• DoD Ucore award underscores Pentagon’s push to strengthen domestic supply chains for essential components.
• Ucore execs emphasize collaboration with government on strategic rare earth ramp-up.
• Company’s RapidSX platform offers a modular, column-based solvent extraction system that is 3 to 7 times faster than conventional vat-based methods.

As the U.S. military faces mounting global tensions and technological threats, a quiet revolution is unfolding in North America’s critical materials landscape, one powered by rare earth elements and a bold new refining technology. Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) has emerged as a central player in this effort with its cutting-edge RapidSX(TM) platform, a next-generation separation technology now backed by the U.S. Department of Defense through an $18.4 million award. This investment underscores the Pentagon’s push to strengthen domestic supply chains for essential components used in missiles, fighter jets and radar systems — and Ucore is poised to deliver.

The phase 2 award expands on the initial government’s initial $4 million phase 1 demonstration, magnifying its impact on national security-critical manufacturing. Ucore confirmed that the Department of Defense has kick-started the project and outlined the scope and milestones, including detailed engineering designs for commercial-scale RapidSX columns at both Ontario’s Demonstration Facility and a new Strategic Metals Complex (“SMC”) in Alexandria, Louisiana (https://ibn.fm/mRrzH). Work will continue through commissioning and early-production readiness, targeting commercial-scale output of salable rare-earth oxides by the second half of 2026.

A key phase 1 triumph was the successful separation of terbium and dysprosium, two heavy rare earth elements (“HREE”) indispensable for high-performance permanent magnets — and vital components in defense systems. Ucore separated these critical elements using RapidSX, triggering a milestone payment of $1.1 million and bringing total phase 1 receipts to $3.35 million, with an additional $647,000 to be invoiced as the project progresses.

The significance of terbium and dysprosium lies in their use in defense-grade magnets. These rare earths provide the high-temperature strength and magnetic stability required in F-35 jet motors, guidance systems and advanced radar. By producing these domestically, Ucore helps alleviate critical shortages and enhances supply reliability. With RapidSX, Ucore aims to establish a stable pipeline and ensure that such magnets remain available for defense technologies, reducing risk from foreign interruptions (https://ibn.fm/pSUSq).

This project is especially timely given longstanding concerns over China’s grip on the rare earth supply chain. China currently controls upwards of 98% of heavy rare earth refining globally (https://ibn.fm/cc69x). Ucore’s RapidSX facility in Louisiana, enabled by the DoD phase 2 funding, represents a major step toward reducing dependency on Chinese HREE supply, aligning with Pentagon and industrial strategies to “onshore” critical metal processing.

Beyond defense applications, HREEs are essential for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, robotics, semiconductors and more. Ucore’s domestic processing capability, backed by RapidSX, unlocks a Western supply chain that supports broader innovation while ensuring national security.

Ucore’s RapidSX platform, developed in conjunction with Innovation Metals Corp. and engineered in Ontario, offers a modular, column-based solvent extraction system that is 3 to 7 times faster than conventional vat-based methods, while reducing physical footprint to one-third (https://ibn.fm/dadSR). This efficiency not only expedites production but also supports the flexibility needed for a scalable, rapid-response supply chain.

Corporate leadership emphasizes collaboration with government on strategic rare earth ramp-up. Ucore CEO Pat Ryan explained that the atomic phase 2 award is “a critical step for Ucore’s commercial advancements, but more importantly, for the progression of a Western rare earth supply chain and North American critical metals security” (https://ibn.fm/C9huQ), while company COO Mike Schrider noted that “with phase 2 of the award fully mobilized, we are now moving RapidSX from commercial demonstration scale toward full-scale production.”

Looking ahead, Ucore is executing a dual-site strategy: Ontario’s RapidSX Commercial Demonstration Facility will continue operational validation, while the Louisiana SMC readies for commercial production. Groundbreaking for the SMC took place in May, with notable attendance by DoD, state and local officials, signaling bipartisan and institutional support (https://ibn.fm/S8xY6).

By establishing a rapid-response, scalable HREE processing chain in North America, Ucore supports defense-grade magnet commodity security, broad-based high-tech manufacturing and geopolitical resilience. This model aligns perfectly with the Pentagon’s strategic objectives under its Industrial Base and Sustainability program, while reducing reliance on adversarial-state supply chains. The company is steadily advancing from demonstration to full commercial readiness, aiming to integrate RapidSX machines in both Canada and the United States, including planned future strategic metals complexes. Through strategic partnerships and military contracts, the company is well-positioned to meet growing demand for HREEs in defense, green tech and beyond.

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

• NGTF’s subsidiary FHVH signs binding LOI with Los Angeles Cooking School to form Modern Culinary Systems, creating the first U.S. culinary school to integrate AI automation into core curriculum
• Strategic expansion targets $32.5 billion culinary education market with majority stake positioning and flexible $150,000 investment over 18 months
• Partnership combines FHVH’s automation leadership with LACS’s hands-on instruction expertise, positioning students for success in the changing hospitality industry

The hospitality industry stands at a point where traditional service models are rapidly giving way to technology-driven operations. While restaurants and hotels have begun integrating robotic systems and AI automation into their daily operations, a critical gap has emerged in the talent pipeline. Culinary education has remained largely unchanged from decades past, failing to prepare students for an industry increasingly defined by human-machine collaboration.

This disconnect creates both a challenge and an opportunity. As automation becomes a standard rather than exceptional in professional kitchens, culinary schools face pressure to evolve their curricula beyond traditional cooking techniques. The institutions that successfully bridge this gap will position their graduates as preferred candidates in an industry where technological fluency is becoming as essential as knife skills.

The timing of this educational evolution is significant given the broader transformation occurring throughout the hospitality sector. Properties are implementing tech-powered inventory management, robotic food preparation, and automated service delivery systems at an accelerating pace. Yet most culinary programs continue to operate as if these technologies don’t exist, creating a fundamental mismatch between educational preparation and industry reality.

This presents a compelling first-mover opportunity for educational institutions willing to reimagine culinary training for the automation age: exactly the opportunity that Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF) is positioned to capture.

Strategic Partnership Creates Educational Innovation

Through its wholly owned subsidiary Future Hospitality Ventures Holdings Inc. (“FHVH”), operating as RoboOp365, Nightfood has signed a binding Letter of Intent with Stratford Education Group Inc., doing business as Los Angeles Cooking School (“LACS”), to form Modern Culinary Systems Inc. This partnership represents the first culinary school in the U.S. to integrate artificial intelligence automation into its core curriculum.

The strategic structure positions FHVH with a 51% majority stake in Modern Culinary Systems, while LACS retains 49% ownership. This arrangement allows FHVH to lead operational decisions and technology implementation while maintaining LACS’s established educational expertise and industry relationships.

FHVH’s commitment includes up to $150,000 in flexible capital investment over 18 months, specifically allocated for innovation, technology adoption, and strategic growth initiatives. This investment approach reflects the company’s understanding that educational transformation requires sustained commitment rather than one-time capital deployment.

The agreement also includes a future acquisition option, granting FHVH exclusive rights to acquire 100% of Stratford Education Group and Los Angeles Cooking School within 24 months at a 30% discount on the appraised value. This structure provides clear growth pathways while allowing the partnership to establish operational success before full integration.

The culinary education market represents substantial opportunity, with the U.S. segment valued at approximately $32.5 billion in 2023 according to IBISWorld. Modern Culinary Systems enters this market with a differentiated value proposition: preparing students for the actual working environment they’ll encounter in their careers.

“By being the first to bring AI automation into the culinary school setting, we are giving students hands-on access to the same transformative technologies reshaping kitchens across the globe,” stated Sonny Wang, Chief Revenue Officer of Nightfood Holdings and CEO of FHVH.

This advantage is valuable given the typically slow pace of educational innovation. Traditional culinary schools face regulatory requirements and faculty resistance that can delay technology adoption for years. Modern Culinary Systems bypasses these obstacles through their approach, building AI integration into its foundational structure.

The partnership leverages FHVH’s established leadership in culinary and hospitality automation technology, combining it with LACS’s proven hands-on instruction methodology. This combination addresses both the technical and practical aspects of modern culinary education, ensuring students gain proficiency in both traditional techniques and emerging technologies.

Integrated Business Model Drives Scalability

Modern Culinary Systems will operate under a two-person management committee structure, ensuring efficient decision-making and strategic alignment as the venture moves toward closing and beyond. This lean governance model reflects the company’s focus on operational efficiency and rapid implementation.

The platform is designed for scalability, positioning Nightfood and FHVH at the forefront of the convergence between culinary arts and next-generation automation. As the hospitality industry continues its technology transformation, educational institutions that successfully prepare students for this reality will command premium positioning and pricing power.

This educational expansion aligns with Nightfood’s broader strategy of combining AI-powered robotics with strategic acquisitions across the hospitality sector. The company’s dual focus on owning hotel properties and offering Robotics-as-a-Service (“RaaS”) creates synergies with educational ventures, as Modern Culinary Systems graduates will be uniquely qualified to work within Nightfood’s ecosystem.

The Modern Culinary Systems partnership reinforces Nightfood’s positioning as a leader in shifting hospitality solutions. By expanding into education, the company creates a vertical integration opportunity that extends from training to implementation, ensuring a pipeline of qualified professionals who understand both the technical and practical aspects of hospitality automation.

This strategic approach addresses one of the industry’s most pressing challenges: the shortage of workers who can effectively operate alongside robotic systems and AI platforms. As automation becomes standard across the hospitality sector, employers increasingly seek candidates with both culinary skills and technological fluency.

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

• This collaboration allows BlueSky AI to accelerate deployment of its SkyMod series without compromising on quality, reliability or scalability
• DSI brings specialized knowledge in mission-critical modular data facilities for enterprise, government and hyperscale clients
• The partnership supports BlueSky AI’s target of exceeding 100 MW of operational modular capacity within 24 months

In a decisive move addressing the surging AI compute demand, BlueSky AI (OTC: BSAI) has selected Data Specialties Inc. (“DSI”) as the official provider for its premanufactured modular data centers, a strategic step reinforcing the company’s mission to deliver scalable, energy-efficient AI infrastructure (ibn.fm/miXyp). BlueSky AI is a Utah–based company specializing in modular AI data center solutions designed to meet the evolving needs of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and high-performance computing.

According to the announcement, BlueSky AI will tap into DSI’s three decades of modular data center expertise to deploy its proprietary SkyMod series across the United States. These factory-built units include the SkyMod One (1 MW) and SkyMod XL (1.7 MW), engineered for rapid installation indoors or outdoors. DSI’s proven engineering, modular proficiency and end-to-end delivery capabilities are expected to align seamlessly with BlueSky AI’s timelines and performance requirements.

This collaboration allows BlueSky AI to “accelerate deployment of our SkyMod series … without compromising on quality, reliability or scalability,” said CEO Trent D’Ambrosio. The modular strategy is critical in a sector where computing demand far outpaces legacy data center buildout timelines. According to Grand View Research, the global data center market was valued at $347.6 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach $652 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual rate of 11.2%. North America alone holds more than 40% of this market and is expected to grow at 10.7% annually from 2025 to 2030. BlueSky’s SkyMod platform positions the company to capture a significant share of that growth by offering rapid, scalable compute solutions.

DSI, headquartered in Buena Park, California, brings specialized knowledge in mission-critical modular data facilities for enterprise, government and hyperscale clients. The company’s ability to pretest modules in the factory and ship them ready to operate on site enables speed-to-market advantages critical for AI firms racing to deploy new capacity. DSI president Phil Rafferty, commented on the partnership, stating that BlueSky’s demand for “scalable, high-performance data environments aligns perfectly aligns with our capabilities and commitment to excellence.”

The partnership supports BlueSky AI’s ambitious target of exceeding 100 MW of operational modular capacity within 24 months. To put that in perspective, a single gigawatt (1,000 MW) can power nearly 1 million homes, demonstrating the scale of infrastructure BlueSky aims to provide for compute-heavy business AI applications.

The strategic timing aligns with broader technology demands: AI model training, large language models (“LLMs”), inference analyzing new, unseen data and generating predictions or decisions, and scientific HPC workloads are straining traditional data center architectures. Rapid deployment of modular facilities can reduce site build times significantly compared to conventional construction, a difference that may determine competitive advantage. The company is also nimble building a network of AI Factory locations harnessing the latest technology as it’s developed. A recent Network World article “Technology is coming so fast data centers are obsolete by the time they launch” reinforces the BluSky AI strategy.

BlueSky AI is simultaneously making progress on other fronts. Early in July, the company secured its first site in central Utah with a long-term power assignment and ground lease covering 9.3 MW of grid capacity and 51.6 acres of land, essential for its flagship data center (ibn.fm/n22II). Beyond physical infrastructure, BlueSky AI has also announced that it upgraded to the OTC Markets’ OTCID designation, signaling higher compliance standards and furthering investor transparency. The company also appointed a tech industry veteran to its board, suggesting maturation in governance as the company scales (ibn.fm/rzoQY).

The modular data center market is expanding rapidly to meet urgent demands. Traditional data center builds, often requiring 18 to 24 months from groundbreaking to operation, are no longer agile enough for fast-moving AI sectors. Modular options such as SkyMod can be factory-built, shipped and fully deployed in months, cutting both time and cost in half. Their small footprint size of 1,700 to 2,500 square feet and 1 to 60 MW locations provide many options for continued growth. Energy efficiency also matters — SkyMod designs are optimized for renewable integration, including solar, wind and geothermal power where feasible.

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

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

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• The rise of AI-generated services is placing extreme pressure on the global power grid.
• With data center electrification and sustainability both climbing corporate and regulatory agendas, platinum is emerging as a strategically essential asset.
• PLG’s Waterberg Project is among the largest and lowest-cost undeveloped platinum group metal resources in the world.

The rapid expansion of AI applications is igniting an unprecedented demand for data center capacity, and Platinum Group Metals (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM), a prominent platinum explorer and developer, is working to develop a supply of platinum crucial for powering the future of clean, resilient electrical infrastructure. Amid this AI-driven energy surge, platinum is central to hydrogen fuel cells and advanced electrical components, marking PLG as a potential player in meeting tomorrow’s power needs.

The rise of AI-generated services is placing extreme pressure on the global power grid. According to a World Platinum Investment Council report, global electricity demand from data centers is expected to more than double to around 945 TWh by 2030—surpassing the entire electricity consumption of Japan today—with AI-optimized sites driving over fourfold growth in that sector alone (https://ibn.fm/suwQq). In the United States, data centers already account for roughly half of new electricity demand, pressuring grids to adapt quickly (https://ibn.fm/PuTB9). Experts warn these facilities could represent nearly 9% of total U.S. grid demand by 2030 ) (https://ibn.fm/7joVo).

This deepening reliance on digital infrastructure is fueling investor interest in technologies that deliver clean, behind-the-meter power. Hydrogen fuel cells powered by platinum-containing proton exchange membranes (“PEM”) offer an appealing solution. These systems convert hydrogen into electricity with no direct emissions, producing only water and heat through an electrochemical process (https://ibn.fm/omb91).

Infrastructure firms, including Vertiv and Microsoft via Ballard, are piloting large-scale PEM-based backup systems ranging from hundreds of kW to multi-megawatt arrays. Plug Power is already deploying platinum-based PEM electrolyzers and fuel cells to support uninterrupted, zero-emission power for AI-centered data centers in the U.S.

Critically, these fuel cells are not just for offline backup — they’re fast starting and capable of responding to dynamic load demands, making them well-suited for the fluctuating energy needs of AI systems. And when paired with green hydrogen, generated from electrolysis powered by solar or wind, the entire power cycle becomes fossil free. The WPIC projects that roughly one-third of the global electrolyzer market will rely on platinum-containing PEM technology (https://ibn.fm/GPPWX), highlighting platinum’s pivotal role in the clean-energy transition.

With data center electrification and sustainability both climbing corporate and regulatory agendas, platinum is emerging as a strategically essential asset. This is where Platinum Group Metals comes into play. The company operates the Waterberg Project in South Africa’s Northern Limb of the Bushveld Complex, among the largest and lowest-cost undeveloped platinum group metal (“PGM”) resources in the world. The mine is designed for bulk mechanized extraction targeting platinum, palladium, rhodium, gold, copper and nickel, making it potentially an important supplier of clean-tech metals (https://ibn.fm/ezC7M).

The project’s scale and grade have drawn industry attention. Waterberg holds a significant PGM reserve base, backed by proven and probable reserves totaling 23.4 million ounces of combined platinum, palladium, rhodium and gold (“4E”) in 246 million tonnes of ore at a 4E grade of 2.96 grams per tonne. Its September 2024 definitive feasibility study (“DFS”) identifies Waterberg as a low-cost, fully mechanized underground operation, potentially placing it among the top-tier PGM assets globally. Joint venture partners include Impala Platinum Holdings Limited, state owned entity Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (“JOGMEC”), Hanwa Co., and BEE partner Mnombo Wethu Consultants Proprietary Limited (https://ibn.fm/TwyLE).

In the long run, AI and data-center growth are expected to pressure not just electricity infrastructure but also critical metal supply chains. Platinum’s dual role — as a core catalyst material in PEM systems and as a resilient industrial metal with unique properties — makes it vital to the emerging energy-intelligence economy. As demand for clean, resilient power scales, PLG’s Waterberg positioning and upstream investments align tightly with global market dynamics.

For more information, visit www.PlatinumGroupMetals.net.

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

• The Department of Defense announced an additional $18.4 million funding to Ucore Rare Metals.
• The decision to support Ucore represents a critical step in reclaiming the United States’ control over materials essential to national safety.
• The money will help install the first commercial RapidSX separation line at Ucore’s Strategic Metals Complex. 

“Every day of delay is a day an aircraft can’t fly.” This statement makes sense and is obviously a widely recognized truth among the U.S. military. Those charged with providing security and protection for the United States place a high priority on ensuring that no key components of essential aircraft are delayed. Most recently, that attention has been focused on parts made of metals refined almost entirely in China, such as the dysprosium inside a missile’s steering fins. Now the U.S. Department of Defense (“DoD”) is betting that a start-up-scale plant in Alexandria, Louisiana, can keep those aircraft aloft.

In late May, Pentagon officials committed $18.4 million to Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF); these funds were in addition to an earlier DoD award, bringing total government support for the company to $22.4 million (https://ibn.fm/OTvbq). The money will help install the first commercial RapidSX separation line at Ucore’s Strategic Metals Complex (“SMC”), an 80,800-square-foot brownfield site on a decommissioned Air Force base. Ucore’s RapidSX technology shrinks a conventional solvent-extraction maze into a modular system that works at least three times faster and occupies a fraction of the floor space (https://ibn.fm/xzmbc).

Anxiety about keeping key aircraft in the air surged this spring after Beijing slapped export licenses on seven critical rare-earth elements, including dysprosium and terbium, in retaliation for U.S. tariffs. The move gave Chinese officials a regulatory dial they can turn up or down with little warning, and it reminded Washington just how fragile its supply chain remains.

A recent Radial Magnet report noted that “in 2025, China significantly escalated its control over the global rare earth magnet supply chain by introducing strict export restrictions. These measures have sent shockwaves through industries that rely heavily on advanced magnets, such as electric vehicles (“EVs”), renewable energy, aerospace, and defense. As the world scrambles to secure alternatives, China’s policies are reshaping the global landscape for magnet sourcing and manufacturing” (https://ibn.fm/Vhoq5).

The recent funding announcement indicates Ucore’s RapidSX technology has struck a chord. “We are most appreciative of the ongoing support we have received from the U.S. Department of Defense,” said Ucore chair and CEO Pat Ryan. “We further reiterate our support for the executive actions executed by the administration and await the results of this ongoing work. Our groundbreaking ceremony at the SMC was a pivotal moment for the company as we move toward our goal of commencing with domestic commercial production of separated and salable rare earth oxides in 2026.”

The Alexandria facility broke ground in May and is scheduled to deliver its first commercial oxides in 2026. Construction deadlines are tight, and the site still needs additional financing — roughly $45 million by company estimates — to reach full 2,000-ton annual capacity. If the plant delivers, future presentations may again mention mixer-settlers and reagent flows. But they will do so against a backdrop of jets in service, missiles on standby and a supply chain that finally runs through Louisiana instead of Liaoning.

For more information about Ucore Rare Metals, 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

• The hospitality industry is ripe for disruption by AI and robotics
• For investors, the case for hospitality robotics is compelling. This sector represents an intersection of AI innovation, real-world utility and rising adoption
• Nightfood Holdings is developing proprietary AI and robotic solutions tailored for hospitality environments

Robotics and AI are rapidly transforming the world, offering both operational efficiencies and compelling investment opportunities. Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF) is venturing into AI-driven robotic initiatives in the hospitality sector, aimed at enhancing guest experiences and improving service delivery in the hospitality sector.

The hospitality industry is ripe for disruption by AI and robotics. According to a recent report, the global service robotics market was estimated to grow $107 billion by 2030 (ibn.fm/o6PvP). Visitors increasingly gravitate towards seamless, contactless service. Hotels that implement these technologies can reduce labor costs, improve service consistency and increase guest satisfaction—all key drivers of revenue growth and brand loyalty. At the same time in one market that is driven by more efficient features.

Consumer sentiment toward robotic assistance in hospitality settings is increasingly positive, with multiple studies confirming that guests perceive service robots as efficient, helpful, and emotionally reassuring in a range of scenarios. According to research, travelers value the performance and emotional support capabilities of service robots, particularly in situations where privacy or safety is a concern (ibn.fm/Rqo8d).

Additional findings suggest that robots can enhance customer satisfaction by alleviating social discomfort during sensitive or awkward service interactions, thereby improving overall guest experience (ibn.fm/fbkHP). Studies also indicate that robotic automation in hospitality can lead to tangible operational benefits, including reduced labor costs and improved consistency of service, making the technology an increasingly attractive opportunity for forward-thinking investors.

Beyond guest-facing applications, hotels are also using AI-powered robotics for behind-the-scenes efficiency. Autonomous concierge robots can sanitize and dust high-traffic areas more frequently, while inventory-tracking robots can ensure minibar and linen supplies are restocked efficiently. A Deloitte report on travel and hospitality technology found that approximately 43% of hotel general managers anticipate automation will help reduce labor costs (ibn.fm/83mIb). Additionally, nearly 60% of hotel leaders expect technology such as contactless services and robotics to improve the guest experience, which in turn can drive operational efficiency and cost savings (ibn.fm/CJ0Xg).

For investors, the case for hospitality robotics is compelling. This sector represents an intersection of AI innovation, real-world utility and rising adoption. Investing in companies at the forefront of these technologies offers exposure to high-margin software and hardware revenues, recurring service contracts and the potential for fast scalability as hotels worldwide pursue contactless solutions. It is not just about owning robot manufacturers — it’s about gaining exposure to entire ecosystems of service integration, software platforms and data-driven operations.

This is where NGTF differentiates itself. The company is developing proprietary AI and robotic solutions tailored for hospitality environments. These initiatives align with its broader pivot from consumer soft goods toward AI-driven service innovation. Nightfood also integrates AI analytics to optimize inventory and personalize product recommendations (ibn.fm/XwgRv). By analyzing guest preferences and purchasing history, the company’s robotics platforms can anticipate demand and adapt offerings in real time. As more hotels adopt these solutions, Nightfood gains potential recurring revenue lines from hardware, SaaS subscriptions and consumable-based refills.

While Nightfood’s initiatives are early stage, the market dynamics are promising. The global food and beverage robotics (“F&B”) market, including service robots such as waiter and delivery bots, is projected to expand significantly, with estimates ranging from $1.8 billion in 2023 to nearly $4.0 billion by 2028, implying growth rates between 10% and 20% CAGR (ibn.fm/eNGL0). Furthermore, Nightfood’s experience in agile supply chain management, from product manufacturing to data-oriented distribution, supports scalable deployment of robotics.

The company has begun forging partnerships with hotel operators and robotics integrators to ensure customization and compliance with industry standards. These alliances, paired with pilot success, are positioning Nightfood to follow a Robotic-as-a-Service, creating attractive investment profiles due to recurring, diversified revenue and lower deployment risks.

Analysts now widely recognize that companies utilizing a RaaS model — offering bundled hardware, software, and ongoing services — are creating highly attractive investment profiles due to their predictable recurring revenue and scalable deployment structures. A Prophecy Market Insights study projects the global RaaS market to increase from $1.5 billion in 2022 to $6.2 billion in by 2032, growing at an estimated 15.3% CAGR, highlighting long-term market potential and investor interest. Nightfood’s alignment with this framework enhances the company’s appeal, as it provides multiple revenue streams across B2B service agreements, consumable sales and data insights.

Moving forward, Nightfood Holdings is expanding its presence in the hospitality sector through strategic hotel acquisitions and the integration of AI-powered robotics. The company has signed a $41 million acquisition of a 155-room hotel in Victorville, California, which will serve as a model property for its robotics-enabled hospitality initiatives. Additionally, Nightfood’s leadership team has developed more than 50 properties and managed more than 130 hotels, bringing deep industry expertise to its expansion efforts.

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 http://ibn.fm/NGTF

• Safe Pro’s AI-based software, field-tested in Ukraine for over two years, plays a key role in drone-enabled landmine detection.
• The company’s revenue has grown 140% over the past twelve months, Litchfield Hills Research noted.
• Safe Pro is actively pursuing funding opportunities tied to the U.S. One Big Beautiful Bill Act, and has filed patent applications across 47 international jurisdictions for its AI threat detection technology.

Safe Pro Group (NASDAQ: SPAI), an emerging provider of AI-powered security and threat detection solutions, has received a Buy rating from Litchfield Hills Research upon coverage initiation on July 17, with the firm setting an $8.00 price target. Shares closed at $3.06 ahead of the announcement, implying a potential upside of more than 160% based on the rating (https://ibn.fm/9Uvif).

The Florida-based company has focused its technology on defense, homeland security, and humanitarian applications. Its SpotlightAI(TM) platform processes drone-captured imagery to detect small, often deadly, objects, including landmines and unexploded ordnance. According to Litchfield Hills, this AI application has been tested in Ukraine for over two years and has shown superior performance compared to traditional demining methods.

The research firm highlights the relevance of SPAI’s offering in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, an estimated 30% of Ukrainian land may be contaminated with mines. Safe Pro’s tools, used in the region, have reportedly identified over 27,000 unexploded ordnances across more than 16,000 acres.

Litchfield Hills also noted that the company’s AI solution is protected by a broad patent covering the use of artificial intelligence in analyzing drone-based imagery for explosive detection. International patent applications have been filed in nearly 50 jurisdictions to support its global expansion strategy.

Financially, the company remains in its development phase and is not yet EBITDA-positive. However, it reported a 140% increase in revenue over the past year. At Litchfield’s $8.00 target, the stock would trade at 9.7x market cap to sales, below the peer average, suggesting room for valuation growth.

In addition to its AI software, Safe Pro manufactures protective gear for explosive ordnance disposal (“EOD”) teams. A recent contract with a U.S. government contractor involves supplying this gear to support mine-clearing operations in the Asia-Pacific region. The company also confirmed that SpotlightAI will be evaluated in the same region.

Safe Pro is also well positioned to benefit from the U.S. One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which designates $33 billion toward AI and defense technology, Litchfield Hills Research noted. The company is reportedly in talks with the Department of Defense and major contractors to expand the deployment of its platform. Its technology can currently detect more than 150 types of mines and UXO.

Safe Pro’s market capitalization stands at approximately $46 million, reflecting the early-stage nature of the business. Yet, given its niche focus and expanding relevance amid ongoing geopolitical instability, Litchfield sees strong commercial potential.

Investors appear to be taking notice of the strategic positioning. As InvestingPro data shows, the company has traded in a volatile range over the past year, with a 52-week low of $1.47 and a high of $6.50 (https://ibn.fm/5X9vg). The current rating provides a reference point for assessing near-term upside as SPAI advances discussions with government entities and continues its international rollout.

While the company still faces the typical risks of early-stage AI firms—such as technology validation, commercialization, and competition—its focus on a clear and pressing problem gives it a distinct profile among small-cap defense technology plays. Litchfield Hills’ valuation implies investor interest may increase as more data from field operations and government trials emerges.

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

• Copper prices jumped 17% last week after U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential 50% tariffs on the industrial metal.
• Global copper market is forecast to reach $253.82 billion by 2029, driven by the rapid rise of EVs, renewable energy, and infrastructure investment.
• Supply risks in key producing regions like Chile and Peru support new project development in other jurisdictions.
• Silvercorp’s El Domo copper-gold project in Ecuador is slated for production by late 2026.
• Backed by strong cash flow from its existing silver operations in China, Silvercorp is growing and diversifying its portfolio at a critical time for the copper market.

Copper prices jumped 17% last week after U.S. President Donald Trump announced potential 50% tariffs on the industrial metal. The move comes amid widespread expectations of a significant rise in global copper demand over the next decade, supported by accelerating demand across construction, electric vehicles (“EVs”), renewable energy infrastructure, and electronics. As this momentum builds, Canadian mining company Silvercorp Metals (NYSE-A/TSX: SVM), is expected to benefit through the development of its copper-gold El Domo project in Ecuador, alongside existing silver and base metal operations in China.

According to a Research and Markets report, the global copper market is expected to grow from $176.88 billion in 2024 to $253.82 billion by 2029, registering a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 7.4 (https://ibn.fm/2KQBK). The expansion is being driven by key global trends including the rapid rise of EV adoption, 5G rollouts, and urban infrastructure investment, all sectors where copper plays an essential role due to its superior conductivity and durability.

Copper is increasingly indispensable to the energy transition. From EV batteries to solar panels and grid upgrades, demand is expected to intensify over the next decade. EVs, for example, require nearly four times as much copper as internal combustion engine vehicles. The International Energy Agency reported that over 8 million EVs were sold in China in 2022 alone, a 35% increase from the prior year’s volume, highlighting copper’s growing role in transport electrification.

Though China remains the largest single consumer of copper, Mordor Intelligence notes that the greater Asia-Pacific region will continue to dominate overall copper demand due to its expanding construction and electronics sectors. India is increasing its copper use as public infrastructure, housing, and medical device manufacturing ramp up (https://ibn.fm/DY1ET).

While demand rises, long-term supply remains vulnerable. A recent PwC report warned that 32% of global semiconductor production could face copper supply disruptions by 2035 due to water stress in mining regions such as Chile and Peru (https://ibn.fm/B6AjN). Copper is integral to chipmaking, and disruptions in its availability could ripple through electronics, automotive, and industrial sectors. PwC estimates that 25% of Chile’s copper production is at risk of disruptions today, rising to 75% within a decade and to between 90% and 100% by 2050.

This context raises the strategic value of projects in less water-stressed regions—such as Silvercorp’s El Domo. The company has built an 18-year track record in China, with Fiscal 2025 marking record revenues of nearly $299 million, is expanding its exposure to copper via El Domo, a high-grade copper-gold volcanogenic massive sulfide (“VMS”) deposit in central Ecuador. For Silvercorp, El Domo represents a strategic diversification of its asset base and commodity exposure.

El Domo, located roughly 150 kilometers from Guayaquil, Ecuador’s principal port city, is fully permitted and in its construction phase. Silvercorp expects to bring El Domo into production by the end of 2026 at a cost of $240.5 million, below the 2021 feasibility estimate of $247.6 million. The site benefits from strong infrastructure, including nearby roads and proximity to Ecuador’s national power grid.

The flat-lying deposit begins just 30 meters from surface, with dimensions of approximately 800 by 400 meters. This geometry supports cost-efficient development and open-pit mining potential. The site is accessible via well-maintained gravel roads, and its low elevation (300 to 900 meters above sea level) further eases logistics and operational planning.

Once in production, copper is expected to become a significant revenue driver for SVM—especially in the current high-price environment. At the conservative copper price of US$3.50/lb used in El Domo’s feasibility study, copper from El Domo would contribute approximately US$85 million in annual revenue. At current spot prices, this increases to over US$135 million, significantly strengthening Silvercorp’s top line.

The company’s strategy for creating shareholder value focuses on generating free cash flow from existing operations, expanding through organic growth opportunities in China and Ecuador, and pursuing strategic mergers and acquisitions. This approach is designed to support sustainable growth while maintaining financial discipline.

As primary copper projects grow in strategic importance, amid a growing demand for copper and partially disrupted supply, Silvercorp’s presence in both China and Latin America is expanding its global footprint and key commodity exposure at a critical time for the copper market. With El Domo on track and global copper fundamentals strengthening, Silvercorp is well-positioned to emerge as a significant player in the evolving energy economy.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.silvercorpmetals.com/welcome.

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• Lahontan Gold is advancing toward near-term with over 2 million ounces of open-pit gold potential and no debt
• CEO Kimberly Ann’s track record, capital discipline, and commitment to responsible development stood out in a recent investor discussion
• Broader gold market dynamics, including inflation hedging and executive optimism, point to major upside for well-positioned juniors

With inflation concerns lingering and gold prices hovering near record levels, long-term investors are increasingly eyeing undervalued junior miners positioned for near-term development. The big story is simple: the world still runs on hard assets, and gold remains a core hedge against monetary instability, geopolitical shocks, and overleveraged markets.

But there’s a disconnect. Despite bullish fundamentals, many juniors remain beaten down victims of risk-off sentiment, shareholder dilution fears, or legacy ownership issues. For smart capital, that’s not a deterrent; it’s an opportunity.

Lahontan Gold: Ready to Build in Nevada

Lahontan Gold Corp. (TSX-V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) is one of those rare juniors that checks every box. With no debt, robust insider ownership, a path to production, and significant gold-silver resources in a top-tier jurisdiction, the company stands out in a crowded field of hopefuls. It holds the past-producing Santa Fe mine in Nevada and has outlined a resource exceeding 1.9 million ounces gold equivalent, likely over 2 million once pending drilling is factored in. And all of it sits on permitted, brownfield ground with access to water and power.

As CEO Kimberly Ann explained in a recent interview with John Feneck and Don Durrett, Lahontan is already on a fast track toward construction readiness by 2027, with metallurgical testing underway and permitting expected to cost just $1.8 million. “It’s not a lot of money from now till production,” she said, estimating total capital requirements of $8–10 million over the next two years,” a figure which factors not only bringing Sante Fe to production, but expanding the project and developing the nearby West Sante Fe project.

Metallurgy and Recoveries Point to Strong Economics

One of the key concerns for any gold project is metallurgical recovery. Lahontan has a favorable profile here, particularly in its oxide material. Early test work from the Santa Fe pit area shows oxide gold recoveries between 80% and 86%, with potential upside using new technologies to convert sulfides into leachable oxides. If successful, this could unlock an additional million-plus ounces of higher-grade sulfide gold.

Ann emphasized that recovery rates for the first six years of mining, focused on oxides, should reliably hit the 80% mark or higher. “It’s no risk for us to try to improve as much as possible,” she said, referencing ongoing studies that could dramatically enhance project economics. Moreover, these calculations are determined without the benefit of the new data, which should be coming early in 2027, along with an updated PFS.

Low Valuation, Strong Management, Real Ownership

With a current market cap of just $26 million and 285 million shares outstanding (385 million fully diluted), Lahontan is trading at what the interviewers believe is a nonsensically low valuation. As Durrett pointed out in the interview, “It’s a 2+ million-ounce open pit story in Nevada… and it checks all the boxes.”

He likened the setup to a potential 20-bagger, especially if Lahontan ramps production to 80,000 ounces per year. At that rate, the math supports a billion-dollar market cap, nearly 40x the current valuation.

Ann herself has skin in the game and is cautious about dilution. “When we do the next raise, it will be focused on how much can we raise with minimal dilution,” she said, adding that in-the-money warrant exercises could bring in $1–$1.5 million alone, meaning the company is not in a big rush to take bad debt or heavily dilute to meet capital requirements.

Her entrepreneurial history, including starting a business at 18 and selling it for $3.5 million before entering the mining world and a savvy mining investment thereafter, gives her a grounded but driven approach to company-building. She’s not just talking about building a mine; she’s committed to building this mine, the right way before selling it to another company that can be proud of the mine and assets they acquire.

Silver Exposure and Strategic Flexibility

Lahontan also owns the Redlich silver project, which Ann described as an “extension of what Silver One is drilling” next to it. While she’s exploring strategic options for it, she recognizes its value in a market where silver could vastly outperform gold. With a16.5-million-ounce historic silver resource and robust disseminated silver system, it is imaginable for Redlich to be a 30+ million ounce project.

Selling or spinning out Redlich could bring in additional non-dilutive capital, giving Lahontan more flexibility as it pushes toward its production goal.

A Broader Theme of Mispriced Gold Stories

The unifying theme outside of the focus on Ann and Lahotan was clear: gold developers and small producers with scale, leadership, and jurisdictional stability are trading well below intrinsic value. For those with a 2–3-year horizon, the upside could be enormous, especially if gold does what many expect and breaks north of $3,000 or even $5,000 (and silver swells to $100+).

Lahontan Gold may not be on every investor’s radar yet, but the interview made it clear that it has the core ingredients of a breakout story: strong assets, execution-focused leadership, minimal capital needs, and a jurisdiction that favors development. If market tailwinds continue and Lahontan hits its milestones, this stock should be on the radar of all.

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