• Positive preclinical data was presented for the NPRL2 tumor suppressor gene
• The studies used Genprex’s non-viral ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System in KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) humanized mouse models
• Validates ONCOPREX(R) platform’s ability to deliver other tumor suppressor genes to potentially address multiple types of cancer
• ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System is the novel non-viral platform being used for the company’s lead drug candidate, REQORSA(R) Immunogene Therapy, initially targeting lung cancer

Genprex (NASDAQ: GNPX), A cutting-edge gene therapy company striving to improve the lives of cancer and diabetes patients through the creation of groundbreaking treatments, announced last month that its research collaborators presented positive preclinical data for the NPRL2 gene, which is a tumor suppressor gene. The presentation was given at the 2023 American Association of Cancer Research (“AACR”) annual meeting, which took place from April 14-18, 2023, in Orlando, Florida.

The studies used Genprex’s non-viral ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System in KRAS/STK11 mutant anti-PD1 resistant metastatic human non-small cell lung cancer (“NSCLC”) humanized mouse models.

Genprex’s ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System is a novel non-viral approach utilizing lipid nanoparticles to deliver tumor suppressor genes that have been deleted during the course of cancer development. The platform allows for the intravenous delivery of various tumor suppressor genes, and potentially other genes, to achieve a therapeutic effect without the risk of toxicity often associated with viral delivery systems.

“The preclinical data also provide further evidence that the ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System has the ability to be successful using genes other than the TUSC2 gene that we are already using in clinical trials with REQORSA(R),” said Rodney Varner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Genprex, said (https://ibn.fm/9PtRa). “These compelling outcomes give us further confidence in the potentially broad-based application of our non-viral delivery system, which may provide a multitude of potential pipeline opportunities in the future.”

The company’s cancer-fighting technologies may provide new treatment options for large cancer patient populations, such as those with lung cancer.

The company’s oncology pipeline aims to reprogram the course of cancer. Genprex is evaluating its proprietary, non-viral ONCOPREX(R) delivery system, which is believed to be the first systemic gene therapy delivery platform used for cancer in humans, in its REQORSA clinical programs.

“We are pleased to have these positive data that support the therapeutic potential of our non-viral delivery system, which is being used in our current REQORSA(R) clinical oncology programs, presented before some of the world’s leading cancer researchers,” Varner also said. “The use of the ONCOPREX(R) Nanoparticle Delivery System to deliver the NPRL2 tumor suppressor gene positions Genprex to expand our clinical pipeline with a new drug candidate.”

In addition to oncology, Genprex is also working on therapies for diabetes, another large patient population with limited treatment options. Genprex’s diabetes gene therapy approach is comprised of a novel infusion process that uses an adeno-associated virus (“AAV”) vector to deliver Pdx1 and MafA genes to the pancreas. The candidates in this pipeline have shown in preclinical studies in mice and non-human primates, the potential to stabilize glucose levels and reduce insulin requirements. Genprex’s R&D pipeline for diabetes includes its preclinical candidates, GPX-002 for Type 1 diabetes and GPX-003 for Type 2 diabetes.

Even with certain advancements in treatment, the quality of life remains highly compromised for many with diabetes. Diabetes gene therapies like those being developed by Genprex could hold the potential to provide long-term effectiveness and completely change the course of the disease – enhancing the quality of life for those living with the disease.

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

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

• Ucore has set out to capitalize on critical mid-market separation of REE through its transformative RapidSX(TM) technology in a bid to address China’s dominance in the rare oxide market
• The company is confident in its approach and has even committed to investing $75 million in CapEx over the next four years to establish North America’s first modern REE separation and purification facility

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF), a critical metals (“CM”) separation technology company, understands the potential of the rare oxide market and the stake that China currently holds. According to CEO Pat Ryan, this industry is expected to reach $32 billion by the decade’s end. However, with China controlling 90% of this sector, there has been a push by other countries to cut down dependence and seek out alternatives which, in turn, do away with the risks associated with China’s dominance (https://ibn.fm/WdTPC).

Ucore has stepped up, ultimately playing an integral role in establishing a comprehensive North American critical metals supply chain. Through its transformative technology, RapidSX(TM), the company has been able to capitalize on critical mid-market separation of rare earth elements (“REE”) or its lack thereof. In addition, having streamlined its process of arranging work relationships upstream and dealing with downstream customers, the company has managed to carve out a decent market share for itself, with the goal of taking up 20% of the ex-China rare oxide market in the coming years (https://ibn.fm/BRJu9).

The company is confident in its approach and has even committed to investing $75 million in capital expenditure (“CapEx”) over the next four years to establish North America’s first modern REE separation and purification facility. Located in England Airpark Community in Alexandria, Louisiana, this facility will create at least 100 family-wage paying jobs and improve business opportunities for the area (https://ibn.fm/SFRXK). The investment will build on the $10 million already invested in Ucore’s demonstration plant in Kingston, Ontario, with additional plans to engineer a second and third commercial plant to handle all the expected capacity.

Ucore is positioning itself to fulfill North America’s unmet REE needs through commercial production plants. It is doing what its competitors have not, thereby defining the industry and positioning itself as an undisputed market leader. As it continues to carve out its market share, Ucore is placing North America on the map, defining its REE self-reliance, and creating employment and business opportunities while at it.

For more information, visit the company’s website at 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

For over a decade, FinovateSpring has attracted the best and brightest on and off the stage, including decision-makers from across the financial services spectrum, including banks, brokerages, card issuers, payment providers, investment companies, insurance providers, and everything in between. This year’s FinovateSpring event continues the tradition, but this time in a new venue – Marriot Marquis San Francisco.

More than 50+ live demos are scheduled for FinovateSpring, spread across two days on May 23-25, 2023 – themed to include personal/retail, business, backend/enabling, and outside-a-box technology. These demos are hand-selected to showcase their services and solutions, not just pitch them, showing how their tech works to attendees and providing value as to why they should be implemented within an organization.

Audiences who attend FinovateSpring are unlike those at any other fintech event – where most high attendance numbers are padded with junior-level staff. Finovate’s audience is created with quality, not quantity, in mind. Bringing together the people who matter in the fintech industry – with senior innovators leading the fintech revolution, senior decision-makers from leading financial institutions, and senior investors from VC firms looking for their next opportunity.

With each of the top ten banks in the nation signed up to attend, FinovateSpring expects over 1,200 senior fintech attendees, 50+ innovative fintech demos, 270+ financial institutions, 200+ C-level attendees, and press and media coverage from over 75 influential outlets.

Who should attend?

• Decision-makers from across the financial services industry, including banks, brokerages, card issuers, payment providers, investment companies, insurance providers, and more
• Execs and founders of fintech and general technology companies
• VC, corporate, private equity, and angel investors interested in funding fintech companies
• Influential research analysts, press, and consultants from large financial services practices
• Leading government, regulator, and industry association representatives focused on the emerging fintech sector

In times of unprecedented change, making new industry connections is vital. FinovateSpring’s unique high-impact networking sessions are at the heart of its events. Its smart matchmaking tool makes it easier to search, find, and engage with the people who can move businesses forward. Attendees are invited to grow their networks intelligently and effectively at this year’s FinovateSpring.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/rTYQ6.

In October 2018, Canada became the first developed country to legalize recreational cannabis for adult use (https://ibn.fm/xofpU). Aimed at curbing the illicit trade of the drug and launching a new source of economic growth, this move is playing a significant role in the economy. For instance, Deloitte’s study, which considered the direct, indirect, and induced economic activities, estimated that the industry had contributed US$43.5 billion to Canada’s economy between legalization and 2021 (https://ibn.fm/QdHpz).

And as the country counts down to the fifth anniversary this October, the figure is expected to be higher, making the upcoming Lift Toronto 2023 Cannabis Conference & Expo the perfect setting to take stock of the progress so far, as well as find ways to draw even more value while pushing the industry forward. The event will be held at the expansive Metro Toronto Convention Centre from June 1-3, 2023 (https://ibn.fm/SY7V3).

The organizer, Lift Events & Experiences, has curated Lift Toronto 2023 to lift the cannabis industry and community from day one. The event will kick off with the Lift Cannabis Business Conference (“LCBC”), a strategy-focused, advocacy-oriented business and community leadership forum. The LCBC will focus on conversations that drive the industry’s momentum forward, as well as help players overcome systemic challenges and advance innovative business and regulatory solutions that will generate meaningful change and sustainable growth in Canada’s cannabis industry.

The conversations will be spearheaded by an outstanding roster of speakers who will share insights during planned keynote presentations and panel discussions, with each session “carefully curated to energize, inspire, educate, and motivate all our audiences from across the entire cannabis community,” according to Barry Smith, Canadian Content Director at Lift Events & Experiences (https://ibn.fm/5e6b9).

The keynote presentation delivered by David Lobo, President & CEO, Ontario Cannabis Store, will look at the entirety of Canada’s cannabis industry, providing a review and updates on its priorities and progress. Next, the CEOs Perspective, will feature Niel Marotta, CEO & Founder, INDIVA; David Schwede, CEO, Heritage Cannabis; Marcie Kiziak, CEO, Nova Cannabis; and John Fowler, CEO, Muskoka Grown & Dank Craft, sharing insights based on their perspectives as leaders in the space. Specifically, they will discuss consumers’ wants, competitive strategy, growing moratoriums and market restraints, and building cannabis brands. 

And what about the international markets? The conference agenda will unpack that topic with a dedicated international review session. Other themes and topics on the agenda include business funding; extracts, concentrates, and processing; cannabis marketing; and cannabis retailing (https://ibn.fm/UqccW).

The second and third day, June 2 & 3, are expo days geared toward enabling hundreds of exhibiting companies, drawn from across the entire cannabis ecosystem, to interact with consumers as well as growers, licensed producers, retailers, budtenders, brands, and investors. Plus, the expo days will provide excellent networking opportunities, with designated networking areas, both indoors and outdoors. Attendees can also expect Lift’s signature surprises and uplifting moments, live music, and cameo appearances, culminating in an official after party on the evening of Saturday, June 3.

For more information and to purchase your ticket, visit https://ibn.fm/SY7V3.

• Lexaria just awarded InClin, Inc. the contract for CRO services, in a move that lines up with the company’s upcoming FDA-registered, U.S. Phase 1b IND hypertension study, HYPER-H23-1
• InClin will manage the study in the form of clinical site evaluation and selection, project management, personnel, site training, and more
• Patient dosing is set to kick off as soon as possible once the expected FDA IND filing and review is completed, which Lexaria hopes will be done this summer
• HYPER-H23-1 will be Lexaria’s most ambitious study yet, and upon its completion, it will move the company closer to FDA approval of its patented DehydraTECH(TM)-processed CBD

Lexaria Bioscience (NASDAQ: LEXX), a global innovator in drug delivery platforms, just announced the awarding of the contract for clinical research organization (“CRO”) services to California-based InClin, Inc. This move is in line with the company’s upcoming Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”)-registered, U.S. Phase 1b Investigational New Drug (“IND”) hypertension study, HYPER-H23-1 that will explore the potential of its patented DehydraTECH(TM)-processed cannabidiol (“DehydraTECH-CBD”) for the treatment of hypertension (https://ibn.fm/V6RBS).

The study will build on five previous Lexaria studies dating back to 2018, which were each successful, evidencing significant reductions in resting blood pressure over acute and multi-week dosing regimens on 134 healthy and hypertensive persons. The studies also showed that DehydraTECH-CBD produced zero serious adverse events, highlighting its potential to have pronounced clinical benefits relative to available anti-hypertensive therapeutics. The uniqueness of this product is further evidenced by its superior ability to reduce blood pressure over other oral CBD formulations currently in the market.

InClin will help with the study in the form of clinical site evaluation and selection, project management, personnel, site training, clinical database design and management, and quality assurance support. It will also be responsible for medical writing, study documentation creation, biostatistics and programming, support vendor coordination, Independent Review Board (“IRB”) submissions, and more. Study start-up is about to begin, with patient dosing set to kick off as soon as the expected FDA IND filing and review is completed, which Lexaria hopes will be done this summer. Upon the filing, Lexaria hopes for FDA authorization within about 60 days, after which the Phase 1(b) trial aggressively targeting the commencement of patient dosing will kick off.

HYPER-H23-1, titled “A Phase 1b Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Safety, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics of DehydraTECH-CBD in Subjects with Stage 1 or Stage 2 Hypertension,” will be Lexaria’s most ambitious study yet. Its primary objective will be to evaluate safety and tolerability in up to 120 hypertensive patients, with secondary objectives including efficacy evaluation in reducing blood pressure together with detailed pharmacokinetic testing. Its successful completion will inch Lexaria closer to FDA approval of its DehydraTECH-CBD. But, more importantly, it will stamp Lexaria’s position as a leader in its space, having come up with a product that achieves a sustained decrease in resting blood pressure following multiple weeks of oral CBD dosing.

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

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

• The European Biogas Association estimates the EU region could rise to 133-283 billion euros annually by 2050
• EverGen Infrastructure provides a whole-system renewable natural gas solution that converts organic waste to valuable products while reducing pollutive emissions
• EverGen has assets in three Canadian provinces, including operational facilities in B.C. and Alberta and partnerships with FortisBC, small businesses, and municipalities

Organic waste, which includes agricultural residues, food waste, and yard waste, was historically an infinite liability bound for landfills and incinerators. Thanks to modern technologies like those of EverGen Infrastructure (TSX.V: EVGN) (OTCQX: EVGIF), that same waste is now a valuable asset that can be used to create renewable products such as biofuels, bioplastics, fertilizers, and more. By diverting organic waste from landfills and converting it into renewable goods, businesses can reduce their environmental impact, create new revenue streams, and promote a more sustainable economy.

Biomethane is a renewable energy source that is produced from organic matter such as animal waste, food waste, and sewage. It is a clean and sustainable alternative to fossil fuels, and it has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions by capturing and utilizing methane that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. In addition to its environmental benefits, biomethane also has several whole-system benefits that make it an attractive option for businesses and governments.

On that point, a report titled, “Beyond energy: monetising biomethane’s whole system benefits” from the European Biogas Association shows that, in 2030, the whole system benefits of biomethane production in the EU27 + UK could range from 38-78 billion euros each year. By 2050, the report shows the benefits rising to 133-283 billion euros annually by 2050. Moreover, the report states that the values, which are comparable to the gross domestic products of Luxembourg and Finland, are likely underestimated.

Implementing anaerobic digestion (“AD”) to today’s technology adds even more value, according to the report, to the tune of 84-175 euros per megawatt hour (€/MWh) of biomethane produced. AD is an alternative way to treat manure while producing biogas as a renewable fuel. Highly scientific, increasing the efficiency of AD performance is determined through accurate prediction of biogas yield in different working conditions.

One of the most significant benefits of biomethane is its ability to generate revenue for farmers and waste management companies. By converting organic waste into biomethane, these businesses can create a new revenue stream that can help offset the costs of waste disposal and other expenses. In addition, biomethane can be sold to utilities and other energy providers, providing a reliable source of income for these businesses.

That is where EverGen is establishing itself as “Canada’s Renewable Natural Gas Infrastructure Platform.” The British Columbia-based company provides whole-system solutions for converting organic waste into biofuel for energy or digestate for products such as premium fertilizer or animal bedding. The company operates Sea to Sky Soils and Pacific Coast Renewables organics processing facilities and Fraser Valley Biogas, a RNG facility, in British Columbia. To the east, it has a 67% ownership in GrowTEC, an operational RNG facility in Alberta, and a 50% ownership in Project Radius, one of the most ambitious RNG projects in Ontario.

With investments in the three provinces, EverGen has contracts with local businesses and municipalities to redirect waste from conventional disposal. The company is also a partner to FortisBC, a major Canadian utility, where the renewable natural gas (“RNG”) produced through EverGen systems is sold to FortisBC, which pumps it into its existing natural gas pipelines. RNG is a renewable biomethane that is indistinguishable from conventional natural gas piped from the ground by energy companies.

By capturing these emissions and transforming them into RNG, then combusting them into CO2, the overall greenhouse gases (“GHG”) impact is materially less potent than allowing natural decomposition to release methane into the atmosphere. Liquid and solid digestate matter is a byproduct of the RNG production process and is used as fertilizer and in other applications.

Biomethane offers a number of benefits for the energy sector. As a renewable energy source, biomethane can help reduce reliance on fossil fuels and provide a stable source of energy that is not subject to the same price fluctuations as oil and gas. In addition, biomethane can be used to generate electricity, heat buildings, and power vehicles, making it a versatile and flexible energy source.

Perhaps one of the most promising benefits of biomethane is its potential to support a circular economy. By converting organic waste into a valuable resource, biomethane can help close the loop on waste and create a more sustainable system of production and consumption. This can help reduce the environmental impact of waste disposal and create a more efficient use of resources.

As with any emerging technology, there are challenges to widespread adoption – such as logistical issues in areas where natural gas infrastructure isn’t well established and upfront capital costs. To address these challenges, governments and businesses are working collaboratively on policies and incentives to encourage adoption of renewable technologies. In short, turning organic waste into biomethane and agricultural products is highly attractive compared to fossil fuels and landfills that contribute to climate change today with the added perk of generating revenue for farmers and waste management companies, to creating jobs and promoting economic growth.

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

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

• CISO Global is an ideal partner for CEOs committed to providing the protection their companies need
• Business leaders need to prioritize security and promote its importance from the top down, says CEO
• “Ask any CEO to name the issues that keep them awake at night and cybersecurity risk is likely near the top of the list,” Forbes article states

Most CEOs agree that the responsibility for creating a cyber-resilient culture lands squarely on their shoulders. Forbes recently reported on a new study based on interviews with 37 CEOs who share their fears and insights about keeping their companies running despite cyberattacks (https://ibn.fm/mfBFa). The article identifies four key mindsets that CEOs need to lead cyber-resilient companies, mindsets that CISO Global (NASDAQ: CISO), formerly Cerberus Cyber Sentinel Corp., can help executives achieve.

“Cybersecurity is a companywide challenge, and all departments need to be involved to get it right,” CISO Global CEO David Jemmett has said (https://ibn.fm/Cykmp). “Business leaders, therefore, need to prioritize security and promote its importance from the top down, training employees and encouraging them to mirror the attitude.”

In the article, titled “The Essential Playbook on CEOs and Cyber Resiliency,” Forbes reports on a recent study from ISTARI and Saïd Business School at the University of Oxford. “More than any previous study, the report applies a top-management lens to cybersecurity risks and underscores the critical role CEOs play in building cyber resilience,” the article states. “It shares insights from 37 one-hour-long, face-to-face interviews with U.S., Asian and European CEOs whose businesses’ average revenue is $12 billion, employing an average of 40,000 employees. Nine of the CEOs interviewed had guided their company through a serious cyberattack.

“Ask any CEO to name the issues that keep them awake at night and cybersecurity risk is likely near the top of the list — with good reason,” the article continues. “With the accelerating digitalization of business models comes vulnerability to cyberattack. And while spending on cybersecurity increases every year, so does the number of serious incidents. Even the largest and most technologically advanced companies are not immune.”

The article identifies four mindsets that CEOs need to lead cyber-resilient businesses:

• CEOs interviewed said they feel accountable for cybersecurity
• CEOs should stay away from blindly trusting their technology teams
• CEOs should embrace what the authors call the “preparedness paradox,” or an inverse relationship between the perception of preparedness and resilience, meaning the better-prepared CEOs think their organization is for a serious cyberattack, the less resilient it actually is
• CEOs should adapt their communication styles to manage pressure from external stakeholders who may have different and sometimes conflicting demands

Given these concerns from top-ranked leaders, CISO is in the right place at the right time. The company is gaining recognition as a leading provider of global cybersecurity and compliance as it rapidly expands by acquiring world-class cybersecurity, secured managed services and compliance companies. These acquisitions bring top-tier talent to the CISO table, enabling the company to utilize the latest technology to create innovative solutions to protect the most demanding businesses and government organizations, mitigating continuing and emerging security threats and compliance obligations.

Firmly rooted in its core belief that “cybersecurity is a culture not a product,” CISO Global (NASDAQ: CSO) is an ideal partner for CEOs who are committed to providing the protection their companies need. CISO is on a mission to demystify and accelerate the journey to cyber resilience for its clients, empowering organizations to securely grow, operate and innovate (https://ibn.fm/LQqfW).

A leader in its field, CISO has gathered a team of highly experienced experts who work closely with company management teams to identify both gaps and opportunities in their current security strategy. Throughout the process, the company and these experts focus on explaining root causes and ensuring full visibility into progress as key steps are taken that are designed to deliver the greatest impact and provide much-needed security.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.CISO.inc.

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

• “2022 has been a year of accomplishments,” reported Battery Mineral CEO in year-end summary
• Company anticipates “placing ourselves in a strong position to participate in a robust copper sector in 2023”
• So far this year BMR has announced key community and social initiatives at its Punitaqui Project and completed a policy, strategy and implementation guide

Following a “transformational” year in 2022, Battery Mineral Resources (TSX.V: BMR) (OTCQB: BTRMF) is continuing to see significant growth and progress in 2023. In its 2022 summary to shareholders, the company recounted the year’s highlights and pointed toward an equally successful 2023 (https://ibn.fm/9vH3P).

In the 2022 recap, BMR outlined key accomplishments that included the funding and completion of its Punitaqui resource drill program; key changes designed to strengthen its leadership team and board of directors; strong gains in its permitting program; and an increased focus on strengthening community relations and engaging with communities where it operates. In addition, the company reported that it monetized its noncore assets and secured nondilutive convertible debt and bridge-loan financing.

Finally, the company reported better-than-expected metallurgical results and a robust initial NI 43-101-compliant mineral resource estimate for its four underground deposits at Punitaqui, two of which had not previously had resource estimates (San Andres and Cinabrio Norte).

“2022 has been a year of accomplishments, all of which add to the value of the Punitaqui mine in Chile and also derisk the near-term resumption of operations and cashflow at Punitaqui,” BMR CEO and director Martin Kostuik stated in the 2022 report. “From exploration, engineering, community and permitting successes to realizing several nondilutive means of funding to allow BMR to advance the project, our team looks forward to taking advantage of the renewed positive market sentiment for near-term copper pricing and placing ourselves in a strong position to participate in a robust copper sector in 2023. With several interested parties and due diligence advancing well, we look forward to securing the remainder of the funding required early next year to advance the mine and resume operations of the copper-processing mill shortly thereafter.”

Already this year, Battery Mineral has shown continued momentum with key announcements regarding community and social initiatives at the Punitaqui Project in Chile (https://ibn.fm/THpyJ) and the completion of a policy, strategy and implementation guide for current and future social and community engagement and reporting (https://ibn.fm/4bqJi).

At the Punitaqui Project, BMR completed agreements with the Comunidad Agricola Potrerillos Alto (“Potrerillos Community”) and the Comunidad Agricola Punitaqui (“Punitaqui Community”) to allow for surface exploration consisting of a ground magnetic survey, geological mapping, and sampling to identify potential new targets on grounds for which the Potrerillos Community has surface rights. According to the agreement, BMR personnel and contractors will have permission to access and conduct agreed-upon surface work.

“The agreement also allows BMR to drill the potential targets to be defined within the first stage of exploration,” the company noted. “These areas to be explored have not been previously examined, and ground magnetic surveys have been successfully used in the area as a first step to locating possible new target mineralization. Battery will hire members of the Potrerillos Community to assist in these endeavours at market rates of remuneration. BMR will now be able to follow up on any encouraging exploration results.”

The company outlined key aid and improvements it will provide for the community, including funding the construction of a water well for the people of Potrerillos and supporting payment for the services of the manager of the school nursery of the Cordillera de Potrerillos Alto School, which the company has been paying since September 2022. In addition, BMR is working to establish a community-engagement and meeting office at the Punitaqui copper processing plant site. “The office will allow for all persons in the direct area of influence of our operations to liaise in-person with Battery at their convenience. The company hopes to have this new office in place in the coming weeks.”

Battery Mineral Resources is a battery minerals company providing shareholders with exposure to the global megatrend of electrification while focusing on growth through cash flow, exploration, and acquisitions in favorable mining jurisdictions. Battery Mineral’s mission is the discovery, acquisition and development of battery metals (cobalt, lithium, graphite, and copper) in North America, South America and South Korea and to become a premier and responsible supplier of battery minerals to the electrification marketplace.

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

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

• Nikkei Asia has reported plans for China to amend its 2020 technology export restriction list with propositions to either ban or restrict exports of technology to process and refine rare earth elements
• These developments have encouraged both Washington and Tokyo to develop rare earth supply chains with little to no dependence on China
• Ucore has long been focused on growing North America’s REE self-reliance in response to these developments, and its recent announcement of a $75 million investment in capital expenditures (CapEx) over the next four years points to a company committed to helping North America achieve full autonomy and independence in this sector

Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF), a critical metals (“CM”) separation technology company, is eyeing new opportunities, mainly stemming from recent developments in China that could see the country ban rare earth metal exports. In a move that seeks to reduce the over-reliance on China for its rare earth elements (“REE”) imports, the company is looking to develop and scale its North American facilities, as evidenced by recent investments in this area. By doing so, it hopes to reduce the vulnerability of North American companies reliant on these elements.

In 2020, China updated its technology export restriction list, which proposed either a ban or restriction of exports of technology to process and refine rare earth elements. In what can be described as an interesting development, Nikkei Asia has reported plans to amend this restriction list, with proposals to prohibit or even limit exports of alloy tech intended to make high-performance magnets derived from rare earths (https://ibn.fm/TEkdE).

This makes the second time China has reduced the export of rare earth metals and used it as a bargaining chip to influence trade and politics in its favor. In 2010, the country stopped all rare earth metal exports to Japan for two years following the Senaku Islands dispute. As a country that controls 84% share of the global market in neodymium magnets and over 90% interest in samarium cobalt magnets, China has a clear upper hand, hence its use of such punitive policies to grow its financial and, by extension, its political might.

Given the growing tensions, Washington and Tokyo have resorted to developing rare earth supply chains with little to no dependence on China. In addition, the two countries are steadily restricting exports of advanced semiconductor tech to China, aiming to blunt the nation’s rise in the high-tech field (https://ibn.fm/7315J). Ucore is central to North America’s REE self-reliance in response to these developments. Thus far, its initiatives indicate that the company and the nation are on the right path.

Ucore recently announced a $75 million investment in capital expenditure (“CapEx”) over the next four years to establish North America’s first modern technology REE separation and purification facility. Once installed in England Airpark Community in Alexandria, Louisiana, this facility will have a maximum production rate of 5,000 to 7,500 tons per annum of total rare earth oxide (“TREO”) throughput upon its completion. In addition, the facility will create at least 100 family-wage paying jobs by 2027, with the added potential of attracting other projects, which will create even more jobs (https://ibn.fm/myDOF).

As the global rare earth metals industry continues to evolve, and as associated materials and products continue to serve as the lifeline of various economies worldwide, there is a growing importance of having a non-China-dominated REE supply. While there are still some ways to go to achieve full autonomy and independence, Ucore is helping push the envelope in the right direction. Setting up facilities that bring North America closer to achieving that objective is a crucial first step in achieving that goal.

For more information, visit the company’s website at 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

• Freight Technologies (Fr8Tech) just secured the participation of Whirlpool, one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers, in what the CEO, Javier Selgas, regards as a “huge milestone” for the company
• This move reflects Fr8Tech’s commitment to creating innovative logistics solutions and pushing the envelope concerning improving B2B cross-border shipping and domestic shipping within the USMCA region
• Rafael Flores, the Sr. Manager of Logistics at Whirlpool Mexico, lauded Fr8Tech’s offering, citing how it “aligned with Whirlpool’s vision of improving life at home and being closer to our customers”
• Mr. Selgas expressed his optimism about the new engagement, noting how confident the company was that this is just the beginning of a great relationship

Freight Technologies (NASDAQ: FRGT) (“Fr8Tech”), a tech company whose flagship platform, Fr8App, offers industry-leading freight matching services powered by Artificial Intelligence (“AI”) and machine learning, just secured the participation of Whirlpool, one of the world’s largest home appliance manufacturers. According to the company’s CEO, Javier Selgas, this milestone directly reflects the company’s commitment to creating innovative logistics solutions and pushing the envelope concerning improving B2B cross-border shipping and domestic shipping within the USMCA region.

“This significant accomplishment reinforces our position as a trusted logistics partner and paves the way for a promising future with a key industry player,” noted Mr. Selgas (https://ibn.fm/yODaf).

Rafael Flores, the Sr. Manager of Logistics at Whirlpool Mexico, lauded Fr8Tech’s offering, citing how it “aligned with Whirlpool’s vision of improving life at home and being closer to our customers.” In addition, he noted that with the help of Fr8TECH, Whirlpool would leverage new strategic solutions such as Fr8App, which will help it live up to its commitment to sustainable practices by doing away with paper tracking.

“We are confident that this is the beginning of a great relationship,” noted Mr. Flores.

Whirlpool is committed to being the best global kitchen and laundry company. Through innovation and partnerships with entities such as Fr8Tech, the company is constantly pursuing to bring its exceptional products closer to the people in a move to improve life at home. In 2022, the company posted approximately $20 billion in annual sales, with a workforce of over 61,000. With the Fr8App strategic solution, Whirlpool Mexico is optimistic that it will improve its operations within the USMCA region and continue to deliver the excellent service it has always presented to its customers.

“Our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services supported by the best technologies and that prioritize efficiency and sustainability for all our clients,” noted Mr. Selgas.

“We look forward to continuing to exceed their expectations,” he added.

Fr8Tech ordinary shares also underwent a 10 to :1 reverse share split to regain Nasdaq compliance as of market opening on March 24, 2023. This brought the number of outstanding ordinary shares to 3,271,386, with an adjusted capital value as of the close of market on March 38, 2023, of $4.8 million, based on a share price of $1.460. This represented a 92.7% discount to independent analysts’ target price for the company’s ordinary shares of $20 per share on a split-adjusted basis.

The adjusted capital value of the company, based on the closing price on March 28, 2023, of $4.7 million, amounted to approximately 18.5% of TTM revenues for the year ended December 31, 2022, of $25.9 million. It also represented 13.3% of company guidance of $36 million for total 2023 revenues.

For more information, visit the company’s website at www.Fr8Technologies.com, and their freight matching platform information site at www.Fr8.App.

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

Corporate Communications IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork) Los Angeles, California www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com 310.299.1717 Office Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com