admin, Author at The Richest State

: The electric grid kept the lights on for much of the country hit by the weekend’s massive snowstorm chiefly because the Trump administration broke from Biden-era plans, keeping five major coal-fired power plants online and allowing grid providers to draw in more fossil fuel-based energy in vulnerable areas.

The Energy Department made the claims in exclusive comments to Fox News Digital, as officials said multiple megawatts of power were made additionally available from otherwise taboo hydrocarbons.

Secretary Chris Wright issued several emergency orders over the weekend and through Tuesday that permitted power plants to operate beyond levels set by EPA regulations and considered the ceiling prior to President Donald Trump’s second term, a source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital.

Five such plants were on track to be closed under the Biden-era push to pivot from fossil fuels to green energy, the official said, adding that the Trump administration was prepared to give energy producers leeway to push more power online to reduce risks of blackouts. The Trump administration saved 17 gigawatts of coal power that were going to be forcibly shut down as well, Fox News has learned.

‘We told grid providers: if your energy demand reaches a critical level… let us know,’ the official said, adding that there is a direct correlation between the power being saved up and what was needed to keep the lights on as states from Alabama to Vermont were hammered with wintry weather and deep freezes.

As the storm approached, Wright informed grid operators to be prepared to use more than 35 gigawatts of unused backup generation nationwide, sourced from anywhere from data centers to big-box stores, bypassing prior environmental regulations by emergency order.

That gave a wide buffer against blackouts and hundreds of millions in emergency costs for Americans — as 1 gigawatt is enough to power Wright’s hometown Denver metro area alone.

‘How power sources perform during peak electricity demand reveal their true value,’ Energy Department press secretary Ben Dietderich told Fox News Digital.

‘Across the country, wind and solar generation plummeted while natural gas, coal and oil plants did the majority of the work keeping the lights on during the storm. According to DOE data, the Biden administration’s support for forcibly closing reliable coal and natural gas plants had America on track to see blackouts increase 100 times over by 2030.’

‘Thankfully, President Trump was elected and has already prevented the forced closure of five coal plants and more than 17 gigawatts of reliable coal power,’ Dietderich added.

Dietderich said the Trump administration and Wright continue to be committed to ‘unleashing’ affordable and reliable energy that works — ‘whether the wind is blowing or the sun is shining,’ a common administration reference to the unreliability of those forms of green energy when those natural power sources aren’t present.

As the storm approached, Wright remarked that the Trump administration ‘will not stand by and allow the previous administration’s reckless energy subtraction policies and bureaucratic red tape put American lives at risk.’

The structure of the department’s emergency preparations is also meant to save American lives, he said.

In that regard, wind and solar power only accounted for 10% of the energy utilized across the storm’s path.

Hydrocarbons and coal, by contrast, provided 68% of the power in those same areas, a power source often maligned on the left.

The department noted that in New England — where renewable and green energy sources are often put on the proverbial pedestal — nearly two-thirds of the energy utilized was sourced from hydrocarbon-based or coal-fired power.

American coal power itself provided enough electricity for 30 million homes across the storm’s path, the department said.

Fox News Digital reached out to President Biden’s representatives for comment.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Investing

Rio Silver Launches Metallurgical Program to De-Risk Processing and Optimize Silver Recoveries at Maria Norte

Rio Silver Inc. (‘Rio Silver’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) has initiated metallurgical testwork that will assist in designing a process flow sheet to optimize silver recoveries from planned mineral extraction and processing activities at its Maria Norte Project, Peru.

This is an important step in defining the metallurgical characteristics of the mineralization at Maria Norte. Results of this work will assist the Company in assessing the Project’s potentials value. It is expected that continuing metallurgical work will pursue optimization within a disciplined, low-capital-intensity development framework.

Metallurgical Review and Flow Sheet Design Work

Representative samples of mineralization collected along the targeted Maria Vein, beginning at the planned portal access site and extending along surface exposures, have been submitted to Asesor Procesos Metalurgicos, a specialist firm in mineral processing circuit analysis and design based in Trujillo, Peru.

The metallurgical work is being led by Jose Orlando Moncada Rojas and is focused on:

Characterizing silver mineralization and liberation behavior
Evaluating processing responses and recovery optimization
Designing a preliminary processing flow sheet aligned with third-party toll-milling scenarios

Upon completion of the analytical review and process engineering phase, check samples will be submitted to Certimin in Lima, Peru for an independent follow-up check of the proposed flow sheet design and metallurgical results.

This staged approach is intended to provide technical confidence ahead of processing, while maintaining flexibility and capital discipline.

Management Commentary

‘Metallurgy is the technical foundation that turns mineralization into recoverable silver, and this work is critical to how we move forward,’ said Chris Verrico, President and Chief Executive Officer of Rio Silver. ‘By undertaking a detailed metallurgical review and flow sheet design now, and then independently verifying those results, we are advancing Maria Norte along a disciplined, low-capex processing pathway. The market should view this as a meaningful step toward processing readiness, one that helps solidify our execution plan.’

What’s Next

Completion of metallurgical characterization and flow sheet design
Independent verification and certification of results by Certimin in Lima
Integration of metallurgical outcomes into processing and toll-milling planning
Alignment of processing parameters with access, permits, and operational sequencing
Continued advancement toward initial processing activities targeted for late 2026 or early 2027

Why This Matters to Investors

For investors, metallurgy is one of the most important technical de-risking steps on the path to processing and cash flow. Positive, independently verified metallurgical results validate recovery assumptions, confirm processing routes, and underpin economic decision-making. At Maria Norte, this work directly supports Rio Silver’s capital-efficient, third-party processing strategy by reducing uncertainty before access and material movement begins. As silver prices remain strong, projects that methodically de-risk metallurgy while preserving a low-capex development model are increasingly well positioned to convert geological potential into realizable value.

Qualified Person

Jeffrey Reeder, P.Geo., is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Reeder is a consultant to the Company and is not independent within the meaning of NI 43-101.

About Rio Silver Inc.

Rio Silver Inc. (TSX-V: RYO | OTC: RYOOF) is a Canadian resource company advancing high-grade, silver-dominant assets in Peru, the world’s second-largest silver producer. The Company is focused on near-term development opportunities within proven mineral belts and is supported by a seasoned technical and operational team with deep experience in Peruvian geology, underground mining, and district-scale exploration. With a clear development strategy and a growing portfolio of highly prospective silver assets, Rio Silver is establishing the foundation to become one of Peru’s next emerging silver producers.

Learn more at www.riosilverinc.com

Stay Connected with Rio Silver
Investors and stakeholders are encouraged to follow Rio Silver for the latest company updates, project milestones, and event announcements across the Company’s official social media channels:

By following Rio Silver’s official channels, investors can stay informed as the Company advances its silver-dominant projects and executes on key development milestones.

ON BEHALF OF Rio Silver INC.

Chris Verrico
Director, President and Chief Executive Officer

To learn more or engage directly with the Company, please contact:
Christopher Verrico, President and CEO
Tel: (604) 762-4448
Email: chris.verrico@riosilverinc.com
Website: www.riosilverinc.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding anticipated development activities, underground access timing, permitting progress, community engagement, processing strategies, and the Company’s ability to advance toward potential production and cash flow. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Rio Silver undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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Investing

Silverco Announces $40 Million “Bought Deal” Offering

Silverco Mining Ltd. (TSXV: SICO,OTC:QTZCF) (‘Silverco’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Velocity Capital Partners (‘Velocity’), as lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, on its own behalf and on behalf of a syndicate of underwriters (collectively, with Velocity, the ‘Underwriters’), pursuant to which the Underwriters have agreed to purchase, on a ‘bought deal’ basis, 3,200,000 common shares of the Company (the ‘Offered Shares’) at a price of $12.50 per Offered Share (the ‘Issue Price’) for aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of $40 million (the ‘Offering’).

The Offered Shares will be offered in each of the Provinces and Territories of Canada (other than Québec) in reliance on the ‘listed issuer financing exemption’ from the prospectus requirements available under National Instrument 45-106 − Prospectus Exemptions (‘NI 45-106‘), as modified by Coordinated Blanket Order 45-935 – Exemptions from Certain Conditions of the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption‘). The Offered Shares may also be offered on a private placement basis in such offshore jurisdictions may be mutually agreed between the Company and Velocity, provided it is understood that no prospectus filing or comparable obligation, ongoing reporting or continuous disclosure requirement or requisite regulatory or governmental approval arises in such jurisdictions, and the United States pursuant to an exemption from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘), as amended. Any such Offered Shares will be characterized as ‘restricted securities’ under the U.S. Securities Act.

In addition, the Company has granted the Underwriters an option to purchase for resale up to an additional 480,000 Offered Shares under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption at the Issue Price for additional gross proceeds of up to $6 million, on the same terms and conditions as set out herein, exercisable in whole or in part at any time up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration, evaluation and restart work on the Cusi Project, general and administrative expenditures and working capital.

The Offered Shares to be issued pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption will not be subject to resale restrictions pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco’s issuer profile and on the Company’s website at www.silvercomining.com. Prospective investors should read this offering document before making an investment decision concerning the Offered Shares.

The Offering is expected to close on or about February 19, 2026 (the ‘Closing Date‘) and is subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the conditional listing approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (‘TSXV‘) and the applicable securities regulatory authorities. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the TSXV.

The Offered Shares have not been registered and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Silverco Mining Ltd.

The Company owns a 100% interest in the 11,665-hectare Cusi Project located in Chihuahua State, Mexico (the ‘Cusi Property‘). It lies within the prolific Sierra Madre Occidental gold-silver belt.There is an existing 1,200 ton per day mill with tailings capacity at the Cusi Property.

The Cusi Property is a past-producing underground silver-lead-zinc-gold project approximately 135 kilometres west of Chihuahua City. The Cusi Property boasts excellent infrastructure, including paved highway access and connection to the national power grid.

The Cusi Property hosts multiple historical Ag-Au-Pb-Zn producing mines each developed along multiple vein structures. The Cusi Property hosts several significant exploration targets, including the extension of a newly identified downthrown mineralized geological block and additional potential through claim consolidation.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Mark Ayranto, President & CEO
Email: mayranto@silvercomining.com

For further information, please contact:
Investor Relations & Communications
Email: info@silvercomining.com
www.silvercomining.com

Cautionary Statement and Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation that are based on expectations, estimates, assumptions, geological theories, and projections as at the date of this news release. The information in this news release about any information herein that is not a historical fact may be ‘forward looking statements.’ Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (which may, but not always, include phrases such as ‘anticipates’, ‘plans’, ‘scheduled’, ‘believed’ or ‘intends’ or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results ‘may’ or ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken to occur or be achieved) including statements regarding the Company’s plans with respect to the Company’s projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company’s projects, the Company’s objectives, plans and strategies, the Offering, the listing of the Common Shares on the TSXV, the use of proceeds of the Offering and other matters are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements and are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure readers that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Such factors include, among others, with respect to the Offering, the conditions of the financial markets, timeliness of completion of the Offering, and the timing of TSXV approval; and with respect to the use of proceeds, the availability of drills and personnel, weather, the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, fluctuating commodity prices, risks relating to the timing and ability of the Company to obtain and the timing of the approval of relevant regulatory bodies, if at all; risks relating to property interests; risks related to access to the project; risks inherent in mineral exploration, including the fact that any particular phase of exploration may be unsuccessful; the availability of contractors; geo-political risks; the global economic climate; metal prices; environmental risks; political risks; and community and non-governmental actions, as described in more detail in our recent securities filings available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco’s issuer profile. Further to this, geological similarities or characteristics are not guarantees or certainties of successful exploration. Neither the Company nor any other person assumes responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of any such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. When considering this forward-looking information, readers should keep in mind the risk factors and other cautionary statements in the Company’s disclosure documents filed with the applicable Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Silverco’s issuer profile. The risk factors and other factors noted in the disclosure documents could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those described in any forward-looking information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/282044

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Investing

Flow Metals Provides Structural Interpretation Update from Sixtymile Gold Project

Flow Metals Corp. (CSE: FWM) (‘Flow Metals’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce a technical update on its Sixtymile Gold Project, Yukon. Recent re-logging of historic drill core has resulted in a revised structural interpretation of gold mineralization.

The revised interpretation supports a fold-controlled orogenic gold model, in which:

Gold-bearing quartz veins preferentially develop within competent, quartz-rich layers.
Mineralization is structurally focused within antiformal fold geometries.
Deformation and veining intensify near a pre-existing ductile shear/thrust zone, interpreted to have acted as a regional fluid conduit.

Figure 1: A- Mylonitic unit displaying foliation and shear fabric parallel to the core axis; porphyroclasts exhibit west vergence, interpreted to reflect movement along the regional thrust fault. B- Light-coloured quartzitic unit with foliation inclined to the core axis. C- Crenulation cleavage developed within the heavily deformed mylonitic unit. The interval just above at 145 m contained 18.1 g/t Au over 0.48 m.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7235/281980_flow%20metals%20figure%201.jpg

Fold Structure Identified

Detailed re-logging of historic drill hole DDH-11-18 has identified a fold structure within the schist host rocks. Core observations show a systematic swing in foliation orientation consistent with a large-scale fold, interpreted to have a wavelength of approximately 100-150 metres. The highest grades in DDH-11-18 correlate with competent quartzite units proximal to well developed crenulation cleavage. This fold geometry provides a new structural framework for understanding the distribution of gold mineralization on the property.

Evidence for Turbidite Protolith

Re-logging also identified sedimentary features interpreted to be consistent with a metamorphosed turbidite sequence, including:

Repeated fining-upward units.
Interlayered quartz-rich and micaceous horizons, locally carbonaceous.
Strong competency contrasts between quartzite and pelitic schist.

These observations suggest that the schist in the target area represents a layered metasedimentary package rather than a homogeneous schistose unit. Competency contrasts between quartz-rich and pelitic layers are interpreted to strongly influence the distribution of deformation and veining.

Figure 2: DDH10-03 (@151 m): Interpreted preserved turbidite sequence showing layered sandy interval fining upward into deformed pelitic schist. This pattern repeats throughout the core.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7235/281980_1d80714e34d22986_007full.jpg

Implications for Gold Mineralization

Historic drill core indicates that gold mineralization is stronger in quartz-rich units than in adjacent schistose intervals, consistent with competency-controlled vein emplacement model.

Exploration Strategy

Future exploration will focus on:

Structural modeling of the newly recognized fold architecture.
Tracking quartz-rich horizons through the fold geometry.
Testing down-plunge continuity of mineralized zones.
Evaluating potential fold repetitions along the structural corridor.

This refined model narrows targeting to specific structural positions where favorable host lithologies and deformation conditions coincide.

Investor Awareness Agreement

Qualified Person

Harley Slade, P. Geo., is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has reviewed and approved the technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Slade is Flow Metals Vice President of Exploration and a director of the Company.

About Flow Metals

Flow Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on grassroots copper and gold discovery in mining-friendly jurisdictions. New Brenda is a copper-silver-molybdenum porphyry project in British Columbia’s Quesnel terrane and Sixtymile is a Yukon gold project in the historic Sixtymile gold district.

For further information, please contact:

Scott Sheldon, President
604.725.1857
scott@flowmetals.com

Forward-Looking Statements

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release.

Forward-looking statements are based on management’s expectations, estimates, projections and assumptions as of the date hereof and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: risks inherent in mineral exploration; uncertainties in geological interpretation and modelling; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development; the Company’s ability to execute planned exploration programs; availability of equipment, contractors, and personnel; timing and results of exploration work; permitting and regulatory approvals; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; commodity price volatility; currency fluctuations; general market and economic conditions; the Company’s ability to obtain future financing on acceptable terms or at all; and that marketing and investor awareness programs may not yield the intended outcomes or may be modified, suspended or terminated.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281980

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Investing

Selta Project – Gold Exploration Update

First Development Resources plc (AIM: FDR), a UK-based, Australia-focused mineral exploration company with interests in Western Australia and the Northern Territory, is pleased to provide an update on its gold (‘Au’) focused exploration at the Selta Project (‘Selta’ or the ‘Project’), located in the Aileron Province of Australia’s Northern Territory.

HIGHLIGHTS

The high-resolution aeromagnetic (‘AMAG’) and radiometric (‘RAD’) geophysical survey over the Lander West regional gold target area has been successfully completed, covering approximately 4,200-line kilometres and delivering a high-quality geophysical survey dataset for targeting Au.
Updated AMAG / RAD images are being interpreted, enhancing FDR’s understanding of subsurface geology, structures, and alteration patterns for drill targeting gold mineralisation associated with anomalous surface geochemical and historical shallow drilling results.
These new airborne geophysical survey results will be integrated with ongoing Gradient Array Induced Polarisation (‘GAIP’) survey results and historical geochemistry from surface sampling and shallow drilling to refine and prioritise target zone for future drilling.
Planning and applications for land access and heritage approvals over target areas is currently underway.

Tristan Pottas, Chief Executive Officer of FDR, commented:

‘Completion of the high-resolution AMAG and radiometric survey at Lander West represents a major step forward and it has materially improved our understanding of the subsurface geology and structural controls on mineralisation. We are grateful for the support received from Thomson Airborne, who delivered a high-quality, professional dataset on schedule over the holiday period.

The integration of the AMAG / RAD data with results from the ongoing GAIP survey and historical geochemical information will allow us to systematically refine and prioritise gold drill targets. We are very pleased with the quality of the datasets delivered and look forward to advancing Lander West through the next phase of exploration.’

AMAG / RAD SURVEY OUTCOMES

The completed AMAG / RAD survey was flown by Thomson Airborne Pty Ltd in early January 2026 using 100m spaced flight lines to generate high-resolution magnetic and radiometric datasets along approximately 4,200-line kilometres. The survey has delivered detailed imaging of structural features, lithological boundaries, and alteration signatures across the Lander West gold target area.

A comparison between the original regional airborne magnetic anomaly imagery and the new FDR acquired high-resolution AMAG imagery is provided in Figure 1 (original) and Figure 2 (newly acquired imagery). The new AMAG survey data have been processed to provide very detailed imagery on the subsurface geology and structure that will help FDR’s technical team to better constrain structures of interest for drill targeting Au mineralisation.

Figure 2 presents the First Vertical Derivative (‘1VD’) of Total Magnetic Intensity reduced to magnetic pole (TMI RTP) filtered anomaly image. Additional data processing methods and three-dimensional (‘3D’) inversion modelling results are being reviewed to identify areas of granitic intrusive contacts with meta-sediments and meta-volcanic host rocks, zones of folding and faulting, and hydrothermal alteration zones, which are key targeting criteria for potential gold mineralisation.

The newly acquired AMAG / RAD data results will be integrated with chargeability and resistivity information generated from the ongoing GAIP geophysics survey to better constrain and target potential mineralised zones at depth for follow up air-core (‘AC’) drilling transects to test shallow targets and reverse circulation (‘RC’) drilling to test deeper GAIP targets and drill under historical shallow Au anomaly zones. This combined geophysical interpretation, together with historical geochemical datasets, will underpin a robust, multi-disciplinary targeting framework to identify and prioritise drill-ready gold targets.

LANDER WEST GOLD TARGET

Following detailed desktop studies, FDR has identified the Lander West regional gold target area as a priority focus within the broader Selta Project. This target has been supported by a comprehensive gold targeting study completed by Resource Potentials Pty Ltd (‘ResPot’), a Perth, Western Australia-based Mineral Exploration and Geophysical Consultancy. ResPot has been commissioned to integrate historical drilling, geological, geophysical, and geochemical datasets to help FDR define high-potential gold targets for follow-up work.

Lander West is interpreted as a continuation of the Stafford Gold Trend, where the adjacent ground hosts high-grade gold and antimony (‘Sb’) mineralisation in the same geological units extending to the southeast ⁽¹⁾. Gold mineralisation is believed to be shear-hosted, associated with zones of deformation and hydrothermal alteration, which produce subtle but measurable variations in magnetic response. Within Lander West, a very large granitic batholith, with smaller granite stocks along its margin, have been identified by the AMAG data to sit below thin sand cover sediments, and these granites are a likely source for the Au (and Sb) mineralising fluids to form Intrusive Related Gold (‘IRG’) and skarn type gold targets with FDR’s land holding. High-resolution geophysical datasets are therefore critical to refining drill targets and advancing FDR’s gold exploration programme.

NEXT STEPS

Interpretation and 3D inversion modelling of the integrated AMAG / RAD, GAIP survey results and geochemical datasets is underway, and the result is already informing key areas for follow-up exploration planning, including the design and prioritisation of future AC and RC drilling programmes at Lander West. This systematic, data-driven approach is intended to maximise discovery potential while maintaining a disciplined and cost-effective exploration strategy over such a large gold target area.

Further updates will be provided as interpretation progresses and exploration activities advance.

Figure 1: Original regional scale AMAG data anomaly image (1VD filtered and grey colour scale) from the Selta Project Lander West gold target area.

Figure 2: Newly-acquired first vertical derivate (1VD) on total magnetic intensity (TMI) filtered AMAG anomaly imagery from the Selta Project Lander West gold target area. This processing method helps sharpen shallow geological effects, such as fault systems, folds and shear zones, and it clearly identified a newly discovered granite contact in the north, which is a likely driver for hydrothermal fluids and heat to produce Au mineralisation.

REFERENCE

1. iTech Minerals Ltd (ASX: ITM) announcement dated 12 January 2026
(2924-03045120-2A1647835&v=undefined)

QUALIFIED PERSON STATEMENT

The technical information contained in this disclosure has been reviewed and approved by Mr Nicholas O’Reilly (MSc, DIC, MIMMM QMR, MAusIMM, FGS), who is a qualified geologist and acts as the Qualified Person under the AIM Rules – Note for Mining and Oil & Gas Companies. Mr O’Reilly is a principal consultant working for Mining Analyst Consulting Ltd which has been retained by First Development Resources plc to provide technical support.

GLOSSARY

Term	Definition
3D Inversion Modelling	A technique that converts geophysical survey data into a three-dimensional (3D) map of underground structures, highlighting areas likely to host minerals.
Aeromagnetic (AMAG) survey	An airborne geophysical survey that measures variations in the Earth’s magnetic field to map subsurface geology and structures.
Air-Core (AC) Drilling	A drilling method for sampling shallow rocks efficiently, commonly used in early-stage exploration.
Alteration patterns	Recognisable changes in rocks caused by hot fluids moving through them, which can help indicate where valuable minerals may be concentrated.
Chargeability information (GAIP Survey)	Measures how strongly subsurface rocks hold an electric charge after introducing an electrical transmitter current into the ground, helping identify zones with disseminated sulphide minerals linked to gold.
First Vertical Derivative (1VD)	A magnetic data filter processing technique that calculates the rate of change of the magnetic field with height, enhancing short-wavelength anomalies and sharpening the edges of magnetic anomalies related to geological contacts, alteration zones, faults, and shear zones.
Geochemical information	Chemical data from rocks, soils, or fluids that is used to identify and understand areas with potential mineral deposits.
Geophysical survey	A method of measuring physical property changes in the Earth, such as magnetism, gravity, or electrical conductivity, to identify subsurface geological rock units, structures and potential mineral deposits.
Gradient Array Induced Polarisation (GAIP) survey	A geophysical survey method that maps anomalies caused by subsurface geology and mineralisation by measuring electrical properties of the ground. GAIP helps identify and prioritise prospective gold targets for follow-up exploration and drilling.
Granitic Batholith	A large underground granite body often associated with mineral deposits.
High-resolution (AMAG Survey)	Refers to geophysical data collected at closely spaced intervals (100m or less), providing detailed and precise information about subsurface magnetic features to improve target definition for exploration.
Hydrothermal alteration	Changes in rock caused by hot, mineral-rich fluids, often forming new minerals and altering the rock’s original composition.
Intrusive Related Gold (IRG)	Gold associated with igneous intrusions, commonly forming structurally controlled or disseminated deposits.
Line Kilometre	One kilometre of a geophysical survey line flown or surveyed. Total line kilometres indicate the survey’s overall coverage.
Lithological boundary	The contact or transition between different rock types, which can influence how fluids move and where minerals may accumulate.
Metasediments	Sediment-based rocks that have been metamorphosed, often forming targets for mineral exploration.
Meta-volcanic host rocks	Volcanic rocks altered by heat or pressure that host or control the formation of mineral deposits.
Mineralisation	The process by which valuable minerals are formed and concentrated in rocks, creating zones that may be mined for metals or other resources.
Radiometric (RAD) survey	Measures natural gamma radiation from rocks and regolith related to potassium (K), thorium (Th) and uranium (U) concentrations in the surface outcrop to highlight areas altered by minerals, helping pinpoint potential gold and other deposits.
Resistivity information (GAIP Survey)	Measures how strongly subsurface rocks resist electrical current, helping map geological rock units, structures, sulphide mineralisation and hydrothermal alteration zones
Reverse-Circulation (RC) Drilling	A standard exploration drilling approach that produces clean samples for assessing mineral deposits.
Shear hosted	Describes a rock or mineral deposit that occurs within, and is controlled by, a shear zone, where deformation created pathways for hydrothermal fluids and mineral deposition.
Shear zone	A zone of intense deformation where rocks have been sheared and fractured, often hosting gold due to the increased porosity formed along the shear zone.
Skarn-Type Gold Targets	Gold deposits formed where igneous intrusions alter carbonate rocks, creating mineral-rich zones.
Stafford Gold Trend	A regionally significant mineralised corridor in the Northern Territory, Australia, known for hosting gold and high-grade antimony deposits, which provides structural and geological continuity for exploration targets like Lander West.
Structural feature	A geological break or deformation in rocks such as faults, shear zones, or folds.
Subsurface geology	The type, structure, and arrangement of rocks below the Earth’s surface that help explain how mineral deposits may have formed.
Total Magnetic Intensity (TMI)	The measured strength of the Earth’s magnetic field at a location, including contributions from both the regional geomagnetic field and local magnetic variations caused by subsurface geology.
Zone of deformation	An area of rock altered or deformed by stress, such as faulting or folding.

For further information visit www.firstdevelopmentresources.com or contact the following:

First Development Resources plc

Tristan Pottas (CEO)

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3778 1397

Beaumont Cornish Limited

Nominated Adviser

Roland Cornish / Asia Szusciak

Tel: +44 (0) 20 7628 3396

SI Capital Limited

Broker

Nick Emerson

Tel: +44 (0) 1483 413 500

Beaumont Cornish Limited (‘Beaumont Cornish’) is the Company’s Nominated Adviser and is authorised and regulated by the FCA. Beaumont Cornish’s responsibilities as the Company’s Nominated Adviser, including a responsibility to advise and guide the Company on its responsibilities under the AIM Rules for Companies and AIM Rules for Nominated Advisers, are owed solely to the London Stock Exchange. Beaumont Cornish is not acting for and will not be responsible to any other persons for providing protections afforded to customers of Beaumont Cornish nor for advising them in relation to the proposed arrangements described in this announcement or any matter referred to in it.

ABOUT FIRST DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES

First Development Resources’ assets comprise eight granted tenements covering a total area of 2,314.4km². Five of the tenements, comprising three prospective copper-gold projects, are located in Western Australia (WA), while the remaining three tenements, comprising a rare-earth element (REE), uranium, lithium and gold project, are located in the Australian’s Northern Territory. All tenements are wholly owned by FDR. The assets are a mixture of drill ready and earlier stage exploration.

The WA Projects include the Company’s Wallal Project, as well as Ripon Hills and Braeside West Projects, which are all situated in the Paterson Province, which is widely regarded as one of the most productive regions in Australia for the discovery of world-class gold-copper deposits, and is home to several world-class mines and more recent discoveries.

The Selta Project in the Northern Territory is located in an area considered to be highly prospective for uranium and rare-earth element mineralisation, along with base and precious metal mineralisation. Numerous companies are actively exploring within the region.

Beyond the existing portfolio, FDR is actively looking to expand its portfolio through the acquisition of early-stage exploration projects in Australia.

Source

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Investing

Equity Metals Provides Corporate Update

Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY,OTC:EQMEF) (‘Equity’ or the ‘Company’) announces that the following incumbent directors were re-elected at the Company’s annual general meeting held on January 28, 2026: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr., Lawrence Page, K.C., Killian Ruby, Courtney Shearer and John Kerr. In addition, the shareholders re-appointed Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Accountants, as auditor of Equity Metals and approved the Company’s rolling incentive stock option plan pursuant to which a maximum of 10% of the issued shares will be reserved for issuance under the plan. The plan is subject to TSX Venture Exchange acceptance.

The following officers were re-appointed subsequent to the annual general meeting: Joseph A. Kizis, Jr. as President, Lawrence Page, K.C. as Chairman, Robert Macdonald as Vice President Exploration, Jay Oness as Vice President Corporate Development, Killian Ruby as Chief Financial Officer, and Arie Page as Corporate Secretary.

Equity Metals has granted incentive stock options to directors, officers and consultants to purchase 9,000,000 common shares of the Company at an exercise price of $0.45 per share, exercisable for a period of five years. The stock options are subject to the terms and conditions of Equity Metals’ stock option plan and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Equity Metals Corporation

Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines. As well, the Company has an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Arlington Property, located within the Boundary District of south-central British Columbia where 2025 exploration work consisted of geophysics and diamond drilling designed to identify and delineate an apparent gold system.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

‘Lawrence Page, K.C.’

Lawrence Page, K.C.
Chairman, Director, Equity Metals Corporation

For further information, visit the website at https://www.equitymetalscorporation.com; or contact us at 604.641.2759 or by email at corpdev@mnxltd.com.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/281991

News Provided by TMX Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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World

Iowa man stops Trump at restaurant with unexpected request before speech

President Donald Trump paused during a restaurant stop in Iowa after a patron asked if he could pray for him ahead of the president’s remarks near Des Moines.

Video shared on X by White House aide Margo Martin shows the moment unfolding inside the Machine Shed restaurant, where a man from the crowd addressed Trump directly.

‘Can I pray for you real quick?’ the man asked.

‘Absolutely! Come on. Let’s go,’ Trump replied, bowing his head as the man began to pray.

The brief prayer thanked God for the president and asked for wisdom, discernment, peace and protection, as others in the restaurant joined in.

‘Lord God, we give thanks for this president,’ the man said during the prayer, ‘Lord, thank you for him and the potential. Thank you for continuing wisdom, we pray for discernment. Pray for hope, we pray for more peace, Lord.’

The prayer from the restaurant patron drew several ‘Amens’ from the surrounding crowd.

The unscripted moment occurred as Trump made a stop at the Iowa restaurant before heading to deliver a speech in the Des Moines area to kick off his 2026 midterm campaign.

The video shows patrons standing nearby as the prayer concluded, followed by applause and words of praise: ‘Amen, praise God.’

The White House has recently shared a national invitation to prayer and spiritual re-dedication ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary.

In a statement released by the administration, Trump encouraged Americans to pray for the nation and its people, saying the country has long been ‘sustained and strengthened by prayer.’

Trump added that as the nation prepares to mark 250 years since its founding, Americans should ‘rededicate ourselves to one nation under God.’

The White House was contacted for additional context on the stop and the timing of the visit.

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World

Senate GOP critics say Noem ‘needs to go’ amid fallout from Minneapolis shootings

A pair of Senate Republicans are demanding that Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem lose her job in the wake of a pair of fatal shootings in the midst of the agency’s immigration operations in Minnesota.

Sens. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Thom Tillis, R-N.C., are no strangers to being critical of the Trump administration, and have again broken from their party in calling for Noem to either step aside or be fired by President Donald Trump.

They join several Senate Democrats who have demanded accountability for the fatal shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Nicole Good in the midst of DHS’ immigration operations in Minneapolis, Minn. It also comes as Senate Democrats are threatening to shut the government down in their bid to sideline the DHS funding bill.

When pressed on whether Noem should resign, Murkowski noted that she voted for her confirmation last year.

‘I think the President needs to look at who he has in place as the Secretary of Homeland Security. I would not support her again, and I think it probably is time for her to step down,’ she said.

Trump on Tuesday said that Noem was doing a ‘very good job.’ When asked if she would be stepping down, he said ‘no.’

Tillis, who has made a habit of going after Trump officials in the last several months and accusing them of giving the president bad policy advice, was more biting in his assessment of Noem’s performance, and extended that breakdown to White House Deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller, who similarly accused Pretti of being a domestic terrorist.

He charged that ‘people like Noem are squandering’ Trump’s ability to codify policy and open the door to a discussion on immigration reform — something both sides of the aisle have desired for some time.

‘I don’t know if it’s lost yet, but if it is an opportunity lost, I put it squarely on the shoulders of people like Noem and Stephen Miller,’ Tillis said. ‘Those two people told the president, before they even had any incident report whatsoever, that the person who died was a terrorist. I mean, that is amateur hour at its worst.’

When asked about Noem’s choice to label Pretti as a domestic terrorist, Murkowski said that the DHS head has an ‘obligation to control these situations that are under her jurisdiction, and she has not done so.’

Murkowski contended that accountability in the situation goes all the way to the top rung of leadership.

‘I think you have a secretary right now who needs to be accountable to to the chaos and some of the tragedy that we have seen,’ Murkowski said.

And Tillis, when asked if Noem should be removed from her position, said ‘100%,’ but stopped short of supporting impeachment.

‘I’m not going to get into impeachment,’ Tillis said. ‘I think it should be a management decision. She needs to go.’

Fox News Digital reached out to DHS.

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World

Ilhan Omar backed by House Republicans after Minnesota town hall attack

House Republicans are coalescing around progressive ‘Squad’ member Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., after she was attacked during a town hall in Minneapolis on Tuesday night.

‘This is totally unacceptable. I am glad Rep. Omar is okay,’ Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn., wrote on X in response to a video of the incident.

It’s a rare show of bipartisanship in the face of political violence that has become common in recent years amid increasingly volatile rhetoric on both sides.

Support for Omar came from both conservative and moderate Republicans after a man appeared to confront her and spray a substance on her before he was quickly subdued at her public event.

‘Political, religious, and ideological differences never justify violence,’ Rep. Nathaniel Moran, R-Texas, wrote of the attack. ‘Those who resort to violence to make a political point should understand that such actions only undermine the very rights that form the foundation of our Republic.’

Rep. Tom Barrett, R-Mich., noted that political violence against members of Congress had been escalating for some time.

‘The assault on Congresswoman Omar is disturbing and unacceptable, and the attacker must be prosecuted and punished to the full extent of the law,’ he said in his own statement. ‘This attack is the latest of thousands of acts and threats of violence directed against Congress over the past year, resulting in a 57% increase just since 2024.’

Moderate Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., similarly said Wednesday morning, ‘I condemn the attack on Rep. Ilhan Omar that occurred yesterday.’

‘We always have the right to free speech and to petition the government, but political violence must be dealt with sternly. The criminal here needs to spend some time behind bars,’ Bacon said.

And Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., noted she ‘deeply disagreed’ with Omar but said she was ‘deeply disturbed’ by the attack.

‘No elected official should face physical attacks. This is not who we are,’ Mace said.

It comes in addition to a slew of Democrats condemning the incident, though several immediately sought to blame President Donald Trump and the GOP for previously criticizing the progressive Minnesota lawmaker.

‘Trump’s hateful, dangerous rhetoric fuels this kind of political violence, and we must all reject it,’ said Rep. Rob Menendez, D-N.J.

And Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., wrote on X, ‘It is not a coincidence that after days of President Trump and [Vice President] Vance putting Rep. Omar in their crosshairs with slanderous public attacks, she gets assaulted at her town hall.’

The attack occurred minutes after Omar’s town hall began, and despite being urged to wrap up the event, she continued until the end.

Her office released a statement afterward, ‘During her town hall, an agitator tried to attack the Congresswoman by spraying an unknown substance with a syringe. Security and the Minneapolis Police Department quickly apprehended the individual. He is now in custody. The Congresswoman is okay. She continued with her town hall because she doesn’t let bullies win.’

The suspect who attacked her was arrested and charged with third-degree assault.

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World

Rubio scheduled to appear before Senate to outline Trump’s Venezuela policy

Secretary of State Marco Rubio will publicly testify on the Trump administration’s policy in Venezuela Wednesday morning after vowing to lawmakers that no more military action was expected in the region.

Rubio’s return to the Hill, an increasingly frequent occurrence in recent months, comes after he, President Donald Trump, administration officials and Senate Republican leadership successfully killed a bipartisan push to rein in the president’s war authorities in Venezuela.

His scheduled appearance before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee Wednesday at 10 a.m. comes just weeks after he helped to convince two lawmakers, Sens. Todd Young, R-Ind., and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., to flip their votes and back the administration.

Both were concerned about boots on the ground in Venezuela and Congress’ constitutional authority to weigh in on the matter.

They were convinced by Rubio and the administration that no further military action would take place, and that if it were, President Donald Trump would come to Congress first.

Young said at the time that the effort, spurred by Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., was ultimately just a messaging exercise that never would have survived in the House, nor evaded a veto from Trump.

‘I had to accept that this was all a communications exercise,’ Young said. ‘I think we [used] this moment to shine a bright light on Congress’ shortcomings as it relates to war powers in recent history.’

Rubio also wrote to Senate Foreign Relations Chair James Risch, R-Idaho, to spell out that the administration would clue in Congress should any future military action take place in the region.

‘Should there be any new military operations that introduce U.S. Armed Forces into hostilities, they will be undertaken consistent with the Constitution of the United States, and we will transmit written notifications consistent with section 4(a) of the War Powers Resolution (Public Law 93-148),’ he said.

However, Rubio’s appearance before the panel comes on the heels of unrest stateside following another fatal shooting in Minnesota, where Alex Pretti was killed in the midst of a Department of Homeland Security-led immigration operation in Minneapolis.

While he won’t have to answer for that situation, it has drastically shifted the Senate’s attention over the last several days.

It also follows Kaine’s vow to file several more war powers resolutions against Trump, specifically against action in Greenland, Iran and elsewhere.

Kaine believed that he could take advantage of cracks that formed in Republicans’ unified front earlier this month, when five joined all Senate Democrats to advance his resolution to require any future military action in Venezuela would need Congress’ approval.

‘The way cracks grow is through pressure and the pressure campaign that I sort of decided to launch by use of these privileged motions,’ Kaine said after his initial push failed.

‘I’m going to file every one I can to challenge emergencies, to challenge unlawful wars, to seek human rights reports, arms transfers if they’re wrong,’ he continued.

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