• Advantage2 offers a 4,400+ qubit processor with improved coherence and connectivity
• The system targets real-world applications in optimization, materials simulation, and AI, and features a 75% reduction in noise and a 40% energy scale increase over the predecessor Advantage(TM) quantum system
• Customers can access the Advantage2 system via D-Wave’s Leap(TM) cloud service or deploy it on-premises
• The Advantage2 system represents a remarkable achievement in helping customers realize value from quantum computing right now, said CEO Dr. Alan Baratz

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) (“D-Wave”), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, has officially announced the general availability of its Advantage2 annealing quantum computing system. The launch marks the debut of what the company calls its most performant system yet, delivering energy-efficient, scalable quantum processing capable of tackling problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers (https://ibn.fm/OrjxO).

The Advantage2 system features more than 4,400 qubits and is available through D-Wave’s Leap real-time quantum cloud service and for on-premises deployment by enterprises and research institutions. The system is engineered to address complex optimization, simulation, and machine learning challenges across various sectors.

One of the central advances in Advantage2 lies in its processor architecture. Built on Zephyr(TM) topology, this is D-Wave’s most advanced processor to date, increasing qubit connectivity to 20-way, enabling more complex problems to be embedded directly into the system. It also features double the coherence time of previous generations, a factor that contributes to faster time-to-solution. Additionally, the system reports a 75% reduction in noise and a 40% increase in energy scale, both of which enhance the quality and consistency of quantum calculations.

D-Wave also emphasized the system’s readiness for production use. According to the company, Advantage2 consumes only 12.5 kilowatts of electricity, consistent with D-Wave’s prior five generations of annealing quantum computing systems, an important consideration for businesses looking to manage operational costs while scaling up computational capabilities.

D-Wave’s Leap quantum cloud platform, which now offers access to the Advantage2 system, is accessible in over 40 countries and includes support for hybrid solvers capable of handling problems involving up to two million variables and constraints. This functionality aims to support businesses running large-scale optimization tasks in fields such as logistics, communications, finance, and manufacturing. Since June 2022, more than 20 million customer problems have been submitted, with usage increasing by 134% over the past six months, according to D-Wave.

At Los Alamos National Laboratory, scientists are using D-Wave’s technology to explore quantum applications in condensed matter theory and magnetic materials. “We currently use the Advantage2 prototype system, which has yielded a variety of interesting technical results that are currently being prepared for peer review. The team is eager to work on the full-scale Advantage2 system to further this research,” said Carleton Coffrin, a senior scientist at the lab.

In the private sector, Davidson Technologies is set to host an Advantage2 system at its Alabama headquarters, focusing on mission-critical and national security-related quantum applications. Davidson Technologies President and CEO Dale Moore stated: “We believe this system offers an important new pathway for the development of quantum optimization applications designed to support mission-critical challenges and national security-focused quantum research.”

Japan Tobacco’s Central Pharma Research Institute has used the Advantage2 system in a proof-of-concept project combining quantum computing with AI for drug discovery. “The impact of bringing quantum together with AI could drive new breakthroughs in life sciences, as demonstrated in our recent proof of concept. The project revealed that D-Wave’s Advantage2 quantum systems can deliver high quality, low energy samples that could drive enhanced performance in generative AI architectures,” said Dr. Masaru Tateno, Chief Scientific Officer of Central Pharma Research Institute.

Also, the Jülich Supercomputing Centre at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany plans to upgrade its current Advantage system to an Advantage2 system and connect it with JUPITER, Europe’s only exascale-class supercomputer, for research in AI and quantum optimization applications.

Dr. Alan Baratz, D-Wave’s CEO, described the Advantage2 commercial release as a pivotal step in the company’s mission to deliver commercially viable quantum computing.

“Today marks a significant milestone not just for D-Wave, but for the quantum computing industry as a whole, as we bring to market our sixth-generation quantum computer, a system so powerful that it can solve hard problems outside the reach of one of the world’s largest exascale GPU-based classical supercomputers,” said Dr Baratz. “It’s an engineering marvel, with substantial technical advancements that highlight D-Wave’s progress in scaling quantum technology to meet industry demands for growing computational processing power while maintaining energy efficiency. We’re helping customers realize value from quantum computing right now, and the Advantage2 system represents a remarkable achievement in delivering on that mission.”

About D-Wave Quantum Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. We are the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the only company building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum, today. Our quantum computers, the world’s largest, are available on-premises or via the cloud, supported by 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations trust D-Wave with their toughest computational challenges. With over 200 million problems submitted to our quantum systems to date, our customers apply our technology to address use cases spanning optimization, artificial intelligence, research and more. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how we’re shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• A projected $3.5 trillion energy transition is creating a critical-minerals boom, driving exceptional mining investment opportunities.
• Among Nicola’s strengths are its portfolio of assets and strategic locations, with its flagship project situated adjacent to Canada’s largest copper mine.
• As BC’s only third-party ore mill, Nicola is based on a capital-efficient revenue model that generates immediate cash flow and minimizes share dilution.

As global demand for copper, gold and silver surges amid the clean-energy transition, Nicola Mining (TSX.V: NIM) (OTCQB: HUSIF) has established a unique dual-revenue model in Canada’s mineral-rich British Columbia. With the province’s only permitted third-party processing mill and high-potential exploration projects adjacent to Canada’s largest copper mine, Nicola offers investors exposure to both immediate cash flow and significant long-term upside. Here’s why this emerging player deserves attention in today’s critical minerals market.

According to Industrial Info Resources, the global mining industry is at a pivotal moment, experiencing a significant cycle of investment and transformation fueled by the energy transition, resource security needs and decarbonization efforts (https://ibn.fm/vn4YZ). According to Energy Transitions Commission estimates, achieving net zero by 2050 will require an average annual investment of $3.5 trillion globally between 2021 and 2050 (https://ibn.fm/7d5dB), a projection that is driving exceptional mining investment opportunities.

This anticipated surge in demand is creating a critical-minerals boom, driven by the increasing need for metals such as copper, which is essential for electrical wiring and renewable energy systems. The International Energy Agency projects that copper demand could double by 2040 due to its critical role in clean-energy technologies (https://ibn.fm/EfiMX). On the supply side, even with optimistic development of new mines, a 5–6 million tonne annual deficit is projected by 2035 (https://ibn.fm/3nV9n). Given such supply challenges, long-term prices are forecasted to stay elevated.

Investors are increasingly drawn to mining companies that not only have access to high-quality resources but also demonstrate operational efficiency and strategic foresight. Nicola Mining exemplifies these qualities through its dual-pronged approach: generating immediate revenue from its fully permitted mill while advancing exploration projects with significant long-term potential (https://ibn.fm/6QN77).

Among Nicola’s strengths is its portfolio of assets and strategic location. The company’s wholly owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia, is a cornerstone of its growth strategy and capital-efficient revenue model. Nicola’s Merritt Mill is the only facility in the province permitted to accept third-party gold and silver mill feed from throughout the province. This unique asset allows Nicola to generate cash flow by processing ore from its own projects as well as from third-party miners, thereby reducing reliance on external financing and minimizing shareholder dilution.

The company’s exploration portfolio is equally impressive. Nicola owns 100% of the New Craigmont Copper Project, a high-grade copper property covering an area of 10,913 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith. This flagship project is adjacent to Teck’s Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine, highlighting the region’s rich mineral potential. Amid projected global supply deficits, the location of the Craigmont project becomes even more attractive. In 2024, Nicola completed a successful drilling program totaling 4,874 meters across 14 holes, further validating the project’s prospects (https://ibn.fm/sqIW2).

In addition to New Craigmont, Nicola is advancing its Dominion Creek Gold Project, located 43 kilometers northeast of the town of Wells and approximately 110 kilometers east-southeast of Prince George. The company has received a final permit from the British Columbia Ministry of Mining and Critical Minerals to extract 10,000 tonnes of gold and silver ore at Dominion (https://ibn.fm/DVSI7). Production is anticipated to commence in July 2025, marking a significant milestone in Nicola’s growth trajectory.

Nicola’s mission is to continue developing its copper, gold and silver assets while creating value for shareholders and contributing to the economic development of the communities in which it operates. The company’s vision encompasses becoming a leading junior mining company by leveraging its unique combination of operational revenue and exploration upside. By maintaining a focus on sustainability, operational excellence and strategic partnerships, Nicola is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for critical minerals.

Nicola Mining offers a compelling investment opportunity in the mining sector. With its fully permitted mill generating stable revenue, a robust portfolio of high-grade exploration projects and a clear strategic vision, the company is poised for significant growth. As the global economy continues to pivot toward sustainable energy and advanced technologies, Nicola’s assets in British Columbia place it at the forefront of this transformative era in mining. Drilling and exploration at the New Craigmont Copper Project is set to recommence in early June as part of the company’s 2025 work program.

For more information, visit www.NicolaMining.com.

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

• Vancouver-based gold and silver resource developer ESGold Corp. is building a revenue-generating clean tailings rehabilitation operation at its flagship site in Quebec, while preparing for further gold and silver exploration at the historic mine property
• The tailings cleanup operation relies on a gravity separation circuit that separates out heavy metals without reliance on polluting cyanide extraction methods
• ESGold recently received delivery of Humphrey spiral concentrators that will form a key part of the gravity separation circuit when the cleanup operation begins later this year
• The company expects the tailings recovery to generate about $35 million per year, which it will use to build its exploration strategy at the 13,116-hectare site abandoned by a previous producer

Heavy metal resource developer ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF) is taking a “tangible step” toward production anticipated to begin later this year in its recovery operation at a historic gold and silver resource named Montauban in Quebec, Canada. 

ESGold holds 265 mining claims at the Montauban site, covering 13,116 hectares (about 32,410 acres). The company’s production model anticipates immediate revenue generation through tailings reprocessing to rehabilitate the site, while continuing to move toward further gold and silver exploration at the property abandoned by a previous producer. 

ESGold reports signs of another estimated decade-worth of gold and silver production at the site. 

The company’s preparations for mica, gold and silver recovery from the fully permitted tailings cleanup operation took a significant step forward with the delivery of Humphrey spiral concentrators it will use in a gravity separation circuit at the site (https://ibn.fm/abEzG). Gravity separation using the spiral concentrators will allow ESGold to efficiently reprocess the tailings through a clean energy model that avoids the cyanide extraction methods employed by other recovery operations. 

“With boots on the ground, key equipment on site, and construction progressing on schedule, there is a high level of excitement across the company,” CEO Paul Mastantuono stated in a May 27 news release (https://ibn.fm/5yXyD). “It’s one thing to plan for production—it’s another to physically see it coming together for our shareholders.”

ESGold’s optimism is underscored by a market that continues to regard gold as a safe-haven asset and values silver for its use in modern computer electronics, including electric vehicle batteries and electrical components (https://ibn.fm/jcAGs).

“Basically, what we’re going to be doing is processing tailings, extracting silver and gold and mica,” ESGold President and Director Brad Kitchen said during a presentation at this month’s Metals Investor Forum in Vancouver (https://ibn.fm/exAfx). “And those tailings will bring in a revenue of about $35 million a year. That revenue will then help fund exploration. We’re not going to have to go to the market.”

The gravity separation circuit is designed to process up to 1,000 metric tons per day (“TPD”) of the site’s tailings to produce the mica concentrate and recover any residual gold and silver. The mica concentrate has potential for use in a variety of building materials, including bricks, cinder blocks, paving stones, patio tiles, parking columns, and highway Jersey barriers for traffic lane demarcation, according to the company. 

ESGold is pursuing that potential through a joint venture with private consultancy DMCMS Inc., which is working to develop its clean technology that fuses mine waste with an organic polymer to turn the resulting product into environmentally friendly, sustainable materials. 

A 2022 Construction Canada news report states the polymer process doesn’t produce carbon dioxide pollutants and that the resulting mica concentrate has proven to be stronger than concrete (https://ibn.fm/2Jo71).

“ESGold is entering a transformational phase — one that few mining companies successfully reach,” board member Peter Espig stated in a May 1 news release (https://ibn.fm/RULYT).

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

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

• The explosion of AI in marketing is not a temporary wave — it marks a permanent shift in how businesses attract and retain customers
• ONAR Holding’s strength lies in its ability to combine centralized innovation with decentralized expertise
• In addition to building proprietary technology, ONAR is aggressively expanding through strategic acquisitions

The marketing industry is undergoing a seismic transformation, driven by the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (“AI”), machine learning and data analytics. Traditional strategies are no longer sufficient in a world where consumers expect hyperpersonalized content, real-time engagement and seamless user experiences. In this era of digital acceleration, companies must adapt or risk irrelevance. ONAR Holding Corp. (OTCQB: ONAR)  is embracing this challenge head-on, positioning itself as a leader in the reinvention of marketing through proprietary technologies, global reach and a forward-thinking acquisition strategy designed to reshape how marketing services are delivered to growth-stage and mid-market companies.

The explosion of AI in marketing is not a temporary wave — it marks a permanent shift in how businesses attract and retain customers. According to Grand View Research, the global AI in marketing market was worth approximately $20.45 million in 2024 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (“CAGR”) of 25% from 2025 to 2030 (https://ibn.fm/aCCWK). This surge is fueled by the growing need for automated decision-making, real-time data analysis and cost-efficient strategies that deliver high ROI. In addition, AI enables more accurate targeting, deeper customer insights, and greater scalability, all of which are critical for businesses looking to stand out in today’s competitive landscape. 

The democratization of AI has also empowered smaller firms to compete with large corporations in digital arenas. A 2024 Verizon Business report found that 38% of small and midsize businesses are already leveraging tech tools for marketing, recruiting and customer service (https://ibn.fm/Me7fl). Furthermore, 76% of these businesses said social media has positively impacted their performance, underscoring the importance of tech-forward strategies even among more modest enterprises.

As the marketing space becomes increasingly saturated with automation tools and AI-driven platforms, only the most adaptable and innovative organizations will rise above the noise. This is the opportunity ONAR Holding is seizing. Founded in 2021, ONAR’s vision to acquire, develop and operate best-in-class, technology-first marketing businesses that deliver measurable results for growing companies (https://ibn.fm/VrfVl). The company has set itself apart by integrating cutting-edge technologies with human creativity to provide high-impact, performance-driven marketing solutions that are measurable, efficient and tailored to clients’ growth goals.

ONAR Holding’s strength lies in its ability to combine centralized innovation with decentralized expertise. The company operates through a global network of agencies spanning five continents and currently serves more than 45 client companies. This model allows ONAR to offer both the scale of a large holding company and the specialized insight of localized agencies, all underpinned by advanced technology.

One of ONAR’s most important innovations is its proprietary marketing intelligence platform, Cortex (https://ibn.fm/fHjhU). Developed through its internal technology incubator, ONAR Labs, Cortex leverages this technology to optimize campaigns, analyze customer behavior and generate actionable insights that boost ROI. The platform is designed to streamline workflows, cut costs, and help marketers make faster, more informed decisions. According to ONAR, Cortex is already demonstrating measurable improvements in client campaign performance and is slated to become a cornerstone of the company’s tech stack.

In addition to building proprietary technology, ONAR is aggressively expanding through strategic acquisitions. Recent moves include the acquisition of a major marketing tech company that is expected to double the revenues of ONAR’s key subsidiary, Storia (https://ibn.fm/yrJNV). These acquisitions are not only increasing ONAR’s market share and capabilities but also adding new AI tools, talent and client pipelines to the ONAR ecosystem. The company has made it clear that these acquisitions are part of a broader strategy to consolidate fragmented marketing service providers into a unified, tech-empowered network.

ONAR’s mission is rooted in the belief that the future of marketing lies in the fusion of data science and creative strategy. The company is focused on redefining how marketing services are delivered to growth-stage and middle-market companies by building a world-class infrastructure that offers scale, transparency and measurable outcomes. ONAR’s objective is clear: to become the go-to platform for businesses seeking smart, scalable and data-informed marketing solutions.

As businesses across sectors increasingly look to technology for a performance edge, ONAR Holding Corp. stands at the forefront of the martech revolution. With its innovative technologies, strategic acquisitions and global reach, ONAR is not only responding to the rapid changes in the marketing world, but also helping to shape them. For investors and companies alike, ONAR offers a compelling case as a new leader in an industry on the cusp of dramatic reinvention.

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

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

• D-Wave reported Q1 2025 revenue of $15 million, up 509% year over year.
• The revenue jump was driven by the sale of an Advantage(TM) quantum system to the Jülich Supercomputing Centre in Germany.
• CEO Dr. Alan Baratz says D-Wave’s recent quantum supremacy demonstration influenced the sale, while also catching the attention of the supercomputer community and national labs around the world.
• Dr. Baratz reiterated that annealing quantum computing is uniquely suited for real-world optimization tasks.

D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NYSE: QBTS) (“D-Wave”), a leader in quantum computing systems, software, and services, is seeing momentum build on both the technical and commercial fronts, according to CEO Dr. Alan Baratz, who appeared on Fox Business’ The Claman Countdown to discuss the company’s progress (https://ibn.fm/fVsGS).

Baratz emphasized a significant milestone recently achieved by the company: the sale of a D-Wave(TM) Advantage quantum computing system to Germany’s Jülich Supercomputing Centre (“JSC”), a deal that contributed to a sharp increase in Q1 revenue. D-Wave reported quarterly revenue of $15 million, a 509% increase compared to $2.5 million in the same quarter last year. The gain was primarily attributed to the Advantage system sale to JSC.

The installation at JSC is notable not only for the revenue it generated but also for its technical implications. The Advantage system is anticipated to be integrated with JUPITER, Europe’s first exascale supercomputer. JUPITER is expected to perform over one quintillion calculations per second, and its coupling with a quantum annealing machine could represent a unique configuration aimed at exploring hybrid quantum-classical computing models. The integration of an annealing quantum computer with an exascale system may open up new research opportunities in materials science, AI optimization, financial modeling, and other areas that require solving complex computational problems.

The sale came on the heels of D-Wave’s recent demonstration of quantum supremacy. In that demonstration, the company’s Advantage2(TM) annealing quantum computing system outperformed a classical supercomputer in solving a magnetic materials simulation problem. During the Fox Business interview, Baratz said the results “caught the attention of the supercomputer community and national labs around the world with a realization that these systems could be used to do some very interesting deep research into new areas” (https://ibn.fm/m0b8e).

Annealing quantum computing systems are uniquely suited for real-world optimization problems faced by businesses today in sectors like logistics, finance, and manufacturing. The D-Wave CEO emphasized that his company’s technology is used in real-world applications for multiple clients now, including Ford Otosan, which deployed a hybrid-quantum application to reduce vehicle production scheduling time from 30 minutes to under five minutes, and Japan Tobacco’s pharma unit, which is using D-Wave’s quantum computer in a drug discovery pilot project, yielding improved molecular structures compared to classical-only approaches.

About D-Wave Quantum Inc.

D-Wave is a leader in the development and delivery of quantum computing systems, software, and services. We are the world’s first commercial supplier of quantum computers, and the only company building both annealing and gate-model quantum computers. Our mission is to help customers realize the value of quantum, today. Our quantum computers, the world’s largest, are available on-premises or via the cloud, supported by 99.9% availability and uptime. More than 100 organizations trust D-Wave with their toughest computational challenges. With over 200 million problems submitted to our quantum systems to date, our customers apply our technology to address use cases spanning optimization, artificial intelligence, research and more. Learn more about realizing the value of quantum computing today and how we’re shaping the quantum-driven industrial and societal advancements of tomorrow: www.dwavequantum.com

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

Forward Looking Statements

Certain statements in this press release are forward-looking, as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements involve risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the information expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and may not be indicative of future results. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, among others, various factors beyond management’s control, including the risks set forth under the heading “Risk Factors” discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part I of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K or any updates discussed under the caption “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in Part II of our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our other filings with the SEC. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release in making an investment decision, which are based on information available to us on the date hereof. We undertake no duty to update this information unless required by law.

• Alzamend Neuro tackles Alzheimer’s, BD, MDD and PTSD with breakthrough therapies.
• AL001 delivers improved brain targeting and fewer side effects than lithium carbonate.
• Phase II trials underway with support from Mass General and AI partner QMENTA.
• ALZN002 offers a novel, adjuvant-free immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzamend Neuro (NASDAQ: ALZN) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company tackling some of the most pressing neurological and psychiatric conditions of our time — including Alzheimer’s disease, Bipolar Disorder (BD), Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). With a mission to “Make Alzheimer’s Just a Memory™,” the Atlanta-based company is advancing a robust pipeline of therapies aimed at delivering long-overdue innovation in safety, efficacy, and tolerability. Rather than tweaking existing treatments, Alzamend is engineering bold new approaches that directly address the limitations of current standards of care.

Leading its portfolio is AL001, a patented ionic cocrystal formulation of lithium designed to penetrate the brain more effectively while reducing systemic side effects. In partnership with Massachusetts General Hospital and imaging partner QMENTA, the company launched the first of five Phase II trials in 2025, evaluating lithium distribution using next-generation imaging tools. Alzamend’s broader platform is backed by exclusive licenses from the University of South Florida and leverages strategic alliances with both academic and technological leaders.

The company is also advancing ALZN002, a personalized immunotherapy for Alzheimer’s that uses the patient’s own dendritic cells to generate a targeted response to amyloid-beta plaque — a hallmark of the disease. While paused in early 2024, the Phase I/IIA trial is expected to resume in 2025. Early data have shown promising immune responses without triggering inflammatory side effects, offering a potential path toward disease-modifying treatment — a longstanding unmet need in Alzheimer’s care.

With over 43 million Americans and 660 million people worldwide living with conditions targeted by its pipeline, Alzamend is operating at the intersection of urgent need and massive market potential. Its leadership team, drawn from major biopharma and financial firms, is steering the company through this critical growth phase with a focus on execution and long-term value. As costs for Alzheimer’s and related disorders continue to surge — projected to top $1.1 trillion by 2050 — Alzamend’s differentiated therapies and strong clinical momentum position it as a company to watch in both neuroscience and mental health innovation.

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

The mining sector still has positive opportunities for investors

OPINION

DANIEL SEKULICH

Toronto-based mining and metals reporter

Wow. I guess nobody saw that one coming, did they?

I’m referring, of course, to the 90-day pause on new reciprocal tariffs that was suddenly announced by U.S. President Donald Trump on April 9. The tariffs that had been announced a week earlier, aimed at some 180 countries and territories around the globe as part of his administration’s desire to address the fentanyl crisis or balance trade deficits or finance tax cuts or bolster the domestic economy or punish remote, penguin-inhabited islands for ripping off America. Or something like that.

Regardless, the imposition of those punishing taxes – for that is what tariffs are – had already battered global markets in a manner some observers felt were without precedent. Fitch Ratings, for one, said that the Trump tariffs were reaching a level that hadn’t been seen in 200 years. The financial losses for individuals and companies around the world were skyrocketing into the trillions. Meanwhile, the mining and minerals sector was witnessing a burgeoning panic that seemed unstoppable, with stocks being dumped across the spectrum regardless of the commodities or the fundamentals. The R-word was being openly bandied about and it seemed the sky was falling, or the ship was about to sink.

But then came the social media post that changed the world, announcing that most reciprocal tariffs were on hold. The messaging quickly pivoted to reassurances that the sky wasn’t falling, that this was always part of the plan from a master negotiator. And the sighs of relief this caused became as loud as the bells that closed markets that day. The massive rebound that ensued was the trader’s way of saying, “We’re back in business. Full steam ahead. We’re good.”

But things weren’t good, as the next day of trading showed, followed by tariff confusion that continued for days. And more alarming was what all this chaos did to the American bond markets, as treasuries began to be dumped. When investors are fleeing U.S. treasuries, that’s a titanic sign that something is really bad.

For anyone with long-held interests in the mining sector, the week after Trump’s so-called Liberation Day was a bit jittery, to say the least. For anyone who’d been thinking of investing in the mining sector, it was downright scary. Which leads the question: are there any reasons to be optimistic of about mining stocks in the wake of the tariff terror?

Short answer: Yes.

Longer answer: Yes, if you understand the history of chaos theory as it applies to the mining industry and know where to focus.

The cacophony of voices chiming in with their various thoughts about recent events have created a level of noise that can be cut through with a simple, empirical knife: We’ve been through this before. And there are valuable lessons to be remembered that, unfortunately, appear to have been forgotten.

It was just five years ago that COVID-19 began to decimate the planet, physically and economically. The mining industry went into a tailspin that left investors wondering what the future would hold, because no one knew how to deal with the disruptions caused by the global pandemic.

But there were mining stocks that had the potential to weather the storm and prosper, and precious metals were an obvious choice. They have always been a safe haven for investors, and the resulting rise in the price of gold and silver proved their resiliency and their market value throughout the chaos of the pandemic.

Simply put, if precious metals could thrive through COVID-19, they will most certainly survive Donald Trump. Which means adjusting one’s financial focus away from mayhem and onto stability. And while gold gets most of the attention, silver should not be ignored.

Why silver? Well, it has a few things going for it that its pricier sibling does not have. For one, it’s not just an investment in silver bars sitting in a vault somewhere, it’s also an industrial commodity used in everything from electronics to transportation to clean energy. On the supply side, mine production has been largely stagnant over the past decade, and there simply isn’t enough silver being produced to meet global demand. According to the Silver Institute’s 2024 survey, the silver market has been in deficit for the past three years, driven in part by rising industrial demand—especially from solar panels, which now accounts for over 16% of total consumption. With demand continuing to rise and supply struggling to keep up, the market imbalance is expected to persist—meaning silver could continue to appreciate in value.

So, knowing silver is a good option in these times of turmoil, an investor needs to tighten their focus to those miners who have a track record of low-cost production, fully funded growth pipeline, strong balance sheets and experienced management.

For instance, Silvercorp Metals Inc. (NYSE American: SVM) (TSX: SVM) is a Canadian miner that has been profitably producing silver from its long-life, low-cost operations in China for nearly two decades. The past fiscal year was a record-setter, with silver production nearing 7 million ounces and revenue reaching US$300 million. Full-year results are expected in late May, but the company has consistently delivered strong margins, supported by competitive all-in sustaining costs averaging under US$12 per ounce (net of by-products) in 2024. With major growth projects completed last year—including a mill expansion and a new tailings facility—ongoing mine optimization is expected to lift annual production in China to 9–10 million ounces over the next few years. Notably, all of Silvercorp’s metals are sold within China—making it, in effect, a domestic supplier that remains shielded from direct tariff impacts.

Silvercorp’s robust balance sheet—including US$355 million in cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2024—is funding the construction of its fully permitted El Domo copper-gold project in Ecuador. El Domo is a high-grade, open-pit operation with a compact footprint. Production is targeted for late 2026, with the project expected to deliver 25 million pounds of copper and 26,000 ounces of gold annually over a 10-year mine life, at an all-in sustaining cost of just US$1.26 per pound of copper equivalent. A US$175 million precious metals streaming agreement with Wheaton will cover the bulk of construction costs, allowing Silvercorp to preserve most of its cash for potential M&A.

When anyone opines that they’ve never seen anything like this before, it might be worthwhile to ask if they have short term memory loss. And if anyone says no one can know what Trump will do next, it might be worthwhile to remind them that just hours before he made another of his arbitrary economic decisions, the Swiss bank UBS advised investors to buy silver as a means of mitigating the market turmoil. Coincidence?

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Date: June 4-5

Location: New York City

Cannabis Means Business, formerly CWCBEXPO, is proud to announce the New York Global Edition of its premiere business-to-business (“B2B”) cannabis conference. Scheduled for June 4-5 at the Javits Convention Center in New York City, this expo will offer attendees an opportunity to get hands-on with cannabis technology, hear from a fantastic line-up of speakers, network, and forge business deals with leading entrepreneurs in the space.

Some of the speakers will include cannabis entrepreneurs, policymakers, and celebrity advocates, all of whom will share insights that are shaping the industry’s future and would be integral to growing attendees’ businesses. The event’s experience is second to none, with attendees interacting in person with pioneers in the industry, regulatory experts, and other successful entrepreneurs who are significantly shaping the future of cannabis with proven strategies.

Cannabis Means Business has held this expo consistently since 2015. Over the years, it has been lauded for its incredible networking opportunities for attendees. In addition, it has been praised for the quality of insights and information shared throughout the event, with some attendees referring to it as a “firehose of information for anybody fortunate enough to show up.”

There will be pre-show workshops on June 3, and the main event will kick off officially on June 4 with the main expo and conference, as well as the O2VAPE Industry yacht party. The last day will feature another expo, conference, and a Women In Cannabis business luncheon. 61% of attendees are expected to be decision-makers for their organizations, 70% are expected to be well-established cannabis professionals, and 75% will represent the East Coast cannabis business.

• The pre-show workshops and rooftop party will be held on June 3, 2025.
• The Expo & Conference & O2VAPE Industry Yacht Party will be held on June 4
• The Expo & Conference & Women in Cannabis Business Luncheon will be held on June 5

The Cannabis Means Business Conference & Expo is a must-attend for anyone in this space. With a track record spanning over a decade, this event offers value to each attendee and exhibitor. It also offers a platform where, collectively, attendees can shape the industry for the better and scale it to much higher heights.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/ZbwdA

• Investing in clean technologies not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency and cost effectiveness.
• In its 2024 full-year and fourth-quarter financial results, Vivakor reported remarkable growth, with Q4 revenue increasing 201% YOY.
• Other key milestones for the company included the completion of additional gathering lines and the acquisition of Endeavor Entities.

In an era where environmental sustainability has become a global priority, few industries face more scrutiny than oil and gas. As governments, consumers and investors demand cleaner practices and corporate accountability, companies are being urged to innovate and adapt—or risk falling behind. Vivakor (NASDAQ: VIVK), a vertically integrated energy infrastructure and environmental services company, has taken up this challenge with remarkable success. Focused on transportation, storage, reuse and remediation of oilfield fluids and waste, Vivakor is proving that environmental responsibility and profitability are not mutually exclusive.

The oil and gas industry has historically been a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. However, advancements in clean technology offer pathways to reduce this environmental impact. For instance, a report by Rystad Energy indicates that electrifying oil and gas production facilities can cut emissions by more than 80% (https://ibn.fm/uqGGb). Moreover, the International Energy Agency notes that the oil and gas sector is involved in 90% of current carbon capture, utilization and storage (“CCUS”) capacity, highlighting the industry’s potential role in achieving net-zero emissions (https://ibn.fm/yLhVq).

Investing in clean technologies not only benefits the environment but also enhances operational efficiency and cost effectiveness. The National Renewable Energy Laboratory reports that “incorporating clean energy technologies and otherwise reducing the amount of fossil fuels used in petroleum production, transportation and refining processes has the potential to decrease both energy costs and greenhouse gas emissions, as well as to preserve oil and gas resources for their highest value uses (https://ibn.fm/DOFPc). These findings suggest that environmentally responsible companies are not just engaging in ethical practices—they are also positioning themselves to outperform in the marketplace.

Vivakor’s recent performance illustrates the validity of this business model. In its 2024 full-year and fourth-quarter financial results, the company reported remarkable growth, with fourth-quarter revenue increasing 201% year-over-year to $41.7 million (https://ibn.fm/oSYGC). These results pushed the company into a projected $160 million annualized revenue run-rate entering 2025, signaling robust operational momentum. This growth was achieved while staying true to Vivakor’s mission of environmental remediation and oilfield waste reuse, two objectives often seen as at odds in traditional models but fully aligned in Vivakor’s approach.

Another key milestone for the company includes the completion of additional gathering lines connected to its Omega Pipeline System in Blaine County, Oklahoma. This project, which consists of two new gathering lines, is expected to bring immediate incremental customer volumes from connected oil production.

“The Omega Pipeline System is an approximately 40-mile crude oil gathering and shuttle pipeline system that serves the STACK play in Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin,” the company reported. “It is supported by acreage dedications from key producer and marketing customers, and is connected to the Cushing, Oklahoma, storage and trading hub via the Plains STACK Pipeline. The Omega Pipeline System’s operations are complemented by and integrated with a fleet of approximately two dozen trucks supporting additional incremental volumes from customers.”

In addition, the company has closed on the acquisition of Endeavor Entities, which includes Endeavor Crude LLC, Meridian Equipment Leasing LLC, Equipment Transport LLC, and Silver Fuels Processing LLC, as well as their subsidiaries (https://ibn.fm/UJx2u). This means that Vivakor now owns one of the largest combined fleets of oilfield services in the continental United States.

“Thanks to the support of our shareholders, lenders, business partners, operating and management teams and board of directors, Vivakor had a highly successful 2024, expanding our business organically and through acquisitions, highlighted with the closing of the acquisition of the Endeavor Entities,” said Vivakor CEO James Ballengee. “The Vivakor team has been, and continues to, work tirelessly to fully integrate and improve efficiencies from the business combination with those entities, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the results.

“This past year was transformative for our company and a testament to our evolution as a diversified infrastructure company, with midstream assets in logistics, gathering and storage, as well as sustainable assets in environmental services, remediation and processing solutions,” Ballengee continued. “In gathering and storage, Vivakor moves over 300,000 barrels/month through various assets. In logistics, Vivakor owns and operates over 165 crude oil transportation units in every major domestic oil production basin and over 105 water transportation trucks in south and west Texas. In environmental services, Vivakor’s technology is the only approved recycling processing center (‘RPC’) approved by the Kuwait Oil Company to successfully reduce oil concentration in soil to less than 0.5%.

“By maintaining a strong focus on financial responsibility and operational efficiency, we aim to maximize shareholder value, while advancing our growth mission to expand organically and through acquisitions in 2025 and thereafter,” he concluded.

Looking forward, Vivakor is focused on expanding its environmental services segment, investing in infrastructure that enhances waste oil processing and advancing technologies that reduce emissions and environmental impact. By positioning itself at the intersection of energy production and environmental innovation, the company is poised to play a vital role in the sustainable-energy landscape of the future.

As sustainability continues to influence policy decisions, investment flows and consumer preferences, companies that adopt proactive environmental strategies are likely to thrive. Vivakor exemplifies this shift. Through strategic acquisitions, technological integration and a deep commitment to conscious growth, the company has not only adapted to the pressures of a changing world, but it is also actively shaping a cleaner, more resilient future for the energy sector.

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

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

• Newton Golf reports three-figure revenue growth in first quarter of 2025.
• Newton Motion shaft adoption has surpassed 30 professionals.
• Company’s revenue guidance for 2025 is forecast to range between $6.5 and $7 million.

With the launch of its newest shaft family, Newton Golf Company (NASDAQ: NWTG) is seeing triple-figure year-over-year revenue growth, according to the company’s latest financial numbers (https://ibn.fm/hAQWB). The company released its financial report for Q1 2025, noting that revenue had increased an impressive 246% during the first three months of the year.

“We are very pleased with our first-quarter results, especially given that it is typically the offseason for golf,” said Newton Golf CEO Greg Campbell. “When we launched the Newton Motion shaft, our goal was to engineer performance that speaks for itself. The fact that more than 30 professionals are now using Newton shafts across major tours — and that eight of those joined in Q1 — validates both the technology and our direction. We’re just getting started. Demand for our Fast Motion shaft has exceeded expectations, and we are ramping up production to keep pace.”

According to the company’s report, financial highlights for first quarter 2025 include revenue of $1.2 million, up from $350,000 in Q1 2024; an increase in gross profit of 348%, totaling $852,000, up from $190,000 in 2024; and gross margin reaching 70%, up from 54% a year ago. In addition, the report noted that net loss for the company decreased to $0.5 million, or $0.55 per share, compared to $1.2 million, or $24.85 per share in Q1 2024; the company reported cash and cash equivalents of $5.9 million as of March 31, 2025.

Perhaps most exciting for the company was the news that Newton Motion shaft adoption has surpassed 30 professionals, with eight new players joining across PGA TOUR Champions, LPGA, Korn Ferry and PGA TOUR events during the quarter. Other business highlights from the quarterly report included shaft sales growth of 314% year over year and the opportunity to showcase the company’s full product lineup at the 2025 PGA Show.

The quarterly report also noted the company’s growing international reach. Newton Golf signed distribution agreements with two of Japan’s largest golf retailers, and expanded product testing and engagement with club fitting leaders in Europe and North America.

In addition, the Q1 report noted the company’s revenue guidance for 2025, which is forecast to range between $6.5 and $7 million, representing continued strong growth from 2024. “We continue to execute with discipline and focus,” Campbell stated. “The 246% year-over-year revenue growth reflects strong demand, expanding distribution and improving unit economics.

“As we look ahead to the rest of 2025, our focus remains on expansion—new products, new markets, and continued tour validation,” Campbell continued. “We believe Newton’s trajectory is being driven by something deeper than hype. It’s being driven by results, by performance, and by trust on tour. And we’re building for the long-term.”

For more information, visit www.NewtonGolfCo.com.

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