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Is 2026 The Year The Cannabis Industry Matures?

The executive order (EO) of December 18 to reclassify cannabis to Schedule III is a monumental decision that will fundamentally reshape the market.

The official recognition of its medical utility is a designation that cannot be removed from the administrative record.

The industry is evolving from a lifestyle-driven, speculative sector into a professionalized asset class centered on medical and pharmaceutical applications. This shift moves the sector from a speculative, wait-and-see environment to a high-stakes period requiring fundamental restructuring.

Clearing the judicial runway

The path to federal rescheduling is currently obstructed by a stalled administrative hearing process that has reached a procedural standstill.

While the EO mandates an expeditious timeline, the actual movement is frozen because the DEA has yet to enter a briefing schedule following a request for an interlocutory appeal.

Legal expert Shane Pennington suggests that the most efficient path forward is for the administration to simply cancel or withdraw the pending ALJ hearing altogether by citing the lack of constitutional Administrative Law Judges (ALJs) and documented ex parte communications, and move directly toward a final rule based on the HHS’s already established medical record.

By withdrawing the hearing, the Department of Justice effectively moots the current interlocutory appeal, allowing the DOJ to issue a Final Rule relatively quickly.

Once the final rule is published, the industry and movement will likely shift to the DOJ side against prohibitionist stays in federal appellate courts. This is a stark contrast to previous years, where advocates were on the offensive.

The capital markets thaw

The true catalyst for investors in 2026 is not the headline of rescheduling but the fundamental transformation of balance sheets. For decades, the cannabis industry operated under so-called “cannabis exceptionalism”, a state where standard business rules, tax laws and banking protections were suspended, blocking deductions and choking liquidity.

Rescheduling will remove these barriers to unleash normalized cash flows and institutional capital into a sector long treated as radioactive, though Ahrens notes major wirehouses will block stocks until the ink dries

Additionally, moving to Schedule III eliminates the Section 280E penalty, which currently prevents businesses from deducting standard operating expenses like rent and payroll, and unlocks bankruptcy protections. Ahrens pointed out that US cannabis firms have been forced to operate leanly on a shoestring compared to Canadian counterparts; normalized taxation will finally allow these firms to operate as legitimate consumer or healthcare categories.

Current effective tax rates can soar to 70 percent or more; post-rescheduling, these rates are expected to align closer to the standard 21 percent corporate rate.

The removal of Section 280E is expected to trigger a cash flow expansion. Perceived risk reduction could cause valuation multiples to improve after-tax earnings. Higher valuations and greater cash flow will increase debt capacity and make acquisitions easier to finance and more accretive.

“The first thing US cannabis companies are going to do is pay down their debt,” said Ahrens. “I’d (also) expect to see more M&A once everything is complete.”

Clinical legitimacy and the CBD bridge

Schedule III, while not legalizing cannabis, reduces the federal hurdle for clinical trials. This eases security and compliance requirements for researchers, paving the way for FDA-approved cannabinoid treatments and creating a formal pipeline for medical legitimacy.

Dr. Priyanka Sharma of Casmira Therapeutics noted the EO’s call for HHS, FDA, CMMS and NIH to collaborate on research methods using real-world evidence, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies and patient interviews to inform clinical standards.

She emphasized a CMMI pilot arming healthcare professionals with tools to manage complex Medicare patients on hemp-derived CBD, including duration, dosing and drug interactions.

With federal research barriers lowered, MSOs become realistic acquisition targets for Big Pharma giants looking for validated medical compounds.

A critical wildcard for the 2026 market is the impending federal crackdown on intoxicating hemp products under Farm Bill revisions, set to take effect in November 2026.

Ahrens expects the new definition to remove unfair competition by pulling intoxicating gray market products from shelves, pushing consumers toward the regulated MSO market.

Sharma noted the EO explicitly acknowledges this hemp-derived legal instability, positioning CBD as a federal priority for research coordination and clinical frameworks.

The bottom line

While market volatility remains high, this remains a market for long-term fundamental thinkers, not short-term speculators, as the industry moves toward concrete regulatory execution.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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SAGA Metals Highlights Radar Titanium Opportunity as North America Confronts Defense Driven Titanium Supply Chain Risks

Best-to-date titanium–vanadium–iron drill results at Trapper Zone underscore Radar’s large-scale oxide system within the 160 km² Dykes River intrusive complex near tidewater in Labrador

Saga Metals Corp. (‘SAGA’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: SAGA,OTC:SAGMF) (OTCQB: SAGMF) (FSE: 20H), a North American exploration company focused on critical mineral discovery, is pleased to highlight a strengthened titanium thesis for its Radar Ti-V-Fe Project near the port of Cartwright, Labrador, following the Company’s best drill results to date from the Trapper Zone Phase 1 Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’) drill program.

SAGA’s latest assays from the first two of eight completed MRE program drill holes at Trapper Zone demonstrate long, cumulative intervals of oxide mineralization with significant assay results of titanium dioxide (TiO₂), vanadium pentoxide (V₂O₅) and iron oxides (Fe₂O₃). This mineral assemblage is consistent with vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’) and ilmenite mineralization that could potentially underpin multiple downstream titanium value chains and support an emerging strategic narrative: a need for resilient North American titanium supply.

SAGA believes Radar’s titanium-bearing oxide system is increasingly topical as Western governments and manufacturers focus on secure, defense-aligned supply chains for titanium metal inputs. In a January 2, 2026, MINING.com article citing Project Blue’s report ‘Metals and the Security of Nations’, titanium is characterized as a critical mineral for defense and aerospace, with supply-chain risk concentrated in titanium metal pathways (including aerospace-grade sponge capacity and certification) rather than in pigment markets. The vast majority – over 90% globally of mined titanium is processed into the pigment – a looming supply chain gap UK-headquartered market intelligence company Project Blue outlines in its report.

‘Titanium is essentially a defence metal – it can be up to 20% or more of the markets for total titanium consumption that goes into defence. An F 15 can be up to 40% in weight of titanium. There’s some serious volume going in these jet planes,’ Project Blue Founder and Director, Dr. Nils Backeberg told MINING.com in an interview. 

Saga Metals Releases Best-to-Date Drill Results at the Radar Project Confirming Robust Titanium–Vanadium–Iron Oxide Mineralization at Trapper Zone — Assay Highlights:

  • Hole R-0008: 269.36 m @ 6.57% TiO₂, 0.244% V₂O₅, 36.21% Fe₂O₃ (full hole)
  • Hole R-0009: 296.47 m @ 7.46% TiO₂, 0.250% V₂O₅, 39.75% Fe₂O₃ (full hole)
  • High-grade intervals within the broader intercepts, including 2 m @ 13.30% TiO₂ (core sample 1800528)

Michael Garagan, CGO & Director of Saga Metals, stated: ‘The results from the first two holes at the Trapper Zone are an outstanding success, and represent the best intercepts drilled on the Radar property to date.’

What’s Different About the Radar Ti-V-Fe Project: A District-Scale Oxide System Enclosing the Entire Dykes River Intrusive Complex Potentially Forming a New North American Titanium Narrative

SAGA’s Radar Project is not a single isolated target. The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km²)—a property-scale position that is unique among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics and trenching confirm oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length and mineralization open for expansion. Drilling to date (4,250 m total) has confirmed a large mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting VTM and ilmenite concentrations with strong titanium and vanadium grades. Drilling and geophysics validate a continuous 16+ km oxide layering trend stretching from the Hawkeye Zone to the Trapper Zone, coinciding with a strong arcuate regional magnetic-high anomaly.

Titanium Market Context: Defense and Aerospace Supply Chains Are Driving Urgency

This exploration progress is occurring against a strengthening macro backdrop for titanium as a defense and aerospace critical mineral, where supply-chain resilience—not just demand growth—has become a primary strategic driver. Titanium is deemed a critical metal by the U.S., EU and Canada and is essential for defense and aerospace applications due to its strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance.

At the same time, the titanium market is structurally bifurcated: TiO₂ pigment dominates mined titanium flows, while defense and aerospace rely on titanium metal supply chains that are sensitive to geopolitics and processing constraints. Project Blue (as reported by MINING.com) notes that over 90% of mined titanium is processed into pigment, and that near-term vulnerability centers on aerospace-grade titanium sponge capacity and certification, rather than mineral availability alone. The same report highlights titanium supply-chain concentration risks, stating Russia remains a leading source of aerospace-grade titanium and that China’s share of global titanium metals has increased sharply in recent years.

Titanium market growth tailwinds

Third-party market research distributed via openPR (DataM Intelligence) forecasts the global titanium market could grow from US$30.34 billion (2024) to US$52.52 billion by 2032 (CAGR 7.10%), citing demand drivers including aerospace, defense, automotive, and renewable energy; the same release indicates Asia-Pacific leads with 45% share. openPR.com

‘SAGA’s recent assays are truly exceptional, delivering long intervals of high-grade titanium, vanadium, and iron oxide mineralization—highlighting the immense potential of this district-scale oxide system. At Saga Metals, we’re committed to advancing Radar as a strategic source of titanium right here in Labrador, bolstering resilient, domestic supply chains to meet these urgent national security needs,’ stated Mike Stier, CEO & Director of Saga Metals.

Next steps at the Radar Project:

SAGA expects to receive additional assay results next week, with remaining results shortly thereafter, and plans to mobilize crews by mid-January to initiate the 2026 phase of the Trapper Zone MRE drill program.

Figure 1: Location of the Fall 2025 phase of drilling at Trapper Zone, showing the TMI of the 2025 Trapper Zone ground magnetic survey as well as the grid for the MRE drill program to be completed in 2026.

About the Radar Ti-V-Fe Property:

The Radar Property spans 24,175 hectares and hosts the entire Dykes River intrusive complex (~160 km²), a unique position among Western explorers. Geological mapping, geophysics, and trenching have already confirmed oxide layering across more than 20 km of strike length, with mineralization open for expansion.

Vanadiferous titanomagnetite (‘VTM’) mineralization at Radar is comparable to global Fe–Ti–V systems such as Panzhihua (China), Bushveld (South Africa), and Tellnes (Norway), positioning the Project as a potential strategic future supplier of titanium, vanadium, and iron to North American markets.

Figure 2: Radar Project’s prospective oxide layering zone validated over ~16 km strike length through Fall 2025 drilling, as shown on a compilation of historical airborne geophysics as well as ground-based geophysics in the Hawkeye and Trapper zones completed by SAGA in the 2024/2025 field programs. SAGA has demonstrated the reliability of the regional airborne magnetic surveys after ground-truthing and drilling in the 2024 and 2025 field programs.

Qualified Person

Paul J. McGuigan, P. Geo., is an Independent Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information disclosed in this news release.

Technical Information

Samples were cut by Company personnel at SAGA’s core facility in Cartwright, Labrador. Diamond drill core was sawed and then sampled in maximum 2 m intervals. Drill hole core diameter utilized was NQ.

Core samples have been prepared and analyzed at IGS laboratory facility in Montreal, Quebec. Blanks, duplicates, and certified reference standards are inserted into the sample stream to monitor laboratory performance. Crush rejects and pulps are kept and stored in a secured storage facility for future assay verification. The Company utilizes a rigorous, industry-standard QA/QC program.

Note: Market data is sourced from https://www.openpr.com/news/4334101/titanium-market-to-reach-usd-52-52-billion-by-2032-strong-7-10 and has not been independently verified by SAGA. Mining.com released an article on January 2, 2026 referenced in this press release and is sourced from: https://www.mining.com/us-must-ramp-up-titanium-capacity-to-avoid-squeeze-project-blue-founder-says/

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 North American transition to supply security. The Radar Ti-V-Fe Project comprises 24,175 hectares and entirely encloses the Dykes River intrusive complex, mapped at 160 km² on the surface near Cartwright, Labrador. Exploration to date, including a total of 4,250 m of drilling, has confirmed a large and mineralized layered mafic intrusion hosting vanadiferous titanomagnetite (VTM) and ilmenite mineralization with strong grades of titanium and vanadium.

The Double Mer Uranium Project, also in Labrador, covers 25,600 hectares and features uranium radiometrics that highlight an 18km east-west trend, with a confirmed 14km section producing samples as high as 0.428% U3O8. 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 Metals.

With a portfolio spanning key commodities critical to the clean energy future, SAGA is strategically positioned to play an essential role in critical mineral security.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Mike Stier, Chief Executive Officer

For more information, contact:

Rob Guzman, Investor Relations
Saga Metals Corp.
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 Radar Project. 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, inherent risks and uncertainties involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, particularly given the early-stage nature of the Company’s assets, and the risks detailed in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings with securities regulations from time to time, available 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.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e21bb951-27c0-4b42-8a84-30fb2b2317f1 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/46a5c706-d557-4027-bbbe-ec9278c19754

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Q4 & 2025 Trading Update

Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDF), an international mineral exploration and production company, is pleased to provide the following update on Q4 and 2025 performance and activities.

Highlights

  • Significant share price appreciation in 2025 – up 470% and one of the top performing companies listed on AIM
  • Exceptional drill results received from three of nine drill holes completed at the Company’s Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project
  • Positive metallurgical work from Stage 1 studies with mass recovery to flotation feed of approximately 43.9%, and stage metal recoveries of 94.3% tungsten, 95.6% tin, and 90.7% copper to an average 2.1x upgrade ratio
  • On target to release updated Mineral Resource Estimate before the end of Q1 2026
  • Renewed investor and stakeholder engagement including non-deal institutional roadshow, a webinar presentation with approximately 1,000 recorded views, and attendance at the Critical Minerals Association and Resourcing Tomorrow conferences in London
  • Cobre magnetite operation recorded its 3rd highest annual ore sales in 14 years with 61,279 tons sold to a diverse customer base, generating sales of approximately US$4.23 million
  • Exercise of exclusive call option by Cuprum Metals (‘Cuprum’) to acquire the Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Leigh Creek Copper Mine with A$0.25 million received so far through the call option payment of A$0.1 million and First Instalment payment on A$0.15 million. A further A$1.75 million is due upon the earlier of 31 May 2026 or the execution of a Definitive Agreement between the Company and Cuprum. Along with a subsequent earn-out from production of A$4 million and receiving 19.9% of the shares of any entity that Cuprum intends to list on the Australian Securities Exchange, this brings the total consideration up to A$9 million.
  • Strategic Minerals’ cash as at 31 December 2025 was US$0.78 million after continued substantial investment in Cornwall Resources’ development programme and awaiting a further rebate from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Operational Highlights (By Subsidiary)

Cornwall Resources

Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project, Cornwall, UK (‘Redmoor’)

  • Awarded c.£764,000 UK Government grant funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, which together with matched funds from the Company’s April 2025 placing, is supporting the programme to accelerate Redmoor towards pre-feasibility
  • 1st drilling since 2018 began in June with 5048.70 m completed by December 2025 ahead of schedule, within budget, and with exceptional results reported to date
    • Includes 1.10 m @ 7.19% WO3, 0.02% & 1.11% Cu (7.51% WO3.Eq) and 0.97m at 7.52 WO3, 0.03% Sn & 0.87% Cu (7.78% WO3.Eq), including one of the top 10 highest-grade sample results recorded at Redmoor from all previous drilling campaigns
  • Multiple mineralised intervals and wide zones of mineralisation within the Redmoor sheeted vein system identified, reinforcing Redmoor’s status as one of the highest-grade undeveloped tungsten deposits globally
  • Re-analysis of historical samples confirmed previous underreporting of certain samples and an average 9.2% increase in tungsten grades, further solidifying Redmoor’s position as Europe’s highest-grade undeveloped tungsten deposit
  • Strategic Minerals invested in upgraded facilities and team expansion to support the programme

Southern Minerals Group

Cobre Magnetite Stockpile, New Mexico, USA

  • Continued strong operational performance across 2025 despite 10-day shutdown due to wildfires
  • Sales of magnetite increased over the course of the year
    • Q4 sales were up 4% on Q3, and Q3 sales were up 45% on Q2
    • By volume, H2 saw an increase of 15.2%
  • Total sales of approximately US$4.23 million (2024: US$4.75 million) generated from 61,279 tons or ore sold to customers (2024: 70,659 tons)

Sales comparisons on quarterly and yearly periods, along with associated volume details, are shown in the table below:

Volume (tons)

Sales (US

Leigh Creek Copper Mine (‘LCCM’)

Leigh Creek Copper Project, South Australia

  • South Pacific Mineral Investments Pty Ltd trading as Cuprum Metals (‘Cuprum’) exercised its call option to acquire LCCM and paid the First Instalment of A$0.15 million – a total of A$0.25 million has now been received
  • Second Instalment of A$1.75 million to be received on the earlier of execution of a Definitive Agreement, or 31 May 2026*
  • Both parties are confident in restarting LCCM this year, supported by strong copper market fundamentals

*Cuprum’s right to acquire LCCM will lapse if the Second Instalment has not been paid to the Company by 31 May 2026

Mark Burnett, Executive Director of Strategic Minerals, commented:

‘2025 was a transformational year for Strategic Minerals. We successfully restructured and reorganised the Company, positioning it to deliver increased near-term revenue from Cobre and long-term value creation from the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project. We are utilising sustainable cash flows from Cobre to unlock the full potential of Redmoor with a clear opportunity to develop it and the surrounding area into a world leading source of tungsten, tin and copper to provide resilience to western world supply chains. The Redmoor drill programme has gone exceptionally well so far, and we anticipate further resource growth and additional efficiencies for future infill drilling as part of a pre-feasibility programme.’

For further information, please contact:

Strategic Minerals plc

+44 (0) 207 389 7067

Mark Burnett

Executive Director

Website:

www.strategicminerals.net

Email:

info@strategicminerals.net

Follow Strategic Minerals on:

X:

@StrategicMnrls

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/strategic-minerals-plc

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP

+44 (0) 20 3470 0470

Nominated Adviser and Broker

Matthew Johnson/Charlie Bouverat/Grant Barker

Zeus Capital Limited

Joint Broker

Harry Ansell/Katy Mitchell

+44 (0) 203 829 5000

Vigo Consulting

+44 (0) 207 390 0234

Investor Relations

Ben Simons/Peter Jacob/Anna Sutton

Email:

strategicminerals@vigoconsulting.com


Notes to Editors

About Strategic Minerals plc and Cornwall Resources Limited

Strategic Minerals plc (AIM: SML; USOTC: SMCDY) is an AIM-quoted, producing minerals company, actively developing strategic projects in the UK, United States and Australia.

In 2019, the Company completed the 100% acquisition of Cornwall Resources Limited and the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project.

The Redmoor Project is situated within the historically significant Tamar Valley Mining District in Cornwall, United Kingdom, with a JORC (2012) Compliant Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate published 14 February 2019:

Cut-off (SnEq%)

Tonnage (Mt)

WO3

%

Sn

%

Cu

%

Sn Eq1

%

WO3 Eq

%

>0.45 <0.65

1.50

0.18

0.21

0.30

0.58

0.41

>0.65

10.20

0.62

0.16

0.53

1.26

0.88

Total Inferred Resource

11.70

0.56

0.16

0.50

1.17

0.82

1 Equivalent metal calculation notes; Sn(Eq)% = Sn% x 1 + WO3% x 1.43 + Cu% x 0.40. WO3(EQ)% = Sn% x 0.7 + WO3 + Cu% x 0.28. Commodity price assumptions: WO₃ US$ 33,000/t, Sn US$ 22,000/t, Cu US$ 7,000/t. Recovery assumptions: total WO3 recovery 72%, total Sn recovery 68% & total Cu recovery 85% and payability assumptions of 81%, 90% and 90% respectively

More information on Cornwall Resources can be found at: https://www.cornwallresources.com

In September 2011, Strategic Minerals acquired the distribution rights to the Cobre magnetite project in New Mexico, USA, through its wholly owned subsidiary Southern Minerals Group. Cobre has been in production since 2012 and continues to provide a sustainable revenue stream for the Company.

In March 2018, the Company completed the acquisition of the Leigh Creek Copper Mine situated in the copper rich belt of South Australia. South Pacific Mineral Investments Pty Ltd trading as Cuprum Metals has exercised an exclusive Call Option to acquire 100% of the project.

About the CIOS Good Growth Fund and UK Shared Prosperity Fund

This project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council is responsible for managing projects funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund through the Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme.

Cornwall and Isles of Scilly has been allocated £184 million for local investment through the Shared Prosperity Fund. This new approach to investment is designed to empower local leaders and communities, so they can make a real difference on the ground where it’s needed the most.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund proactively supports delivery of the UK-government’s five national missions: pushing power out to communities everywhere, with a specific focus to help kickstart economic growth and promoting opportunities in all parts of the UK.

For more information, visit

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus

For more information, visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com

Source

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Trump-Kennedy Center blasts ‘far-left bias’ in ratings coverage, points to No. 1 demographics tie

The Trump–Kennedy Center is pushing back on a recent media narrative that its annual Honors awards show suffered a ratings flop under President Donald Trump compared to years prior, arguing that the broadcast performed strongly despite industry-wide headwinds and a dramatically different scheduling landscape.

‘Comparing this year’s broadcast ratings to prior years is a classic apples-to-oranges comparison and evidence of far-left bias,’ Roma Daravi, Trump–Kennedy Center vice president of public relations, told Fox News Digital of the ratings. ‘The program performed extremely well across key demographics and platforms, despite industry and timing disadvantages, including a Tuesday air date two days before Christmas.’

The 48th Kennedy Center Honors awards show was held in Washington, D.C., Dec. 7 and honored artists such as country singer George Strait, the members of rock band KISS, Tony-award winner Michael Crawford, Grammy-winner Gloria Gaynor, and Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone. The awards show is held each year to celebrate ‘individuals whose unique artistic contributions have shaped our world,’ according to its website. 

Trump hosted the event, with its broadcast held weeks late Dec. 23, 2025, on CBS and Paramount+. 

The event averaged 3.01 million viewers, which is a 25% drop from 2024’s ratings when an average 4.1 million viewers tuned in, according to a report from Nielsen Live + Same Day Panel + Big Data reported by Variety in December. The ratings yielded headlines reporting that viewership ‘plummeted,’ and late-night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert mocked Trump for hosting ‘the lowest-rated Kennedy Center Honors telecast of all time,’ as Kimmel said in his Monday monologue.

Daravi countered that viewership for the awards show ‘tied for the #1 spot among adults aged 25–54, alongside a live NBA doubleheader’ while citing that overall TV usage is ‘down roughly 20 percent year over year.’ 

The NBA’s Tuesday night doubleheader Dec. 23, 2025, featured the Denver Nuggets visiting the Dallas Mavericks, followed by the Houston Rockets taking on the Los Angeles Clippers.

 ‘And on social media, Honors garnered 1.5 Billion impressions in just one night—up from only 50 Million similar impressions last year,’ Daravi continued. ‘This was a successful night celebrating the outstanding achievements of our Honorees at the Trump Kennedy Center.’ 

Trump predicted ahead of the event that ratings would be sky-high and that he would garner more viewers than late-night host Kimmel, who is a longtime critic and political foe of Trump’s. The president also predicted critics would ‘say, ‘He was horrible. He was terrible. It was a horrible situation.’ No, we’ll do fine. I’ve watched some of the people that host.’ 

Trump celebrated during the event that ‘we’re bringing this building back to life like nobody ever thought was even possible.’ The Honors awards show raised a record $23 million, nearly doubling 2024’s $12.7 million raised under the Biden administration’s final days. 

The 2024 broadcast was also held on a Sunday and had an NFL viewership in the lead up to the program, including a New England Patriots versus Buffalo Bills game that afternoon. 

The broadcast was held just days after the Trump administration announced that the center’s board of trustees unanimously voted to rename it ‘The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.’ 

Presidents appoint the majority of the board’s trustees, with Trump dismissing the previously appointed Board of Trustees ‘who do not share our Vision for a Golden Age in Arts and Culture’ in the early weeks of his second administration. Trump is also the first and only president to serve as the center’s chairman of the board. 

The name change set off swift rebuke among Democrats, with nonvoting board members including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries and others claiming the move was illegal as it did not earn congressional approval ahead of time. 

The center said that the board agreed Trump saved the institution from financial ruin during his second term. 

‘The Kennedy Center Board of Trustees voted unanimously today to name the institution The Donald J. Trump and The John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts,’  Daravi told Fox News Digital of the name change. ‘The unanimous vote recognizes that the current Chairman saved the institution from financial ruin and physical destruction.’ 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

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Trump, first lady set for Washington Trump–Kennedy Center premiere of ‘MELANIA’ ahead of global release

President Donald Trump and the first lady will attend the premiere of Melania Trump’s film, ‘MELANIA’ at the Trump–Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., Jan. 29, Fox News Digital has learned. 

Washington is just one of the twenty cities across the nation hosting events ahead of the release of the highly anticipated movie.

‘MELANIA,’ a 104-minute film, is set to hit the big screen globally Jan. 30, appearing in theaters across North America, South America, Asia, Europe, Israel, the United Arab Emirates and more.

But the night before, on Jan. 29, premiere events will be hosted across the nation, as Amazon brings the film to theaters.

Fox News Digital has learned that President Trump and the first lady will attend the premiere event at the newly minted Trump–Kennedy Center in Washington Jan. 29.

Premiere events also will be held in New York; Phoenix; Salt Lake City; Chicago; Miami; San Diego; Nashville, Tennessee; Orlando, Florida; Orange County, California; San Francisco/Palo Alto; Minneapolis; Philadelphia; Denver; Detroit; Kansas City, Missouri; Boston; Austin, Texas; Houston; Las Vegas; Dallas; and Los Angeles.

Fox News Digital has learned that Amazon executives will attend premiere events for the film.

‘History is set in motion during the 20 days of my life prior to the U.S. Presidential Inauguration,’ the first lady told Fox News. ‘For the first time, global audiences are invited into theaters to witness this pivotal chapter unfold — a private, unfiltered look as I navigate family, business, and philanthropy on my remarkable journey to becoming first lady of the United States of America.’

The film takes the audience through the first lady’s life leading up to her husband’s second inauguration — from her home in Trump Tower in New York City, to Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida, and behind-the-scenes access in Washington. 

Melania Trump first had the idea for the film in November 2024, after President Trump won the election. 

Marc Beckman, Melania Trump’s agent and exclusive senior advisor, led negotiations on her behalf with Amazon beginning Nov. 18, 2024. 

Fox News Digital has learned that Disney sought to obtain the exclusive rights to the film, as well as Netflix and Paramount. Amazon and MGM had the highest bid, purchasing the license for the film for $40 million — the largest documentary deal in history.

‘I’m honored to be working with Amazon — they’ve been great partners from the minute we started to negotiate the deal, through production and now as we gear up for the film’s release,’ Beckman told Fox News Digital.

‘Speaking of the deal, there has been so much speculation in the press on the bidding and how we ended up with Amazon, that we’re at a point where it’s worth clarifying a few things,’ Beckman said.

First, Beckman told Fox News Digital that some bidders were ‘interested only in a film, and others only in a series.’

‘Amazon ended up bidding on both, and checked all the boxes we were looking for, as they could also deliver a theatrical film release,’ Beckman explained.

Beckman stressed that he negotiated the deal on behalf of the first lady while dealing with ‘all the studios directly.’

‘I’ve seen reporting that Amazon paid nearly three times the nearest other bid, and that’s just false,’ Beckman said. ‘It was an incredibly competitive bidding process with multiple rounds of bids.’

Beckman added: ‘Yes, Amazon had the highest bid, but they also bid on the most product — series and film.’

Filming began in December 2024. The film is executive produced by Trump and Fernando Sulichin of New Element Media, with Brett Ratner of RatPac Entertainment serving as director. 

The film itself is produced in a ‘highly cinematic’ way. Sources familiar with the production told Fox News Digital that the first lady did not want the film to look like a documentary, but rather an ‘elevated film.’ 

Fox News Digital has learned that the first lady was involved ‘in every aspect’ of the film — from her ‘creative vision,’ to working as a producer on the film and to ensuring the post-production marketing is executed properly. Fox News Digital has learned that the first lady has been very ‘hands on’ from start to finish. 

‘She is giving the audience unprecedented access to her life — and to any first lady’s life — during this 20-day period,’ a source familiar with the planning of the film told Fox News Digital. 

Fox News exclusively obtained the trailer in December 2025, which opens with the first lady walking into the U.S. Capitol rotunda ahead of her husband’s second inauguration. She looks to the camera in her now-iconic inauguration outfit, and says: ‘Here we go again.’

The trailer jumps from the first lady and president at the inauguration; to standing together outside of Mar-a-Lago; behind-the-scenes of the inauguration showing Barron Trump and Melania Trump’s father; to a series of images of the first lady; Air Force One; the presidential seal and more.

The famous Metro Goldwyn Mayer (MGM) lion roars and takes over the screen. 

The trailer then shows Melania Trump entering a room where President Trump stands at a podium during a meeting and is rehearsing a speech.

‘My proudest legacy will be that of peacemaker,’ Trump said. 

The first lady breaks in and says: ‘Peacemaker and unifier.’ 

The trailer shows the first lady getting out of a vehicle, sporting a pair of black stiletto boots, and jumping to the East Wing residence, where she stands in her stunning white and black inaugural ball gown, and smiles at the camera. 

The trailer invites the audience to ‘witness history in the making.’ 

The trailer also shows the first lady reviewing materials with staff and more. 

It cuts to a scene of Melania Trump asking a security detail, ‘Is it safe?’ and the agent confirming, ‘It is safe,’ before the film cuts to sirens and the motorcade driving through a city. 

’20 days to become first lady of the United States,’ the trailer says. 

‘Everyone wants to know,’ Melania Trump says. ‘So here it is.’ 

The trailer ends with Melania Trump calling ‘Mr. President’ to say ‘congratulations.’ 

‘Did you watch it?’ President Trump says over the phone. 

‘I did not.  Yeah, I will see it on the news,’ Melania Trump says. 

The launch of the film comes a year after the release of her first-ever book, ‘Melania.’ The memoir presents an intimate portrait of Melania Trump and includes personal stories and family photos she had not previously shared with the public. 

‘Melania’ has been at the top of The New York Times’ best sellers list since its release to the public. 

Upon the release of the memoir in 2024, the first lady told Fox News Digital that writing her story was ‘an amazing journey filled with emotional highs and lows.’

‘Each story shaped me into who I am today,’ she said. ‘Although daunting at times, the process has been incredibly rewarding, reminding me of my strength, and the beauty of sharing my truth.’ 

‘Melania’ is the first lady’s first book. She released the original book along with a special collector’s edition that includes photos hand-selected by the first lady, many of which she photographed herself, of her home and of various trips she has taken around the world. 

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Iran regime said to unleash Hezbollah and Iraqi militias as uprising spreads

As anti-regime protests spread across Iran for a 12th straight day, the Islamic Republic has reportedly turned to foreign militias for support, with two independent sources confirming that roughly 850 Hezbollah, Iraqi militia and Quds Force–linked fighters crossed into Iran to bolster the regime’s security forces.

The reported movement marks a significant escalation in the regime’s response, signaling a willingness to rely on allied foreign militias with combat experience to help suppress domestic dissent.

‘This is nothing new for the regime. It is the logical extension of a playbook the ruling clerics have used since 1979 to outsource repression to ideologically loyal militias and then integrate them into the state’s coercive infrastructure,’ Iran expert Lisa Daftari told Fox News Digital. 

‘From the Basij and Revolutionary Guard, which were built to crush internal dissent under the banner of defending the revolution, to today’s deployment of foreign proxies like Hezbollah and Iraqi Popular Mobilization units, the regime is signaling once again that it treats its own population the way it has long treated regional battlefields. The message is clear — The mullahs don’t care about the Iranian people. They are willing to go to any extent to blur the line between domestic policing and transnational militancy to preserve their grip on power.’

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said the reported use of foreign proxy forces could reflect growing concerns within the regime about internal cohesion among Iran’s own security services.

‘Since protests dating back to 2009, there were always allegations of Arabic being heard on the street,’ Ben Taleblu told Fox News Digital. ‘As the contest between the state and the street continues to heat up, all eyes will be on Iran’s security forces to see if they defect or disobey orders to crack down. The problem is, so is the regime. And to that end, the Islamic Republic may have devised a failsafe for itself against popular anger. Foreign proxies. Whether Lebanese Hezbollah, Iraqi Shiite militias, or the Afghan Fatemiyoun, their function would be the same: to fire on Iranians when other Iranians won’t.’

Earlier reporting from Iran International also indicated that Iraqi Shiite militia reinforcements were deployed to Iran in early January to assist in suppressing protests. Estimates placed the number of fighters at roughly 800, with militants reportedly crossing the border under the pretense of religious pilgrimages before gathering up at a base in Ahvaz and being dispatched to various regions.

The U.N. Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Ghulam Isaczai replied to a Fox News Digital question about the Iraqi militias, saying he had no knowledge of the matter and that it was ‘new to him.’

Iran’s nationwide uprising entered its twelfth day on Thursday as protests and violent clashes were reported in more than 200 cities across 26 provinces, underscoring the breadth of unrest driven by economic collapse and long-standing political grievances.

Videos circulating Thursday showed demonstrators tearing the Iranian flag in northern Iran as protests fueled by soaring inflation, currency devaluation and deep discontent with the country’s theocratic leadership continued to spread.

Rights groups and independent monitoring organizations say at least 38 people have been killed and more than 2,200 arrested since demonstrations began in late December. 

While protests initially centered on Tehran, confrontations have expanded into western provinces, including Kermanshah, Lorestan, Ilam and Kurdish regions. Iranian authorities have responded by deploying numerous security forces, imposing internet blackouts and enforcing curfews in some areas in an effort to suppress the unrest.

The unrest comes as Iran’s economy continues to deteriorate. Tehran has warned suppliers against hoarding and price gouging as the rial collapses against the dollar, exacerbating public frustration and fueling daily demonstrations.

International concern is mounting as analysts warn that sustained nationwide unrest combined with the reported deployment of foreign militia forces could redefine Iran’s internal instability and carry broader regional security implications, particularly as U.S. warnings and sanctions pressure intensifies.

Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Senate Republicans push to deport, denaturalize fraudsters amid Minnesota scandal

A cohort of Senate Republicans wants to ensure that both illegal immigrants and naturalized U.S. citizens who are convicted of fraud are booted from the country.

The lawmakers, led by Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., are pushing new legislation that would modify an existing, decades-old law that underpins immigration policy in the country to either deport or revoke the citizenship of convicted fraudsters.

Their bill, the Fraud Accountability Act, comes on the heels of the ever unfolding Minnesota fraud scandal, where federal prosecutors estimate that up to $9 billion in taxpayer money was stolen through a network of fraudulent fronts posing as daycare centers, food programs and health clinics, among others.

‘Anyone who comes to the United States and steals from American taxpayers by committing fraud should be deported,’ Blackburn said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

‘The fraud schemes we have seen in Minnesota and across the country are a betrayal of hardworking American taxpayers, and individuals like the Somali scammers in Minnesota should be subject to both deportation and denaturalization for these crimes,’ she continued. ‘The Fraud Accountability Act would hold these criminals accountable for robbing American taxpayers.’

The situation in Minnesota has become a hot topic on Capitol Hill since lawmakers returned for the new year and the start of a new legislative session this week. In its wake, it torched the political career of Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, who lawmakers say oversaw the alleged multibillion-dollar scandal.

The legislation would modify the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), a law enacted in the 1950s that governs the country’s immigration policies, including visas, green cards, and citizenship, among several other enforcement matters.

Tweaks to the INA would include making any fraud conviction a deportable offense for noncitizens, mandatory detention of noncitizens convicted of fraud while deportation proceedings are ongoing, and would require automatic denaturalization of naturalized U.S. citizens convicted of fraud.

Notably, the legislation would allow for deportation for fraud convictions at any dollar amount; current law dictates that removal only kicks in if the amount hits $10,000 or higher. It would also effectively allow any court to handle denaturalization proceedings.

There is also a retroactivity clause, which stretches the denaturalization process for fraud committed on or after Sept. 30, 1996.

Blackburn is joined by Sens. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Tom Cotton, R-Ark., in the Senate, while a House version of the bill will be introduced by Rep. Buddy Carter, R-Ga.

Cornyn introduced a similar bill geared toward deporting illegal immigrants, specifically for deadly drunken driving incidents, on Wednesday.

‘The rampant and unprecedented fraud uncovered in Minnesota involving Somali-run childcare centers and nonprofits is unconscionable, and Governor Walz’s complete deflection of any responsibility for this massive theft of U.S. taxpayer dollars under his watch is cowardly but unsurprising,’ Cornyn said in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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US may be involved in Venezuela for years, Trump says

President Donald Trump predicted that U.S. involvement with Venezuela could be a years-long venture, rather than a short-term one.

In the early hours of Saturday, U.S. forces arrested dictator Nicolás Maduro in a daring overnight operation. Trump announced the move in a Truth Social post, saying that Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, had been ‘captured and flown out of the country’ after the U.S. ‘carried out a large-scale strike against Venezuela.’

Following the operation in Venezuela, Trump said the U.S. would ‘run’ the South American nation, without going into details about what that would entail.

‘We’re going to run the country until such time as we can do a safe, proper and judicious transition,’ Trump said.

The president told The New York Times on Wednesday that he anticipated the U.S. would be running Venezuela and extracting oil from its reserves for years following the historic operation that ended with the arrest of Maduro. The deposition of Maduro sparked conversations about control over Venezuela’s oil. Venezuela holds more than 300 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, nearly quadruple those of the U.S.

Trump announced on Tuesday that Venezuela would be turning over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of ‘high-quality,’ sanctioned oil to the U.S. He said the oil will be sold at market price, and he will control the proceeds to ensure it is ‘used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!’ The president also added that the oil would be transported directly to unloading docks in the U.S. via storage ships.

When asked by the Times about how long the U.S. would retain political oversight of Venezuela, Trump said it would be ‘much longer’ than six months or even a year, though he did not give a specific timeline. Additionally, Trump told the Times that the interim Venezuelan government — which is full of Maduro loyalists — was ‘giving us everything that we feel is necessary.’

When speaking with the Times, the president did not explain why the U.S. recognized Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodríguez as Venezuela’s new leader instead of backing opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado. The Times reported that Trump said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Rodríguez speak ‘all the time.’

‘I will tell you that we are in constant communication with her and the administration,’ Trump told the Times.

Notably, Trump did not give a timeline for when Venezuela would hold elections. 

The Times pointed out that from the late 1950s until Hugo Chavez took power in 1999, Venezuela had a history of democratic elections. After Chavez died in 2013, Maduro took his place and eventually won the subsequent election. He ruled Venezuela until he was deposed on Jan. 3, 2026.

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Spartan Metals – Reviewing 2025 and a Look Ahead to 2026

(TheNewswire)

 

Vancouver, Canada, January 8, 2026 TheNewswire – Spartan Metals Corp. (‘Spartan’ or the ‘Company’) (TSX-V: W | OTCQB: SPRMF | FSE: J03) is pleased to provide a summary of its key 2025 accomplishments and a review of its 2026 exploration strategy at its 100% owned Eagle Tungsten-Silver-Rubidium project (‘Eagle’) in eastern Nevada.

 

2025 Highlights:

  • Began trading on the TSX Venture exchange under the symbol ‘W’ on August 5th 

  • Expanded our capital market reach globally though listing on the OTCQB (‘SPRMF’) and on Frankfurt Exchange (‘J03’). 

 

Key Exploration Successes:

 

2026 Catalysts:

Spartan begins 2026 with a clear strategy to build on the strong performance of 2025 and advance exploration at the Eagle Project.

 

  • Conduct a high-value targeted drill campaign on priority targets identified from the compilation of the 2025 surface mapping and sampling program, 

  • Publish metallurgical results from the tailings at Tungstonia to help better understand the economic potential in the readily accessible tailings and waste rock and, 

  • Seek non-dilutive financing to support our growth plans. At present the need for domestic critical minerals in the U.S. is a top priority for the federal government and funding in this sector has been made available to meet the government’s critical minerals onshoring objectives 

 

Brett Marsh, Spartan’s President and CEO, states, ‘Spartan had a strong and successful year, especially considering that our exploration programs began late in 2025. Spartan now has a total of six high-quality exploration targets at Eagle: four at the Tungstonia deposit that include two extensive high-grade tungsten, silver and rubidium vein sets, one large silver-rich CRD and one potential bulk tonnage tungsten-rubidium target, while at our Rees deposit, we have two targets including the past producing Rees tungsten mine and the past producing Antelope silver-copper-antimony mine. I am very optimistic about our ability to deliver meaningful results into 2026′

 

Investor Relations Agreement

As of January 9, 2026, subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company has engaged Plutus Invest & Consulting GmbH (‘Plutus’), to provide investor programs (‘the Program’) to increase awareness about the Company in Europe for a 12-month term. The Program includes strategic planning, content creation, ad placement, media buying, and execution. The Company agrees to pay Plutus between Euro 100,000 to 250,000 immediately for entirety of the Program. Plutus is arm’s length to Spartan and currently has no interest in the Company. Marco Messina is a Managing Director of Plutus and will be responsible for all activities related to the Company.

 

The technical information contained in this news release has been prepared under the supervision of, and approved by Brett R. Marsh, CPG. Mr. Marsh is President and CEO of Spartan Metals Corp. and a ‘qualified person’ as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

 

About Spartan Metals Corp.

Spartan Metals is focused on developing critical minerals projects in well-established and stable mining jurisdictions in the Western United States, with an emphasis on building a portfolio of diverse strategic defense minerals such as Tungsten, Rubidium, Antimony, Bismuth, and Arsenic.

 

Spartan’s flagship project is the Eagle Project in eastern Nevada that consists of one of the highest-grade historic tungsten resources in the USA (the past-producing Tungstonia Mine) along with significant under-defined resources consisting of: rubidium; antimony; bismuth; indium; as well as precious and base metals. More information about Spartan Metals can be found at www.SpartanMetals.com  

 

On behalf of the Board of Spartan

‘Brett Marsh’

President, CEO & Director

 

Further Information:

Brett Marsh, M.Sc., MBA, CPG

President, CEO & Director

1-888-535-0325

info@spartanmetals.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 press release

 

Forward Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute ‘forward-looking statements.’ Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects,’ ‘plans,’ ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘intends,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘projects,’ ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will,’ ‘would,’ ‘may,’ ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Forward-Looking Information in this news release, Spartan has applied several material assumptions, including, but not limited to, assumptions that: the current objectives concerning the Company’s projects can be achieved and that its other corporate activities will proceed as expected; that general business and economic conditions will not change in a materially adverse manner; and that all requisite information will be available in a timely manner.

 

Although the Company believes the forward-looking information contained in this news release is reasonable based on information available on the date hereof, by their nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  By their nature, these statements involve a variety of assumptions, known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors, which may cause actual results, levels of activity and achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements.

 

Examples of such assumptions, risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, assumptions, risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; future legislative and regulatory developments; the Company’s ability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; the ability of the Company to implement its business strategies; competition; the ability of the Company to obtain and retain all applicable regulatory and other approvals and other assumptions, risks and uncertainties.

 

THE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS NEWS RELEASE REPRESENTS THE EXPECTATIONS OF THE COMPANY AS OF THE DATE OF THIS NEWS RELEASE AND, ACCORDINGLY, IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER SUCH DATE. READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND SHOULD NOT RELY UPON THIS INFORMATION AS OF ANY OTHER DATE. WHILE THE COMPANY MAY ELECT TO, IT DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE THIS INFORMATION AT ANY PARTICULAR TIME EXCEPT AS REQUIRED IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAWS.

Copyright (c) 2026 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

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Brunswick Exploration Announces Inferred Mineral Resource of 52.2Mt at 1.08% Li2O at Mirage with Additional Exploration Target

Brunswick Exploration Inc. (TSX-V: BRW, OTCQB: BRWXF; ‘BRW’ or the ‘Company’) is very pleased to announce a maiden, open-pit Mineral Inferred Resource Estimate (‘MRE’) of 52.2 million tonnes (‘Mt’) grading 1.08% Li2O and 131ppm Ta2O5 for its wholly owned Mirage Project located in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region of Quebec, Canada (see Figure 1). The MRE was prepared in accordance with the National Instrument (‘NI’) 43-101 standards by PLR Resource Inc. and Synectiq Inc.

Highlights include:

  • Inferred resource of 52.2Mt at 1.08% Li2O and 131ppm Ta2O5 (see Table 1) at a cut-off grade of 0.5% Li2OEq for total contained lithia in excess of 550,000 tonnes. This places Mirage among the largest undeveloped hard rock lithium resources in the Americas.
  • Additional Exploration Target of 40Mt to 50Mt grading between 0.80% and 1.10% Li2O and 120ppm and 145ppm Ta2O5 indicating a significant opportunity for continued near-term growth at Mirage. The potential quantity and grade are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and that it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
  • The maiden resource and Exploration Target are confined to a core area measuring approximately 1.5 by 3.0 kilometers. Substantial exploration potential exists both across this area, as seen in the Exploration Target, and further along strike, throughout the rest of the property where lithium mineralization is observed up to 3.5km from the MRE area.
  • Over 70% of the MRE is contained within five dykes found above a vertical depth of 150 meters from surface, all of which remain open in several directions.
  • Metallurgical testwork demonstrates the potential for a dense media separation (‘DMS‘) only processing flowsheet, producing a high-quality concentrate.
  • The maiden MRE and Exploration Target were estimated after only 23,626 meters of drilling and 62 channel samples, significantly less than its peer group and similar projects.

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO of BRW, commented: ‘The release of this Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate for Mirage cements Brunswick Exploration as one of the most aggressive lithium exploration companies globally. Over the last 30 months, we have made multiple significant discoveries across Quebec and built a new International Portfolio in under-explored jurisdictions such as Greenland and now Saudi Arabia. As we begin a new year, we strongly believe the next 12 months will be very exciting for the company as we execute our unique strategy that is focused on global grassroot lithium exploration and development.’

Mr. Charles continued: ‘With an Inferred tonnage of 52.2Mt grading 1.08% Li2O, Mirage is already one of the largest undeveloped hard rock lithium resources across the Americas and, with the Exploration Target, is poised to continue organic and near-term growth over the coming quarters and years. Importantly, the majority of the resource is near surface and largely contained within five main dykes which we believe will be very beneficial in future economic studies. This MRE further underscores the distinctive status of the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region for lithium endowment and, between Mirage and our burgeoning Anatacau discovery where drilling will begin in the coming weeks, Brunswick Exploration is well positioned to benefit from future development as this region transforms into a lithium powerhouse.’

Figure 1: Mirage Project Location

Table 1: Mirage Project Deposit In-pit Mineral Resource Estimate

  Inferred  
Cut-off Grade
(%)

 Tonnes
(t) 

 Grade
(Li2O %)

 Grade
(Ta2O5 ppm)

 Li2O (t)

  
 
0.40% Li2OEq 57 400 000 1.02 127 585 000  
0.50% Li2OEq 52 200 000 1.08 131 563 000  
0.60% Li2OEq 50 000 000 1.12 135 561 000  
           
  1. The independent qualified persons for the MRE, as defined by National Instrument (‘NI’) 43-101 guidelines, is Pierre Luc Richard, P.Geo., of PLR Resources Inc., with contributions from Patrick Frenette, P.Eng., of Synectiq Inc. for cut-off grade estimation and open pit optimization.
  2. These Mineral Resources are not mineral reserves as they have no demonstrated economic viability. No economic evaluation of these Mineral Resources has been produced. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Resources in this MRE are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient drilling to define these Inferred Resources as Indicated. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of Inferred Mineral Resources could be upgraded to Indicated category with continued drilling.
  3. The Qualified Persons are not aware of any known environmental, permitting, legal, title-related, taxation, socio-political, marketing or other relevant issues that could materially affect the Mineral Resource Estimate.
  4. Calculations used metric units (metres, tonnes). Metal contents in the above table are presented in percentages, part per million (gram per tonne) and tonnes. Metric tonnage was rounded, and any discrepancies in total amounts are due to rounding errors.
  5. CIM definitions and guidelines for Mineral Resource Estimates have been followed.
  6. Resources are presented as undiluted and in situ for the open-pit scenario within 5m x 5m x 5m blocks. The constraining pit shell was developed using overall pit slopes of 53 degrees. The pit optimization to develop the mineral resource-constraining pit shell was done using the pseudoflow algorithm in Deswik software (see Figure 2).
  7. The MRE wireframe was prepared using Leapfrog Edge v.2025.1.1 and is based on 132 drill holes and four trenches, totalling 23,626 meters and 8,288 assays. The cut-off date for the drill hole database was December 9, 2025.
  8. Composites of one metre were created inside the mineralization domains. High-grade capping was done on the composited assay data. Depending on individual statistical study for each zone, composites were capped between 1.50% Li2O and 4.50% Li2O and between 200ppm Ta2O5 and 900ppm Ta2O5.
  9. Pit constrained Mineral Resource for the base case is reported at a cut-off grade of 0.50% Li2OEq. The cut-off grades may be re-evaluated in the future based on prevailing market conditions and costs. A ratio Ta2O5 to Li2O of 0.00008658 (based on selling price, recoveries and other variables) was used to obtain the Li2OEq grade used in the cut-off.
  10. Specific gravity values were estimated using data available in the drill hole database. Density values where interpolated when data was sufficient to do so, and completed with fixed values. Density values between 2.57 g/cm3 and 2.90 g/cm3 were applied to the model for different domains and 2.00 g/cm3 for overburden.
  11. Grade model resource estimation was calculated from drill hole data using an Ordinary Kriging interpolation method in a sub-blocked model using blocks measuring 5m x 5m x 5m in size and sub-blocks down to 0.625m x 0.625m x 0.625m. Ordinary kriging (OK), inverse square distance (ID2), Nearest neighbour (NN) interpolation methods were tested, resulting in no material difference in the Mineral Resource Estimates.
  12. The Inferred Mineral Resource categories are constrained to areas where drill spacing is less than 150 metres and show reasonable geological and grade continuity. Cookie cutters were used to define categories based on the above parameters.
  13. Effective date of the Mineral Resource Estimate is 7 January 2026.

Figure 2: 3D View of the Resource Estimate (Looking North)

Figure 3: Cross-Section A-A’

Pit Shell Overview

The optimal MRE shell for the ‘Reasonable Prospect of Eventual Economic Extraction’ was obtained with Deswik software which used the Pseudoflow algorithm with parameters presented in Table 2.

Table 2: Resource Pit Shell Parameters

  Unit  
Selling Price    
Li2O Concentrate Grade % 5.50
Li2O Concentrate Value USD/dmt 1,500.00
Ta2O5 Concentrate Value USD/kg 260.00
Exchange Rate CAD/USD 1.36
Royalty % 3.00
Concentrate Transportation Cost to Saguenay CAD/dmt 230.73
Concentrate Humidity % 8.00
Operating Costs    
Mining CAD/t mined 5.50
Processing CAD/t milled 16.79
General & Administration CAD/t milled 6.00
Other    
Mill Recovery (Li2O) % 70.00
Mill Recovery (Ta2O5) % 56.00
Slope angle ° 53
Marginal cut-off grade (Li2OEq) % 0.50
     

These parameters were benchmarked against recent similar projects but are conceptual in nature and may change once more engineering work is undertaken.

Exploration Target

The Exploration Target is estimated to be between 40 and 50 million tonnes of mineralization grading between 0.80% and 1.10% Li2O and between 120ppm and 145ppm Ta2O5 and is largely constrained to the same MRE pit shell area.

The assessment of the target for further exploration was completed by PLR Resources, a consultant independent of the company. The estimation of the potential quantity and grade of the Exploration Target was based on the same drill hole database used for the Mineral Resource Estimate. With the available drilling information, conceptual mineralized zones were modeled. Core samples were composited, and the composited assays were capped (similarly to the MRE).

Grades were interpolated into a three-dimensional block model using Ordinary Kriging. To estimate the tonnage, PLR used the same specific gravity values used for the MRE.

Figure 4: 3D View of the Exploration Target (Looking North)

Disclosure warnings in respect to an exploration target review:

  1. An exploration target is not a National Instrument 43-101 compliant resource or reserve.
  2. The Exploration Target is confirmed only as a target for further exploration.
  3. Potential quantity and grades are conceptual in nature only.
  4. There has not been sufficient drilling to define any mineral resource on this Exploration Target; drilling intercepts crosscut the Exploration Target but drill spacing is too scarce to classify these blocks as Inferred Mineral Resources. There is no certainty that further drilling will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.
  5. An optimized pit shell using the same parameters (including the cut-off grade) used for the Mineral Resource Estimate was generated to constrain the Exploration Target.

About the Mirage Project

The Mirage Project is the flagship lithium exploration asset of Brunswick Exploration Inc., located in the Eeyou Istchee–James Bay region of Quebec less than 40 kilometers from the Trans-Taiga road. The project covers a total of 278 mining claims representing approximately 13,800 hectares within a well-established hard-rock lithium district and is fully owned by Brunswick Exploration.

Systematic drilling at Mirage has outlined multiple spodumene-bearing pegmatite dykes predominantly hosted in mafic volcanic country rock. The dykes are found to have been folded during subsequent deformation events and demonstrate strong lateral and down dip continuity, with mineralization remaining open in multiple directions. Most of the mineralization is hosted at shallow depths, supporting the project’s potential for near-term growth.

Metallurgical test work has delivered encouraging results, including the potential for a dense media separation only processing flowsheet, highlighting Mirage’s favorable mineralogy and potential for cost-effective lithium concentrate production (see press release of February 3, 2025).

Figure 5: Project Potential and Open Pit Shell Footprint

Next Steps

Brunswick Exploration is currently planning its next drill campaign at Mirage that will focus on continued exploration efforts to demonstrate the full potential of the project in the core area and across the length of the project. To date, limited drilling has been completed outside of the current MRE, where the exploration potential remains high and where spodumene bearing pegmatite dykes have been identified up to 3.5km along strike from the pit shell to the northeast (see Figure 5). The Company will release further details for its plans at Mirage in early 2026.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical information contained in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Simon T. Hébert, VP Development. He is a Professional Geologist registered in Quebec and is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. The independent qualified persons for the MRE, as defined by National Instrument (‘NI’) 43-101 guidelines, is Pierre Luc Richard, P.Geo., of PLR Resources Inc., with contributions from Patrick Frenette, P.Eng., of Synectiq Inc. for cut-off grade estimation and open pit optimization.

About Brunswick Exploration

Brunswick Exploration is a Montreal-based mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V under symbol BRW. The Company is focused on grassroots exploration for lithium in Canada, a critical metal necessary to global decarbonization and energy transition. The company is rapidly advancing the most extensive grassroots lithium property portfolio in Canada, Greenland and Saudi Arabia underpinned by its Mirage project, one of the largest undeveloped hard-rock lithium Inferred Mineral Resource Estimate in the Americas, with 52.2Mt grading 1.08% Li2O.

Investor Relations/information

Mr. Killian Charles, President and CEO (info@brwexplo.ca)

Contact number: 514 861 4441

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. 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 include, but are not limited to, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals; uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future; changes in equity markets; inflation; fluctuations in commodity prices; delays in the development of projects; the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry; and those risks set out in the Corporation’s public documents filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Although the Corporation 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 Corporation 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) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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