a significantly larger, globally scaled manufacturing partner so it can support projected increases in customer demand across enterprise, franchise and multilocation deployments, while maintaining quality control, supply-chain resilience and cost efficiency. 

“Our Beijing-based manufacturing partner has been instrumental in supporting our early commercialization efforts,” said TechForce Robotics president Ried Floco. “However, as customer interest accelerates and pilot programs convert into larger fleet deployments, we are proactively preparing for scale. Our team is working diligently to secure additional manufacturing capacity that can support mass production, faster delivery timelines and long-term growth.”

In the same release, TechForce tied manufacturing scale directly to the company’s broader operating roadmap, including scaling its Robotics-as-a-Service (“RaaS”) deployments. The company framed expanded production capacity as an enabler for larger deployments across hospitality, food service, airports, venues, museums and other large-footprint commercial environments. This matters because service robotics programs often stall not because customers are uninterested, but because transitioning from a promising pilot to a fleet deployment requires dependable delivery timelines, consistent build quality and predictable unit economics. By explicitly prioritizing manufacturing capacity, TechForce is signaling that it expects customer interest to translate into more substantial orders and that it wants to be prepared to deliver at that pace.

The beverage platform announcement complements the manufacturing update by expanding what TechForce can place into those scaled deployments. The company announced the development and pending launch of a proprietary beverage dispensing robotic system called the Beverage Bot, designed to optimize service efficiency and beverage revenue across high-traffic venues. 

TechForce said the system was created to address two operational pain points: long service wait times and lost revenue caused by insufficient staffing during peak demand periods. The company’s core thesis is that when human staffing cannot keep up with crowd demand, venues lose sales they would otherwise capture, and faster beverage throughput can directly translate into higher revenue.  

TechForce described the Beverage Bot as wholly owned and developed internally, positioning it as proprietary technology rather than a rebranded third-party product. The bot is engineered to dispense carbonated beverages and multiple tap beer selections with precision while delivering “ice-cold beverages with minimal to no foam” and preserving product quality and consistency. The company also outlined where it sees the strongest fit: concerts, conferences, sporting events, festivals, airports, bars and other high-density environments where patrons routinely outnumber available servers.  

TechForce included a clear commercialization signal as well: It expects to begin accepting orders for the Beverage Bot in the first quarter of 2026, with initial deployments targeted toward enterprise operators, large venues and multilocation hospitality partners. Just as important, the company said the Beverage Bot will be integrated into its RaaS platform, which implies a recurring-revenue approach built around deployment, maintenance and ongoing service rather than one-time equipment sales alone.  

Management’s framing across both announcements is consistent: Scale and proprietary innovation are meant to reinforce each other. These two updates help clarify what success can look like for NGTF moving into the new year. On one side, manufacturing scale is a practical constraint that must be solved to grow deployments; on the other, the Beverage Bot expands the addressable use cases within high-volume environments where speed and consistency are valuable. The company is effectively building a loop: a wider set of proprietary robotic systems can open more customer doors, and improved manufacturing capacity makes it more feasible to fulfill those opportunities on a timetable that matches commercial demand.

The updates also fit within NGTF’s broader positioning as an artificial intelligence-driven service robotics platform focused on hospitality, food service and commercial automation. In the manufacturing release, the company described a vertically integrated approach that combines robotics technology, real-world operating environments and scalable manufacturing, and it also reiterated its strategy of using hospitality as its initial sector of entry while expanding into other verticals over time.  

Ultimately, the near-term takeaway is momentum: One release is about removing a growth bottleneck, and the other is about adding a high-impact product designed for real-world throughput and revenue capture. If TechForce can execute on both tracks, the company enters 2026 ideally positioned to convert growing interest into scaled deployments, broaden its recurring revenue opportunities through service-based offerings and demonstrate tangible customer outcomes in environments where every minute of peak-time service matters. 

For more information, visit the company’s website at NightfoodHoldings.com.

NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to NGTF are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/NGTF