The $4 Gallon Is No Longer a Shock. It’s the New Baseline.

By Wednesday, American drivers are expected to log more days above $4 a gallon in a single year than in any year on record, surpassing a mark set in 2022. That is the forecast of Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, and the numbers support it.

AAA puts the national average for regular gasoline at $4.35 a gallon, about $1.27 higher than a year ago and still shy of the May peak above $4.50. Diesel sits at $6.25. Prices have drifted down a few cents over the past month, which is hardly comfort when the starting point is this high.

What stands out is not the peak but the persistence. A price spike is a shock; a price that stays elevated for months becomes a baseline. Households stop treating $4 gas as an emergency and start budgeting around it, which means cutting somewhere else. That quiet adjustment is how fuel costs feed into broader economic weakness, and it helps explain why consumers have grown so frustrated with the cost of living. The University of Michigan’s October sentiment survey fell to a five-month low, and gas prices that have held above $4 since mid-summer are part of that story.

The supply picture offers little relief. Crude rose Monday after deadly attacks in the Middle East and fresh doubts about a proposed Russia-Ukraine energy ceasefire, with Brent near $106 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate around $93. At home, Hurricane Isaias knocked two major Gulf Coast refineries offline, and the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. Refiners make diesel and heating oil from the same crude supply, so a disruption in one product can pull the others higher, just as winter demand arrives. Gasoline futures are up more than 86% this year and heating oil futures more than 124%.

Diesel deserves more attention than it gets. It moves the farm equipment, trucks, and delivery vans that carry nearly everything people buy, so higher diesel costs eventually show up on shelves and invoices. Drivers see the gasoline price on a sign; they don’t see the diesel surcharge folded into their groceries.

The pain is not evenly shared. Producers are positioned to benefit. InPlay Oil Corp. (IPOOF), an Alberta light oil producer covered by Noble Capital Markets research, reported record quarterly adjusted funds flow of $44.7 million in the second quarter, citing high oil prices, and raised its 2026 guidance. The company also reported production of 18,663 barrels of oil equivalent per day, about 62% light oil and natural gas liquids, and agreed to a $54.25 million acquisition after quarter end. Those figures are company-reported. Transportation and logistics businesses, along with lower-income households that spend a larger share of their budgets on fuel, face the opposite side of the trade.

Three things will decide how long this lasts: how quickly the damaged refineries come back, whether Middle East tensions and the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire push crude higher, and how tight distillate supply gets as temperatures fall. If those break the wrong way, the $4 gallon will remain a feature of the economy rather than a talking point, and the consumer will keep feeling it.

Release – Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. Schedules Third Quarter 2026 Earnings Conference Call

Research News and Market Data on ARLP

October 12, 2026

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its third quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Monday, October 26, 2026. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.

To participate in the conference call, dial U.S. Toll Free (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13762993.

About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the growth and development of energy-related technologies and infrastructure.

News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via email at [email protected].

Investor Relations Contact
Cary P. Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
918-295-7673
[email protected]

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.er 12, 2026

TULSA, Okla.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. (NASDAQ: ARLP) will report its third quarter 2026 financial results before the market opens on Monday, October 26, 2026. Alliance management will discuss these results during a conference call beginning at 10:00 a.m. Eastern that same day.

To participate in the conference call, dial U.S. Toll Free (877) 407-0784 and request to be connected to the Alliance Resource Partners, L.P. earnings conference call. International callers should dial (201) 689-8560 and request to be connected to the same call. Investors may also listen to the call via the “Investors” section of ARLP’s website at www.arlp.com.

An audio replay of the conference call will be available for approximately one week. To access the audio replay, dial U.S. Toll Free (844) 512-2921; International Toll (412) 317-6671 and request to be connected to replay using access code 13762993.

About Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

ARLP is a diversified natural resource company that is currently the second largest coal producer in the eastern United States, supplying reliable, affordable energy domestically and internationally to major utilities, metallurgical and industrial users. ARLP also generates operating and royalty income from mineral interests it owns in strategic coal and oil & gas producing regions in the United States. In addition, ARLP is positioning itself as a reliable energy partner for the future by pursuing opportunities that support the growth and development of energy-related technologies and infrastructure.

News, unit prices and additional information about ARLP, including filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, are available at www.arlp.com. For more information, contact the investor relations department of ARLP at (918) 295-7673 or via email at [email protected].

Investor Relations Contact
Cary P. Marshall
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
918-295-7673
[email protected]

Source: Alliance Resource Partners, L.P.

Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP) – Coal Operations Anchor Cash Flow as Oil and Gas Royalties Expand


Friday, October 09, 2026

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.

Coal fundamentals support a constructive outlook. Alliance Resource Partners is the second-largest coal producer in the eastern United States and benefits from a competitive cost structure and strong earnings visibility based on contracted sales. More than 99% of expected 2026 coal volumes are committed and priced, while approximately 85% of anticipated 2027 volumes are contracted. Growing electricity demand and a more supportive regulatory environment could extend coal-fired power plant lives and strengthen demand for thermal coal.

Royalties strengthen the growth profile. Alliance continues to expand its high-margin oil and gas royalty business, supported by more than $1 billion invested in mineral interests. The recent $206.2 million AllDale acquisition expanded its portfolio to approximately 115,680 net royalty acres, including more than 44,770 acres in the Permian Basin. We expect royalties to contribute increasingly to earnings and cash flow without the capital requirements of operated properties.


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*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. 

Tectonic Metals Inc. (TETOF) – Preparing for the Next Phase of Growth


Tuesday, October 06, 2026

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.

Senior leadership team appointment. Effective October 1, Tectonic appointed Mr. Eduard Epshtein, CPA, CA, as Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary. Mr. Epshtein has more than 20 years of capital markets, project development, transactions, and corporate finance experience, including 16 years as Chief Financial Officer of Lithium Americas (NYSE: LAC, TSX: LAC). During his tenure, Lithium Americas evolved from an exploration-stage company into a NYSE-listed producer with a market capitalization exceeding US$5 billion.

Experience aligned with Tectonic’s next phase. We view the appointment positively given Mr. Epshtein’s experience advancing major resource projects from exploration through construction and production. His experience with project finance, strategic partnerships, joint ventures, offtake arrangements, M&A, and corporate governance should become increasingly relevant as Tectonic moves Flat from exploration toward resource definition and economic evaluation.


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Release – Tectonic Metals Appoints Eduard Epshtein as CFO, Bolstering Executive Team for Next Stage of Growth

Research News and Market Data on TETOF

Download the PDF

VANCOUVER, B.C., October 5, 2026 – Tectonic Metals Inc. (“Tectonic” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: TECT; OTCQX: TETOF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Eduard Epshtein, CPA, CA, as Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”) and Corporate Secretary, effective October 1, 2026.

Mr. Epshtein brings more than two decades of experience spanning capital markets, project development, strategic transactions and corporate finance. He joins Tectonic following a 16-year tenure as CFO of Lithium Americas Corp., where he helped build the company from an exploration-stage start-up into an NYSE-listed lithium producer with a market capitalization that exceeded US$5 billion.

His appointment comes at a pivotal stage as Tectonic advances its flagship Flat Gold Project in southwest Alaska, U.S., with a number of key catalysts ahead, including the completion of its largest-ever drill program at the end of October, a maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for the Chicken Mountain intrusion target planned for the first quarter of 2027, followed by a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) targeted for the second quarter of 2027.

Tony Reda, Co-Founder, President and CEO, commented:

“Eduard has already helped build what we are now building at Tectonic. He has taken a resource company from exploration through development and into production and understands first-hand what each stage demands – from capital and corporate infrastructure to governance, strategic partnerships and execution. Having helped guide Lithium Americas from the TSX Venture Exchange to the TSX and ultimately the NYSE, while advancing major projects and completing significant financings and transactions, he brings experience that is directly aligned with the road ahead for our Company.

“While that experience will be valuable as we advance Flat and consider our future capital markets strategy, it is Eduard’s character that stands out most: he shares our long-term approach to building Tectonic and brings loyalty, integrity and commitment to the team. We are thrilled to welcome him.”

Proven Capital Markets and Corporate Leadership Experience

As CFO of Lithium Americas Corp. from its formation in 2007 through 2023, Mr. Epshtein helped build the company from an exploration-stage start-up with a small team into a major publicly traded lithium producer. During his tenure, Lithium Americas completed its initial public offering on the TSX Venture Exchange in 2008, graduated to the Toronto Stock Exchange in 2011 and listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2018. He subsequently played a central support role in the separation of Lithium Americas into two independent public companies, including the NYSE listing of Lithium Argentina.

Mr. Epshtein also brings extensive experience advancing large-scale resource projects through successive stages of development. He helped advance the Cauchari-Olaroz lithium project in Argentina from exploration through construction and into production, with a design capacity of 40,000 tonnes per annum and approximately US$1 billion of construction capital. He was also involved in advancing the Thacker Pass project in Nevada from exploration into construction, including the development of a multi-billion-dollar funding strategy involving the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors.

Throughout his career, Mr. Epshtein has executed a broad range of financings and strategic transactions, including project financing, convertible debt, at-the-market offerings, strategic investments, offtake arrangements and royalties. His experience also includes structuring joint ventures and strategic arrangements involving SQM, Ganfeng Lithium and General Motors, as well as significant M&A transactions, including the Western Lithium–Lithium Americas merger and the acquisitions of Millennial Lithium and Arena Minerals.

Beyond capital markets and project development, Mr. Epshtein brings broad public-company leadership experience. At various stages of Lithium Americas’ growth, he was responsible for financial reporting, finance, treasury, risk management, internal controls, information technology, corporate secretary functions, ESG reporting, Board support, as well as legal and human resources.

Eduard Epshtein commented:

“Tectonic has reached an exciting stage in its evolution. I have spent much of my career helping build and advance resource companies through periods of significant growth, and I see many of the same ingredients here: a compelling project, an experienced and ambitious team, a strong financial position and a clear long-term vision.

“What attracted me most to Tectonic is the opportunity to help build something meaningful and exciting. I look forward to working with Tony, the Board and the entire Tectonic team as we advance Flat and build the financial, corporate and capital markets foundation to support the Company through its next stage of growth.”

Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Transition

The Company also announces that Oliver Foeste has stepped down as the Company’s CFO and Corporate Secretary, effective October 1, 2026.

“I want to sincerely thank Oliver for his contributions over the past four years and for the partnership, counsel and friendship we have shared,” added Mr. Reda. “He helped the Company navigate a significant period of growth, including its financings, public company reporting requirements and governance. We are grateful for his contributions to Tectonic and wish him every success in the future.”

Stock Option Grant and Restricted Share Unit Grant

Separately, the Company announces the following grants under its Equity Incentive Plan.

A total of 560,000 incentive stock options have been granted to an officer and an employee of the Company to purchase up to 560,000 common shares (“Option Shares”) in the capital of Tectonic.

The stock options have an exercise price of C$2.05 per Option Share, expire five years from the grant date and vest over a 36-month period in three equal installments every twelve months from the grant date.

A total of 51,000 restricted share units (“RSUs”) have been granted to an officer of the Company. The RSUs vest over a 36-month period in three equal installments every twelve months from the grant date.

About Tectonic Metals Inc.

Tectonic Metals Inc. is a mineral exploration company led by an experienced and well-respected technical and financial team with a track record of wealth creation for shareholders. The Company is focused on exploring and developing its flagship Flat Gold Project in southwestern Alaska, covering 99,840 acres of predominantly Native-owned land belonging to Doyon, Ltd., a leading Alaska Native Regional Corporation and one of Tectonic’s largest shareholders. The current focus is on advancing the Chicken Mountain target, one of six multi-kilometre-scale intrusion zones at the Flat Gold Project, where drilling has achieved a 100% success rate across 206 holes to date.

Founded by key members of the Kaminak Gold team behind the discovery and advancement of the Coffee Gold Project, which was acquired by Goldcorp for $520 million in 2016, Tectonic brings a proven track record in exploration, project advancement, capital markets and value creation. Collectively, the team has helped identify 40 million ounces of gold, advanced more than 20 projects through to feasibility, permitted 25 projects, completed over $6 billion in mergers and acquisitions and raised more than $6 billion in capital.

Tectonic’s mission is to be a shift in the game: working for our shareholders and the communities where we operate, putting people first, playing big and staying true to our word every step of the way.

On behalf of Tectonic Metals Inc.,  

Tony Reda, President and Chief Executive Officer  

For further information about Tectonic Metals Inc. or this news release, please visit our website at www.tectonicmetals.com or contact:

Keren Yun
Vice President, Investor Relations
1-888-685-8558 or [email protected].

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements, Historical Information and Visual Observations

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information” (collectively, “forward-looking statements”) within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “potential,” “target,” or similar terminology, or that events or conditions “may” or “will” occur.

Forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the ability of Mr. Epshtein to apply his prior work experience and knowledge to assist with the Company’s growth strategy, the potential for mineralization at Tectonic’s projects; the nature, scope, and timing of future exploration activities; the interpretation of geological observations; the possible size or scale of mineralized systems; the receipt of regulatory approvals, and the anticipated benefits of current and future exploration programs.

This release also refers to historical information, including results from past exploration activities and placer production figures. Such historical information has not been independently verified by Tectonic, may not be reliable, and should not be relied upon as current, NI 43-101 compliant data.

In addition, this release contains, detailed geological notes, and descriptive observations such as alteration styles, mineralogy and visible gold. These observations are preliminary in nature, may not be representative of the entire interval or system, and should not be relied upon as a guarantee of mineralized assay results or as the basis for any investment decision. Investors and readers are cautioned that visual estimates, core photographs, and geological descriptions are not substitutes for laboratory assay results and do not demonstrate the economic viability of any mineral deposit.

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance. They are based on a number of assumptions made as of the date such statements are provided, including, among others: assumptions regarding future gold and other metal prices; currency exchange and interest rates; favourable operating and political conditions; timely receipt of permits and regulatory approvals; availability of labour, equipment, and services; stability of financial and capital markets; availability of financing on acceptable terms; accuracy of exploration data and geological models; and the ability to successfully advance planned exploration programs. Many of these assumptions are beyond the control of Tectonic and may prove to be incorrect.

Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, without limitation: risks inherent to mineral exploration and development; volatility of commodity prices; changes in laws, regulations, and policies; delays or inability to obtain required approvals and permits; availability of financing; general economic, political, and market conditions; labour disputes and shortages; equipment and supply risks; environmental and social risks; competition; inaccuracies in exploration results or geological interpretations; and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company’s continuous disclosure filings.

Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable as of the date made, there can be no assurance they will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, historical information, or preliminary visual geological observations. Actual results and future events may differ materially from those anticipated. All forward-looking statements contained in this news release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. Tectonic disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. 

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.  

Resolution Minerals Ltd (RML) – Horse Heaven Advances on Multiple Fronts


Thursday, October 01, 2026

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.

Horse Heaven takes center stage. In fiscal 2026, Resolution Minerals repositioned the company around its 100%-owned Horse Heaven Antimony-Tungsten-Gold-Silver Project in Idaho following its acquisition in July 2025. During the year, Resolution initiated and expanded drilling, made gold discoveries at Golden Gate North and South, advanced the high-grade Antimony Ridge system, acquired the Johnson Creek processing site and historical tungsten stockpiles, and initiated metallurgical programs across gold, antimony, and tungsten.

Golden Gate continues to expand. Following the June 30 fiscal year-end, Resolution completed its 2026 Golden Gate drilling program with 42 diamond holes totaling 12,236 meters. Recent assays from Golden Gate South extended the mineralized zone to approximately 600 meters in width and returned the highest gold grades reported to date at Horse Heaven, including one meter grading 14.8 g/t Au and 10.2 meters grading 1.83 g/t Au. Assays remained pending for 36 holes, providing a pipeline of additional results.


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*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. 

Power Metallic Mines Inc. (PNPNF) – Deep Drilling Extends Lion Zone at Depth


Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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.

Deep drilling expands the Lion Zone. Power Metallic recently released new drill results that extend the known depth of the Lion Zone, with Hole PML-26-125 intersecting 5.70 meters grading 14.00% copper equivalent recovered (CuEqRec) at nearly 800 meters vertical depth. The intercept was drilled roughly 150 meters below the previous deepest high-grade hole and lies well beneath the limits of the recently announced mineral resource estimate, providing additional evidence that Lion remains open at depth.

Grades remain strong below the current resource. Hole PML-26-125 returned 11.42% copper within the broader 5.70-meter interval, including 2.15 meters grading 24.62% CuEqRec and 20.30% copper. A second hole, PML-26-121a, intersected 7.70 meters grading 3.28% CuEqRec, including 1.70 meters at 11.93% CuEqRec. Together, the results suggest that high-grade copper-platinum group elements (PGE) mineralization continues below the current resource envelope rather than tapering out at depth.


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*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. 

Metals & Mining Industry Report – Observations from the 2026 Precious Metals Summit

Monday, September 28, 2026

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.

Precious Metals Summit. We attended the Precious Metals Summit last week at the Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado. While strong increases in metal prices led to exceptional investment returns in 2025, returns have moderated in 2026. Year-to-date through September 25, mining companies (as measured by the XME) appreciated 4.6% compared to a gain of 13.1% for the S&P 500 Index. The VanEck Vectors Gold Miners (GDX) and Junior Gold Miners (GDXJ) ETFs were up 8.3% and 6.4%, respectively. While metals prices remain strong, gold, silver, nickel, and lead prices have retreated modestly since the end of last year, while copper and zinc prices have continued to advance. While rising rate expectations may pose a headwind for gold, an uncertain geopolitical environment and other factors may provide an offset.

Investors are more discerning. Sentiment remains constructive, supported by strong metals prices, robust industry cash flows, and continued institutional interest in the sector. Conference participation was strong, including executive teams from over 225 mining companies and a broad mix of institutional investors, sell-side brokerage firms, and other industry participants. Investors appear to be increasingly focused on companies with scale, grade, strong metallurgy, manageable capital requirements, and an identifiable path for converting exploration success into economic value. 


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*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. 

Junior Mining Consolidation Isn’t Coming. It’s Already Underway

The Artemis Gold acquisition of Vista Gold we covered earlier this week wasn’t an isolated event. It was one data point in what industry data increasingly confirms is a genuine, extended wave of consolidation sweeping through the junior and intermediate mining sector, and the drivers behind it suggest this cycle has real staying power rather than representing a short-term spike.

The numbers tell a clear story. Global mining M&A totaled roughly $93.7 billion in completed deals during 2025, and gold and silver assets alone accounted for more than 77% of total deal volume in early 2026. The list of major transactions reads like a sector-wide roll-up already in progress, Gold Fields acquiring Gold Road Resources for approximately $2.4 billion, Northern Star Resources buying De Grey Mining for roughly $3.3 billion, Equinox Gold’s $2.8 billion purchase of Calibre Mining, Coeur Mining’s $1.7 billion acquisition of SilverCrest Metals, and Pan American Silver’s $2.1 billion takeover of MAG Silver. Mining stocks claimed a record 60% of the spots on this year’s TSX30, the annual ranking of Canada’s top-performing stocks, a genuinely striking signal of where investor capital has been flowing.

Three forces are converging to drive this cycle, and each appears structural rather than cyclical. First, reserve depletion. Major producers spent much of the 2010s underinvesting in exploration during a prolonged bear market, and many are now confronting genuinely thinning production pipelines that organic exploration alone cannot refill quickly enough. Acquiring juniors with already-defined, advanced-stage resources is simply faster than starting from scratch. Second, sustained strength in gold and silver prices has given larger producers the cash flow and equity currency to pursue acquisitions, while depressed valuations among smaller developers following years of underperformance have made those same juniors attractively priced targets. Third, and increasingly important, critical minerals supply security has become an explicit policy priority, with roughly a third of surveyed industry executives specifically expecting consolidation in this category as governments and producers alike race to secure supply chains independent of Chinese dominance, a theme we detailed closely when covering the Greenland security agreement earlier this year.

Industry analysts point to a fairly consistent profile among likely takeover targets, advanced-stage resources located in stable, Tier-1 mining jurisdictions, high-grade or district-scale potential, reasonable valuations following recent market corrections, and experienced management teams with a track record of either developing or successfully exiting projects.

That profile is worth keeping in mind when evaluating smaller companies in this space. Junior developers advancing resources in favorable jurisdictions such as Century Lithium, working a lithium project in Nevada, Kuya Silver, developing precious metals assets in Peru, Tectonic Metals, advancing gold exploration in Alaska, and Power Metallic Mines, exploring nickel and copper deposits in Quebec, all sit in exactly the category this consolidation wave has been targeting, smaller companies with defined, advanced-stage projects in stable jurisdictions that larger, cash-generative producers are actively seeking to acquire.

None of this guarantees any individual company becomes a takeover target, and early-stage mining developers carry substantial execution, financing, and geological risk regardless of broader sector M&A trends. But the structural case for continued consolidation, depleted major-producer pipelines, strong commodity prices, and mounting critical minerals policy pressure, looks considerably more durable than a passing trend.

Take a moment and take a look at more small cap mining companies by taking a look at Noble Capital Markets’ Analyst Mark Reichman’s coverage list.

Oil Just Fell to a Two-Week Low. Saudi Arabia and Iraq Are Quietly Rerouting Around the Strait of Hormuz

Oil prices extended a six-session decline Wednesday, with Brent crude falling to $98.16 a barrel and West Texas Intermediate dropping to $89.01, both settling at roughly two-week lows. Brent closed below $100 a barrel Tuesday for the first time since September 8, a notable reversal after weeks of escalation-driven price spikes that we’ve tracked closely throughout this conflict.

Two forces are driving the decline, and both matter for understanding where oil heads next. The first is diplomatic. President Trump warned Tuesday that the US could take severe action against Iran, while simultaneously saying his envoys had held productive talks with Iranian mediators in New York and describing real momentum toward reaching a deal to end the nearly seven-month war. Markets appear to be choosing to price in the possibility of talks succeeding, even amid continued tough rhetoric on both sides.

The second, more concrete factor is supply, and it’s arguably the more important development. Saudi Arabia restarted its East-West Pipeline to the Red Sea on Tuesday, a route that reroutes roughly 4 million barrels per day, about 4% of global oil supply, around the Strait of Hormuz entirely. The pipeline had been shut since September 11 following drone attacks Saudi Arabia has blamed on Iraqi militia forces. Saudi Arabia is also now offering additional barrels to Asian refiners for pickup outside the strait altogether. Iraq is following a similar playbook, with its oil minister confirming exports have climbed above 3 million barrels per day and stating the country expects to boost shipments routed through Turkey to more than 600,000 barrels per day. Shiptracking data shows Iraqi exports climbing in August from July’s levels, though they still remain below the roughly 3.4 to 3.7 million barrel per day pace seen before the war began.

Adding further downward pressure, industry data released Tuesday showed US crude inventories rose by 1.8 million barrels last week, catching analysts off guard, who had broadly expected a decline.

For investors tracking the small and microcap space, this shift is worth watching closely, and it cuts in the opposite direction from what we detailed when covering diesel’s all-time high and the broader oil surge earlier this month. Consumer-facing companies in transportation, logistics, and hospitality, squeezed hard by the run-up in fuel costs, stand to benefit if this decline holds and extends toward the pump, a group that includes companies like Commercial Vehicle Group, a supplier to the trucking industry, and The ONE Group Hospitality, a restaurant operator directly exposed to consumer discretionary spending. Domestic energy producers, conversely, face renewed margin pressure as prices retreat from the highs that supported their economics all summer, a dynamic worth watching for companies like InPlay Oil and Alliance Resource Partners. Whether this reversal proves durable likely depends on whether the diplomatic momentum Trump described translates into an actual agreement, or whether these alternative supply routes simply prove temporary workarounds to a conflict still very much unresolved.

Century Lithium Corp. (CYDVF) – Advancing Plans for a Stand-Alone Merchant Chlor-Alkali Plant


Wednesday, September 23, 2026

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.

Advancing a merchant chlor-alkali plant. Century Lithium plans to develop a commercial-scale chlor-alkali plant in the Western United States that would produce chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide from sodium chloride, water, and electricity. The plant is expected to initially produce at a rate of 300 short tons per day (st/d) of chlorine, with potential expansion to 600 st/d depending on regional demand and the supply needs of Angel Island.

Early offtake interest provides commercial support. Century has signed eight non-binding Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) that could collectively fully utilize the plant’s initial production, while discussions with additional customers are ongoing. The company is evaluating sites in Nevada and Utah based on power, feedstock, rail access, permitting, and proximity to customers, with final site selection expected following completion of due diligence.


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Release – Power Metallic Extends Lion 25% Deeper as Power Metallic Intercepts 5.70 Meters of 14.00% CuEqRec¹ in Hole 26-125

Research News and Market Data on PNPF

Sep 22, 2026

TORONTO, Sept. 22, 2026 – Power Metallic Mines Inc. (the “Company” or “Power Metallic”) (TSXV: PNPN) (OTCBB: PNPNF) (Frankfurt: IVV1) is pleased to provide the first assays of extensional deep drilling of assay results from its Summer 2026 drill program. Prior to the summer drill program drilling concentrated on improving the density of drill intercepts for the recently announced MRE to increase the confidence of modelling Lion, particularly within the range of a potential future open pit, and to bring the vast majority of the known deposit as of the end of the winter program (end April 2026) to Drill Indicated category.

For the summer drill program Power Metallic has carried out widely spaced exploration drilling on geological and geophysical (EM) targets and more importantly begun a program of extending the Lion deposit to depth below the outline of the MRE model. The two holes reported here are the first assays to be completed on this deep drilling.

Hole PML-26-125 is the deepest assay results to date at Lion at a vertical depth of nearly 800m vertical depth, well below the current MRE. Prior to Hole PML-26-125 The deepest reported hole intersecting the core of the Lion shoot to date (PML-25-002) intersected 1.95 metres at 7.95% CuEqRec* at approximately 610 metres vertical depth. This hole was targeted on the projected center of the Lion plunge approximately 150m below the previous deepest hole and intersected 5.7m of massive to semi-massive copper sulphides (Table 1). An earlier drill hole, PML-26-121a targeted the western side of the projected plunge of Lion at a vertical depth of nearly 650 meters and intersected disseminated to semi-massive copper sulphides. A subsequent hole (PML-26-128) tested the eastern side of the interpreted Lion plunge at nearly 900 meters vertical depth, showing disseminated and massive veinlets of copper sulphides, with assays pending (Figure 1). All three of these holes firmly established that the Lion deposit continues at depth and has not been fully delineated.

Table 1: Lion Results – Summer 2026
HoleFromToLengthAuAgCuPdPtNiCuEq Rec*
(m)(m)(m)(g/t)( g/t )( %)(g/t)(g/t )( %)( %)
PML-26-121a666.30674.007.700.2618.421.033.700.280.143.28
Including666.30671.004.700.3528.371.516.450.450.144.92
Including666.30668.001.700.6672.413.3416.251.210.1611.93
PML-26-125845.80851.505.700.3061.5711.422.480.260.4114.00
Including846.70848.852.150.5592.0420.304.720.510.6024.62
1Copper Equivalent Rec Calculation (CuEqRec1)
CuEqRec represents CuEq calculated based on the following metal prices (USD) : 2,360.15 $/oz Au, 27.98 $/oz Ag, 1,215.00 $/oz Pd, 1000.00 $/oz Pt, 4.00 $/lb Cu, 10.00 $/lb Ni and 22.50 $/lb Co., and recovered grades based on recent locked-cycle metallurgical recoveries by SGS Canada Inc (see press release Jan 21, 2006).
2 Reported length is downhole distance; true width based on model projections is estimated as 85% of downhole length
Figure 1 – Lion Deep Drill holes reported in this news release overlain on Lion zone MRE models (X-Section) and MRE block model (Long Section) with hole locations related to potential plunge extension below MRE models)
Figure 1 – Lion Deep Drill holes reported in this news release overlain on Lion zone MRE models (X-Section) and MRE block model (Long Section) with hole locations related to potential plunge extension below MRE models)

Power Metallic is expecting more assay results from the Lion deep drilling and regional exploration in the weeks to come.

Terry Lynch, CEO of Power Metallic, commented:
We are in the unique position due to the high grade and near surface nature of our project to advance development of what the world needs in Critical Minerals, namely Copper and PGEs, but also continue our multifaceted exploration approach to allow the resource to grow substantially between now and the end of 2027. Today’s results pushed us over 25% deeper than the deepest hole used in our recently announced MRE and it did so with significantly higher grades. We have visibility down over 50% deeper and visibly it looks like we are still in the Lion Zone. As we have seen with the great hit Talon Metals recently had deposits can get thicker and richer at depth. The blessing in Lion is our mineralization starts at surface and extends down making it very economic to mine and explore. We are excited to get back to exploration!

Qualified Person

Joseph Campbell, P. Geo, VP Exploration at Power Metallic, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Power Metallic Mines Inc.

Power Metallic is a Canadian exploration company focused on advancing the Nisk Project Area (Nisk–Lion–Tiger)—a high–grade Copper–PGE, Nickel, gold and silver system—toward Canada’s next polymetallic mine.

On 1 February 2021, Power Metallic (then Chilean Metals) secured an option to earn up to 80% of the Nisk project from Critical Elements Lithium Corp. (TSX–V: CRE). Following the June 2025 purchase of 313 adjoining claims (~167 km²) from Li–FT Power, the Company now controls ~330 km² and roughly 50 km of prospective basin margins.

Power Metallic is expanding mineralization at the Nisk and Lion discovery zones, evaluating the Tiger target, and exploring the enlarged land package through successive drill programs. Beyond the Nisk Project Area, Power Metallic indirectly has an interest in significant land packages in British Columbia and Chile, by its 50% share ownership position in Chilean Metals Inc., which were spun out from Power Metallic via a plan of arrangement on February 3, 2025.

It also owns 100% of Power Metallic Arabia which owns 100% interest in the Jabul Baudan exploration license in The Kingdon of Saudi Arabia’s Jabal Said Belt. The property encompasses over 200 square kilometres in an area recognized for its high prospectivity for copper gold and zinc mineralization. The region is known for its massive volcanic sulfide (VMS) deposits, including the world-class Jabal Sayid mine and the promising Umm and Damad deposit.

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:
Power Metallic Mines Inc.
The Canadian Venture Building
82 Richmond St East, Suite 202
Toronto, ON

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

QAQC and Sampling

GeoVector Management Inc (“GeoVector”) is the Consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.

All core in this news release is either HQ or NQ sized core. Drill core is re-fitted and measured. Geotech on core includes photographs (wet & dry), rock quality index, magnetic susceptibility, conductivity, and recovery estimates. Core is logged for lithology, mineralogy, and structural features, and sample intervals are delineated and tagged.

Sampled core is mechanically sawn, and half-core is retained for future reference. GeoVector’s QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results. QAQC and data validation was performed, and no material errors were observed.

All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd (“Actlabs”), a commercial laboratory independent of Power Metallic with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 μm) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES – 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 – Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed “forward-looking statements” concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. 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,” “indicates,” “opportunity,” “possible” and similar expressions, or that events or conditions “will,” “would,” “may,” “could” or “should” occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results or realities may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such material risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, among others; the timing for various drilling plans; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward and conduct drilling and exploration; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company’s plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company’s operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

Release – Century Lithium Advances Plans for Chlor-Alkali Plant

Century Lithium

Research News and Market Data on CYDVF

Plans Support Critical Minerals Supply Chain and Company’s Angel Island Lithium Project;
Eight Offtake MOUs Signed for Chlor-Alkali Products

September 22, 2026 – Vancouver, Canada – Century Lithium Corp. (TSXV: LCE) (OTCQX: CYDVF) (Frankfurt: C1Z) (“Century Lithium” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce its plans to develop a commercial-scale chlor-alkali plant (“CA Plant”). The CA Plant is intended to support the critical and strategic minerals supply chain in the Western United States and the Company’s 100%-owned Angel Island Lithium Project (“Angel Island” or the “Project”) in Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA, currently in the permitting phase.

“In the course of our work on Angel Island, Century Lithium identified chlor-alkali products as a fundamental component of the critical minerals supply chain,” said Bill Willoughby, President and CEO of Century Lithium. “We also recognized a regional opportunity in the Western U.S. for a plant producing these products. The proposed CA Plant has the potential to generate revenue on its own, train an operating team and reduce future reagent supply risk to Angel Island. Century Lithium has evaluated a number of potential sites for the CA Plant in Nevada and Utah that could meet its criteria for proximity to infrastructure and resources and expects to finalize a selection shortly. The Company has obtained non-binding offtake interest for production from the CA Plant from a number of companies and is actively pursuing project-level financing.”

Highlights

  • Chlor-alkali products are essential inputs across the critical minerals supply chain, supporting lithium and battery-materials processing, rare earth element separation, and precious and specialty metals production, in addition to broader industrial and household uses.
  • The proposed CA Plant would produce chlorine, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide from sodium chloride, water and electricity, at a target commercial production rate of 300 short tons per day (“st/d”) of chlorine, with provision to double capacity to 600 st/d depending on regional demand and the supply needs of Angel Island.
  • Century Lithium has entered into eight non-binding Memoranda of Understanding (“MOU”) with third parties for offtake arrangements that could collectively account for the full initial production of the proposed CA Plant.
  • Candidate sites in Nevada and Utah were evaluated against feedstock, power, rail access, market proximity, land tenure, and permitting criteria.
  • The proposed CA Plant would use modern, proven technology in a location favorable for infrastructure development.
  • Site due diligence is underway; the next step will be securing project-level financing to fund property acquisition, front-end engineering and design (“FEED”) and permitting of the selected site.

Site Selection

The Company is in the process of selecting the preferred site for the CA Plant out of a number of candidate sites which included a combination of private industrial land, state land, and federally controlled land available under lease.

The site selection process has considered internal engineering and economic work and studies addressing equipment selection, power, water and sodium chloride supply, CA product handling and comparative site economics.

Relation to Angel Island

The Feasibility Study for Angel Island (Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report on the Feasibility of the Clayton Valley Lithium Project, Esmeralda County, Nevada, USA, January 3, 2026) includes an on-site chlor-alkali plant as the base case for the Project. The capital and operating estimates disclosed in the Feasibility Study are unchanged by this announcement. The proposed CA Plant in this announcement does not replace that facility, and none of its cost is added to Angel Island.

The economics of the proposed CA Plant are based solely on internal study and the assumption of commercial sales of all chlor-alkali products to third-party customers. No revenue, cost saving or capital credit associated with Angel Island is included in them, and the CA Plant is intended to be financed at the project level.

The supply of reagents from the proposed CA Plant to Angel Island would depend on the economics of transportation still to be determined. Century Lithium views the proposed CA Plant as a self-funding first step toward Angel Island rather than a change in the Company’s lithium strategy.

Offtake and Commercial Arrangements

Century Lithium has entered into eight non-binding MOUs with companies in various industrial and chemical sectors in the Western U.S. to supply them with chlorine, hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide produced by the proposed CA Plant. The Company is also in discussions with other prospective purchasers of these products.

Project Financing

Century Lithium intends to finance the proposed CA Plant through non-dilutive financing at the project level. The capital structure under evaluation contemplates a combination of vendor financing associated with site acquisition, institutional preferred equity, prepayments and similar support from offtake counterparties, and non-dilutive United States government programs that may be available to domestic critical minerals and industrial capacity. The Company has engaged financial advisors and has commenced consultations with United States government financing agencies. Land acquisition and front-end engineering are expected to be funded first, with construction financing arranged following completion of FEED and definitive offtake agreements.

Century Lithium’s objective in structuring the proposed CA Plant separately is to fund it with capital appropriate to an industrial chemical asset with anticipated offtake, and to limit dilution to shareholders of Century Lithium. No financing has been secured at this time, and no definitive agreements have been entered into, and there is no assurance that financing will be available on acceptable terms or at all.

Next Steps

Due diligence is underway and includes property negotiations, project-level funding, and investigation of power supply terms with the serving utility, salt feedstock and transportation, water rights, land tenure and title, environmental condition, and the permitting pathway. Once the preferred site is selected and secured, the Company intends to advance the preferred site to FEED with a qualified engineering, procurement and construction contractor and to commence permitting, while continuing discussions with prospective commercial counterparties and sources of project financing. Long-lead electrical equipment is a recognized schedule constraint for United States chlor-alkali projects, and the Company is evaluating equipment sourcing in parallel with site selection.

ABOUT CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

Century Lithium Corp. is an advanced-stage lithium development company focused on its 100%-owned Angel Island Lithium Project in Esmeralda County, Nevada. Angel Island hosts one of the largest known sedimentary lithium deposits in the United States and is designed with an integrated, end-to-end process to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate on-site to support the electric vehicle and battery storage markets.

The Company has developed a patent-pending process that incorporates hydrochloric acid leaching combined with direct lithium extraction to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate. As part of the integrated chlor-alkali process, Angel Island is designed to produce sodium hydroxide as a co-product, with planned surplus sales expected to lower operating costs, reduce reliance on externally sourced reagents, and minimize environmental impacts.

Century Lithium is currently advancing Angel Island through the permitting process.

Century Lithium trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol “LCE” the OTCQX under the symbol “CYDVF” and on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol “C1Z”.

To learn more, please visit centurylithium.com.

ON BEHALF OF CENTURY LITHIUM CORP.

WILLIAM WILLOUGHBY, PhD, PE
President & Chief Executive Officer
For further information, please contact:
Spiros Cacos | Vice President, Investor Relations
Direct: +1 604 764 1851
Toll Free: 1 800 567 8181
[email protected]
centurylithium.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This release contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects” or “does not anticipate”, or “believes”, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might” or “will be taken”, “occur” or “be achieved” and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Forward-looking statements relate to any matters that are not historical facts and statements of our beliefs, intentions and expectations about developments, results and events which will or may occur in the future, without limitation, statements with respect to the potential development of a chlor-alkali plant, site selection, anticipated capacity and product slate, regional supply and demand conditions, and the intended financing structure and sources for the chlor-alkali plant, the anticipated benefits of the plant to the Angel Island Lithium Project, and anticipated engineering, permitting and financing activities and their timing. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management considers reasonable, including as to the availability of a suitable site, power, feedstock, permits, equipment and financing on acceptable terms, and as to regional demand. Actual results may differ materially. The Company has not made a construction decision, has not secured a site, and there is no assurance that any plant will be developed or that any memorandum of understanding will result in a definitive agreement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update them except as required by law.

These and other forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of the Company to control or predict, that may cause their actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein. These risks include those described under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s most recent annual information form and its other public filings, copies of which can be found under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company expressly disclaims any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place reliance on forward-looking statements or information. Furthermore, Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.