This article has been disseminated on behalf of Platinum Group Metals and may include a paid advertisement.

• The surge in platinum group metal prices can be traced to a combination of supply disruptions and rising demand.
• As a company focused on developing high-quality platinum group metal deposits in South Africa, PLG is particularly well positioned to benefit.
• The company’s Waterberg project is designed for mechanized, low-cost production of platinum group metal concentrates

Platinum has captured the attention of investors, industrial users and strategic sectors alike in 2025, emerging as one of the top-performing precious metals. Prices have surged more than 40% in just eight weeks, a rally that represents the largest gain in decades, highlighting a rare convergence of global supply constraints, growing industrial demand, and renewed investor interest (https://ibn.fm/371AL). Palladium prices have risen 13% in the past four weeks. For companies with high-grade platinum group metal resources, this price momentum represents both an opportunity and a validation of strategic investments in platinum and palladium production.

Platinum Group Metals (NYSE American: PLG) (TSX: PTM), a company focused on developing platinum group metal deposits in South Africa, is particularly well positioned to benefit. With its flagship Waterberg project, PLG is advancing production of platinum, palladium, rhodium, and gold as well as base metals copper and nickel, to meet rising global demand, particularly in automotive, industrial and defense applications.

The surge in platinum group metal prices can be traced to a combination of supply disruptions and rising demand. South Africa, which accounts for more than 70% of global platinum production and 40% of global palladium production, has faced challenges that have restricted recent output. Power outages, water shortages and scheduled maintenance at major refineries contributed to a 24% drop in mined platinum group metals output in April 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Global primary platinum group metal production could fall by as much as 20% by the end of this decade, widening a supply deficit, Valterra Platinum (VALJ.J), CEO Craig Miller said on September 18 (https://ibn.fm/theGS).

These shortfalls are occurring at a time when investor sentiment and industrial demand are both increasing, creating upward pressure on prices. Hedge funds, commodity traders and institutional investors have increasingly turned to platinum after years of underperformance relative to gold and silver, seeking both exposure to physical metal and potential capital gains. June 2025 alone saw a 28% increase in platinum prices, marking the strongest monthly performance since 1986 (https://ibn.fm/Tk1Yh).

Industrial demand has been a key factor in driving platinum prices higher (https://ibn.fm/cTT22). Automotive manufacturers rely on platinum and palladium for catalytic converters in hybrid and conventional vehicles, and the shift toward hydrogen fuel cell technology has further intensified platinum demand. Platinum is essential in proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, which are being adopted for applications ranging from industrial machinery to aerospace and defense platforms, providing long operational ranges and energy-efficient performance. Beyond the automotive sector, platinum’s industrial applications in electronics, chemical processing and specialized manufacturing continue to create steady demand, further supporting prices in the face of tight supply.

Platinum Group Metals is strategically positioned to benefit from these dynamics. The company’s Waterberg project is designed for mechanized, low-cost production of platinum group metal concentrates, including gold, copper and nickel as valuable byproducts (https://ibn.fm/oB5r2). By focusing on operational efficiency and sustainability, the company aims to provide a reliable supply of critical metals for industrial and strategic uses, positioning itself as a long-term player in the evolving platinum market.

As platinum group metal prices continue to rise, the implications for global supply and demand are significant. Higher prices often encourage recycling, stimulate investment in platinum-backed financial products and incentivize production expansion from mining companies. Industrial users must balance rising costs with the operational and strategic value that platinum group metals provide, particularly for high-performance applications where alternatives are limited. In this environment, companies such as Platinum Group Metals Ltd. with secure, high-quality resources and a clear production strategy, are likely to see both increased industrial demand and heightened investor interest.

Platinum Group Metals Ltd. is not only advancing its Waterberg project to meet current market needs but is also positioning itself for long-term growth by ensuring that its metals serve industries where performance, reliability and strategic importance are critical. With South Africa remaining the dominant producer of platinum and a significant producer of palladium, amidst ongoing global supply constraints, PLG’s approach to efficient, sustainable extraction, coupled with its strategic resource base, gives the company a distinct advantage in capturing value from the current market conditions.

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

• U.S. government exploring creation of a $5 billion critical minerals fund amid supply chain concerns and rising demand
• Alaska projects draw attention, with Graphite One extending warrants to Bering Straits Native Corp. for its Graphite Creek development
• Trilogy Metals’ Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP”) position the company as a key domestic source of copper, cobalt, zinc, and other strategic metals

Critical minerals have become more than just a matter of industrial demand; they are now central to national security policy. Growing electrification, renewable energy deployment, and defense applications are driving structural demand for metals such as copper, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths. At the same time, global supply chains remain heavily dependent on China for both processing and overseas mine investments, creating long-term vulnerability for the United States.

This shifting landscape is prompting new policy initiatives. According to a recent Bloomberg report, the U.S. government is in discussions to establish a $5 billion fund to support mineral projects, potentially in partnership with Orion Resource Partners. The effort would represent the most significant federal move to date in directly financing mining ventures, signaling recognition that market forces alone may not secure critical supplies.

Alaska as a Strategic Hub

Alaska is emerging as a focal point in this broader policy framework. Its vast resource base and stable jurisdiction are increasingly seen as vital for future supply chains. A recent development underscores this trend: Graphite One extended the expiry date on nearly 2.8 million warrants held by Bering Straits Native Corporation (“BSNC”), its strategic Alaska partner, to advance the Graphite Creek Project. Considered one of the largest natural graphite resources in the U.S., the project aims to vertically integrate mining with anode material production for lithium-ion batteries.

The collaboration highlights both the role of Alaska Native corporations in advancing development and the state’s potential to contribute across a spectrum of critical minerals.

Trilogy Metals at the Center of U.S. Copper Security

Within this context, Trilogy Metals (NYSE American: TMQ) (TSX: TMQ) stands out for its significant holdings in the Ambler Mining District of Northwest Alaska. Through Ambler Metals LLC, a 50/50 joint venture with South32, the company is advancing the Upper Kobuk Mineral Projects (“UKMP”), which include the Arctic and Bornite deposits.

• Arctic Deposit: A volcanogenic massive sulphide (“VMS”) deposit with 46.7 million tonnes of probable reserves grading 2.11% copper, 2.9% zinc, 0.56% lead, 0.42 g/t gold, and 31.8 g/t silver. A 2023 feasibility study estimated a $1.5 billion pre-tax NPV, supported by robust project economics.
• Bornite Project: Adds an inferred resource of 6.5 billion pounds of copper, expanding the district’s scale and potential mine life beyond 30 years.

Together, these assets provide exposure not only to copper—a cornerstone of electrification and defense applications—but also to cobalt, zinc, lead, gold, and silver.

Infrastructure as National Security

One of the most critical elements of Trilogy’s development is the proposed 211-mile Ambler Access Road. Historically viewed as a regional economic project, it has taken on new significance as federal policy increasingly frames mineral infrastructure as a matter of national security. Reliable access to high-grade domestic copper and cobalt resources directly aligns with the priorities outlined in ongoing U.S. policy discussions.

An infrastructure partnership with Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority (“AIDEA”) – the state-owned infrastructure bank – enables the ability to better navigate permitting, technical, and community considerations that are central to advancing such large-scale projects.

Policy Momentum Meets Market Reality

Global copper demand is forecast to rise significantly as electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, and digital infrastructure expand. Yet supply growth remains constrained by declining ore grades and protracted permitting timelines. Analysts warn of structural deficits beginning before 2030, highlighting the urgency of bringing new projects online.

Federal discussions around a $5 billion critical minerals fund and other measures, such as tariff adjustments and strategic stockpiles, reflect growing recognition of this gap. For companies like Trilogy Metals, positioned with large-scale, high-grade resources in a stable jurisdiction, this policy momentum creates potential opportunities for accelerated development.

Strategic Outlook

Trilogy Metals operates at the nexus of market demand and national security. Its Arctic and Bornite deposits combine robust economics with metals essential to electrification, defense, and emerging technologies. With policy winds shifting toward federal support for critical minerals, the company’s Alaska projects may increasingly be viewed not only as valuable mining assets but also as strategic national resources.

As the U.S. pursues greater independence in mineral supply chains, Alaska is set to play a central role, and Trilogy Metals is well positioned to be one of its leading contributors.

For more information, visit www.TrilogyMetals.com.

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

• Nightfood Holdings has a lineup of AI-powered robots to streamline operations across industries, weaving technology seamlessly into everyday life
• The company’s portfolio of robotic products includes the Laundry Helper, Concierge, Matradee, and Dustee
• These AI-powered robotics help improve efficiency and productivity, include features like avoidance and vision systems, and free up your staff to steer towards other duties

Nightfood Holdings (OTCQB: NGTF), is a company harnessing robotics and AI to revolutionize how the hospitality industry operates. It offers a collection of real estate locations that host their AI-powered service robots that take on operational efficiency, cost reduction and labor optimization.

Currently, the operating company under NGTF, Techforce Robotics, has four products: The Laundry Helper, Concierge, Matradee, and Dustee.

The Laundry Helper (LIM-E or Linens in Motion – Everywhere) is a smart housekeeping assistant that’s designed to pick up and collect both laundry and trash, and transport them automatically. It has advanced sensors, uses AI navigation, and has robotic arms to ensure it can pick things up effortlessly. These arms also allow it to operate elevators and even open up doors on its own.

The Concierge is a smart room service assistant that delivers a variety of things to guests including food, drinks, toiletries, and much more. It delivers orders contact-free, has secure storage compartments onboard, and uses AI navigation and touchless elevator and door access to get around efficiently.

The Matradee is a unique and intelligent pop-up dining experience. It’s an innovative room service robot that not only delivers food right to a guest’s door but also folds out into a sturdy surface to dine on. The robot also has a sleek design and doesn’t take up much space in hallways or rooms.

Finally, the Dustee is a smart sweeping robot that helps keep the floors clean and tidy throughout the building. It easily detects edges, has strong suction without loud noise, and is self-charging.

Each solution leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance productivity, allowing workers to focus their time and skills on other valued tasks

The products also make use of avoidance systems to ensure they don’t run into customers, vision systems to analyze visual data, and machine learning to enhance capabilities and offer adaptive performance.

The team at TechForce Robotics is led by CEO Philip Garcia and Executive Chairman Ried Floco. Garcia has over 25 years of sales leadership and more than two decades of experience in tech-driven industries, and has held leadership positions at companies like Promax systems and NBC/Universal Studios.

Floco brings over 30 years of hospitality experience to the team, and has worked with brands like Marriott, Hilton, Intercontinental, and Wyndham. He has worked in areas like project management, portfolio performance, development, acquisitions, and several others.

About Nightfood Holdings

Nightfood Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: NGTF) is a robotics technology company building an AI-powered automation platform with applications across high-traffic venues and large-scale operations. Through its “Robotics-as-a-Service” (“RaaS”) model, NGTF deploys service robots that perform essential tasks, such as trash removal, delivery, and logistics, functions that exist in virtually every operation from hotels and restaurants to theme parks, airports, stadiums, schools, and shopping malls. The company leverages select real estate assets as live testbeds to launch pilots and prove concepts in real-world environments, creating a model where recurring robotics revenue drives growth while strategic property holdings provide infrastructure and asset value.

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 article has been disseminated on behalf of ESGold and may include a paid advertisement.

• ESGold Corp., a pre-production stage company committed to the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-quality mineral properties worldwide, moves toward long-term operations processing historic tailings following the recent two rounds of funding for its Montauban gold/silver project
• Processing development at the facility remains on track, with infrastructure and building completion set for mid-Q4, 2025
• ESGold’s management believes that the development of Montauban’s tailings processing capabilities is set to generate high-margin revenues and minimize dilution, while allowing the company to move forward with its encouraging gold/silver discovery efforts

ESGold (CSE: ESAU) (OTCQB: ESAUF), a pre-production stage company committed to the acquisition, exploration, and development of high-quality mineral properties worldwide, just noted how transformative the months ahead will be as it builds cash flow at its Montauban facility, while further unlocking long-term discovery potential across its entire portfolio. Back in April, the company closed a C$3.45 million financing round, in addition to a C$8 million brokered life offering for the advancement of Montauban toward near-term gold and silver production (https://ibn.fm/g54yU).

According to the company’s CEO, Gordon Robb, these two rounds of funding mean that ESGold is now fully financed to complete Montauban, presenting it with an opportunity to unlock long-term value from this facility, while supporting the pursuit of promising discovery opportunities down the line.

“Thanks to recent funding, we are now in the position of being fully financed to complete Montauban and to advance preparatory work on our prospective initiative in Colombia,” noted Mr. Robb. “With concentrate test results pending and exploration planning underway, the months ahead will be transformative as we build cash flow at Montauban while unlocking long-term discovery potential across our portfolio,” he added (https://ibn.fm/g54yU).

Development at Montauban remains on track. Infrastructure development and building completion are set for mid-Q4, 2025. This aligns with the company’s goal to begin production in 2026, which would be a huge milestone for the company.

“We are extremely pleased with the steady progress at Montauban, where building construction is advancing on schedule and moving toward completion, anticipated by mid-Q4 2025,” noted Mr. Robb. “ESGold is building the foundation for scalable growth, and we are very excited about what lies ahead,” he added (https://ibn.fm/g54yU).

In parallel with the ongoing construction, ESGold is further advancing exploration at Montauban, taking into account that, despite over a century of historic mining, the deposit on this property has never been systematically explored. A significant amount of technical work has been conducted thus far, revealing large, continuous geological structures that extend to 1,200 meters. While these results are somewhat preliminary, they point to the distinct potential of the property and the vast untapped value that lies beneath.

Going forward, ESGold looks to focus its efforts on having a comprehensive 3D geological model of Montauban, designed to integrate ANT survey results and guide systematic exploration. It also plans to continue its facility exploration, which will include systematic drilling to highlight the district-scale significance of the deposit. The company also aims to finalize Colombia validation by its technical team, followed by deal closure and execution (https://ibn.fm/g54yU).

This approach, its management believes, will generate high-margin revenue from tailings reprocessing. Additionally, it will minimize dilution and enhance shareholder value over time. With Montauban as the blueprint, ESGold’s management is confident that it is building a scalable platform designed to deliver sustainable, long-term value for its shareholders.

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

MoneyShow, a company with a 44-year history of creating successful investors and traders through timely education from leading experts, is proud to announce the 2025 MoneyShow Orlando. This three-day event will offer attendees the chance to learn how to navigate the markets and position themselves for success in the coming year. With a stellar line-up of speakers and panelists, attendees will get to explore cutting-edge ideas in stocks, ETFs, fixed income, options, sectors like energy and technology, and alternative investments.

This Oct. 16-18 event will feature panel discussions, workshops, and keynote addresses from proven industry players and experts. They include Raymond Rondeau, investment strategist and senior technical analyst at The American Association of Individual Investors (“AAII”); Heather Zumarraga, senior vice president of Apex Group; Charles Payne, host of Fox Business’ Making Money with Charles Payne; Alicia Levine, head of investment strategy and equities at BNY Wealth; and Keith Fitz-Gerald, principal at Fitz-Gerald Group.

Some of the topics covered during the three-day conference include:

• Technical indicators every stock trader needs
• An investor’s guide to Bitcoin and the next generation of crypto assets
• The best growth stocks and ETFs to own in the new economy
• Evidence-backed strategies for today’s markets 

The schedule is set to run from approximately 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Eastern on the first two days, and close at 3:15 pm on the final day.

Just like previous MoneyShow conferences, the Orlando event will offer value to every attendee. They will enjoy four main benefits: getting to learn about new stocks, new funds, and new picks for the year; having access to top money experts both live and in person; growing their business and personal networks; and discovering new products, services, tools, and opportunities. 

Previous attendees of MoneyShow events have praised them for their in-depth MoneyMasters Courses, frequent access to speakers, and the opportunity to explore various investment themes and ideas that have helped them transform their portfolios.

Slots are still open, with discount offers currently running until Oct. 1. This is your chance to learn from and interact with leading economists, analysts, and trading experts in a setting unlike any other. Whether your goal is portfolio growth, risk management, or income generation, take advantage of this chance to prepare for profit opportunities in 2026 and beyond.

To learn more, please visit https://ibn.fm/2hOoC

Dynamic Global Events (“DGE”), a life science leader in providing B2B conferences that engage audiences, facilitate information exchange, encourage collaboration, and accelerate partnerships, is proud to announce the Medical Affairs AI Immersion Lab event, scheduled for October 16-17. This unique event, focusing on hands-on working groups developing and editing AI work product in real-time, will empower participants to build a business case for AI among their teams and management.

The Medical Affairs AI Immersion Lab takes into account that AI is not “the coming thing” for pharma, but rather is already here and shaping the future; those who choose to actively adopt and leverage it stand to benefit the most out of what it has to offer. Guided by expert facilitators in a non-judgmental atmosphere, this event provides an opportunity to compare and contrast key platforms.

Over 20 industry experts are scheduled to speak at the event. Some of them include Anjali Mishra, a senior director, medical analytics and intelligence at Daiichi Sankyo; Todd Bresier, an associate director, IBD patient access and digital operations at Takeda; Vivek Mukhatyar, the generative AI medical engagement lead at Pfizer; and Chimene Richa, a medical education outcomes lead at AstraZeneca.

These speakers will discuss and offer their insights on various topics, such as the basics of prompt engineering, applications of large language models (“LLMs”) in medical affairs, deploying machine learning within CRMs to quantify team impact, and distinguishing simple, intermediate, and advanced applications. 

The Medical Affairs AI Immersion Lab is an event unlike any other in the pharma industry. While many choose to dismiss or remain skeptical about AI in this space, this event looks to offer clarity and a chance for people to stay ahead of the curve and leverage fast-evolving AI tools to shape the work that they do. For those curious about AI in pharma, those looking to integrate it into their work, or even those already using AI in their workflow, this event is for you.

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

• The company has eliminated more than $7 million in debt, excluding warehouse credit lines tied to loan originations.
• Q2 2025 revenue rose 27% quarter-over-quarter to $1.7 million, while operating costs fell 40%.
• Management expects to achieve cash flow positive operations by the first quarter of 2026.
• Executives to present growth plans at the Centurion One Capital Summit in October 2025.

Beeline Holdings (NASDAQ: BLNE),  a digital mortgage platform redefining the path to homeownership, announced it has paid off over $7 million in debt and is positioning itself to become cash flow positive by the first quarter of 2026. The company said that all secured credit facilities, including senior debentures, were fully repaid as of September 3, 2025. Only short-term warehouse credit lines, which recycle when loans are sold, remain in place (https://ibn.fm/ldSV4).

Chief Executive Nick Liuzza described the milestone as a key strategic goal met ahead of schedule. “Achieving this milestone earlier than planned strengthens our financial foundation and allows us to focus fully on growth and innovation. It’s a testament to our team’s discipline and execution,” he said.

The debt repayment comes as Beeline continues to report stronger financial performance. According to company filings, Q2 2025 revenue reached $1.7 million, a 27% increase from the previous quarter, while operating costs dropped 40% to $5.6 million. The company’s net loss narrowed to $4.1 million, a 68% improvement from Q1, while adjusted EBITDA improved from -$3.5 million to -$2.8 million.

The firm also reported funding $52 million in mortgage loans during the quarter, a 31% rise over Q1. July revenues were 15% higher than April, which had previously been the company’s strongest month in three years. Reduced marketing expenses, down 20% quarter-over-quarter, also contributed to the improved financial position.

Beeline has been expanding its offerings beyond its core mortgage platform. New initiatives include BeelineEQUITY, a program that allows homeowners to sell up to 49% of their equity to investors instead of taking on additional debt. The company completed its first transaction in June and expects to close ten more by late October ahead of a full rollout.

It has also introduced BlinkQC, an AI-powered quality control tool for pre-closing audits, and “Bob,” an AI chatbot designed to assist mortgage applicants. In testing, Bob converted inquiries into leads at six times the rate of human agents, generating $162,500 in revenue at a minimal cost.

Beeline executives will present their growth strategy at the Centurion One Capital 3rd Annual Bahamas Summit on October 28-29, 2025, at the Rosewood Baha Mar Hotel (https://ibn.fm/C5Yrx). The two-day invitation-only event will bring together the world’s leading small cap growth companies to an audience of global growth investors. During the summit, CEO Nick Liuzza, COO Jess Kennedy, and CFO Christopher Moe will meet with investors and participate in panel discussions about the company’s recent achievements and plans for the future.

Liuzza said the company is eager to share its execution track record with investors. “We are well-positioned for explosive growth in 2026 and look forward to sharing our story and going deeper on our unique model,” he said. “Our story is compelling, but what excites us most is how consistently we’ve executed against our vision. We look forward to sharing this with investors – and we think they’ll love what they hear.”

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

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

This article has been disseminated on behalf of Lahontan Gold and may include a paid advertisement.

• Lahontan Gold is focused on unlocking value within projects that have historic production, existing infrastructure and jurisdictional support
• The company’s flagship project is Santa Fe, where it now pursues resource expansion, metallurgical optimization and permitting work
• Investors drawn to gold in 2025 will notice that juniors such as Lahontan offer a leveraged way to ride the metal’s upside

Gold’s resurgence in 2025 has captured investor attention, and Lahontan Gold (TSX.V: LG) (OTCQB: LGCXF) is staking its claim in that momentum. This Canada-based exploration company holds four high-potential gold and silver properties in Nevada’s Walker Lane, including the flagship Santa Fe Mine, and is actively advancing work on expansion, permitting and drilling. Drawing from past production and current upside potential, Lahontan is aiming to transform its Walker Lane footprint into a developer with meaningful scale.

Lahontan Gold is focused on unlocking value in oxide gold and silver systems within projects that have historic production, existing infrastructure and jurisdictional support (ibn.fm/idTV3). The company’s flagship project is Santa Fe, a past-producing, open-pit gold and silver mine where it now pursues resource expansion, metallurgical optimization and permitting work (ibn.fm/dBVlD). Additional assets, including West Santa Fe, Moho and Redlich, provide exploration upside and serve as potential satellites to support growth (ibn.fm/TOOii).

The Santa Fe Mine project has a notable pedigree. Between 1988 and 1995, prior open-pit, heap-leach operations produced an estimated 356,000 ounces of gold and 784,000 ounces of silver. Today, Lahontan reports a National Instrument 43-101 compliant Indicated Mineral Resource of roughly 1,539,000 ounces gold equivalent at 0.99 g/t, and an Inferred resource of 411,000 ounces gold equivalent at 0.76 g/t, constrained to a pit shell. As it stands, Santa Fe is slated for further drilling at York and Slab, metallurgical refinement, and continuing permitting efforts.

In June, Lahontan received approval from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for additional drill sites on federal lands at Santa Fe, expanding the company’s ability to test extensions into the Slab and York areas (ibn.fm/OhC5T). That approval opens the door to testing significant resource growth potential beyond known limits. The company intends to commence drilling shortly under its 2025 program as part of phase 1 work.

Meanwhile, at West Santa Fe the company sees upside potential as a satellite to the main Santa Fe project. Historical sampling and mapping indicate high gold and silver grades, rock chips reaching up to 2.61 g/t Au and as much as 899 g/t Ag, leading Lahontan to propose initial drilling of approximately 3,000 meters to define a formal mineral resource estimate (ibn.fm/Uxp4v). The exploration target there is conceptual, but the style and structural setting are similar to Santa Fe, offering potential leverage to the core asset.  

Lahontan’s approach is to balance near-term development with exploration upside. The company views Santa Fe as its production anchor and is working to derisk the project via permitting, metallurgical refinements and resource expansion. At the same time, the satellite assets give optionality and growth potential should additional discoveries be made. The management team strives for capital efficiency and advancing milestones while keeping exploration optionality alive.  

Investors drawn to gold in 2025 will notice that juniors such as Lahontan offer a leveraged way to ride the metal’s upside. Unlike major producers, juniors have the potential to deliver outsized returns if exploration and development go well. Lahontan’s presence in Walker Lane is an advantage: Nevada is a premier U.S. mining jurisdiction with supportive regulation, infrastructure, workforce and mining culture, reducing some of the geological and permitting unpredictability seen elsewhere.

As Lahontan advances Santa Fe and its satellite properties, the company seeks to convert resource ounces into economic viability. The next major catalysts include results from the 2025 drilling program, updates to the Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) and permitting progress. If those steps validate the project’s scale and cost structure, Lahontan could emerge as a new gold developer in a district known for delivering value.

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 ibn.fm/LGCXF

This article has been disseminated on behalf of Ucore Rare Metals and may include a paid advertisement.

• China’s actions have dramatically escalated since April 2025, when it announced export restrictions.
• Once raw rare earth ores are mined, the most technically complex, costly and regulatory-sensitive steps are separation, refining and magnet manufacturing.
• Ucore Rare Metals is stepping in to help alleviate the bottleneck.

When supply chains are weaponized, entire industries hang in the balance. China’s 2025 export licensing and control measures over rare-earth alloys, mixtures and magnets have become a real bottleneck for manufacturers and defense companies that rely on those materials. Ucore Rare Metals (TSX.V: UCU) (OTCQX: UURAF) is stepping into that gap, advancing its RapidSX(TM) processing technology and a U.S.-aligned rare-earth strategy aimed at reducing dependence on China and ensuring early production by next year.

China’s actions have dramatically escalated since April 2025, when it announced export restrictions on seven medium and heavy rare-earth elements, including samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium and yttrium, along with related permanent magnets and mixtures. These export controls cover all destination countries, not just the United States, meaning that companies which are normally secure in their supply chains, including many in the defense sector, suddenly face delays or uncertainty in accessing essential materials. 

Automakers, electronics companies, aerospace firms and manufacturers of components for defense systems have sounded alarms. Reuters reported that Germany’s automakers are warning that China’s restrictions could force production halts without rapid licensing or alternative sourcing (https://ibn.fm/HtDhL).

Even more striking is how specialized some of the blocked materials are: rare‐earth magnets and components that are critical for permanent magnet motors used in electric vehicles, drones, weapon systems, guidance systems and sensors. In mid-June 2025, the Chinese government began issuing a small number of export licenses for some magnets and alloys, but the backlog of unprocessed applications remains large (https://ibn.fm/nNpXT).

The partial licensing has offered temporary relief for U.S. automakers and European manufacturers, but many warn the instability remains. The trade truce talks between the United States and China left some military‐use magnets unlicensed, a point of tension and concern for companies that build both consumer goods and defense hardware. 

The control over exports acts as a bottleneck because once raw rare-earth ores are mined, the most technically complex, costly and regulatory-sensitive steps are separation, refining and magnet manufacturing. China still dominates those mid- and downstream steps globally. Even if raw supply is available elsewhere, without licensed, high-quality separation and refining capacity in the U.S. or allied nations, companies remain vulnerable. 

In some cases, U.S. defense or aerospace contractors have reported that they cannot obtain particular specialty magnet grades necessary for systems unless they are approved via these constrained licensing channels. This uncertainty affects procurement and scheduling, and in many cases it has pushed firms to look for stockpiles or alternative suppliers, which can be more expensive or less reliable.

Ucore Rare Metals is stepping in to help alleviate the problem (https://ibn.fm/rou3P). The company has gained notable momentum with U.S. government support. In May 2025, Ucore secured a $18.4 million funding agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense to advance its RapidSX separation technology toward full-scale production in its Strategic Metals Complex in Alexandria, Louisiana (https://ibn.fm/E2ITq). The funding covers construction of a production-ready RapidSX machine, infrastructure and tech transfer from its Canadian demonstration facility. The goal is to reach early production of rare-earth oxide products in the second half of 2026.

RapidSX is Ucore’s proprietary processing technology platform designed to separate and purify both heavy and light rare-earth elements more efficiently, with modular scalable units and a smaller environmental footprint than many conventional solvent extraction methods (https://ibn.fm/10I3E). Ucore’s Commercial Demonstration Facility in Kingston, Ontario, has already been operating with its demo plant largely continuously processing mixed feedstocks and testing flow sheets to validate the RapidSX system’s performance. These demonstration runs help de-risk the scale-up to the Louisiana Strategic Metals Complex (“SMC”).

On top of technology, Ucore is addressing regulatory and financial levers. The project in Louisiana has received tax incentives from the state, including an Industrial Tax Exemption Program estimated to save about $8.2 million over a 10-year period for the facility, and longstanding lease arrangements, land acquisition and site preparation work. Feedstock partnerships are being developed, bolstering non-China-sourced materials.

All of this positions Ucore to potentially produce rare-earth oxide (“REO”) or total rare-earth oxide (“TREO”) outputs first in modest volumes, ramping up toward thousands of tonnes annually as its SMC comes online. The licensing bottleneck that China’s restrictions have imposed has highlighted the strategic urgency for companies such as Ucore. If Ucore meets its 2026 milestone, it could become a key Western source of REEs and magnets, reducing the vulnerability of U.S. manufacturers and defense contractors to external supply risks.

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

• Forward Industries is the largest publicly traded Solana treasury platform with more than 6.8 million SOL acquired to date.
• The company raised $1.65 billion in a PIPE led by Multicoin Capital, Galaxy Digital, and Jump Crypto to fund its Solana treasury acquisition.
• Forward generates yield through active staking, lending, and DeFi participation, increasing SOL-per-share over time.
• The company tokenized its common stock on the Solana blockchain and plans to acquire an equity stake in Superstate to expand on-chain capital markets access.
• Forward is led by crypto-native investors with deep strategic alignment in the Solana ecosystem.

Forward Industries (NASDAQ: FORD) is building and managing a large-scale Solana (“SOL”) treasury, backed by some of the most influential investors in the digital asset space. The company’s strategy centers on long-term shareholder value through active participation in the Solana ecosystem, which it views as uniquely positioned to underpin future global capital markets due to its high throughput, deep economic activity, and growing developer adoption.

Through this shift, Forward Industries aims to create value by accumulating SOL and strategically deploying assets through on-chain opportunities including staking, lending, and participation in decentralized finance (“DeFi”). Forward also became the first U.S.-listed company to bring its common stock onto the Solana blockchain, reinforcing its focus on digital-native capital markets.

Forward Industries is headquartered in New York.

Solana Treasury Operations

In September 2025, Forward Industries closed a $1.65 billion private investment in public equity (“PIPE”) led by Multicoin Capital, Galaxy Digital, and Jump Crypto. The PIPE proceeds were deployed to acquire over 6.8 million SOL at an average price of $232 per token, with a portion executed on-chain via DFlow, a decentralized exchange aggregator built exclusively for Solana trading applications. The company has since staked the entirety of its treasury, actively generating yield through native Solana infrastructure and DeFi applications.

Forward’s strategy is centered on growing SOL per share, leveraging a range of tools including at-the-market (“ATM”) equity offerings and potential preferred equity issuance. The company is also targeting acquisitions and strategic partnerships within the Solana ecosystem to accelerate treasury yield and ecosystem alignment. As part of its infrastructure expansion, Forward tokenized its FORD shares on the Solana blockchain in collaboration with Superstate and plans to acquire an equity interest in the platform. The tokenized shares are expected to enable 24/7 trading, real-time settlement, and eligibility for use as DeFi collateral.

This shift was supported by the company’s board and executive team, whose composition reflects deep alignment with the Solana ecosystem — including leadership from Multicoin Capital and board observers from Galaxy and Jump Crypto. The company’s stated objective is to establish itself as the leading institutional participant in the Solana ecosystem, uniquely positioned to capture both economic yield and strategic exposure to one of the fastest-growing blockchain networks in the world.

Market Opportunity

Solana has emerged as the most performant blockchain in the digital asset space, processing over 8.9 billion transactions in Q2 2025 and sustaining approximately $3 billion in daily decentralized exchange (“DEX”) trading volume. Year to date, Solana applications have generated over $4 billion in fees and more than $1 billion in real economic value (“REV”), a proxy for free cash flow generated by the network.

DeFi participation, stablecoin usage, and developer activity have all grown substantially, with over $1.5 trillion in swap volume recorded through 2025. SOL staking yields have averaged over 8%, comprised of both inflationary rewards and organic yield from network activity. With 17 pending ETF applications and major institutions like BlackRock, Visa, PayPal, and HSBC integrating Solana, Forward Industries is positioned to benefit from a rising tide of institutional adoption, tokenization of real-world assets, and increased demand for high-performance blockchain infrastructure.

Leadership Team

Kyle Samani, Chairman of Forward Industries, is the co-founder and Managing Partner of Multicoin Capital, an early Solana backer and one of the largest holders of SOL. Samani contributed $25 million to the PIPE and is a key strategic leader behind Forward’s treasury roadmap.

Mike Pruitt, Interim CEO of Forward Industries, joined the board in February 2025 and was appointed Interim CEO in May. He is the founder of Avenel Financial Group and previously served as CEO of Chanticleer Holdings, bringing decades of public company leadership and capital markets experience.

Kathleen Weisberg, Chief Financial Officer of Forward Industries, was appointed CFO in July 2023 after serving as Corporate Controller since 2020. Weisberg is a CPA with prior roles at WW International, Symbol Technologies, and Ernst & Young.

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

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