The Pentagon is deepening its commitment to building a domestic supply chain for critical minerals, awarding Ucore Rare Metals Inc (TSX-V:UCU, OTCQX:UURAF) a $18.4 million contract to support the construction of its first commercial-scale rare earths separation facility in Louisiana.
The award, announced Friday, comes just weeks after the US Department of Defense committed $400 million to MP Materials, signaling a broader effort to secure supplies of heavy rare earth elements (HREEs), key inputs in defense technologies ranging from precision-guided missiles to radar systems and F-35 fighter jets. These elements are also critical in electric vehicles, robotics, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy systems.
Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (AIM:CMCL, NYSE-A:CMCL, VFEX:CMCL) earlier this week reported improved gold production figures, following a management restructure at Blanket Mine.
It said the new team was spending more time underground, which led to higher productivity and faster resolution of operational issues. Chief Executive Mark Learmonth said, “It’s not rocket science, but look, we’ll take it any day.”
Ilika PLC (AIM:IKA, OTCQX:ILIKF) earlier this week shared progress on its Stereax and Goliath battery programs as part of its annual results, where CEO Graeme Purdy revealed that the company should be able to start recognising revenue from customer deliveries this year.
The company said both the smaller Stereax and larger Goliath had achieved key milestones and that commercial activity remains on track for 2025.
First Phosphate Corp. (CSE:PHOS, OTCQB:FRSPF) said on Friday it has finalized an industrial land option agreement with the Port of Saguenay in Quebec, marking a key step toward the development of a phosphoric acid plant to support the lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery supply chain.
The agreement gives First Phosphate the exclusive right to secure a long-term lease on the land by the end of 2027, subject to meeting financial and development milestones. Construction on the facility is expected to begin in 2028.
Bit Digital Inc (NASDAQ:BTBT) announced that it has acquired approximately 19,683 Ethereum (ETH) using the net proceeds from its recently completed $67.3 million registered direct offering to institutional investors.
Following the purchase, the company now holds approximately 120,306 ETH.
Zephyr Energy PLC (AIM:ZPHR, OTCQB:ZPHRF) is making steady progress at its Paradox Basin project in Utah, according to broker Panmure Liberum, but those holding out for clear timelines may have to wait a bit longer.
In a research note, Panmure said the company has begun early work on a gas processing plant and pipeline infrastructure, aiming to unlock value from its State 36-2 well, the centrepiece of its development plans.
Helium One Global Ltd (AIM:HE1, OTCQB:HLOGF) has secured a £10 million investment from three institutional backers and formally received its mining licence for the Southern Rukwa helium project in Tanzania, paving the way for the development of two potentially significant sources of helium.
The AIM-listed company, which also holds a 50% interest in the Galactica-Pegasus project in Colorado, said the new funding will support planned testing at Southern Rukwa later this year and help bring its US operation to first gas and cash flow by the fourth quarter.
Atlantic Lithium Ltd (AIM:ALL, OTCQX:ALLIF, ASX:A11) says it remains confident it will secure final approval for its Ewoyaa mining lease in Ghana, after the country’s Lands Minister confirmed revised terms are being reviewed by Cabinet.
Parliamentary ratification is the last step in the permitting process for what would become the country's first lithium mine.
Prescient Therapeutics Ltd (ASX:PTX, OTC:PSTTF) has entered a key phase in its development, progressing its lead drug candidate, PTX-100, into a Phase 2 trial for T-Cell Lymphomas (TCL). With the drug targeting an urgent need in oncology, analysts from Pitt Street Research have updated their valuation for the company, raising their price target on the back of PTX-100's progress and expanding market potential.
The updated analysis shows an optimistic outlook for Prescient, driven by positive clinical data and the company’s strategic shift towards more advanced trials.
Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML, OTC:RLMLF) has formalised the appointment of Craig Lindsay as chief executive officer of its US operations in the lead-up to its maiden drilling program at the Horse Heaven Project in Idaho.
Lindsay has been acting in the role since June 2025 and brings over three decades of resource sector experience across mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and mine development. His track record includes founding and leading Magnum Uranium Corp, which was acquired by Energy Fuels Inc, and advancing the Kilgore Gold Project in Idaho through to a preliminary economic assessment prior to its acquisition by Excellon Resources Inc.
American Rare Earths Ltd (ASX:ARR, OTCQB:ARRNF) has begun a major optimisation program at its Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project in Wyoming, United States, with a multi-pronged strategy designed to improve mineral recoveries and support a future demonstration plant.
Key activities include: