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A multi-year grant to a Washington-area nonprofit focused on promoting fishing, boating and outdoor activities was canceled by the Interior Department after Senate DOGE leadership flagged the original Fox News Digital report to the Cabinet agency.

More than $26 million has already been paid out – on top of $164 million since 2012 – to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), based in Alexandria, Virginia.

From the government website USA Spending, the grant’s purpose highlights RBFF’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ consumer campaign that includes a social and digital media component, as well as ads on Walt Disney Company-branded streaming services and ‘mobile fishing units’ that cater to urban communities and ‘underserved audiences.’

At least $40.5 million will be saved in the near-term, the Senate DOGE Caucus told Fox News Digital, citing Interior’s response.

‘Today’s catch of the day is Washington waste,’ said Senate DOGE Caucus Chairwoman Joni Ernst, R-Iowa.

‘I am proud to have exposed bloated overhead costs and worked with Secretary Burgum to ensure tax dollars collected to boost fishing are not siphoned into the pockets of slick D.C.-based consultants.’

‘There’s more pork in the sea, and I am going to keep fishing for it!’

Burgum’s office struck a similar tone, saying the agency is committed to fiscal responsibility, efficiency and accountability – while still fully supporting the recreational boating, fishing and outdoors industries.

A spokeswoman for the agency, which oversees the National Park Service that provides outlets for all of the above, said that ‘under President Donald J. Trump’s leadership, we are ensuring that every taxpayer dollar serves a clear purpose and aligns with our core mission.’

‘Following a review of discretionary spending, the Department determined that the use of this particular [RBFF] grant had not demonstrated sufficient alignment with program goals or responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,’ Charlotte Taylor said.

The grant, largely funded by excise taxes on fishing poles, came under DOGE scrutiny when Ernst discovered an RBFF contract with Disney worth $1.99 million plus hundreds of thousands in ‘SEO consulting,’ and $5 million to a Minnesota creative media development agency. Several RBFF executives are paid from the mid-$100,000s on up.

In part of a lengthy response to the grant’s cancellation, RBFF officials told Fox News Digital the organization has ‘devised a plan we believe would meet the goals and priorities of the administration, which includes adjusted employee compensation, reduced headcount and updated investment priorities.’

But the group claimed it has not been able to connect directly with DOGE or Interior during the grant review process ‘despite repeated outreach attempts during the past three months.’ 

A source familiar with the situation indicated the group had met with Ernst’s office, and Taylor said Burgum’s office did meet with RBFF in Washington earlier this month and has been in contact ‘multiple’ times: ‘Anything to say otherwise is inaccurate.’

‘Since 1998, [RBFF] has helped build what has become a $230.5 billion industry that supports 1.1 million American jobs, generates $263 million in tax revenue, and contributes $2 billion annually to fisheries and conservation efforts in all 50 states,’ RBFF’s statement continued.

‘Alarmingly, in just the past two months since RBFF’s funding has been paused, fishing license sales are down 8.6% across 16 states, representing the loss of over $590 million in angler spending and 5,600 jobs.’

Several other groups came to RBFF’s defense.

Matt Gruhn, president of the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, told Fox News Digital he was disappointed in Interior’s decision to terminate the grant.

‘[RBFF’s] work was pivotal to enhancing the recreational boating and fishing industry’s recruitment, retention and reactivation efforts. Their training and resources vastly improved state agency processes and marketing and has made boating and fishing licensing and registration far easier for Americans,’ Gruhn said.

‘RBFF has been a responsible steward of these taxpayer dollars from the very beginning, with oversight from the very stakeholders that paid into the fund that RBFF’s grant originates from, as well as passing every audit with flying colors.’

Additionally, the head of the American Sportfishing Association warned of the ‘severe impact’ the loss of grant money will have on the outdoors industry.

CEO Glenn Hughes said his organization’s members agreed in 1950 to self-impose a tax on fishing rods to reinvest back into the industry and bolster license sales, habitat conservation and more.

The RBFF’s ‘Take Me Fishing’ campaign began in 1998 with congressional funding from the tackle tax. Hughes claimed the effort has generated a total of $230.5 billion in economic impact since.

‘Without consultation and coordination with the recreational fishing industry, the Department of the Interior decided to withhold critical funding from RBFF, ultimately ending a 27-year history of increasing fishing participation and efforts to bolster the economic impact of the fishing industry.’

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

House lawmakers could kick off consideration of President Donald Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’ as soon as Wednesday morning.

A notice sent to congressional offices on Sunday night indicated House GOP leaders think they may begin the process at 9 a.m. Wednesday with an initial House-wide vote.

Nothing is set in stone, however, and the Senate is still working its way through the massive piece of legislation as of Monday morning. 

‘The president has been very clear that it’s time to get this bill out of Congress and over to his desk,’ House GOP Policy Chair Kevin Hern, R-Okla., told Fox News Digital. ‘We’re going to celebrate Independence Day with a big, beautiful signing ceremony and finally deliver this tax relief to American families.’

The initial House-wide vote would be a ‘rule’ vote, a procedural hurdle to allow lawmakers to begin debating the bill. That could set up a final vote by Wednesday evening or Thursday morning, depending on last-minute maneuvering to rally support. The House Rules Committee, the final gatekeeper before most legislation is considered chamber-wide, is likely to consider the bill on Tuesday.

The initial version of the bill passed the House of Representatives by just one vote in late May.

House GOP leaders are facing similarly slim odds now, with just four Republican defections being enough to sink the bill, assuming all Democrats vote against it as expected.

Some House Republicans have already voiced concerns about some of the Senate’s key modifications to the bill. Moderates are wary of additional cost-sharing burdens for states that expanded their Medicaid populations under the Affordable Care Act, while conservatives argue other measures in the bill will mean it adds more to the $36 trillion national debt than the House version.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., urged Republicans to take their concerns to leadership or their Senate counterparts rather than airing those grievances on social media.

Meanwhile, leadership allies have been hitting the media sphere in support of the bill.

‘The One, Big, Beautiful Bill delivers President Trump’s pro-worker promises by eliminating tax on tips, overtime, and auto interest, while also delivering tax relief for seniors,’ House Ways & Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., posted on X amid a litany of other statements promoting the bill.

Republican Study Committee Chair August Pfluger, R-Texas, wrote, ‘The average taxpayer in my district would face a 26% tax increase if we don’t pass the One Big Beautiful Bill. Failure is not an option. We must pass this bill to prevent the largest tax hike in history!’

The 940-page legislation is aimed at advancing Trump’s priorities on taxes, the border, energy, defense and the national debt.

The president has said he wants the bill on his desk on or around the Fourth of July.

Additionally, the legislation could still change before it gets to Trump – the Senate is kicking off a marathon ‘vote-a-rama’ on the bill with various senators on both sides offering an unlimited number of amendments.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President Donald Trump is leaning on Israel to end its conflict in Gaza and secure a hostage deal as he looks to expand the Abraham Accords – a cornerstone achievement of his first term.

The pressure is mounting as Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer is set to hold White House meetings on Monday on ending the 20-month-long war in Gaza.

In a 1 a.m. Sunday post on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, ‘Make the deal in Gaza. Get the hostages back!!!’

Reports on Sunday suggested mediators overseeing the hostage negotiations – which are closely tied to securing an end to Israel’s military operations and a day-after plan for Gaza – are pushing Israel to send negotiators to Egypt. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has thus far refused to do so. 

Instead, Dermer was reportedly sent to Washington to ensure the U.S. and Israel are aligned before indirect negotiations continue. 

Israel maintains that Hamas has been the roadblock in returning the remaining 50 hostages still held by the terrorist network, including 49 of whom were abducted on Oct.7, 2023, as well as one deceased hostage who has been held since 2014. 

According to the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, another 27 of the hostages are assessed to have been killed either during or since the October 2023 attack, including two Americans, Itay Chen and Omer Neutra. 

Netanyahu has also said there are ‘doubts’ about the fate of several other hostages. 

On Monday, the Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar said, ‘Israel is serious in its will to reach a hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza.’

He pointed to Jerusalem’s acceptance of a recent proposal presented by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but which Hamas rejected as it did not include a solution to a permanent ceasefire and a plan to withdraw Israeli forces from Gaza.

Witkoff is expected to head to Cairo in the coming days to begin hashing out new negotiations.

Ending Israel’s military operations in Gaza will prove a crucial step in expanding Trump’s ambitions to bring new nations into the Abraham Accords. 

On Monday, Sa’ar echoed Jerusalem’s ambitions in this effort and said, ‘We have opportunities in front of us. We paid for the new reality in the Middle East with the blood of our soldiers and citizens.’ 

‘Israel is interested in expanding the Abraham Accords circle of peace and normalization. We have an interest in adding countries, such as Syria and Lebanon, our neighbors, to the circle of peace and normalization – while safeguarding Israel’s essential and security interests,’ he added. 

Trump has not detailed which nations are interested in normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel, though nations like Saudi Arabia have made clear that so long as Palestinians continue to suffer in the Israel-Hamas conflict, normalization is off the table. 

‘We have some really great countries in there right now, and I think we’re going to start loading them up, because Iran was the primary problem,’ Trump told Maria Bartiromo during an exclusive ‘Sunday Morning Futures‘ interview this week.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

President Donald Trump is cheering on the GOP’s landmark spending and tax cut bill, as it faces judgment day in the Senate.

‘ONE GREAT BIG BEAUTIFUL BILL, is moving along nicely!’ the president wrote in a social media post hours before the Senate on Monday began to take a slew of votes on the Republican-crafted measure.

The bill, which the president is insisting pass Congress and reach his desk by this Friday, July 4, is stuffed full of Trump’s campaign trail promises and second-term priorities on tax cuts, immigration, defense, energy and the debt limit. 

It includes extending his signature 2017 tax cuts and eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay, providing billions for border security and codifying his controversial immigration crackdown.

However, many of the latest national surveys indicate that Americans are far from thrilled with the measure.

By a 21-point margin, voters questioned in the most recent Fox News national poll opposed the federal budget legislation (38% favored vs. 59% opposed), which passed by the House of Representatives by just one vote last month.

The bill was also underwater in national surveys conducted this month by the Washington Post (minus 19 points), Pew Research (minus 20 points) and Quinnipiac University (minus 26 points).

As Democrats attack the bill, they’re highlighting the GOP’s proposed restructuring of Medicaid — the nearly 60-year-old federal program that provides health coverage to roughly 71 million low-income Americans. Additionally, Senate Republicans increased cuts to Medicaid over what the House passed.

The changes to Medicaid, as well as cuts to food stamps, another one of the nation’s major safety net programs, were drafted in part as an offset to pay for extending Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, which are set to expire later this year. The measure includes a slew of new rules and regulations, including work requirements for many of those seeking Medicaid coverage.

Meanwhile, Republicans criticize Democrats opposing the bill for voting to increase taxes on most Americans.

About half of respondents questioned in the Fox News poll said the bill would hurt their family (49%), while one quarter thought it would help (23%), and another quarter didn’t think it would make a difference (26%).

Sixty percent felt they had a good understanding of what is in the measure, formally known as the One, Big, Beautiful Bill, and while those voters were more likely to favor the legislation than those who are unfamiliar with it, more still think it will hurt rather than help their family (45% vs. 34%).

The latest surveys all indicate a wide partisan divide over the measure.

According to the Fox News poll, which was conducted June 13-16, nearly three-quarters of Republicans (73%) favored the bill, while nearly nine in ten Democrats (89%) and nearly three-quarters of independents (73%) opposed the measure.

Fox News’ Dana Blanton contributed to this report.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Investor Insight

With a strategic foothold in Portugal and a commodity focus on tungsten – a metal deemed critical by both NATO and US defense agencies – Allied Critical Minerals is advancing two past-producing projects toward near-term production. Backed by a $4.6 million financing, offtake interest from major buyers, and a leadership team with proven capital markets and operational success, ACM is well-positioned to become the largest tungsten producer outside of China.

Overview

Allied Critical Minerals (CSE:ACM,FSE:0VJ0) is advancing two highly strategic, past-producing tungsten projects – Borralha and Vila Verde – located in northern Portugal. These brownfield assets present a compelling combination of near-term production potential and district-scale exploration upside, positioning the company to become the largest tungsten producer outside of China. With 100 percent ownership of both projects and supportive local communities, ACM is well-placed to contribute to the critically needed supply of this strategic metal to Western markets.

Tungsten is essential for defense systems, electric vehicles, semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), yet current global supply is dominated by China and Russia, accounting for about 90 percent of production. ACM’s projects are aligned with national security strategies in the US and EU, seeking secure and stable sources of tungsten supply. The company has already signed a letter of intent with Global Tungsten & Powders, a major Pennsylvania-based end-user with ties to the US military and is actively engaging with other global refineries.

To capitalize on these market dynamics, ACM closed a $4.6 million financing to fund an aggressive value creation plan. This includes an ongoing drill program at Borralha aimed at expanding its existing NI 43-101 resource, and the construction of a pilot processing facility at Vila Verde, targeted to begin in Q4 2025 and become operational by 2026. The pilot plant will process tailings and alluvial material from existing deposits, with an estimated annual output of ~250 tons tungsten trioxide (WO₃) and projected revenues of $4 million to $5 million, supporting near-term cash flow with minimal dilution.

ACM differentiates itself from competitors such as American Tungsten and Fireweed through its permitting progress, advanced technical groundwork and strong leadership. CEO Roy Bonnell brings a proven track record of successful exits and rapid value creation, having been instrumental in the success of both Founders Metals (TSXV:FDR) and Thesis Gold (TSXV:TAU) — two of the TSX Venture’s top-performing issuers in recent years.

Company Highlights

  • Strategic Focus on Critical Metals: Allied Critical Minerals is developing two tungsten projects – Borralha and Vila Verde – in mining-friendly northern Portugal, targeting near-term production and long-term scale.
  • Advanced Brownfield Assets: Both projects are historic producers with significant infrastructure, community support and technical momentum. Borralha produced tungsten from 1904 to 1986, and holds a newly updated NI 43-101 compliant resource.
  • Pilot Plant Launch in 2026: A pilot plant at Vila Verde is slated for construction in Q4 2025 with 150,000 tpa throughput capacity, expandable to 300,000 tpa. Target output of ~250 tons WO₃ annually is expected to generate $4 million to $5 million in revenue, funded through non-dilutive financing.
  • Offtake and Government Support: Allied has signed an LOI with Global Tungsten & Powders and is in discussions with additional refineries. Expressions of interest from US and EU defense-linked buyers are ongoing.
  • High Impact Drill Campaign: A fully funded 5,000 meter drill program is currently underway at Borralha, with assays expected to expand resources and define the high-grade Santa Helena Breccia zone.
  • Differentiated from Peers: Allied is one of only a few public companies in the Western world with near-term tungsten production potential, outpacing peers such as American Tungsten and Fireweed, in both timeline and resource readiness.

Key Projects

Borralha Tungsten Project

The Borralha project is ACM’s flagship development-stage asset, located approximately 100 km northeast of Porto in northern Portugal. A brownfield project with a rich production history dating back to 1904, Borralha produced over 10,280 tons of wolframite concentrate at an average grade of 66 percent WO₃, until operations ceased in 1986. Today, the project is advancing rapidly, supported by a Mining Rights Concession License and a newly updated NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate effective July 31, 2024. The estimate defines indicated resources of 4.98 million tons (Mt) at an average grade of 0.22 percent WO₃, 762 grams per ton (g/t) copper, and 4.8 g/t silver, and inferred resources of 7.01 Mt at 0.20 percent WO₃, 642 g/t copper, and 4.4 g/t silver. The project area hosts significant polymetallic enrichment, with tin and copper frequently associated with the tungsten mineralization, adding potential for by-product credits.

The primary zone of interest, the Santa Helena Breccia (SHB), is a subvertical to sub-horizontal breccia pipe-style tungsten system. Historical and recent drilling confirms broad, continuous mineralization with highlight intercepts including 106 m at 0.21 percent WO₃, 114 m at 0.23 percent WO₃, 108 m at 0.22 percent WO₃, and a high-grade zone of 10 m at 1.75 percent WO₃.

The SHB zone accounts for over 70 percent of known mineralization, but only about half of the zone has been drill-tested to date. The current drill campaign is targeting both lateral extensions and higher-grade core zones within the breccia body.

Geologically, the deposit is hosted in metasedimentary rocks intruded by late-Variscan granites, with mineralization occurring predominantly as wolframite associated with quartz-cassiterite veins and breccia infill. Breccia pipe mining techniques – similar to open-pit quarry operations – are anticipated for early-stage exploitation.

The project is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment under review by Portuguese authorities. The mining license includes provisions for up to 150,000 tons per annum of bulk sampling ahead of full-scale operations, which will be governed by a future feasibility study. The low-cost drill environment (~$235/meter) and excellent infrastructure – including road, power, water and proximity to a skilled workforce – make Borralha a technically robust and strategically significant asset for ACM.

Vila Verde Tungsten-Tin Project

Located approximately 45 km southeast of Borralha, the Vila Verde project is ACM’s pilot production and near-term cash flow opportunity. Historically, this area hosted the Vale das Gatas Mine, which was one of Portugal’s largest tungsten producers prior to its closure in 1986. The project covers a significantly larger land area than Borralha and includes multiple mineralized zones, notably Cumieira and Porqueira. A historical resource estimate from 2020 defined 7.3 Mt of mineralized material above a 0.05 percent WO₃ cutoff, including 4.0 Mt at 0.14 percent WO₃ in the Cumieira zone and 3.3 Mt at 0.10 percent WO₃ in Porqueira. While historical in nature, these figures are supported by 17 diamond drill holes totaling 2,103 metres, which revealed a 2.1 km x 1.0 km mineralized footprint at Cumieira and a 1.0 km x 500 m footprint at Porqueira.

Vila Verde Pilot Plan

Vila Verde is advancing toward the construction of a 150,000-ton-per-annum pilot plant, scheduled to begin construction in Q4 2025 and be operational in 2026. Tailings and alluvial material from the Justes deposit will be used as the initial feedstock, with an average WO₃ grade of ~0.21 percent anticipated. Plant design includes standard crushing and grinding circuits followed by gravimetric and magnetic separation to produce a high-grade wolframite concentrate. Engineering work by GMR Consultores and MinePro Solutions supports an annual output of approximately 250 tons of WO₃ under current parameters. The total estimated CAPEX for the pilot plant is CA$7.9 million, with a proposed expansion to 300,000 tpa requiring an additional CA$2.9 million, both targeted for non-dilutive funding sources.

Permitting is progressing efficiently, with the mineral license being converted from exploration to experimental mining status. This permits early-stage production while full-scale licensing is pursued. The project benefits from pre-existing quarry infrastructure, strong community support, and short timelines to cash flow. A signed LOI with Global Tungsten & Powders in Pennsylvania provides an initial offtake channel, and additional negotiations with global refiners are ongoing. Vila Verde is central to ACM’s short-term revenue plan and is designed to serve as a testbed for scalable production across its broader tungsten portfolio.

Management Team

Roy Bonnell – CEO and Director

Roy Bonnell is a seasoned executive with over 30 years in capital markets, venture finance and natural resources. Bonnell holds an LLB from Western University, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an MBA from McGill University. He brings deep leadership and financing experience and previously served as a board member for Founders Metals and Thesis Gold – two of the TSXV’s top performers.

João Barros – President and COO

With over 20 years of mining sector experience in Portugal, João Barros specializes in exploration management, environmental impact assessments and feasibility studies. He has held leadership roles at Ascendant Resources and Redcorp, and is a member of the Portuguese Engineers Association.

Sean O’Neill – Non-Executive Chairman

Sean O’Neill is head of securities at Boughton Law with 20+ years in corporate and securities law, including advising mining firms globally. He holds degrees in Chemical Engineering and Law, an MBA, and is a registered professional engineer (P.Eng).

Michael Galego – Director

Michael Galego is the CEO of Apolo Capital Advisory and CLO of LNG Energy, with extensive experience in M&A and corporate strategy. Notably, he advised on the sale of Woulfe Mining (tungsten asset) to Almonty Industries. He is a Lexpert Top 40 Under 40 awardee and member of the TSX Venture Advisory Committee.

Colin Padget – Director

CEO of Founders Metals, Colin Padget brings operational exploration experience across South America. He holds a Masters in Geology and a Bachelor in Business Administration.

Andrew Lee – Director and Corporate Secretary

Former Managing Director of York Harbour Metals, Andrew Lee has 15 years of global exploration experience across gold and phosphate projects in Ecuador and West Africa.

Sean Choi – CFO

A CPA with nearly 20 years in mining finance, Sean Choi has held CFO roles at York Harbour Metals, Ecuador Gold & Copper, and Northern Sun Mining. He holds a degree from the Western University.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

(TheNewswire)

June 30, 2025 TheNewswire – Vancouver, British Columbia Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘ Company ‘) (CSE: BLLG; OTCQB: BLAGF; FSE: 7BL) is pleased to provide a corporate update highlighting significant progress at its Dome Mountain Gold Project as it prepares to enter production in a strong gold market.

‘We are fully funded, fully permitted, and now entering the final stages of mine readiness — with no short-term debt, multiple successful government inspections, and a water treatment plant that has now been completed,’ said Rana Vig, President and CEO. ‘The confidence shown by our institutional investors, along with new strategic backing and the recently signed $2 million line of credit — not secured against our property — from Nicola Mining, gives us the flexibility to fund mining and development without delay. We’re ready — and we’re moving quickly toward cash flow.’

FULLY FUNDED WITH STRONG BACKING AND NO DEBT

Blue Lagoon recently completed a successful non-brokered financing, fully subscribed by existing long-term shareholders including Crescat Capital, Phoenix Gold Fund, and Nicola Mining, alongside a small group of new strategic investors. In addition, CEO Rana Vig and Board Member Gurdeep Bains both increased their personal stakes in the Company.

The Company currently carries no short-term debt and has in-the-money warrants valued at over $3.6 million. As further validation of the project, Blue Lagoon has secured a $2 million line of credit from Nicola Mining, which can be drawn in $500,000 tranches — without any encumbrance on the Company’s mineral property. While the Company may ultimately never need to draw on this facility, having access to it provides an important financial backstop. It ensures capital is available if needed to support production ramp-up, seize opportunity, or manage any unforeseen short-term needs — all without causing further dilution to existing shareholders.

SENIOR UNDERGROUND GEOLOGIST HIRED TO

STRENGTHEN TECHNICAL TEAM

The Company is also pleased to welcome Michael McCardal as Senior Underground Geologist. Mr. McCardal brings three decades of underground gold mining experience with producers including Ascot Resources, Barkerville Gold Mines, Pure Gold Mining, and Kirkland Lake Gold.

At Ascot’s Big Missouri deposit, he led underground sampling protocols, grade tracking, and stope planning. At Kirkland Lake’s Macassa and Taylor Mines, he was instrumental in ore control, face mapping, and production reconciliation.

‘Mike’s experience will be very helpful in establishing best-in-class grade control and optimizing early stopes as we move into production this summer,’ said Vig.

INSPECTIONS PASSED WITH FLYING COLOURS

As part of its final mine preparation, the Company successfully passed three separate government inspections, confirming operational readiness across critical areas:

• Electrical Inspection – Verifying compliance with site-wide above and underground power systems.

• Reclamation & Geoscience Inspection – Reviewing on-going geological reporting and reclamation progress.

• Ground Control & Health and Safety Inspection – Ensuring safe above and underground conditions and mining procedures.

‘These clean inspections are a testament to the strength of our team and the standard of work being done at Dome Mountain,’ said Yannis Tsitos, Chair of the Company’s mining committee.

  CONSTRUCTOIN OF WATER TREATMENT PLANT COMPLETE

Construction of Blue Lagoon’s water treatment system — a critical component of the Company’s environmental compliance plan — is now complete and partially commissioned, as required under the Company’s Mines Act permit.

The system consists of two integrated technologies: a High-Density Sludge (HDS) circuit, which is fully installed and operational, and a Moving Bed Biofilm Reactor (MBBR) , designed to treat ammonia and nitrates from blasting residues using a microbial process. The MBBR circuit has also been fully constructed and is about to undergo microbial activation — a biological ramp-up that typically takes 2 to 4 weeks.

Designed to meet all regulatory discharge standards, the plant is engineered to treat mine water efficiently and in full alignment with the Company’s permit conditions. Blue Lagoon worked closely with Soren Jensen , the Company’s principal environmental consultant from SRK Consulting. Mr. Jensen holds a master’s degree in chemical engineering and has developed, designed, commissioned, and operated mine water treatment systems for mining operations for over 20 years, including similar treatment plants at other underground gold mines in Northern Canada.

Just as importantly, the Company collaborated closely with regulatory agencies and the Lake Babine Nation throughout the design and construction process to ensure the system meets both technical and community expectations.

With the construction of the water treatment system complete and regulatory milestones achieved, the Company is advancing mine development activities in accordance with its permit.   Environmental monitoring will continue during the MBBR activation phase to ensure ongoing compliance as the system reaches full operational capacity.

This milestone represents a major step toward production readiness and reinforces Blue Lagoon’s commitment to responsible, permit-driven development. The official mine opening is scheduled for July 9, 2025.

About Blue Lagoon Resources Inc.

Blue Lagoon Resources is a Canadian based publicly listed mining company (CSE: BLLG; FSE: 7BL; OTCQB: BLAGF) focused on building shareholder value through the aggressive development of its 100% owned Dome Mountain Gold project. The Company is run by professionals with significant finance and mining experience and operates within a prime mining jurisdiction in British Columbia, Canada. With the granting of a full mining permit, a key milestone achieved in February 2025 – one of only nine such permits issued in British Columbia since 2015 – Blue Lagoon is now focused on last preparatory activities and tasks related to the safe and secure opening of the Dome Mountain Gold Mine, targeting Q3 2025 as the start of gold production . The Company’s primary objective has always been to become a cash-flowing mining company, to ultimately deliver tangible monetary value to shareholders, state, and local communities.

The Company is not basing its production decision at Dome Mountain on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability. The production decision is based on having existing mining infrastructure, past bulk sampling and processing activity, and the established mineral resource.  The Company understands that there is increased uncertainty, and consequently a higher risk of failure, when production is undertaken in advance of a feasibility study.

For further information, please contact:

Rana Vig

President and CEO

Telephone: 604-218-4766

Email: ranavig@bluelagoonresources.com

The CSE has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information: This release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that Blue Lagoon Resources Inc. (the ‘Company’) expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’, ‘mine’, ‘production’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include results of exploration activities may not show quality and quantity necessary for further exploration or future exploitation of minerals deposits, volatility of gold and silver prices, delays in mine development activities, future cash flow expectations and continued availability of capital and financing, permitting and other approvals, and general economic, market or business conditions.  Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management, contractors and consultants on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s, contractor’s and consultants’ beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H) a North American exploration company focused on critical minerals discovery, is pleased to announce the appointment of seasoned mining executive Peter Hogendoorn to its Board of Advisors, along with a key investor relations partnership aimed at elevating shareholder engagement and corporate visibility.

Appointment of Peter Hogendoorn to Board of Advisors

With over three decades of experience, Mr. Hogendoorn has specialized in financing junior mining and technology companies in both public and private sectors. As the founder and owner of Wrenswood Capital Corp for the past 20 years, he has focused on investing in and advising numerous start-ups and facilitating the revitalization of defunct operations. In 2012, he raised $16M through a joint venture that financed the original Sage Plains potash discovery well, which is still regarded as the richest potash discovery well in history. In 2021, he founded Sage Potash Corp. (TSXV: SAGE), of which he is currently CEO, where he has advanced permitting and engineering for initial production of 150,000 TPY, with State and Private Mineral leases of approximately 30,000 acres and BLM prospecting permit applications on an additional 58,000 acres.

‘We are thrilled to welcome Peter to Saga Metals’ board of advisors, where his proven track record as a distinguished mining executive will significantly enhance our strategic vision,’ said Mike Stier, CEO & Director of Saga Metals. ‘Peter’s extensive experience in driving successful mineral exploration and development aligns seamlessly with our mission to advance critical mineral projects, particularly our Radar Titanium project in Labrador.’

Mr. Hogendoorn commented: ‘I’m excited by SAGA’s team and vision for developing strategic critical minerals that are traditionally produced in foreign jurisdictions. This has resulted in an overleverage of import dependence on critical minerals in Western economies. Such is the case for both Titanium and Potash with many starting to see the bull market opportunity ahead. Located in Labrador with proximal seaport access, I believe there exists an excellent opportunity to create important local jobs, and wealth creation as SAGA strives to become a major producer of titanium and other strategic critical minerals.’

Strategic IR Engagement with Xander Capital Partners

The Company is also pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations agreement dated June 30, 2025 (the ‘ Agreement ‘) with Xander Capital Partners Inc. (‘ Xander ‘), pursuant to which Xander will provide investor relations and market consulting services for an initial period of 12 months, subject to extension by mutual agreement of both parties. The Agreement can be terminated by giving 30 days’ prior written notice of termination to the other party or by mutual written agreement of the parties.

Xander has been engaged to heighten market awareness of the Company and to broaden the Company’s reach within the investment community. Pursuant to the Agreement, Xander will provide the following services to the Company: brand awareness, introductions to mining industry partners, research analysts, investment bankers, advisors, potential board members and digital marketing professionals. The Company will pay Xander a monthly cash fee of USD $10,000 as consideration for the services and 700,000 stock options (each, an ‘ Option ‘), which Options are exercisable for a period of two (2) years from the date of grant and vest quarterly over a period of 12 months. The Options were issued to Rob Guzman and James Hellwarth, both principals of Xander.

Xander Capital Partners, a leading investor relations firm with over 30 years of cumulative industry experience whose clientele has included public companies such as Alpha Lithium Corp. from inception in 2019 to the recent $300-million-plus buyout in 2023. Xander’s engagement is expected to elevate the Company’s capital markets profile, ensuring that SAGA’s growth story reaches a broad and sophisticated investor base. Xander is headquartered in Orlando, with their reach expanding internationally. Their services include introductions to high-net-worth individuals, assistance with the raising of equity capital, and corporate sponsorship.

The Agreement remains subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘ Exchange ‘).

Going forward please contact Rob Guzman, Investor Relations, for more information related to the Company and its projects.

Contact details:

Toll Free Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
Email: rob@sagametals.com

About Saga Metals Corp.

Saga Metals Corp. is a North American mining company focused on the exploration and discovery of a diversified suite of critical minerals that support the global transition to green energy. The Radar Titanium Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km 2 on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a 2,200m drill program, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares featuring uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U 3 O 8 and uranium uranophane was identified in several areas of highest radiometric response (2024 Double Mer Technical Report).

Additionally, SAGA owns the Legacy Lithium Property in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. This project, developed in partnership with Rio Tinto, has been expanded through the acquisition of the Amirault Lithium Project. Together, these properties cover 65,849 hectares and share significant geological continuity with other major players in the area, including Rio Tinto, Winsome Resources, Azimut Exploration, and Loyal Lithium.

With a portfolio that spans key minerals crucial to the green energy transition, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in the clean energy future.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:
Saga Metals Corp.
Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (844) 724-2638
Email: rob@SAGAmetals.com
www.SAGAmetals.com

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

Cautionary Disclaimer
This news release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws that are not historical facts. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘should’, ‘anticipates’, ‘expects’, ‘believes’, and similar expressions or the negative of these words or other comparable terminology. All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. In particular, this news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to the Company’s advisors, projects and investor relations. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, environmental risks, limitations on insurance coverage, risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of any forward-looking information may prove to be incorrect. Events or circumstances may cause actual results to differ materially from those predicted, as a result of numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. Such information, although considered reasonable by management at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and the Company will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by applicable law.

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 Nuvau Minerals Inc. (TSXV: NMC) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Nuvau’) is pleased to announce the results of its annual and special meeting of shareholders of the Company (the ‘Meeting’) held on June 26, 2025.

A total of 18,122,588 common shares of the Company (‘Common Shares‘) were represented, in person or by proxy, at the Meeting, representing approximately 35.5% of the total issued and outstanding common shares as of the record date of the Meeting.

All matters presented for shareholder approval at the Meeting were overwhelmingly approved as follows:

  • Peter van Alphen, Ewan Downie, Fariah Mir, Christina McCarthy, Michael Vitton and Steven Bowles were each re-elected as directors of the Company for the ensuing year;
  • Ernst & Young LLP was re-appointed as auditor of the Company for the ensuing year and the directors of the Company have been authorized to fix their remuneration; and
  • the Company’s omnibus equity incentive plan was re-approved by shareholders in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange (the ‘Omnibus Plan‘).

The Omnibus Plan was last adopted by shareholders of the Company on August 29, 2024. The Omnibus Plan is a fixed 10% plan and provides for the grant of options, restricted share units, performance share units and deferred share units. The aggregate maximum number of Common Shares reserved for issuance pursuant to the Omnibus Plan is 5,109,999 Common Shares (less any Common Shares reserved for issuance under outstanding awards and under other security-based compensation arrangements of the Company). The Omnibus Plan has received conditional acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange.

In addition, and further to the Company’s commitment to growing its business within Quebec, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Quebec based Steven Bowles as Chair of the board of the directors of the Company effective as of June 27, 2025. Steven Bowles has extensive experience in the Mining & Metals sector, encompassing private equity, private credit, M&A, and projects/operations management. He currently serves as Managing Director at Nebari Partners. Prior to this role, he held the position of Senior Director of investment in natural resources and energy within Investment Quebec’s private equity group.

For more details regarding the matters presented at the Meeting, please refer to the management information circular dated May 26, 2025, which is accessible on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company’s issuer profile and on the Company’s website at www.nuvauminerals.com.

About Nuvau Minerals Inc.

Nuvau is a Canadian mining company focused on the Abitibi Region of Québec. Nuvau’s principal asset is the Matagami Property that is host to significant existing processing infrastructure and multiple mineral deposits and is being acquired from Glencore.

For more information go to our website www.nuvauminerals.com.

For further information please contact:

Nuvau Minerals Inc.
Peter van Alphen
President and CEO
Telephone: 416-525-6023
Email: pvanalphen@nuvauminerals.com

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as ‘expects’, or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘interpreted’, ‘management’s view’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘forecasts’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘feasibility’, ‘believes’ 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, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the Company’s ability to complete the earn-in to acquire the Matagami Property; the Matagami Property holding multiple mineral deposits; and the significance of existing infrastructure at the Matagami Property.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company’s public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company’s issuer profile. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward- looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than 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) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/257278

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Friday (June 27) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) is priced at US$107,027, trading flat in the last 24 hours. The day’s range for the cryptocurrency brought a low of US$106,709 and a high of US$107,884.

Bitcoin price performance, June 27, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Ethereum (ETH) closed at US$2,449.37, trading flat over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation on Friday was US$2,402.46 and its highest valuation was US$2,459.96 at the opening bell.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$142.26, down 0.6 percent over 24 hours. Its highest valuation as of Friday was US$143.46, and its lowest was US$143.46.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.10, down by 1.3 percent in 24 hours. The cryptocurrency’s highest valuation was US$2.08, and its lowest price on Wednesday was US$2.14.
  • Sui (SUI) is trading at US$2.63, showing an increaseof 1.4 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation was US$2.59, and its highest valuation was US$2.67.
  • Cardano (ADA) is priced at US$0.5580, trading flat in the last 24 hours. Its highest valuation as of Friday was US$0.5631, and its lowest was US$0.5496.

Today’s crypto news to know

Trump’s World Liberty adds UK DeFi partner, eyes stablecoin vault

World Liberty Financial, the crypto venture connected to Donald Trump’s family, has secured a partnership with Re7 Capital, a London-based decentralized finance hedge fund, in a bid to scale its USD1 stablecoin.

Backed by up to US$10 million in investment from Hong Kong’s VMS Group, Re7 Capital will work with World Liberty on deploying a stablecoin vault on the Euler and Lista protocols, while also expanding to Binance’s BNB Chain.

VMS Group, a family office for wealthy Hong Kong clients, is making its first crypto move through its stake in Re7.

Meanwhile, the Middle East’s Aqua 1 Foundation disclosed a US$100 million investment into World Liberty tokens, becoming its largest single investor.

UAE’s Aqua 1 buys US$100 million of Trump’s World Liberty Tokens

The Aqua 1 Foundation, a relatively low-profile fund based in the United Arab Emirates, confirmed a US$100 million purchase of World Liberty tokens, linked to Donald Trump’s family-backed crypto initiative.

The tokens, known as $WLFI, function as governance tokens, meaning holders vote on protocol changes but cannot yet freely trade them. World Liberty said it hopes to eventually allow these tokens to become transferable.

The partnership will also help identify and develop blockchain projects across South America, Europe, and Asia. The fund also plans to launch a separate vehicle to advance Middle East digital economic initiatives using blockchain and artificial intelligence.

Despite the investment, Aqua 1 maintains a very minimal online footprint, with only three posts on X and a website registered just weeks ago.

World Liberty says Aqua 1’s teams will support its compliance and expansion efforts going forward.

Bitcoin logs weakest monthly growth despite strong ETF flows

Bitcoin’s performance is stalling despite massive inflows to spot ETFs, pointing to shifting market forces.

The leading crypto asset has climbed just 2 percent for the month, marking its smallest gain since July 2023, even with US$3.9 billion in inflows over recent weeks.

Data shows that whales holding over 10,000 BTC have leaned toward selling, dampening bullish momentum. Smaller wallets have also been net sellers, further pressuring prices as opportunistic traders take profits.

Between January and April, most market participants had offloaded assets until accumulation restarted near US$76,000 in April.

Now, Bitcoin is consolidating with realized profits in the current cycle hitting US$650 billion, higher than last cycle’s $US550 billion.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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Apple Thursday made changes to its App Store European policies, saying it believes the new rules will help the company avoid a fine of 500 million euro ($585 million) from the EU for violating the Digital Markets Act.

The new policies are a complicated system of fees and programs for app makers, with some developers now paying three separate fees for one download. Apple also is going to introduce a new set of rules for all app developers in Europe, which includes a fee called the “core technology commission” of 5% on all digital purchases made outside the App Store.

The changes Apple announced are not a complete departure from the company’s previous policy that drew the European Commission’s attention in the first place.

Apple said it did not want to make the changes but was forced to by the European Commission’s regulations, which threatened fines of up to 50 million euros per day. Apple said it believed its plan is in compliance with the DMA and that it will avoid fines.

“The European Commission is requiring Apple to make a series of additional changes to the App Store,” an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. “We disagree with this outcome and plan to appeal.”

A spokesperson for the European Commission did not say that Apple was no longer subject to the fine. He said in a statement that the EC is looking at Apple’s new terms to see if the company is in compliance.

“As part of this assessment the Commission considers it particularly important to obtain the views of market operators and interested third parties before deciding on next steps,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

The saga in Brussels is the latest example of Apple fiercely defending its App Store policies, a key source of profit for the iPhone maker through fees of between 15% and 30% on downloads through its App Store.

It also shows that Apple is continuing to claim it is owed a commission when iPhone apps link to websites for digital purchases overseas despite a recent court ruling that barred the practice in the U.S.

Under the Digital Markets Act, Apple was required to allow app developers more choices for how they distribute and promote their apps. In particular, developers are no longer prohibited from telling their users about cheaper alternatives to Apple’s App Store, a practice called “steering” by regulators.

In early 2024, Apple announced its changes, including a 50 cent fee on off-platform app downloads.

Critics, including Sweden’s Spotify, pushed back on Apple’s proposed changes, saying that the tech firm chose an approach that violated the spirit of the rules, and that its fees and commissions challenge the viability of the alternative billing system. The European Commission investigated for a year, and it said on Thursday that it would again seek feedback from Apple’s critics.

“From the beginning, Apple has been clear that they didn’t like the idea of abiding by the DMA,” Spotify said last year.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, whose company successfully changed Apple’s steering rules in the U.S. earlier this year, accused Apple of “malicious compliance” in its approach to the DMA.

“Apple’s new Digital Markets Act malicious compliance scheme is blatantly unlawful in both Europe and the United States and makes a mockery of fair competition in digital markets,” Sweeney posted on social media on Thursday. “Apps with competing payments are not only taxed but commercially crippled in the App Store.”

The European Commission announced the 500 million euro fine in April. The commission at the time said that the tech company might still be able to make changes to avoid the fine.

Apple’s restrictions on steering in the United States were tossed earlier this year, following a court order in the long-running Epic Games case. A judge in California found that Apple had purposely misled the court about its steering concessions in the United States and instructed it to immediately stop asking charging a fee or commission on for external downloads.

The order is currently in effect in the United States as it is being appealed and has already shifted the economics of app development. As a result, companies like Amazon and Spotify in the U.S. can direct customers to their own websites and avoid Apple’s 15% to 30% commission.

In the U.S., Amazon’s iPhone Kindle app now shows an orange “Get Book” button that links to Amazon.com.

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