M2i Global Inc (OTC:MTWO), a developer of global supply chains for critical minerals, and Volato Group, Inc. (NYSE American: SOAR), a technology-driven company, said their proposed merger aligns with recent US policy aimed at strengthening domestic and allied supply chains for processed critical minerals.
The White House on January 14 announced measures under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act, directing negotiations to adjust imports of processed critical minerals and derivative products, citing national security concerns.
Key elements of the White House announcement include potential tariffs on imported minerals if negotiations fail, a focus on processed critical minerals and derivative products, and the first-ever critical minerals ministerial hosted by the State Department in February 2026 to address supply chain challenges and counter China’s dominance.
The policy follows 2025 directives aimed at streamlining permitting and increasing domestic mineral production, with initiatives including proposed multi-billion-dollar smelting facilities in Tennessee.
Both M2i Global and Volato Group said the merger would create a platform with expanded capabilities in logistics, technology, and operational execution, enhancing their ability to support customers in regulated and security-sensitive industries. The combined entity will leverage M2i’s critical minerals platform and Volato’s aviation technology and operational expertise to participate in the US critical minerals market, which the companies estimate could exceed $320 billion annually.
“Recent federal actions reinforce the importance of resilient, well-coordinated supply chains for materials essential to national security,” said Major General (Ret) Alberto Rosende, CEO of M2i Global.
Rosende added that M2i’s sourcing partnerships in Australia provide access to titanium, graphite, copper, gallium, antimony, and tungsten, and that the company plans to develop a Critical Mineral Reserve and Marketplace.
Mark Heinen, CFO of Volato Group, said the combined company would be well-positioned to engage with customers navigating the evolving regulatory landscape. “The policy focus on critical minerals highlights the need for operational reliability, secure logistics, and disciplined execution,” he told investors.
M2i and Volato stressed that the merger is not dependent on any single policy outcome. Subject to regulatory approval and shareholder consent, the companies expect the transaction to close by the end of the first quarter of 2026.