Category: Natural Resources

Oil Prices Climb Amid Geopolitical Uncertainty and Sanction Risks

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Oil rises on U.S.-Iran tensions and Russia sanctions threat.
– OPEC+ holds steady but may boost output in July.
– Prices stay volatile amid supply risks and demand concerns

Oil prices edged higher Wednesday as traders reacted to a flurry of geopolitical developments that could disrupt supplies from two of the world’s key producers: Russia and Iran.

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude rose by 1.6%, settling just below $62 a barrel. The gains came as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin was “playing with fire” following a recent escalation of attacks in Ukraine. The remarks have fueled speculation that Washington could impose fresh sanctions on Russia’s energy sector — a move that would likely reduce Russian oil exports and tighten global supply.

Earlier this year, similar sanctions helped push crude prices above $80 per barrel before prices retreated amid growing fears of oversupply and global economic uncertainty. Although talks between Russia and Ukraine are scheduled to resume in Istanbul on June 2, markets remain on edge over the potential fallout of continued conflict.

Adding to the market tension is mounting uncertainty over Iran’s nuclear program. According to The New York Times, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened military action that could target Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure, potentially derailing ongoing negotiations between Iran and the United States. A breakdown in talks could further hinder Iran’s ability to export oil, tightening the global supply picture.

Still, market optimism is tempered by bearish pressures, particularly around the role of the OPEC+ alliance. On Wednesday, the group ratified its existing production quotas through the end of next year, even as eight key member countries prepare for another round of discussions this weekend. Insiders say some members are pushing for a third consecutive monthly production hike starting in July.

“The early confirmation of quotas puts added pressure on this weekend’s decision,” said Robert Yawger, director of energy futures at Mizuho Securities USA. “The market is essentially at the mercy of OPEC on Saturday.”

Rising output from OPEC+ — particularly from members reviving previously idled capacity — has stoked concerns about oversupply. Some segments of the Brent futures curve have flipped into contango, a market condition where future prices are higher than current prices, signaling a supply glut.

Despite the recent uptick, oil prices have trended downward since mid-January, weighed down by global trade tensions, including sweeping tariffs introduced by the Trump administration and retaliatory measures from affected countries. These trade frictions have stoked fears of slower economic growth and weaker demand for fuel.

However, with tentative signs of easing trade disputes and renewed geopolitical risk in oil-producing regions, analysts say the next few weeks will be crucial in determining the market’s direction.

“Oil is being pulled in opposite directions,” said one market strategist. “If sanctions tighten and diplomacy falters, prices could surge. But if OPEC turns on the taps and global growth stalls, we could be looking at a very different scenario.”

Nippon Steel Set to Finalize $55/Share Acquisition of U.S. Steel in Landmark U.S.-Japan Deal

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Nippon Steel to acquire U.S. Steel for $55/share in a U.S.-approved strategic deal.
– The agreement secures American leadership, board control, and a $14B investment.
– Labor concerns persist over Nippon’s trade history and potential job risks

Japan’s Nippon Steel is expected to finalize its acquisition of U.S. Steel at $55 per share, marking a significant shift in the global steel industry and setting the stage for a tightly regulated, cross-national partnership. The $14 billion deal, which had previously been blocked under the Biden administration over national security concerns, was cleared on Friday by President Donald Trump, who framed the acquisition as a “strategic investment partnership.”

U.S. Steel, a historic symbol of American industrial might, will maintain its headquarters in Pittsburgh under the agreement. The deal ensures U.S. control in several key areas, aiming to strike a balance between foreign investment and national economic security.

President Trump emphasized that Nippon’s investment would not only protect American manufacturing but enhance it, noting that the $14 billion capital injection includes $2.4 billion earmarked for modernizing the Mon Valley plant outside Pittsburgh. “It’s not a buyout—it’s a commitment to American steel,” Trump said. He also announced plans to hold a rally at the Pittsburgh facility on May 30.

Critically, the agreement includes provisions designed to address concerns from both lawmakers and organized labor. Pennsylvania Senator Dave McCormick described the arrangement as a “win-win,” highlighting that U.S. Steel will be led by an American CEO, and that a majority of its board members will be U.S.-based. In addition, a “golden share” mechanism gives the U.S. government veto power over key board decisions, further safeguarding American interests.

The deal is poised to save 10,000 steel jobs in Pennsylvania and generate an additional 10,000 building trade jobs through new infrastructure investments, including plans to construct another arc furnace—an initiative that could help revitalize domestic production capabilities.

Despite these assurances, skepticism remains. The United Steelworkers (USW) union continues to express concern over Nippon’s track record regarding trade practices. USW President David McCall said the union is awaiting more details before determining whether the deal adequately protects American workers. “Nippon has a long and proven history of violating our trade laws,” McCall stated. “We’re worried this could further erode our steelmaking capacity and union jobs.”

For Nippon Steel, the acquisition represents a major strategic gain—providing access to the U.S. market and strengthening its position in a globally competitive industry. Senator McCormick acknowledged that the Japanese firm will have board representation and will integrate the U.S. Steel unit into its larger corporate structure. “This was their proposal. They see economic opportunity in strengthening ties with the American industrial base,” he said.

While the full impact of the deal will unfold over time, one thing is clear: this acquisition represents more than a business transaction. It’s a litmus test for how the U.S. navigates foreign investment in critical sectors, balancing economic opportunity with sovereignty and security.

Take a moment to take a look at more emerging growth industrials and basic industries companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

Comstock (LODE) – Comstock Achieves a Transformative Milestone

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Annual general meeting. Comstock Inc. recently hosted its virtual annual general meeting. Shareholders voted to: 1) elect seven named nominees to the Board of Directors for the ensuing year or, if earlier, until their successors are duly elected and qualified, 2) to ratify the appointment of Assure CPA, LLC as the company’s independent registered public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, and 3) to approve a non-binding advisory resolution for the compensation of named executive officers.

Separation of Comstock Fuels. Comstock Inc. officially separated and contributed the assets that formerly comprised Comstock’s fuels segment into Bioleum Corporation, a newly formed company that will operate independently with the objective of becoming a publicly traded company.


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Oil Prices Rise Slightly as U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks Stall and Geopolitical Tensions Mount

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Oil inches up as U.S.-Iran nuclear talks stall without resolution.
– Geopolitical risks and strong U.S. data support prices amid market fears.
– Bearish sentiment persists due to OPEC+ supply hikes and rising U.S. stockpiles.

Oil prices edged higher this week as U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations failed to deliver significant progress, deepening market uncertainty and raising concerns over potential disruptions in global supply. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude hovered near $61 a barrel following a fifth round of talks in Rome, where both sides reported “some but not conclusive progress.”

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged that while talks had moved forward, critical issues remain unresolved. The lack of a breakthrough is fueling doubts about whether Iranian crude will re-enter the market anytime soon. Traders are watching closely, as failed negotiations could restrict supply from the OPEC member and tighten global markets.

Geopolitical tension is further intensifying sentiment. Reports from U.S. intelligence suggesting that Israel may be preparing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities have added to anxiety in the energy sector. While Iranian officials indicated that a deal limiting nuclear weapons development might be possible, Tehran remains firm on continuing uranium enrichment—an issue that could derail diplomacy.

Meanwhile, strong U.S. economic data helped buoy prices after a brief dip triggered by fresh tariff threats from former President Donald Trump. In a social media post, Trump criticized the European Union as “very difficult to deal with” and suggested a sweeping 50% tariff on EU imports starting June 1. The rhetoric briefly shook markets, but solid U.S. consumer and industrial data helped counterbalance demand fears.

Despite the recent uptick, oil’s broader outlook remains bearish. Crude prices are down about 14% year-to-date, recently touching lows not seen since 2021. A faster-than-anticipated easing of production limits by OPEC+ and rising U.S. commercial oil stockpiles have both added to concerns about oversupply.

Energy strategist Jens Naervig Pedersen from Danske Bank emphasized that bearish sentiment persists. He cited ongoing output hikes by OPEC+, lackluster progress in both trade and nuclear talks, and the possibility of sanctions relief for Iran as factors undermining oil prices.

Looking ahead, a virtual meeting of key OPEC+ producers, including Saudi Arabia, is set for June 1 to decide on output levels for July. Most analysts surveyed by Bloomberg anticipate a continued rise in production, which could further pressure prices.

Adding another wrinkle, the European Commission is proposing to lower the price cap on Russian oil to $50 a barrel. Currently set at $60, the cap was designed to punish Russia for its war in Ukraine while keeping oil flowing. With prices already low, the existing ceiling is seen as ineffective.

In summary, oil is caught in a tug-of-war between geopolitical risk and structural oversupply. Unless a clear resolution emerges in U.S.-Iran talks or OPEC+ shifts its stance on production, the market may remain volatile with a downward bias.

Gold Nears All-Time Highs: Why It’s Defying the Typical Market Cycle

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Gold surges as investors seek safety from Trump’s tariff threats.
– U.S. fiscal worries and a weaker dollar drive demand for gold.
– Gold defies norms, staying strong despite rising Treasury yields.

Gold is trading just a few percentage points below its all-time highs, confounding expectations for a significant retracement typical of most asset classes. In a normal market cycle, rapid price increases are often followed by pullbacks as traders take profits and reassess fundamentals. But gold’s current behavior suggests that broader forces are at play, reshaping how investors evaluate risk and value in today’s geopolitical and macroeconomic landscape.

As of May 23, 2025, gold surged nearly 2% to $3,357.78 an ounce, extending its weekly gain toward 5%. This spike follows fresh threats from former President Donald Trump, who vowed to impose sweeping tariffs on the European Union and Apple Inc. These geopolitical tensions have reignited demand for gold as a safe haven, a traditional response to rising uncertainty.

According to a Bloomberg report, Trump’s proposed 50% tariffs on EU goods and a minimum 25% tariff on Apple if it fails to manufacture in the U.S. rattled financial markets. U.S. equity futures dropped in response, highlighting investor unease. At the same time, bullion prices surged as traders sought refuge from the volatility.

But tariffs alone don’t explain why gold is hovering so close to record highs without a typical retracement. Several structural shifts underpin the resilience of gold in this cycle.

First, gold is being buoyed by deep concerns over U.S. fiscal health. Moody’s recently downgraded the U.S. credit rating, citing fears that the government’s ballooning deficit—exacerbated by Trump’s tax proposals—could worsen. With trust in government debt shaken, gold has gained favor as a store of value.

Second, the usual inverse relationship between gold and Treasury yields appears to be breaking down. Yields on 10-year U.S. Treasuries have risen to around 4.5%, a level that would historically undermine gold, which offers no yield. However, this time, investors are prioritizing safety over returns. The desire to shield portfolios from political and economic instability is overriding traditional valuation models.

Third, the macroeconomic backdrop includes a weakening U.S. dollar, as evidenced by the Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slipping 0.6% for the week. A softer dollar makes gold cheaper for foreign buyers, further boosting demand.

Finally, investor psychology has shifted. Gold’s surge of over 25% this year has created a momentum-driven market where fear of missing out (FOMO) is fueling further buying. This sentiment-driven rally leaves little room for retracement, especially when headlines continue to reinforce the bullish narrative.

In conclusion, gold’s current strength—so close to its peak with little sign of reversal—reflects more than just a temporary flight to safety. It signals a deeper lack of confidence in traditional hedges like government bonds and an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment. Until those pressures ease, gold may not follow the rules of a “normal” market cycle.

Release – Comstock Releases Shareholder Letter

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on LODE

Closes Initial $20 Million Tranche of Series A Investment and Separation of Fuels

VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA, MAY 22, 2025 – Comstock Inc. (NYSE American: LODE) (“Comstock” and the “Company”) today announced that its executive chairman and chief executive officer, Corrado De Gasperis, issued the following letter to shareholders announcing major transformative milestones, including the separation of Comstock Fuels.

Dear Shareholders:

On behalf of our Board of Directors, Executive Officers, and the entire Comstock team, thank you for your continued support of our goals and bold strategies for achieving systemic decarbonization, establishing technological leadership in the massive global renewable fuels and renewable metals markets and positioning great value for all of our shareholders.

I am genuinely thrilled to announce the completion of the successful separation of our renewable fuels segment into a new independent entity, Bioleum Corporation (“Bioleum”), and its high-value capitalization, through the closing on the first $20 million in direct Series A equity investment. This investment is the first of $50 million planned this year.

This achievement fulfills the first phase of the plans we outlined earlier this year and positions us with two high-growth companies – one focused on renewable metals and mining here in Nevada, and the other on renewable fuels headquartered in Oklahoma – enabling two extremely different business and capital profiles and providing each the platform to thrive in their own markets. In doing so, we are unleashing unprecedented opportunities for growth and value creation.

Bioleum Separation Completed: A Bold New Chapter

We have officially separated and contributed the assets that formerly comprised Comstock’s fuels segment into Bioleum, a newly formed company dedicated to accelerating and maximizing the production and use of lignocellulosic biomass – or BioleumTM – derived fuels and attracting the necessary capitalization to do so. Bioleum’s formation marks the next chapter in this rapid evolution – one where our renewable fuels platform can accelerate under its own banner with singular focus and clarity with the ultimate objective of also becoming a publicly traded company.

Comstock now owns $65 million of the preferred stock in Bioleum, convertible into 32.5 million common shares, nearly the exact number of total outstanding shares of LODE today. This represents the substantial majority of Bioleum, positioning an exceptional value for our shareholders today and preserving our ability to accelerate the growth of that value and the delivery of that value directly to our shareholders, ultimately through a future public offering and beyond.

This transaction was structured to give Bioleum operational independence, with direct governance from Comstock and the strategic Series A investors, while maintaining and ensuring exceptional alignment with Comstock’s interests. Bioleum now has its own dedicated leadership and resources: Kevin Kreisler has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Bioleum, and – in addition to my continuing role as Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comstock, I will also serve as Bioleum’s Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer to both guide and support the new enterprise. I will be the only professional employed directly by both companies. With an independent board and governance, including representatives of the Series A investors and independent board members of Comstock, Bioleum can effectively and efficiently accelerate its mission and critical financing strategy. We believe that this structure, combined with Comstock’s ongoing governance and preferred equity interest, strikes the ideal balance to maximize Bioleum’s potential and unlock the full value of its clean energy portfolio for all of our shareholders.

Critically, the separation and its aligned structure, satisfies key conditions of large, sophisticated investors for new investment in Bioleum. Concurrently with the separation, Bioleum has closed an initial $20 million tranche of its Series A preferred stock financing. This infusion of growth capital validates Bioleum’s strategy and provides the resources to accelerate its next phase of development. These funds will support Bioleum’s continuing development as it completes engineering, financing, and construction of its first planned 400,000 barrel per year commercial demonstration facility in Oklahoma. In short, Bioleum is now equipped, capitalized, and structured to move forward at full speed. This capital also immediately relieves Comstock of a substantial majority of its liquidity and capital resource demands and constraints.

Bioleum’s Path to Full Commercialization

The initial objectives are clear. Bioleum will continue to focus on securing all approvals and agreements, including with top-tier Engineering, Procurement and Construction (“EPC”) and other strategic relationships while engineering is completed to construct its flagship 400,000 barrel per year refinery in Oklahoma. This first facility will deliver over $30 million in annual operating income once up and running, showcasing its commercial viability. Bioleum has already advanced site selection and engineering, and is working on project-level financing, permitting, regulatory approvals, and all other site agreements, fueled by the Series A capital.

Bioleum’s proprietary refining platform can convert underutilized woody biomass into a low-carbon, direct substitute for gasoline, diesel, and sustainable aviation fuel, effectively transforming waste biomass into high-value fuels with a carbon intensity as low as 15. In essence, we have uncovered a new kind of “oil well” – one that never runs dry because it is fed by renewable resources. As we often say, imagine an oil well that never stops producing – that is what Bioleum delivers. With market-leading yields of up to 140 gallons of fuel per ton of feedstock (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis) and a platform designed to scale 10x beyond the first facility, Bioleum is poised to enlist major oil companies in accelerating and maximizing the production and use of Bioleum derived fuels.

Comstock Metals: Strength in Sustainable Innovation

While Bioleum separates, our Metals business will continue to grow stronger than ever. We are proud to report that Comstock Metals revenues are growing rapidly and achieving the highest levels of industry recognition. Recently, Comstock Metals became the first company in North America to earn the stringent R2v3 and RIOS certifications for zero-waste solar panel recycling. This groundbreaking certification validates that our recycling facility and processes meet the highest global standards for safety, environmental stewardship, and total waste elimination. In fact, under the R2v3/RIOS standard (including the specialized Appendix G), we demonstrated a 100% landfill-free recycling process – every component of an end-of-life solar panel (glass, aluminum, semiconductor fines, and other metals) is fully reclaimed and repurposed into new raw materials. Nothing goes to waste. This achievement is an extraordinary testament to our team’s innovation and diligence. It proves that our proprietary thermal recycling technology can deliver commodity-grade outputs from solar trash, with all parts of the panel fully recycled into valuable products.

Importantly, this certification also provides assurance to our customers, partners, and regulators that Comstock Metals’ operations meet the absolute highest bar for responsible recycling, without any reliance on government incentives. We have essentially built a new kind of mine above ground – one that harvests critical metals from retired solar panels instead of digging ore from the earth. As I’ve described before, it’s like a “world-class silver mine using solar panel waste as ore” that never depletes and just keeps on producing. With this validation in hand, Comstock Metals is aggressively scaling up its services to meet surging demand. We have been ramping up our recycling throughput (a fourfold increase year-over-year in Q1) and expanding our partnerships, including world-class customers and a master services agreement with RWE Clean Energy all while maintaining our zero-landfill promise. We are securing expanded and new permits and are preparing to expand to industry-scale operations at our Nevada facility to process dramatically larger volumes of photovoltaic waste. In short, Comstock Metals is now a proven leader in sustainable metal recycling, with a robust pipeline of business and technology that positions us for exponential growth. We could not be prouder of our teams.

Strategic Rationale: Capital Efficiency, Risk Management, and Value Creation

I want to clearly articulate our thinking behind separating the Bioleum and Comstock entities at this time. This transaction was driven by opportunity – and by necessity. Both our Fuels and Metals businesses have matured to a point where they can attract significant investment and growth on their own. However, they each have very different capital needs, risk profiles, and operational focuses. By separating them, we enable each company to pursue tailored funding and growth strategies with maximum efficiency. Bioleum can now raise capital (such as the Series A financing) directly into its projects and technology, without competing with or being bottlenecked by Comstock’s other needs. At the same time, Comstock Metals can seek its own strategic partnerships and financing faster and more efficiently (for new industry scale recycling facilities, for example) without having to dilute or divert resources to the Fuels business. This clear management, capital and growth focus in each company means more efficient use of funds and faster development cycles for both.

Separation also improves risk management. Renewable fuels and recyclable metals are adjacent in our mission, but they are fundamentally different businesses. Each business faces unique technical and market risks. By structurally isolating them, we ensure that challenges in one domain will not hinder the progress of the other. Investors and partners can now engage with a pure-play renewable metals producer or a pure-play renewable fuels developer, without ambiguity. This clarity reduces the perceived risk for stakeholders and allows each company to be evaluated on its own merits. Moreover, it grants each management team the autonomy to focus exclusively on its core mission – whether that is scaling up recycling operations or building biorefineries – thus sharpening execution and accountability.

Finally, and most importantly, this separation is about unlocking the full value and impact of the businesses we have built. We firmly believe that the combined value of Comstock and Bioleum as separate entities will exponentially exceed what might have been reflected as a single conglomerate. The market can now properly value our Metals business as the first mover in zero-waste solar recycling, and value Bioleum as a high-growth renewable fuels innovator, without one overshadowing the other. Early evidence of this value creation is clear: the separation and Bioleum’s financing were completed at an implied valuation that significantly uplifts the recognized value of our Fuels segment. Comstock retains a substantial majority equity position in Bioleum, so our shareholders keep substantial upside in Bioleum’s future success, while better protecting against downside risks and gaining all the benefits of a more focused parent company. We expect that as Bioleum reaches its milestones and as Comstock Metals rapidly expands, the sum-of-parts value to our shareholders will deliver dramatic and exponential returns.

Moving Forward

I want to emphasize the confidence I have in our bold path forward. We have spent the last four years investing in new technologies, overcoming challenges, and relentlessly driving toward commercialization of two revolutionary platforms. That effort has now culminated in a historic achievement: we launched Bioleum as an independent company and fortified Comstock Metals as a standalone powerhouse. We are now operating with a sharpened focus in each business. Our vision of enabling energy independence and a circular, decarbonized economy is not just alive – it’s accelerating.

Comstock emerges from this separation as a more streamlined enterprise laser-focused on renewable metals, with a healthy balance sheet and a stake in one of the most promising renewable fuel ventures in the world. Bioleum, for its part, is charging ahead to reinvent how we produce fuels, armed with world-class technology, a passionate team of industry veterans, and the funding to realize its plans. Together, though operating separately, Comstock and Bioleum are advancing complementary missions that address two of the world’s most pressing needs: clean energy and resource sustainability. We are leading – setting new standards, forging new partnerships, and capturing new markets.

I have never been more confident in our strategy or more excited looking to the future. We will continue executing with the same determination and ingenuity that brought us to this point. We look forward to creating extraordinary value together as we drive a true revolution in renewable fuels and sustainable materials.

Key Highlights

  • Completed Separation of Comstock Fuels into Bioleum – Successfully separated our renewable fuels business into Bioleum Corporation, an independent entity, satisfying all conditions for the capital needs of the business. Comstock retains a substantial majority in Bioleum to participate in its tremendous growth potential.
  • Comstock’s Stake – $65M Preferred Equity – Comstock received $65 million in preferred equity in Bioleum, convertible into 32.5 million common shares, representing a well-protected and substantial majority ownership of Bioleum. This ensures Comstock shareholders benefit from Bioleum’s future success.
  • Bioleum Funded and Positioned for IPO – Bioleum closed an initial $20 million Series A financing concurrent with the separation. Proceeds will fund critical growth milestones. Bioleum plans an IPO upon completing the construction of its first 400,000 barrel per year refinery and meeting key commercialization milestones.
  • Comstock Metals’ Extraordinary First Mover Advantage – Comstock Metals recycling business is thriving. Comstock Metals achieved the first R2v3/RIOS certification in North America for 100% zero-waste solar panel recycling, validating our world-class, zero-landfill process. Comstock Metals is scaling up with new permits, major customers, and expanding revenues, fulfilling the vision of a “solar waste silver mine” that never depletes.
  • Strategic Benefits of Separation – The separation enhances capital efficiency (each company can raise and allocate capital optimally), improves risk management (distinct businesses are insulated from each other’s risks), and unlocks value (investors can properly value each pure-play business, driving greater aggregate shareholder value). We expect this separation to accelerate growth and maximize shareholder returns for both companies.

I appreciate everyone’s dedication and support in helping us get to this launching point. I am very much looking forward to discussing these achievements, our remarkable progress, and next steps with you during our 2025 Annual Meeting.

Kindest regards, 

Corrado De Gasperis
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Comstock Inc. 

Additional information on the Bioleum transactions will be provided in Comstock’s planned Current Report on Form 8-K to be filed online on May 23, 2025.

About Bioleum Corporation

Bioleum Corporation (“Bioleum”) is setting a new standard in oil by developing and commercializing breakthrough refining technologies that convert lignocellulosic biomass into low-carbon transportation fuels at commercial scale, including cellulosic ethanol, gasoline, renewable diesel, synthetic aviation fuel (“SAF”), and other renewable fuels, with extremely low carbon intensity scores of 15 and market-leading yields of up to 140 gallons per dry metric ton of feedstock (on a gasoline gallon equivalent basis, or “GGE”). Bioleum plans to contribute to domestic energy dominance by directly building, owning, and operating a network of refineries in the U.S., starting with its planned first 400,000 barrel per year commercial demonstration facility in Oklahoma. Bioleum also licenses its advanced feedstock and refining solutions to third parties for additional production in the U.S. and global markets, including several recently announced and other pending projects. To learn more, please visit www.bioleum.com.

About Comstock Inc.

Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) innovates and commercializes technologies that are deployable across entire industries to contribute to energy abundance by efficiently extracting and converting under-utilized natural resources, such as waste and other forms of woody biomass into renewable fuels, and end-of-life electronics into recovered electrification metals. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Comstock Social Media Policy

Comstock Inc. has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations link and main website at www.comstock.inc in addition to its X.com, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Contacts

For investor inquiries:
Judd B. Merrill, Chief Financial Officer
Tel (775) 413-6222
ir@comstockinc.com

For media inquiries:
Tracy Saville, Director of Marketing
Tel (775) 847-7573
media@comstockinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; divestitures, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, future changes in our research, development and exploration activities; future financial, natural, and social gains; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services; land entitlements and uses; permits; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the Board of Directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land and asset sales; investments, acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, operational, tax, financial and restructuring initiatives, including the nature, timing and accounting for restructuring charges, derivative assets and liabilities and the impact thereof; contingencies; litigation, administrative or arbitration proceedings; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings, limitations on sales or offering of equity or debt securities, including asset sales and associated costs; business opportunities, growth rates, future working capital, needs, revenues, variable costs, throughput rates, operating expenses, debt levels, cash flows, margins, taxes and earnings. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments, and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; adverse effects of global or regional pandemic disease spread or other crises; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, and lithium, nickel and cobalt recycling, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with precious and other metal based activities, including environmentally friendly and economically enhancing clean mining and processing technologies, precious metal exploration, resource development, economic feasibility assessment and cash generating mineral production; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with metal recycling, processing or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; challenges to, or potential inability to, achieve the benefits of business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us, including those involving battery technology and efficacy, quantum computing and generative artificial intelligence supported advanced materials development, development of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and related material production; commercialization of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and generative artificial intelligence development services; ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, lithium, nickel, cobalt, cyanide, water, diesel, gasoline and alternative fuels and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of war, mass shooting, terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market or maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund, or any other issuer.

Release – Nicola Mining to Commence Gold and Silver Production

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on HUSIF

May 21, 2025 9:00 AM EDT | Source: Nicola Mining Inc.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – May 21, 2025) – Nicola Mining Inc. (TSXV: NIM) (FSE: HLIA) (OTCQB: HUSIF) (the “Company” or “Nicola“) is pleased to announce that has started receiving gold / silver ore from Talisker Resources Inc. and is currently undergoing pre-production adjustment. The modern $33.0 million plus milling and processing facility, which is located near Merritt, British Columbia, has undergone numerous upgrades in 2H 20241.

Production at the modern facility, which is constructed on free-hold industrial-zone land owned 100% by the Company, is expected to ramp up and reach full capacity in Q3. The Company has also commenced the process of applying for an amendment to its permit, for the purpose of increasing mill throughput.

Nicola’s Merritt Mill is the only facility in the Province of British Columbia permitted to accept third party gold and silver mill feed from throughout the province.

Talisker Resources Ltd.
Nicola and Talisker have recently entered into a new Milling Agreement and the latter has commenced transportation of high grade gold/silver ore to Nicola’s mill site. Nicola had previously announced that it and Talisker had signed a Milling Agreement2 on July 18, 2024. Nicola and Talisker have commenced working with Ocean Partners UK Limited3 on the sale of gold and silver concentrate.

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Ore from Talisker’s Bralorne Mine

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Nicola Mining’s Merritt Mill

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Blue Lagoon Resources
Nicola continues to work closely with Blue Lagoon Resources (“Blue Lagoon“) and has participated in all tranches of the latter’s recent private placement. In a previous capital round, Blue Lagoon announced that Nicola had subscribed for 7,142,857 shares. The Company will participate in Blue Lagoon’s official opening of the latter’s Dome Mountain Mine on July 9th, 2025, and is completing final preparations to accept Dome’s high-grade gold / silver ore, thereafter.

Dominion Gold / Silver Bulk Sample
Nicola announced on March 12, 2025 that it has received the Final Permit (“Final Permit[1]“) to complete a bulk sample[2] at its Dominion Creek Mineral Project (“Dominion”), a high grade gold and silver project, of which Nicola owns a 75% economic interest. Preparation has been initiated to mobilize equipment and begin mining activities in July of 2025.

The Company will provide separate news releases for each project soon.

In addition to commencing gold and silver production, Nicola is currently preparing to commence copper exploration at its New Craigmont Copper Project. To strengthen its geological team the Company has hired Vicente García as a Senior Geologist. Mr. García is an experienced exploration geologist with a strong technical background from having worked on many deposit types in North and South America, including porphyry copper. The Company will issue a separate geological news release soon.

Mr. Peter Espig, CEO of Nicola Mining Inc., commented, “Unlike previous milling campaigns we are excited to realize that Nicola is morphing into a steady and long term producer. It is rare for junior miners to reach the production pinnacle and to monetize current precious metal prices with our partners. We are also witnessing firsthand augmented efficiencies in British Columbia’s permitting of underground mining operations, which characteristically minimize environmental impact, as well as the strategic significance of our fully permitted mill. In addition to production, we have boosted our geological team and are ramping up activities for what we believe to be an exciting exploration campaign, not only at the New Craigmont Project, but also our fully permitted silver mine, Treasure Mountain.”

Qualified Person
William Whitty, P. Geo., the Company’s VP Exploration, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and supervised the preparation of, and has reviewed and approved, the technical information in this release.

About Nicola Mining
Nicola Mining Inc. is a junior mining company listed on the Exchange and Frankfurt Exchange that maintains a 100% owned mill and tailings facility, located near Merritt, British Columbia It has signed Mining and Milling Profit Share Agreements with high grade gold projects. Nicola’s fully permitted mill can process both gold and silver mill feed via gravity and flotation processes.

The Company owns 100% of the New Craigmont Project, a high-grade copper property, which covers an area of over 10,800 hectares along the southern end of the Guichon Batholith and is adjacent to Highland Valley Copper, Canada’s largest copper mine. The Company also owns 100% of the Treasure Mountain Property, which includes 30 mineral claims and a mineral lease, spanning an area exceeding 2,200 hectares.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

“Peter Espig“

Peter Espig
CEO & Director

For additional information

Contact: Peter Espig
Phone: (778) 385-1213
Email: info@nicolamining.com
URL: www.nicolamining.com

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

1 News Release describing upgrades: Link
2 News Release: April 9, 2024 Link
3 Ocean Partners operates in several countries throughout the world and maintains a strong global network of relationships and contacts in the base metal mining and smelting sector.

info

SOURCE: Nicola Mining Inc.

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF) – Right Time, Right Place, Right Project

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Investor webinar. Century Lithium recently discussed the Angel Island Lithium project during an insightful investor webinar. Key highlights included: 1) Angel Island is an advanced project with one of the largest lithium deposits in the United States, 2) the project employs a proven patent-pending process for chloride leaching, along with direct lithium extraction to produce lithium carbonate, 3) Century has a secured a 1,770 acre-feet per year water rights permit, and 4) the company has demonstrated its ability to consistently produce battery grade lithium carbonate on-site at its pilot plant in Amargosa Valley, Nevada.

Nearing completion of a Plan of Operations. Management expects to submit a Plan of Operations to the Bureau of Land Management within the next few months, which would enable the company to initiate the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) permitting process. We anticipate the NEPA permitting process could take between 12 and 24 months, depending on whether an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement is required. An environmental impact statement generally takes longer.


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Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

Nicola Mining Inc. (HUSIF) – Merritt Mill Expected to Commence Operations in June

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com


Monday, May 19, 2025

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Cash flow sources to support operations. Nicola Mining (TSX.V: NIM, OTCQB: HUSIF) is advancing its flagship New Craigmont Copper Project and owns 100% of the past-producing Treasure Mountain high-grade silver, lead, and zinc underground mine with significant exploration potential and an active mining permit. Nicola distinguishes itself by offering investors significant discovery and value creation potential through its exploration activities at New Craigmont and Treasure Mountain while generating cash flows from the Craigmont Mill, which processes ore from third parties, a sand and gravel pit, rock quarry, and ready-mix cement plant. 

A modern mill to serve British Columbia. The Craigmont Mill in Merritt, British Columbia is equipped to process 200 tonnes of ore per day and is authorized for custom milling. Notably, the Merritt Mill is the sole facility in British Columbia permitted to receive and process third-party gold and silver feed from across the province. Nicola has executed Milling and Profit Share Agreements with several key partners, and a sales contract that enables global distribution of gold and silver concentrate.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision. 

China Holds Back Key Rare Earths Despite Easing Other U.S. Export Curbs

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– China lifts some trade curbs on 28 U.S. firms, but keeps rare earth metals off the table
– Export ban on 7 critical rare earth elements remains intact
– Dual-use export restrictions paused for 90 days amid renewed U.S.-China diplomacy
– Defense, energy, and EV sectors in U.S. remain exposed to supply risks

In a carefully calculated move, China announced on Thursday a temporary suspension of some trade restrictions targeting 28 American firms—but stopped short of lifting its export ban on seven critical rare earth elements, underscoring its ongoing strategic leverage over the United States.

The easing of some non-tariff measures comes just days after high-level trade talks in Geneva, where U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng appeared together in a rare public show of diplomatic engagement. But while China’s Commerce Ministry agreed to suspend dual-use export curbs and temporarily removed 17 companies from its “unreliable entity list,” it retained export controls on key minerals like dysprosium, terbium, and yttrium—materials vital for U.S. defense and clean energy production.

The seven rare earths still restricted—samarium, gadolinium, terbium, dysprosium, lutetium, scandium, and yttrium—are central to everything from guided missiles to EV motors. According to analysts, this deliberate exclusion signals Beijing’s intent to maintain strategic pressure even as it opens the door to limited cooperation.

“This is China drawing a line in the sand,” said one Asia-based commodities analyst. “They’re signaling flexibility on diplomacy, but the core leverage—rare earth dominance—is not being sacrificed.”

The freeze on rare earth exports was initially introduced in early April as part of China’s retaliation against President Trump’s sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs. That package included export licensing controls for the seven elements and the addition of several U.S. defense-adjacent companies to blacklists. While some of those companies, including Teledyne Brown Engineering and Kratos Unmanned Aerial Systems, received a 90-day reprieve, the rare earths ban remains firmly in place.

Notably, China’s Commerce Ministry released a parallel statement this week emphasizing the need for stronger national security oversight of its rare earth industry, including measures to combat smuggling and tighten internal supply chain controls. This was reinforced by state-linked social media accounts hinting at the metals’ impact on U.S. military readiness.

The U.S. currently sources over 70% of its rare earth imports from China, a vulnerability that has become more politically charged amid renewed trade hostilities. American efforts to diversify rare earth supply chains—such as investing in Australian mining firms or restarting domestic refining—remain years from full-scale viability.

For investors, the bifurcated approach by China suggests that while the broader trade environment may be softening temporarily, core strategic resources like rare earths are unlikely to be freely accessible in the near term. Defense contractors, energy manufacturers, and EV suppliers will continue to face uncertainty, potentially pushing up costs and driving supply chain shifts.

Until rare earth independence becomes a reality, this remains a pressure point Beijing is unlikely to relinquish.

Take a moment to take a look at more emerging growth natural resources companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

Release – Comstock Announces Appointment of Chief Financial Officer

Posted on by aweinsoff@channelchek.com

Research News and Market Data on LODE

VIRGINIA CITY, NEVADA, May 15, 2025 – Comstock Inc. (the “Company”) today announced that the Board of Directors has approved the appointment of Mr. Judd B. Merrill, as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and President of the Company’s wholly-owned mining subsidiary, Comstock Mining LLC, that, together with the Company’s other affiliated mining activities, controls all of the Company’s mineral exploration and mining assets. Mr. Merrill will assume his new role starting May 19, 2025.

Mr. Merrill brings extensive public company mining and clean mineral technology industry experience to Comstock. Mr. Merrill, age 54, most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Aqua Metals, Inc., (NASDAQ: AQMS), a Nevada-based metal recycling company, from November 2018 to May 2025.  Prior to joining Aqua Metals, Mr. Merrill was the Chief Financial Officer and the Director of Finance & Accounting at Klondex Mines Ltd., a North American based, publicly traded gold and silver mining company, listed on both the Toronto and New York Stock Exchanges. Mr. Merrill previously held financial management positions at Fronteer Gold Inc. and Newmont Mining Corporation and started his career as an auditor, working for the independent accounting firm of Deloitte and Touche LLP.

Mr. Corrado De Gasperis, Executive Chairman and CEO, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Judd back to the Comstock. Judd is the ultimate systems-based, team-oriented professional, whose extensive Nevada-based mining, both explorational and transactional, with innovative clean technology, metal recycling and public company financial experience makes him an ideal member of our executive team.  His inclusion is especially significant as we capitalize, accelerate and expand our metal recycling business and prepare our teams to separate our renewable fuels business into a stand-alone, independent company.”

Mr. Merrill was previously employed by the Company (then known as, Comstock Mining Inc.) for over six years, in positions of increasing responsibility, including Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary and subsequently, as a director of our board.

Mr. Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Central Washington University and he received an M.B.A. from the University of Nevada, Reno and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”).

Mr. Walter “Del” Marting, Chairman of the Audit Committee, commented, “Judd adds strong capacity and competency to every salient aspect of our financial organization, including liquidity and capital resource management, public company financial accounting and reporting, internal financial controls and regulatory compliance and his experience in metal-based business development makes a strong addition to the business teams.”

About Comstock Inc.

Comstock Inc. (NYSE: LODE) innovates and commercializes technologies that are deployable across entire industries to contribute to energy abundance by efficiently extracting and converting under-utilized natural resources, such as waste and other forms of woody biomass into renewable fuels, and end-of-life electronics into recovered electrification metals. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Comstock Social Media Policy

Comstock Inc. has used, and intends to continue using, its investor relations link and main website at www.comstock.inc in addition to its X.com, LinkedIn and YouTube accounts, as means of disclosing material non-public information and for complying with its disclosure obligations under Regulation FD.

Contacts

For investor inquiries:
William McCarthy, Chief Operating Officer
Tel (775) 413-6222
ir@comstockinc.com

For media inquiries:
Tracy Saville, Director of Marketing
Tel (775) 847-7573
media@comstockinc.com

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release and any related calls or discussions may include forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward-looking statements. The words “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “should,” “intend,” “may,” “will,” “would,” “potential” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements but are not the exclusive means of doing so. Forward-looking statements include statements about matters such as: future market conditions; future explorations or acquisitions; divestitures, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, future changes in our research, development and exploration activities; future financial, natural, and social gains; future prices and sales of, and demand for, our products and services; land entitlements and uses; permits; production capacity and operations; operating and overhead costs; future capital expenditures and their impact on us; operational and management changes (including changes in the Board of Directors); changes in business strategies, planning and tactics; future employment and contributions of personnel, including consultants; future land and asset sales; investments, acquisitions, divestitures, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, operational, tax, financial and restructuring initiatives, including the nature, timing and accounting for restructuring charges, derivative assets and liabilities and the impact thereof; contingencies; litigation, administrative or arbitration proceedings; environmental compliance and changes in the regulatory environment; offerings, limitations on sales or offering of equity or debt securities, including asset sales and associated costs; business opportunities, growth rates, future working capital, needs, revenues, variable costs, throughput rates, operating expenses, debt levels, cash flows, margins, taxes and earnings. These statements are based on assumptions and assessments made by our management in light of their experience and their perception of historical and current trends, current conditions, possible future developments and other factors they believe to be appropriate. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees, representations or warranties and are subject to risks and uncertainties, many of which are unforeseeable and beyond our control and could cause actual results, developments, and business decisions to differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. Some of those risks and uncertainties include the risk factors set forth in our filings with the SEC and the following: adverse effects of climate changes or natural disasters; adverse effects of global or regional pandemic disease spread or other crises; global economic and capital market uncertainties; the speculative nature of gold or mineral exploration, and lithium, nickel and cobalt recycling, including risks of diminishing quantities or grades of qualified resources; operational or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, metal recycling, processing or mining activities; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with precious and other metal based activities, including environmentally friendly and economically enhancing clean mining and processing technologies, precious metal exploration, resource development, economic feasibility assessment and cash generating mineral production; costs, hazards and uncertainties associated with metal recycling, processing or mining activities; contests over our title to properties; potential dilution to our stockholders from our stock issuances, recapitalization and balance sheet restructuring activities; potential inability to comply with applicable government regulations or law; adoption of or changes in legislation or regulations adversely affecting our businesses; permitting constraints or delays; challenges to, or potential inability to, achieve the benefits of business opportunities that may be presented to, or pursued by, us, including those involving battery technology and efficacy, quantum computing and generative artificial intelligence supported advanced materials development, development of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and related material production; commercialization of cellulosic technology in bio-fuels and generative artificial intelligence development services; ability to successfully identify, finance, complete and integrate acquisitions, spin-offs or similar distribution transactions, joint ventures, strategic alliances, business combinations, asset sales, and investments that we may be party to in the future; changes in the United States or other monetary or fiscal policies or regulations; interruptions in our production capabilities due to capital constraints; equipment failures; fluctuation of prices for gold or certain other commodities (such as silver, zinc, lithium, nickel, cobalt, cyanide, water, diesel, gasoline and alternative fuels and electricity); changes in generally accepted accounting principles; adverse effects of war, mass shooting, terrorism and geopolitical events; potential inability to implement our business strategies; potential inability to grow revenues; potential inability to attract and retain key personnel; interruptions in delivery of critical supplies, equipment and raw materials due to credit or other limitations imposed by vendors; assertion of claims, lawsuits and proceedings against us; potential inability to satisfy debt and lease obligations; potential inability to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting; potential inability or failure to timely file periodic reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission; potential inability to list our securities on any securities exchange or market or maintain the listing of our securities; and work stoppages or other labor difficulties. Occurrence of such events or circumstances could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows, or the market price of our securities. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements by or attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by these factors. Except as may be required by securities or other law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Neither this press release nor any related calls or discussions constitutes an offer to sell, the solicitation of an offer to buy or a recommendation with respect to any securities of the Company, the fund, or any other issuer.

Pan American Silver Acquires MAG Silver in $2.1B Deal to Solidify Position as Leading Silver Producer

Posted on by slightbourne@noblecapitalmarkets.com
Key Points:
– Pan American buys MAG Silver in a $2.1B deal, adding a major stake in the Juanicipio mine.
– Boosts silver exposure and solidifies Pan American as a leading producer in the Americas.
– Positive signal for small caps as sector consolidation could drive M&A interest in junior miners.

Pan American Silver Corp. (NYSE: PAAS) has announced a definitive agreement to acquire all outstanding shares of MAG Silver Corp. (NYSEAM: MAG) in a deal valued at approximately $2.1 billion. This acquisition will grant Pan American a 44% stake in the Juanicipio mine in Mexico, a high-grade, low-cost silver operation managed by Fresnillo plc. The transaction includes $500 million in cash and 0.755 Pan American shares per MAG share, subject to proration.

For MAG shareholders, the deal offers an immediate premium of about 21% over the closing price and 27% over the 20-day volume-weighted average price as of May 9, 2025. Post-acquisition, MAG shareholders will own approximately 14% of Pan American, providing exposure to a diversified portfolio of ten silver and gold mines across seven countries.

Pan American’s acquisition of MAG Silver enhances its position as a leading silver producer. Juanicipio is expected to produce between 14.7 million and 16.7 million ounces of silver in 2025, with Pan American’s share being 6.5 to 7.3 million ounces. The mine’s cash costs and all-in sustaining costs are forecasted to range between ($1.00) to $1.00 and $6.00 to $8.00 per silver ounce sold, respectively, for 2025. Additionally, the acquisition adds 58 million ounces of silver to Pan American’s proven and probable mineral reserves, 19 million ounces to measured and indicated resources, and 35 million ounces to inferred resources.

The deal also includes MAG’s exploration projects, Deer Trail in Utah and Larder in Ontario, offering further growth opportunities. Pan American plans to leverage its experience operating in the Americas for over 30 years to integrate these assets effectively.

For junior miners and small-cap investors, this acquisition underscores the trend of consolidation in the mining industry. As larger companies seek to acquire high-quality assets, junior miners with promising projects may become attractive targets. This dynamic can lead to increased valuations for small-cap mining stocks, offering potential opportunities for investors.

However, consolidation can also lead to reduced competition and fewer standalone investment options in the junior mining space. Investors should carefully assess the implications of such deals on their portfolios, considering both the potential for gains through acquisitions and the changing landscape of available investment opportunities.

The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2025, pending customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals. All directors and executive officers of MAG have agreed to vote in favor of the transaction.

Take a moment to take a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Research Analyst Mark Reichman’s coverage list for other emerging growth natural resource companies.

Comstock Inc. (LODE) – Gaining Momentum

Posted on by cpereira@noblefcm.com


Monday, May 12, 2025

Comstock (NYSE: LODE) innovates technologies that contribute to global decarbonization and circularity by efficiently converting under-utilized natural resources into renewable fuels and electrification products that contribute to balancing global uses and emissions of carbon. The Company intends to achieve exponential growth and extraordinary financial, natural, and social gains by building, owning, and operating a fleet of advanced carbon neutral extraction and refining facilities, by selling an array of complimentary process solutions and related services, and by licensing selected technologies to qualified strategic partners. To learn more, please visit www.comstock.inc.

Mark Reichman, Managing Director, Equity Research Analyst, Natural Resources, Noble Capital Markets, Inc.

Refer to the full report for the price target, fundamental analysis, and rating.

Investor webinar. Comstock recently hosted a webinar to discuss the company’s first-quarter 2025 financial and operational performance, milestones associated with its renewable fuels and metals recycling platforms, and the outlook for the remainder of 2025. While Comstock continues to make rapid progress toward commercializing its Fuels and Metals businesses, perhaps the most significant achievement has been laying the financial foundation and framework for capitalizing its businesses to facilitate growth. These include LODE’s maintenance of the authorized share count, the recent share consolidation, a Series A financing for Comstock Fuels, and seeking financial and strategic partners to provide direct subsidiary-level financing.

Upcoming milestones. While Comstock summarized corporate and subsidiary-level objectives for 2025, we view several as significant. These include: 1) completing a Comstock Fuels Series A financing during the second quarter, 2) receipt of permits to expand Comstock Metals’ storage capacity and for the construction of its first industry-scale facility, 3) advancing project level financing for subsidiary projects, 4) the planned spin-off of Comstock Fuels, and 5) finalizing a plan to monetize Comstock’s properties and water rights in Silver Springs, Nevada.


Get the Full Report

Equity Research is available at no cost to Registered users of Channelchek. Not a Member? Click ‘Join’ to join the Channelchek Community. There is no cost to register, and we never collect credit card information.

This Company Sponsored Research is provided by Noble Capital Markets, Inc., a FINRA and S.E.C. registered broker-dealer (B/D).

*Analyst certification and important disclosures included in the full report. NOTE: investment decisions should not be based upon the content of this research summary. Proper due diligence is required before making any investment decision.