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In March, President Donald Trump announced the Air Force’s new F-47 stealth fighter, built by Boeing.  So where is the Navy’s secret new carrier plane?

Fifteen years ago, the U.S. Navy read the signals from China and secretly started development of a long-range, stealthy plane to launch from aircraft carriers.  The Navy’s newest bird is more like a fighter-bomber, with the AI smarts to lead drones into combat and enough range to scare China.

Today that plane – known only as F/A-XX or fighter attack, experimental – is ready to go. Both Boeing and Northrop Grumman have flown test planes. Their prototypes are waiting in the wings; or rather, in discreet guarded hangars, most likely in Missouri and Florida. 

Yet, for some reason, the Pentagon isn’t in the mood to make the ‘downselect’ purchase decision. The delay is shocking and dangerous.

Congress wants the Navy plane so much they added nearly $1 billion to the budget to accelerate F/A-XX. ‘The U.S. Navy needs sixth-generation fighters. I’m concerned that any hesitancy on our part to proceed with the planned procurement of the sixth-gen fighters for the Navy will leave us dangerously outmatched in a China fight,’ Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Calif., the head of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, said on May 14. 

Of course, U.S. Navy F/A-18EFs have pounded Middle East targets during various air campaigns for almost three decades.  Just look at the damage they did to Houthi missile sites and weapons caches in Yemen during Operation Rough Rider this past spring.  But for the fierce fighting scenarios of the Pacific, the Navy pilots that fly from aircraft carriers need a new plane. 

All that President Trump has to do now is take this opportunity to pick the best plane for the Navy.

Here are six things to know about the Navy’s secretive project.

The Navy has not let us see photographs of the F/A-XX, obviously. Tantalizing concept art released over the summer reveals a smooth stealth shape, with a cockpit canopy similar to the F-35.  The diamond or delta-wing shape provides lift and range, especially at higher cruise altitudes. 

  In April, the Navy announced F/A-XX would have at least 25% more range than current fighters.  The range could be up to 1,000 miles, according to a top analyst’s estimate. Add in air refueling, longer-range missiles, and you have the ability to take the fight all across the Pacific.  I can tell you this: the Navy has been short of a true long-range fighter since the retirements of the A-6 Intruder and the F-14 Tomcat of TOPGUN fame, so range is a priority.

  While the F-35C excels with just one engine, the Navy preference has always been for two engines, due to all that flying over water. You won’t see the engines because they are tucked inside the plane to diminish heat signature. U.S. engine technology is far ahead of China’s, in areas like thermal management and overall thrust. 

Early stealth aircraft like the SR-71, F-117 and the B-2 sported flat black coatings to help absorb radar waves.  The current trend in stealth materials is an avian grey, like the B-21 Raider bomber now in production.  Fortunately, the U.S. is the world leader in aerospace-grade carbon fiber composites.

  Expect an impressive bomb bay for internal carriage of long-range missiles.  Current fighters like the Superhornet hang missiles from hard points under the wings.  To achieve stealth, the FA-XX will follow the path of the F-35C, and tuck missiles inside.  Sawtooth bomb bay doors help maintain the aircraft’s stealth profile.

Part of the Navy’s plan is to stock carriers with drone refuelers like the new MQ-25 Stingray to accompany the F/A-XX on its stealthy missions.  Since you ask, no, drones cannot do it all.  Naval strike demands payload to carry heavy bombs and missiles.  Plus, it turns out a pilot is pretty useful. The FA-XX can also control wingmen drones in the battlespace. With FA/XX, the Navy can target enemy ships, land bases, and radar sites.

Trump certainly understands the value of stealth after the B-2 bomber’s obliteration of Iran’s nuclear sites.  It’s unclear whether anyone has laid out for the president just how a massive risk the Pentagon is taking with naval aviation by slowing down F/A-XX.

Please note that China flew a stealthy demonstrator designed for carrier landings over a year ago.  On Nov. 7, China commissioned its third carrier, the Fujian, and is laying modules for a fourth carrier — designed to be bigger than the USS Gerald R. Ford and to run on nuclear power for the first time. In a few years, China may have six of its own carriers. That’s a serious threat.

Put simply, the Navy must have this long-range, stealthy fighter. The idea is to pair the FA/XX with long-range missiles so the carrier airwing regains the long-range punch they will need to maneuver and strike against China in the Pacific.

No one wants to say this, but without FA-XX, the carrier mission may diminish in the future.    

It’s past time for President Trump to make a decision. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Friday charged five men from across the U.S. with running an online ‘child exploitation enterprise’ called ‘Greggy’s Cult,’ that allegedly used Discord servers to terrorize, blackmail and coerce minors into ‘horrific acts of self-harm.’

The indictment unsealed by federal prosecutors charges five individuals with ‘conspiracy to produce child pornography, conspiracy to receive and distribute child pornography, and conspiracy to communicate interstate threats.’

Hector Bermudez, 29, of Queens, New York; Zachary Dosch, 26, of Albuquerque, New Mexico; Rumaldo Valdez, 22, of Honolulu, Hawaii; David Brilhante, 28, of San Diego, California; and Camden Rodriguez, 22, of Longmont, Colorado, were arrested Tuesday will be arraigned in the Eastern District of New York at a later date, according to the DOJ.

Prosecutors described a ‘nightmarish platform on the internet,’ alleging that ‘Greggy’s Cult’ carried out ‘depraved conduct’ that included ‘repeatedly encouraging victims to kill themselves or encouraging them to insert household objects into their genitals or anus.’

‘These five defendants allegedly targeted vulnerable children and others via online platforms – they exploited, threatened, and harassed them, and encouraged horrific acts of self-harm,’ FBI director Kash Patel said in a statement. ‘The FBI is sending a message to those individuals involved in criminal activity through violent online networks: you can’t hide in the shadows hovering over a keyboard – we will find and hold accountable those who participate in these illegal and heinous acts.’

The indictment stated that the defendants allegedly engaged in the ‘production and distribution of child sex abuse material’ between January 2020 and January 2021, and also participated in other forms of ‘exploitation and harassment’ of both minors and adults.

According to prosecutors, the defendants and other members of ‘Greggy’s Cult’ met on Discord servers and ‘directed minor victims, who had joined a video call on either Discord or another video conferencing platform, to engage in sexually explicit or other degrading conduct.’

The group is also accused of finding victims on gaming platforms such as Roblox and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.

The cult members allegedly captured screenshots and screen recordings of the ‘sexually explicit conduct’ before sharing it to other Discord servers and with each other, according to the DOJ.

Attorney General Pam Bondi reacted to the indictment, stating that ‘no child should ever be terrorized or exploited online, and no online platform should give refuge to predators.’

‘The Department of Justice will continue to protect children, support survivors, and hold accountable anyone who preys on the vulnerable – online or offline – with every tool we have,’ Bondi added.

Prosecutors also accused the defendants of extorting their targets, alleging that they tried to frame the adult victims as pedophiles or send malware to minor victims, which was then used as ‘leverage to get the victims to engage in degrading acts on camera.’

The defendants were allegedly able to convince victims to commit acts of ‘degradation,’ including having them be ‘owned’ by a member of the cult to demonstrate loyalty, or writing the names of cult members on their bodies, which prosecutors referred to as ‘fansigning.’

Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew Galeotti of the DOJ’s Criminal Division said in a statement that the defendants were charged with an ‘unspeakable act of coercing and blackmailing children and adults to engage in self-harm and other degrading acts.’

U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr. for the Eastern District of New York called the alleged conduct ‘monstrous,’ adding that children were ‘at times driven to the brink of suicide.’

The DOJ stated that ‘Greggy’s Cult’ formed before the emergence of the ‘764’ network, another online child-exploitation group that the FBI has launched an intensified effort to take down.

Members of ‘764’ allegedly use popular online platforms such as Discord, Telegram and Roblox to recruit and manipulate minors.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

On about two dozen occasions, the Supreme Court had to step in during President Trump’s second term because many inferior courts refused to accept that he is the president. The justices must do so again, after lower courts invalidated the appointments of acting U.S. attorneys Alina Habba of the District of New Jersey and Lindsey Halligan of the Eastern District of Virginia.

The Senate has a tradition that is over a century old called the blue slip. Home-state senators have an extraordinary power: the ability to veto U.S. marshals, U.S. attorneys and U.S. district judges. In order for nominees to proceed, home-state senators must return a blue slip approving the nominations. Senators will never let this power go, so administrations have to bear the consequences. In New Jersey, leftist Senators Cory Booker and Andy Kim have refused to allow the nomination of Alina Habba to serve as U.S. attorney. Likewise, in Virginia, their fellow leftist Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner will not acquiesce to the nomination of Lindsey Halligan to serve as U.S. attorney. As such, Attorney General Pam Bondi appointed Habba and Halligan to 120-day terms to serve on an interim basis, as 28 U.S.C. § 546 allows. Halligan replaced another interim prosecutor, Eric Siebert, who departed shortly before his 120 days lapsed.

After 120 days have expired, leftists asserted that Bondi can make no more appointments; only district judges can. The Executive Branch, this argument goes, has no say whatsoever after 120 days. This result would lead to a scheme where leftist senators can block President Trump’s nominees. Then, courts composed mostly of leftist judges in these blue states can install leftist puppet U.S. attorneys, and the Executive Branch must grin and bear it, just as with the blue slip process.

The 120-day limit first appeared in a statute in 1986. During the years of Presidents Clinton and Bush, attorneys general made successive 120-day appointments under the statutory scheme in effect from 1986-2006, the same scheme as today. Yet, Clinton Judge Cameron Currie of South Carolina did not view this historical evidence as persuasive when she invalidated Halligan’s appointment. Halligan secured indictments against New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud and former FBI Director James Comey for false statements to and obstruction of Congress concerning the Russiagate hoax.

Those indictments are, for the moment, invalid. Currie’s opinion drips with disdain for Halligan, noting Halligan’s lack of prosecutorial experience. This issue is irrelevant to the legal question. Halligan, under Currie’s analysis, could have had three decades of prosecutorial experience, and her appointment would still have violated the Constitution’s Appointments Clause. Currie also quoted another irrelevant piece of evidence: President Trump’s social media post demanding Bondi move faster on prosecutions. Whether Halligan’s appointment is valid has nothing to do with that post. Its inclusion thus has no valid legal purpose.

The Appointments Clause vests appointment power in a president, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate, for principal officers. Congress can also require the advice and consent process to apply to inferior officers, and it did so with respect to U.S. attorneys. As such, presidents nominate U.S. attorneys, and the Senate confirms them. When there are vacancies, attorneys general can fill them for 120 days at a time, and a separate part of Section 546 allows for district courts to make appointments after the 120 days have expired. The Constitution grants department heads and courts the power to appoint inferior officers. District judges, for example, appoint magistrate judges.

Section 546 does not vest the authority to appoint U.S. attorneys exclusively in district courts. Under the reading of the judges who have invalidated the appointments of Habba and Halligan, President Trump’s attorney general could not make a 120-day appointment, either. The text of Section 546 does not specify a 120-day appointment per president. When one president’s attorney general makes a 120-day appointment, these judges absurdly prevent any future president’s attorney general from doing so in that district. District judges, therefore, have all the power until the Senate confirms a nominee one of these years or decades.

Fortunately, the issue now is ripe for Supreme Court review. This week, a Third Circuit panel ruled that Habba’s appointment is invalid. The justices should decide the cases together, even though the Fourth Circuit has not ruled on the Halligan appeal. There is only one circuit with all states that have Republican senators: the Fifth. This district court control could continue into the terms of a President Vance.

The easiest way to correct the lower court’s error is for the Supreme Court to hold that Section 546 allows attorneys general to make more than one 120-day appointment. Alternatively, the justices could hold that Section 546’s stripping of appointment power from the Executive Branch with respect to its officials violates the separation of powers.

In the face of immense criticism from Democrat politicians, the leftist media, and academic elites, the justices have intervened time and again to thwart unlawful interference by resistance lower courts. Because of the Supreme Court’s intervention on issues ranging from the ability to fire Executive Branch employees to the ability of the president to revoke temporary protected status from illegal immigrants, President Trump has been able to do his job far more effectively.

Bondi, Solicitor General John Sauer, and their team of stellar lawyers have amassed a success rate of over 90% at the Supreme Court. The justices must restore Habba and Halligan to preserve the separation of powers and prevent U.S. attorneys from being servants of district courts instead of presidents.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Apple’s top artificial intelligence executive is stepping down and will retire in 2026, the company announced Monday.

John Giannandrea had been at Apple since 2018, where his official title was senior vice president for machine learning and AI strategy.

He will be replaced by Amar Subramanya, who comes to Apple after a brief stint as corporate vice president of AI at Microsoft and more than a decade at Google.

Subramanya will report to one of CEO Tim Cook’s deputies, Craig Federighi, rather than to Cook directly, as Giannandrea had.

‘AI has long been central to Apple’s strategy, and we are pleased to welcome Amar to Craig’s leadership team and to bring his extraordinary AI expertise to Apple,’ Cook said Monday.

The abrupt change at a company known for its careful succession planning highlights Apple’s challenge as it tries to compete with top AI developers such as Google, ChatGPT owner OpenAI, Meta and Microsoft.

Earlier this year, Apple delayed the release of an upgraded version of Siri with AI powered features. At the time, it said it was going to ‘take us longer than we thought’ to develop the new version.

The company said it anticipated rolling out new features ‘in the coming year,’ but it has not offered any more specifics.

‘We’re making good progress on it, and, as we’ve shared, we expect to release it next year,’ Cook said on the company’s quarterly earnings call in late October.

“With Apple Intelligence, we’ve introduced dozens of new features that are powerful, intuitive, private and deeply integrated into the things people do every day,” Cook said on the Oct. 30 call

The company is targeting the spring to release the upgraded Siri, Bloomberg News recently reported.

When a user grants permission, Siri can tap into ChatGPT’s broad world knowledge and present an answer directly.Apple

While Apple’s iOS and macOS are integrated with ChatGPT, those features are somewhat limited.

In recent weeks, Apple has reportedly neared deals to integrate with Google’s Gemini, as well as AI models from Perplexity and Anthropic.

Apple introduced Apple Intelligence on June 10, 2024.Apple

Apple’s stock has also felt the effect of what some perceive to be its lagging AI services.

This year, Apple shares have returned 13%, which tops both Amazon and Microsoft. But shares of Oracle have popped 20%, Nvidia has surged 34%, and Google parent company Alphabet has soared 65%.

Still, Apple remains the world’s second-largest publicly traded company, with a market value of $4.2 trillion, behind only Nvidia.

Overall, the S&P 500 has risen almost 16% this year.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Starbucks will pay about $35 million to more than 15,000 New York City workers to settle claims it denied them stable schedules and arbitrarily cut their hours, city officials announced Monday.

The company will also pay $3.4 million in civil penalties under the agreement with the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. It also agrees to comply with the city’s Fair Workweek law going forward.

A company spokeswoman said Starbucks is committed to operating responsibly and in compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations in every market where it does business, but also noted the complexities of the city’s law.

“This (law) is notoriously challenging to manage and this isn’t just a Starbucks issue, nearly every retailer in the city faces these roadblocks,” spokeswoman Jaci Anderson said.

Most of the affected employees who held hourly positions will receive $50 for each week worked from July 2021 through July 2024, the department said. Workers who experienced a violation after that may be eligible for compensation by filing a complaint with the department.

The $38.9 million settlement also guarantees employees laid off during recent store closings in the city will get the chance for reinstatement at other company locations.

The city began investigating in 2022 after receiving dozens of worker complaints against several Starbucks locations, and eventually expanded its investigation to the hundreds of stores in the city. The probe found most Starbucks employees never got regular schedules and the company routinely reduced employees’ hours by more than 15%, making it difficult for staffers to know their regular weekly earnings and plan other commitments, such as child care, education or other jobs.

The company also routinely denied workers the chance to pick up extra shifts, leaving them involuntarily in part-time status, according to the city.

Starbucks Workers United members and supporters picket outside a Starbucks in New York on Nov. 21.Michael Nagle / Bloomberg via Getty Images

The agreement with New York comes as Starbucks’ union continues a nationwide strike at dozens of locations that began last month. The number of affected stores and the strike’s impact remain in dispute by the two sides.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

Investors looking for exposure to the silver price and silver-mining companies should consider silver exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

Spurred by moves in the gold market, safe-haven buying as well as increasing demand from industrial sectors, in the fourth quarter of 2025 the price of silver broke through its all-time high of US$49.95, which it set in 1980, and set a new-all time high of US$58.83.

While silver has often been seen as a more approachable precious metal owing to its lower per ounce price, its performance has lagged gains seen in the gold price over the past few years. However, silver has stolen some of the spotlight in 2025 as it sees significant gains on the back of geopolitical tension and economic uncertainty from the US trade and tariff policy.

Like gold investing, investors can invest in silver in several ways that each offer their own pros and cons, along with differing costs and risks. For example, investors can purchase physical silver bars or coins, or trade silver futures.

Another way for investors to diversify their portfolio with silver is to invest in ETFs. These products work similarly to mutual funds in that they pool investor resources into an asset. However, as their name suggests, ETFs are traded on exchanges like stocks, making them more accessible to investors than mutual funds are.

While ETFs aren’t without risk, they can offer a more stable investment compared to individual stocks thanks to their diversification and the fact that they are often managed and rebalanced.

Silver ETFs come in several forms, such as ones that hold physical silver and ones that hold silver mining, royalty and exploration stocks. Investors looking to start trading silver ETFs should be aware of the options available to them to determine which silver ETF will best suit their precious metals investing needs and risk tolerance.

Here’s a brief look at 10 of the top silver ETFs by total assets. The first five ETFs offer exposure to the price of silver, while the last five provide exposure to silver-mining stocks.

Assets and prices for these silver ETFs were collected on December 1, 2025, using data from the funds’ web pages.

5 ETFs for exposure to the silver price

1. iShares Silver Trust (ARCA:SLV)

Total assets: US$26.33 billion
Unit price: US$51.21

The iShares Silver Trust provides investors with access to the silver price performance, using the London Bullion Market Association silver price as its benchmark.

As the iShares Silver Trust’s web page warns, it is not an investment company registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940, or a commodity pool under the Commodity Exchange Act. Because of this, it is not subject to the regulatory requirements that apply to mutual funds or ETFs.

This silver trust holds 508 million ounces of silver bullion.

2. Sprott Physical Silver Trust (ARCA:PSLV,TSX:PSLV)

Total assets: US$11.61 billion
Unit price: US$18.65

The Sprott Physical Silver Trust is an option for investors looking for the security of physical silver without the need to find secure storage.

The ETF is backed by 191.12 million ounces of silver held in trust in fully allocated London Good Delivery silver bars.

Additionally, the ETF is fully convertible into physical silver, should investors decide they want the precious metal on hand. However, the fund states that holders ‘must have enough units to equate to ten 1000 oz silver bars.’

3. Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF (ARCA:SIVR)

Total assets: US$3.71 billion
Unit price: US$53.71

The Aberdeen Standard Physical Silver Shares ETF’s investment objective is for its shares to reflect the performance of the silver price less the expenses of the trust’s operations. It has an expense ratio of 0.3 percent.

This ETF comes with the same warnings as the iShares Silver Trust.

The fund is backed with 45.51 million ounces of silver held with JPMorgan Chase Bank in London in a secured vault.

4. ProShares Ultra Silver ETF (ARCA:AGQ)

Total assets: US$1.33 billion
Unit price: US$107.32

The ProShares Ultra Silver ETF, established in 2008, was designed to offer daily investment results that correspond with twice the daily performance of the Bloomberg Silver Subindex. Because of this, the ETF is aimed at investors who are bullish on silver and able to monitor their investments on a daily basis.

The fund uses derivatives such as futures contracts to invest in silver and has an expense ratio of 0.95 percent.

5. ProShares UltraShort Silver ETF (ARCA:ZSL)

Total assets: US$73.71 million
Unit price: US$9.51

The ProShares UltraShort Silver ETF is designed to provide investors with a hedge against declines in the silver market. ProShares launched it alongside the ProShares Ultra Silver ETF in late 2008. It also has an expense ratio of 0.95 percent.

Because the fund is built around providing results at a negative two times daily performance of the Bloomberg Silver Subindex, it is meant for traders who have a high capacity for risk and who are willing to monitor their positions on a daily basis. The fund should be treated in the same way as the Ultra Silver ETF.

5 ETFs for exposure to silver-mining stocks

1. Global X Silver Miners ETF (ARCA:SIL)

Total assets: US$3.93 billion
Unit price: US$77.66

The Global X Silver Miners ETF gives investors access to a basket of silver-mining and royalty stocks. The ETF benefits from the fact that these companies can climb when the silver price is rising. It also allows investors to avoid the risks associated with individual companies and lets them add geographical diversity to their portfolios.

This ETF has an expense ratio of 0.65 percent, and its top holdings include streaming company Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM,NYSE:WPM) at a weight of 22.5 percent, Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS) at a weight of 12.3 percent and Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE) at 8.1 percent.

2. Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF (ARCA:SILJ)

Total assets: US$2.97 billion
Unit price: US$26.09

The Amplify Junior Silver Miners ETF bills itself as the ‘first and only ETF to target small cap silver miners.’ The index provides a benchmark for investors to track public small-cap companies in the silver space.

The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.69 percent and its holdings span Canada, the US and the UK, with key silver companies such as Hecla Mining Company (NYSE:HL) at a weight of 11.3 percent, First Majestic Silver (TSX:AG,NYSE:AG) at 10.3 percent and Coeur Mining at 8.7 percent.

3. iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF (BATS:SLVP)

Total assets: US$630 million
Unit price: US$31.59

The iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF tracks an index composed of global equities of companies primarily engaged in silver exploration or metals mining.

The ETF has the lowest expense ratio of the three ETFs focused on silver stocks at 0.39 percent.

The large majority of companies in its holdings, about 69 percent, are traded on Canadian exchanges, and companies on US and Mexican exchanges combine for 27 percent.

The top three holdings for the iShares MSCI Global Silver Miners ETF are Hecla Mining at a weight of 15.5 percent, Industrias Peñoles (BMV:PE&OLES) with a weight of 11.7 percent and Fresnillo (LSE:FRES) at 10 percent.

4. Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver ETF (NASDAQ:SLVR)

Total assets: US$453.7 million
Unit price: US$51.31

The Sprott Silver Miners & Physical Silver includes a combination of physical silver holdings as well as equities, setting it apart from the other silver-mining ETFs on the list.

The fund launched in January 2025, making it one of the newest entries to the list. Its management fee is 0.65 percent.

This silver ETF’s second largest holding is its counterpart Sprott Physical Silver Trust, which provides investors exposure to physical silver, at a 14.3 percent weight. Its other top holdings are First Majestic Silver at 27.12 percent and Endeavour Silver (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) at 10.6 percent.

5. Sprott Active Gold and Silver Miners ETF (NASDAQ:GBUG)

Total assets: US$134.42 million
Unit price: US$41.18

Established in February 2025, the Sprott Active Gold and Silver Miners ETF is designed to provide investors broad access to both gold and silver equities. Additionally, as an active fund, it will see more frequent rebalancing to increase the potential of better returns for investors.

The fund’s top holdings consist of OceanaGold (TSX:OGC,OTCQX:OCANF) weighted at 4.32 percent, G Mining Ventures (TSX:GMIN,OTCQX:GMINF) at 4.18 percent and Equinox Gold (TSX:EQX,NYSEAMERICAN:EQX) at 4.16 percent.

Its management fee is 0.89 percent.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold an investment in Sprott Active Gold and Silver Miners ETF.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

As scrutiny continues to intensify across the battery metals supply chain, the conversation around sustainability has moved far beyond carbon footprints.

At this year’s Benchmark Week, Stefan Debruyne, director of external affairs at Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (SQM) (NYSE:SQM), made that point unmistakably clear: sustainability in lithium is as much about people, process and transparency as it is about emissions — and it must be learned, not imposed.

SQM, one of the world’s largest lithium producers, has long been at the center of debates about extraction in Chile’s Salar de Atacama. But for Debruyne, the company’s vision of leadership goes beyond scale.

“We approach leadership in a holistic way,” he said. “It’s not only about having trust to produce and being able to deliver the quality the market needs, but also doing it in a responsible way — dialogue, working closely with stakeholders and civil society. We work very hard on all components.”

Building social license

Much of Debruyne’s role over the past five years has centered on improving engagement with Indigenous communities, many of which have deep historical grievances tied to land, water and the impact of large-scale resource extraction.

“It’s really about being the best neighbor possible,” he said.

But getting there has required fundamental shifts in mindset and method. One of the clearest examples is what Debruyne called the principle of horizontality — a change born from early missteps.

A decade ago, when communities questioned the mine’s hydrological impacts, SQM responded the way many industrial operators would: it sent engineers to explain the technical data.

“You would think that’s a great thing to do,” Debruyne said. “But we learned that’s not the right way, because community members aren’t hydrologists. There’s a vertical difference.”

Instead, SQM now helps communities secure independent experts of their choosing, ensuring conversations happen “on a horizontal level.” This shift has been crucial to rebuilding trust.

Just as important, Debruyne said, is abandoning the western notion of time.

“Communities have a different concept of time. It’s about giving them the time they need — taking information back, returning, iterating. You may think you’re doing things the right way, but there’s always room for improvement.”

Why social investment reduces risk

For Oxfam policy advisor Andrew Bogrand, these types of changes are not just ethical — they’re also practical.

The expert, who also spoke on the panel, noted that since 2010, more than 800 protests or violent incidents have occurred around mine sites globally, including 300 since 2021 alone.

Each one carries real costs: slowdowns, legal expenses, rising insurance premiums — and, as Bogrand pointed out, the hidden cost of executive time diverted to crisis management.

“There is a win-win solution,” he told the Benchmark Week audience. “It’s engaging communities, making sure everyone’s on the same page. Sometimes the solutions are very simple.”

As an example, he pointed to mining projects where warning messages were sent in English to communities that do not speak the language, or where key safety information was delivered over SMS when what residents needed was a physical noticeboard in their own dialect.

Bogrand described companies that “step over a dollar to pick up a penny” — refusing modest community requests, only to face shutdowns costing tens of millions of dollars.

Transparency: A tool, not a threat

Debruyne described transparency as one of SQM’s most effective tools, even if it initially felt counterintuitive.

A few years ago, the company made all hydrological data from its government reporting publicly accessible online.

“I was bracing myself,” he said, expecting to receive dozens of questions about brine levels. But counter to his fears, transparency defused tension rather than fueling it. “I received complete silence,’ Debruyne noted.

It also created a foundation for future collaboration, including joint environmental monitoring programs with communities that had refused to speak with SQM for years.

Moving slow to move fast

The tension between rapid industry growth and slow, iterative sustainability processes often surfaces in investor discussions. For Bogrand, the answer is simple: “You have to move slow to move fast.”

Rushing early stage engagement almost always backfires, he argued, while early investment in community relationships pays dividends across the life of a mine.

Debruyne echoed this idea, noting that patience, consistency and presence — not promises — win trust. In one case, SQM organized a visit for Atacama Indigenous women leaders to electric vehicle and battery plants in Germany and Poland, allowing them to see firsthand where lithium fits in a finished product.

One participant, surprised that the metal formed only a thin coating on a cathode, admitted she had imagined an “Avatar-like” scenario where mines destroyed massive volumes of land for each battery.

“Because they don’t have visibility on the value chain, they make interpretations, which is human,” Debruyne told listeners. “Dialogue is so important.”

Both Debruyne and Bogrand agree that the lithium supply chain cannot scale without social acceptance, credible transparency and deep engagement with affected communities.

As Debruyne noted, “Ultimately, it’s about people.”

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG,OTC:GRLVF) (OTCQB: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) (‘Group Eleven’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the latest two step-out drill holes from its Ballywire discovery (‘Ballywire’) at the 100%-owned PG West Project (‘PG West’), Republic of Ireland.

Highlights:

  • 25-3552-47 (approx. 100m step-out SSE of 25-3552-40, initial test of the Deeper Cu-Ag target; announced 22-Sep-25) intersected four zones of mineralization, including:
    • New Mineralized Zone (South) – Waulsortian Hosted (starting from 313.1m downhole)
    • 20.3m of 2.6% Zn+Pb (1.5% Zn and 1.1% Pb), 6 g/t Ag, including
    • 7.3m of 5.2% Zn+Pb (2.5% Zn and 2.7% Pb), 10 g/t Ag, including
    • 3.8m of 7.3% Zn+Pb (3.7% Zn and 3.6% Pb), 14 g/t Ag, including
    • 1.9m of 10.7% Zn+Pb (5.7% Zn and 5.0% Pb), 19 g/t Ag
    • New Mineralized Zone (South) – Base of Waulsortian (starting from 355.9m downhole)
    • 2.6m of 2.7% Zn+Pb (0.1% Zn and 2.5% Pb) and 19 g/t Ag, including
    • 0.8m of 6.7% Zn+Pb (0.3% Zn and 6.5% Pb) and 37 g/t Ag
    • Deeper Cu-Ag Zone (starting from 490.7m downhole)
    • 11.3m of 0.26% Cu and 8 g/t Ag, including
    • 4.7m of 0.46% Cu and 14 g/t Ag, including
    • 1.8m of 0.83% Cu and 24 g/t Ag
    • Deeper Cu-Ag Zone (starting from 616.6m downhole)
    • 9.4m of 0.25% Cu and 7 g/t Ag, including
    • 3.7m of 0.32% Cu and 8 g/t Ag, including
    • 0.8m of 0.62% Cu and 16 g/t Ag

‘Today’s results represent a positive surprise given we were not expecting robust Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization south of the main discovery trend at this particular location,’ stated Bart Jaworski, CEO. ‘In addition to successfully extending significant Deeper Cu-Ag mineralization down dip by over 200m from previous drilling, today’s hole intersected strong Zn-Pb-Ag mineralization in a new part of the discovery. Long theorized, new zones of mineralization parallel to the main discovery trend at Ballywire were evidenced this September by hole 25-3552-44 which discovered a new Cu-Ag bearing feeder structure to the north of the main discovery. Today’s results show a similar situation, but to the south, enhancing the potential for at least two additional mineralized zones. If borne out, this greatly expands Ballywire’s tonnage potential.’

‘Driven by new zones of mineralization, growing momentum at our Deeper Cu-Ag zone and the fact that the majority of our 6km long prospective trend is yet to be drilled, Ballywire’s exploration upside continues to ramp up. With a robust treasury and our most ambitious drilling campaign to date – four rigs turning in Ireland – we are poised to continue unlocking Ballywire’s full potential over the coming months.’

Exhibit 1. Cross-Section Showing 25-3552-47 Testing Deeper Cu-Ag Zone at Ballywire.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/276566_d7aa5ace04d3b85a_002full.jpg

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-47 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 90-100% for Waulsortian-hosted zones, and 60-80% for sub-Waulsortian zones.

Exhibit 2. Plan Map of Main Ballywire Discovery Corridor, Showing New Holes 25-3552-45 and -47.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/276566_d7aa5ace04d3b85a_003full.jpg

Note: ‘New Min’zd Zone (S)’ means New Mineralized Zone (South); ‘Potential Zone (N)’ means Potential Mineralized Zone (North).

Exhibit 3. Cross-Section of 25-3552-45 (and Previously Reported Holes -35 and -39).

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/276566_d7aa5ace04d3b85a_004full.jpg

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-45 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 80-100%.

Ballywire Drill Update

The Ballywire prospect at the Company’s 100%-owned PG West Project in Republic of Ireland, represents the most significant mineral discovery in Ireland in over a decade. First announced in Sept-2022, the discovery has 64 holes drilled and reported by Group Eleven to date, including the most recent two holes (25-3552-45 and -47) reported today (see Exhibits 1 to 6).

Assays from today’s drill holes are summarized above and below (and in Exhibits 4 and 5). Mineralization consists predominantly of sphalerite, galena and pyrite, with the Cu-Ag bearing zones also containing chalcopyrite and suspected tennantite-tetrahedrite.

In addition to results from 25-3552-47, described above, hole 25-3552-45 intersected two zones of significant mineralization along a fault structure (see Exhibits 3 and 5). Strong exploration upside remains further to the NNW and SSE along this section.

Exhibit 4. Summary of Assays from 25-3552-47 at Ballywire

Item From
(m)
To
(m)
Int
(m)
Zn
(%)
Pb
(%)
Zn+Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
Cu
(%)
25-3552-47 313.14 333.42 20.28 1.49 1.14 2.63 5.7
Incl. 313.14 319.60 6.46 1.45 0.47 1.92 5.2
And 326.11 333.42 7.31 2.51 2.65 5.16 10.1
Incl. 329.63 333.42 3.79 3.71 3.60 7.31 13.7 0.01
Incl. 330.59 332.52 1.93 5.73 5.01 10.75 18.7 0.01
Incl. 330.59 331.56 0.97 6.45 5.39 11.84 18.7 0.01
And 355.85 358.45 2.60 0.13 2.54 2.67 18.8 0.04
Incl. 356.73 357.56 0.83 0.28 6.46 6.74 36.7 0.08
And 490.74 502.02 11.28 0.01 0.01 0.02 7.5 0.26
Incl. 494.50 502.02 7.52 0.01 0.01 0.03 10.5 0.35
Incl. 497.32 502.02 4.70 0.02 0.01 0.03 13.8 0.46
Incl. 499.22 502.02 2.80 0.02 0.01 0.03 19.1 0.67
Incl. 500.17 502.02 1.85 0.02 0.01 0.03 23.8 0.83
And 616.56 625.94 9.38 0.01 0.02 6.6 0.25
Incl. 619.52 623.26 3.74 0.01 0.02 8.5 0.32
Incl. 619.52 620.48 0.96 0.02 0.03 10.8 0.35
And 622.46 623.26 0.80 0.02 0.02 16.3 0.62

 

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-47 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 90-100% for Waulsortian-hosted zones, and 60-80% for sub-Waulsortian zones; ‘-‘ means less than 0.01% (<100 ppm).

Exhibit 5. Summary of Assays from 25-3552-45 at Ballywire

Item From
(m)
To
(m)
Int
(m)
Zn
(%)
Pb
(%)
Zn+Pb
(%)
Ag
(g/t)
25-3552-45 145.37 162.47 17.10 1.75 0.17 1.91 3.0
Incl. 147.14 156.17 9.03 2.58 0.24 2.81 4.3
Incl. 147.14 151.66 4.52 2.66 0.32 2.98 5.9
Incl. 149.00 151.66 2.66 3.12 0.36 3.48 6.9
Incl. 150.73 151.66 0.93 4.79 0.61 5.40 11.6
And 153.41 156.17 2.76 3.38 0.17 3.55 3.5
And 181.49 202.40 20.91 1.41 0.63 2.04 10.0
Incl. 181.49 183.24 1.75 5.94 0.31 6.25 24.1
Incl. 181.49 182.39 0.90 8.69 0.31 9.00 32.9
And 192.27 194.97 2.70 1.50 2.68 4.18 21.6
Incl. 192.27 193.16 0.89 2.13 3.86 5.99 30.3
And 201.52 202.40 0.88 7.03 2.18 9.21 32.5
And 213.38 214.35 0.97 0.12 0.74 0.86 19.4

 

Note: True thickness of the mineralized intervals in hole 25-3552-45 as a percentage of the down-hole interval, is estimated to be approx. 80-100%.

Drilling at Ballywire continues with three rigs. Currently, thirteen (13) new holes are completed or near completed (and in the process of being logged, sampled and assayed). These are shown in Exhibit 2, including: (i) four holes collared approx. 200m E of G11-3552-08; (ii) two holes testing approx. 780m SE of G11-3552-08; (iii) six holes drilled along a drill fence hosting G11-468-01; and (iv) one hole testing approx. 80m SW of G11-3552-12. Note, one additional rig is active at the Company’s Stonepark Project.

Exhibit 6. Regional Gravity Map Showing 6km Long Prospective Trend at Ballywire.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/276566_d7aa5ace04d3b85a_005full.jpg

Note: Of the four gravity-high anomalies above, only the ‘C’ anomaly has been systematically drilled to date.

Exhibit 7. Regional Map of Ballywire Discovery and Surrounding Prospects.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5685/276566_groupe.jpg

Notes to Exhibit 7: (a) Pallas Green MRE is owned by Glencore (see Glencore’s Resources and Reserves Report dated December 31, 2024); (b) Stonepark MRE: see the ‘NI 43-101 Independent Report on the Zinc-Lead Exploration Project at Stonepark, County Limerick, Ireland’, by Gordon, Kelly and van Lente, with an effective date of April 26, 2018, as found on SEDAR+; and (c) the historic estimate at Denison was reported by Westland Exploration Limited in ‘Report on Prospecting Licence 464’ by Dermot Hughes dated May, 1988; the historic estimate at Gortdrum was reported in ‘The Geology and Genesis of the Gortdrum Cu-Ag-Hg Orebody’ by G.M. Steed dated 1986; and the historic estimate at Tullacondra was first reported by Munster Base Metals Ltd in ‘Report on Mallow Property’ by David Wilbur, dated December 1973; and later summarized in ‘Cu-Ag Mineralization at Tullacondra, Mallow, Co. Cork’ by Wilbur and Carter in 1986; the above three historic estimates have not been verified as current mineral resources; none of the key assumptions, parameters and methods used to prepare the historic estimates were reported and no resource categories were used; significant data compilation, re-drilling and data verification may be required by a Qualified Person before the historic estimates can be verified and upgraded to be compliant with current NI 43-101 standards; a Qualified Person has not done sufficient work to classify them as a current mineral resource and the Company is not treating the historic estimates as current mineral resources. ‘Rathdowney Trend’ is the south-westerly projection of the Rathdowney Trend, hosting the historic Lisheen and Galmoy mines.

Qualified Person

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Professor Garth Earls, Eur Geol, P.Geo, FSEG, geological consultant at IGS (International Geoscience Services) Limited, and independent ‘Qualified Person’ as defined under Canadian National Instrument 43-101.

Sampling and Analytical Procedures

All core drilled at Ballywire is NQ (47.6mm) and is cut using a rock saw. Sample intervals vary between 0.22m to 1.19m with an average (over 211 samples) of 0.90m. The half-core samples are bagged, labelled and sealed at Group Eleven’s core store facility in Limerick, Ireland. Selected sample bags are examined by the Qualified Person. Transport is via an accredited courier service and/or by Group Eleven staff to ALS Laboratories in Loughrea Co. Galway, Ireland. Sample preparation at the ALS facility comprises fine crushing 70% < 2mm, riffle splitter, pulverise up to 250g 85% < 75um. Analytical procedures are 34 element four acid ICP-AES (codes ME-ICP61 and ME-OG62). Other than paying for a professional analytical service, Group Eleven has no relationship with ALS.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Information

Group Eleven inserts certified reference materials (‘CRMs’ or ‘Standards’) as well as blank material, to its sample stream as part of its industry-standard QA/QC programme. The QC results have been reviewed by the Qualified Person, who is satisfied that all the results are within acceptable parameters. The Qualified Person has validated the sampling and chain of custody protocols used by Group Eleven.

About Group Eleven Resources

Group Eleven Resources Corp. (TSXV: ZNG,OTC:GRLVF) (OTCQB: GRLVF) (FSE: 3GE) is drilling the most significant mineral discovery in the Republic of Ireland in over a decade. The Company announced the Ballywire discovery in September 2022, demonstrating high grades of zinc, lead, silver, copper, germanium and locally, antimony. Key intercepts to date include:

  • 10.8m of 10.0% Zn+Pb and 109 g/t Ag (G11-468-03)
  • 10.1m of 8.6% Zn+Pb and 46 g/t Ag (G11-468-06)
  • 10.5m of 14.7% Zn+Pb, 399 g/t Ag and 0.31% Cu (G11-468-12)
  • 11.2m of 8.9% Zn+Pb and 83 g/t Ag (G11-3552-03)
  • 29.6m of 10.6% Zn+Pb, 78 g/t Ag and 0.15% Cu (G11-3552-12) and
  • 11.8m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 48 g/t Ag (G11-3552-18)
  • 15.6m of 11.6% Zn+Pb, 122 g/t Ag and 0.19% Cu (G11-3552-27)
  • 12.0m of 1.4% Zn+Pb, 560 g/t Ag, 2.30% Cu and 0.17% Sb (25-3552-31), including
  • 6.4m of 2.1% Zn+Pb, 838 g/t Ag, 3.72% Cu and 0.27% Sb (25-3552-31)
  • 39.7m of 9.5% Zn+Pb, 131 g/t Ag and 0.27% Cu (25-3552-35)
  • 25.6m of 9.2% Zn+Pb, 28 g/t Ag (25-3552-39)

Ballywire is located 20km from Company’s 77.64%-owned Stonepark zinc-lead deposit1, which itself is located adjacent to Glencore’s Pallas Green zinc-lead deposit2. The Company’s two largest shareholders are Michael Gentile (14.1% interest) and Glencore Canada Corp. (13.9%). Additional information about the Company is available at www.groupelevenresources.com.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,
Bart Jaworski, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer

E: b.jaworski@groupelevenresources.com | T: +353-85-833-2463
E: j.lau@groupelevenresources.com | T: 604-781-4915

Neither 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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

Technical and scientific information disclosed from neighbouring properties does not necessarily apply to the current project or property being disclosed. This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such statements include, without limitation, statements regarding the future results of operations, performance and achievements of the Company, including the timing, content, cost and results of proposed work programs, the discovery and delineation of mineral deposits/resources/ reserves and geological interpretations. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are typically identified by words such as: believe, expect, anticipate, intend, estimate, postulate and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward looking statements as a result of various factors, including, but not limited to, variations in the nature, quality and quantity of any mineral deposits that may be located. All of the Company’s public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedarplus.ca and readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company’s mineral properties.

1 Stonepark MRE is 5.1 million tonnes of 11.3% Zn+Pb (8.7% Zn and 2.6% Pb), Inferred (Apr-17-2018).
2 Pallas Green MRE is 45.4 million tonnes of 8.4% Zn+Pb (7.2% Zn + 1.2% Pb), Inferred (Glencore, Dec-31-2024).

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/276566

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Humanoid robotics is rapidly advancing.

Driven by the convergence of technological innovation, evolving labor market demands and growing investor interest, the humanoid robotics industry is expanding at a rapid rate. A handful of humanoid robotics companies have announced initial public offerings in 2025, such as China’s Unitree and Singapore’s Otsaw, with more predicted in 2026.

Ark Invest CEO Cathie Wood said in October that humanoid robots “will be the biggest of all” artificial intelligence (AI) opportunities, highlighting their potential in transportation, healthcare and productivity enhancement.

Samimi discussed the impact AI integration has had on the robotics industry, challenges such as labor shortages and supply chain disruptions and how the firm evaluates opportunities within this nascent yet promising market.

Key trends in humanoid robotics

According to Samimi, recent trends in robotics include enhanced automation in the industrial and logistics sectors.

“We’re seeing a lot of new trends on foundation models and control stacks within the robotic sector, as well as new sorts of electronic assemblies to put all of these components together,” he explained, pointing to companies like Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), BMW (ETR:BMW,OTC Pink:BMWKY) and Mercedes-Benz Group (ETR:MBG,OTC Pink:MBGAF) as current adopters of humanoid robots in factories and warehouses.

Additionally, Samimi highlighted that recent battery advances have improved energy density, enabling longer robot operation for industrial and logistics tasks. Meanwhile, lighter, more efficient actuators enhance precision and energy use, supporting dynamic interaction and human collaboration.

Finally, advances in robotics control systems are powered by cutting-edge AI algorithms. Platforms like RideScan, a Humanoid Global portfolio company, harness continuous, independent AI-driven monitoring, risk scoring and anomaly detection to optimize robot performance. The company recently filed a patent in the UK for its core AI technology

Samimi added that safety and reliability remain critical focal points amid these technological advances.

Advances in algorithms, machine learning and operational intelligence systems are enabling comprehensive, scalable safety and maintenance solutions for robots deployed across different facilities, supported by digital twin technologies and a closed-loop data cycle for continuous improvement.

Addressing labor shortages via robotics

Labor shortages and constrained supply chains are accelerating innovation by prompting industrial sectors to adopt robotics to augment limited labor resources.

The 2025 MHI Annual Industry Report, a document that covers emerging disruptive technologies, confirms robotics is thriving amid labor shortages and rising complexity in logistics and manufacturing.

During the US-Saudi Investment Forum, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) CEO Elon Musk made a bold prediction about the long-term effects of robotics and AI: work will become optional, and money will be obsolete.

“I don’t know what long term is — maybe it’s 10, 20 years or something like that,” Musk said, adding that there is still a lot of work to be done before society gets to that point.

In the meantime, the workforce will likely see more human-robot collaboration. Samimi said he has observed that humanoid robots and collaborative robots (cobots) are increasingly taking over repetitive manual tasks.

“Human labor now shifts to more, higher-value tasks, rather than moving a warehouse box or a palette from A to B. So we’re seeing somewhat of a shift (that’s) helping make labor more scalable and more productive, and really less dependent on that shrinking labor pool,” he said.

Resource-heavy and industrial sectors present strong opportunities for robotics, especially amid a limited labor pool. Areas like agriculture, mining, pharmaceuticals and lumber stand to benefit from automation and upskilling via robotics.

Robotics investment thesis and portfolio evaluation

Humanoid Global views its role not only as an investor, but also as an ecosystem builder, actively fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing across its portfolio companies.

By strategically connecting early stage innovators with mature industry players, Humanoid Global seeks to accelerate the global deployment and scale of humanoid robotics technologies.

The firm emphasizes balancing risk across a portfolio that includes both disruptive technology developers and companies closer to full commercial deployment, allowing for diversified exposure while driving integrated growth.

Companies are evaluated with a strong prioritization for teams with proven execution capabilities and sustainable technological moats, such as proprietary IP or unique data networks. Scalability and clear go-to-market strategies are equally important, as is a strong safety architecture embedded in the technology.

This approach highlights the importance of strategic relationships, market education and risk-managed growth in realizing the transformative potential of humanoid robotics.

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

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The Eastern Expansion Drill Program Identified Several Mineralized Northwest Structures Hosting Shallow Mineralization Encountered Within a 1.2 Kilometre Trend

EASTERN EXPANSION PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

  • At least three mineralized northwest oriented structures have been identified within the 1.2 kilometre eastern expansion trend running parallel to the Pittsburg-Monarch fault that suggest a series of footwall fault splays as opposed to a singular east-west structure;
  • TXC25-173 cut 0.92 metres of 2,122.7 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) (1,162 g/t silver (Ag) & 8.79 g/t gold (Au)) from 220.9 metres, and a separate zone of 1.04 metres grading 534.8 g/t AgEq (189.8 g/t Ag & 3.16 g/t Au) from 215.5 metres;
  • TXC25-178 drilled 6.4 metres of 296.6 g/t AgEq (135.7 g/t Ag & 1.47 g/t Au), including 0.46 metres of 3,853 g/t AgEq (1,771 g/t Ag & 19.06 g/t Au) from 183.8 metres in a north-south oriented structure within the M&I Conversion Area at DPB South; and

Blackrock Silver Corp. (TSXV: BRC,OTC:BKRRF) (OTCQX: BKRRF) (FSE: AHZ0) (‘Blackrock’ or the ‘Company’) announces the final results from its fully-funded eastern expansion drill program (the ‘Eastern Expansion Program’ or the ‘Program’) at its 100% owned Tonopah West project located in Nye and Esmeralda Counties, Nevada, United States (‘Tonopah West’).

The Eastern Expansion Program was a follow up to the Company’s successful Scout drilling program completed at Tonopah West in February 2025 (see March 31, 2025 news) which shows additional upside for the shallow southern portion of the Denver-Paymaster and Bermuda-Merten vein groups (‘DPB South‘) resource area (the ‘M&I Conversion Area‘) to expand the resource area 1,200 metres in an easterly direction (the ‘Eastern Expansion Zone‘).

The Company commenced the Eastern Expansion Program in July 2025 within the Eastern Expansion Zone, utilizing reverse circulation (RC) drilling with RC pre-collars to establish initial holes, which were then deepened using diamond core drilling (core tails) for more detailed geological analysis. The Program drilled a total of 6,798 metres (22,896 feet) in twenty-four drillholes, however, only 22 drillholes were completed, as two pre-collar holes were not usable for core tails. Of the 22 completed drillholes, three were core holes completed from surface.

Andrew Pollard, Blackrock’s President and CEO, stated, ‘Whereas we set out to target a single east-west mineralized structure, drilling from our Eastern Expansion Program has defined at least three distinct, parallel mineralized zones oriented northwest. These structures appear to be splays off the Pittsburgh-Monarch fault system. Each of these zones has intersected shallow, high-grade, and thick mineralization, indicating significant potential for further expansion in the area. Additionally, drilling in the M&I Conversion Area at DPB South has successfully connected previously isolated intercepts, confirming the presence of north-south trending structures and suggesting additional tonnage potential. Work on our upcoming mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment is now underway and on track for a targeted completion date in February 2026. These will incorporate data from both our Northwest and Eastern Expansion drill programs.’

Table 1 summarizes the final results of the Eastern Expansion Program using a cut-off grade of 150 g/t AgEq.

Table 1: Eastern Expansion Drill Program Significant Results Using a 150 g/t AgEq Cut-off Grade

Drillhole
ID
Program Area Hole
Type
From (m) To (m) Drillhole
Interval
(m)
Ag g/t Au g/t AgEq g/t
TXC25-168 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 298.03 299.86 1.83 73.7 0.754 156.1
Including 298.03 298.34 0.31 353.0 3.680 754.8
TXC25-171 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 185.99 186.69 0.70 122.0 1.100 242.1
TXC25-171 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 247.19 249.33 2.13 85.7 0.855 179.1
TXC25-173 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 215.53 216.56 1.04 189.8 3.159 534.8
TXC25-173 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 220.98 221.90 0.92 1,162.0 8.798 2,122.7
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 161.54 162.61 1.07 158.5 2.126 390.6
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 183.80 190.20 6.40 135.7 1.474 296.6
Including 188.37 188.82 0.46 1,771.0 19.067 3,853.0
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 270.36 271.43 1.07 108.9 1.439 266.0
Including 271.12 271.43 0.31 375.0 4.750 893.7
AgEq = Ag + Au/(Factor); where Factor = (Ag Price/Au Price)*(Ag Recovery/Au Recovery) or Factor=($27/$2,700)*(87%/95%)=0.009157; True thickness is 75% to 85% of drill interval; NSV=No values above cut off; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq; RC/Core = RC pre-collar with core tail; Core is core from the surface.

 

The Eastern Expansion Program encountered at least three northwest oriented structures which appear to be mineralized and offset the southern caldera margin to the northeast. The structures are parallel to the Pittsburg-Monarch fault and suggest a series of footwall fault splays associated with the main Pittsburg-Monarch fault. Figure 1 below shows the approximate location and orientation of the northwest fault system.

Drilling to date shows shallow, high-grade, and thick zones of mineralization in each of these structures and suggest increased expansion potential along this northwest structural corridor. Historically, the Pittsburg-Monarch fault was considered an ore control within the district with the thickest historically mined veins at Victor and Ohio abutting the main fault. The Company’s drilling in the Eastern Expansion Zone has returned thick vein intervals of gold and silver along the parallel structures confirming the importance of the Pittsburg-Monarch and its footwall fault splays.

Two drillholes, TXC25-171 and TXC25-178, were drilled in the M&I Conversion Area. These drillholes were directed to the west to understand several north-south structures encountered in the previous drilling. The Program was successful in capturing high-grade drill intervals from the north-south structures and shows there are multiple mineralized structures with similar orientation in the area.

Figure 1: Leapfrog model showing northwest oriented structures in the Eastern Expansion area

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/276546_9dcdee45e417e956_001full.jpg

Although below the cut-off grade of 150 g/t AgEq, drillholes TXC25-167, -168, -175, -176, -177 and TXC25-179 were mineralized with silver equivalent values ranging between 31 and 133 g/t AgEq. Table 2 shows the range of gold and silver values encountered along the northwest oriented structures.

Table 2: Mineralized Drillholes from the Eastern Expansion program that are below the 150 g/t AgEq cut-off

Drillhole
ID
Program Area Hole
Type
From (m) To (m) Drillhole
Interval
(m)
Ag g/t Au g/t AgEq g/t
TXC25-167 E Expansion Ohio RC/Core 368.96 372.01 3.05 133.0 0.002 133.2
TXC25-169 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 196.90 199.95 3.05 1.2 0.480 53.6
TXC25-175 E Expansion Ohio RC/Core 277.98 279.69 1.71 14.2 0.155 31.2
TXC25-176 E Expansion Ohio Core 192.51 194.46 1.95 13.9 0.173 32.8
TXC25-177 E Expansion Ohio Core 177.09 178.31 1.22 2.5 0.467 53.5
TXC25-179 E Expansion Ohio Core 235.55 236.46 0.91 23.3 0.270 52.8
TXC25-179 E Expansion Ohio Core 262.28 263.35 1.07 16.9 0.167 35.1
AgEq = Ag + Au/(Factor); where Factor = (Ag Price/Au Price)*(Ag Recovery/Au Recovery) or Factor=($27/$27,00)*(87%/95%)=0.009157; True thickness is 75% to 85% of drill interval; NSV=No values above cut off; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq; RC/Core = RC pre-collar with core tail; Core is core from the surface.

 

Figure 2: Drillhole location map for the Eastern Expansion drillholes reported in this news release

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/276546_9dcdee45e417e956_002full.jpg

Below are all the drillhole intervals above the 150 g/t AgEq cut off from the program showing the upside potential of the Eastern Expansion Zone.

Table 3: Eastern Expansion Program Significant Results Using a 150 g/t AgEq Cut-off Grade (TXC25-156 to TXC25-166 released on October 27, 2025)

Drillhole
ID
Program Area Hole
Type
From (m) To (m) Drillhole Interval
(m)
Ag g/t Au g/t AgEq g/t
TXC25-158 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 146.30 147.83 1.52 123.0 0.852 216.0
TXC25-158 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 272.83 273.86 1.04 17.9 2.353 274.8
Including 273.56 273.86 0.30 59.8 7.970 930.1
TXC25-158 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 340.31 341.13 0.82 56.9 0.671 130.2
TXC25-159 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 234.18 242.93 8.75 90.3 0.943 193.3
Including 241.65 242.47 0.82 567.7 5.953 1,217.8
TXC25-160 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 146.30 147.83 1.52 79.4 6.660 806.6
TXC25-164 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 180.44 186.11 5.67 3.6 2.379 263.4
Including 185.01 186.11 1.10 9.2 8.670 955.9
TXC25-166 E Expansion Ohio RC/Core 160.17 160.78 0.61 114.9 1.658 296.0
TXC25-166 E Expansion Ohio RC/Core 165.20 170.23 5.03 306.8 4.062 750.3
Including 166.73 168.56 1.83 724.1 8.577 1,660.6
TXC25-168 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 298.03 299.86 1.83 73.7 0.754 156.1
Including 298.03 298.34 0.31 353.0 3.680 754.8
TXC25-171 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 185.99 186.69 0.70 122.0 1.100 242.1
TXC25-171 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 247.19 249.33 2.13 85.7 0.855 179.1
TXC25-173 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 215.53 216.56 1.04 189.8 3.159 534.8
TXC25-173 E Expansion DPB South RC/Core 220.98 221.90 0.92 1,162.0 8.798 2,122.7
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 161.54 162.61 1.07 158.5 2.126 390.6
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 183.80 190.20 6.40 135.7 1.474 296.6
Including 188.37 188.82 0.46 1,771.0 19.067 3,853.0
TXC25-178 M&I Conversion DPB South RC/Core 270.36 271.43 1.07 108.9 1.439 266.0
Including 271.12 271.43 0.31 375.0 4.750 893.7
AgEq = Ag + Au/(Factor); where Factor = (Ag Price/Au Price)*(Ag Recovery/Au Recovery) or Factor=($27/$2,700)*(87%/95%)=0.009157; True thickness is 75% to 85% of drill interval; NSV=No values above cut off; Cut-off grade is 150 gpt AgEq; RC/Core = RC pre-collar with core tail; Core is core from the surface.

 

Figure 3: Tonopah West expansion potential

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/676/276546_9dcdee45e417e956_003full.jpg

Figure 4: Tonopah West Drillhole Location Coordinates (based on GPS readings in the field, Datum UTM, NAD 1927, Zone 11)

Drillhole ID Area Program Type UTM_NAD27 E UTM_NAD27 N Elevation
(m)
Depth
(ft)
Depth
(m)
Azimuth Dip
TXC25-167 Ohio E Expansion RC/Core 478778.0 4213176.0 1824.5 1302.0 396.8 25 -60
TXC25-168 DPB South E Expansion RC/Core 478600.0 4213250.0 1800.0 1072.0 326.7 180 -65
TXC25-169 DPB South E Expansion RC/Core 478460.0 4213340.0 1800.0 939.0 286.2 180 -65
TXC25-170 Ohio E Expansion RC/Core 478910.0 4213200.0 1835.0 894.0 272.5 230 -70
TXC25-171 DPB South M&I Conversion RC/Core 478105.0 4213222.0 1789.0 1315.0 400.8 270 -50
TXC25-172 Ohio E Expansion RC/Core 478778.0 4213176.0 1824.5 898.5 273.9 225 -65
TXC25-173 DPB South E Expansion RC/Core 478540.0 4213310.0 1800.0 903.0 275.2 180 -75
TXC25-174 Ohio E Expansion RC/Core 479014.0 4213300.0 1822.0 921.0 280.7 40 -70
TXC25-175 Ohio E Expansion RC/Core 479046.0 4213457.0 1820.0 1232.0 375.5 40 -50
TXC25-176 Ohio E Expansion Core 478540.0 4213310.0 1800.0 1060.0 323.1 210 -75
TXC25-177 Ohio E Expansion Core 478495.0 4213405.0 1791.0 732.0 223.1 0 -90
TXC25-178 DPB South M&I Conversion RC/Core 478113.0 4213139.0 1791.0 1728.5 526.8 270 -50
TXC25-179 Ohio E Expansion Core 478460.0 4213340.0 1800.0 922.0 281.0 0 -90

 

Quality Assurance/ Quality Control

All sampling is conducted under the supervision of the Company’s project geologists, and a strict chain of custody from the project to the sample preparation facility is implemented and monitored. The RC samples are hauled from the project site to a secure and fenced facility in Tonopah, Nevada, where they are loaded on to American Assay Laboratory’s (AAL) flat-bed truck and delivered to AAL’s facility in Sparks, Nevada. A sample submittal sheet is delivered to AAL personnel who organize and process the sample intervals pursuant to the Company’s instructions.

The RC samples are lined out at the lab and logged into AAL’s system. The samples are dried, crushed to 85% passing 10 mesh (2mm) and a 250-gram sub-sample split is collected and pulverized to 200 mesh (74 micron) in a ring and puck pulverizer. Then the pulverized material is digested and analyzed for gold using fire assay fusion and an Induced Coupled Plasma (ICP) finish on a 30-gram assay split (FA-PB30-ICP). Silver is determined using five-acid digestion and ICP analysis (ICP-5AM48). Over limits for gold and silver are determined using a gravimetric finish (GRAVAU30 and GRAVAG30). Data verification of the assay and analytical results are completed to ensure accurate and verifiable results. Blackrock personnel insert a blind prep blank, lab blank or a certified reference material approximately every 15th to 20th sample.

Qualified Persons

Blackrock’s exploration activities at Tonopah West are conducted and supervised by Mr. William Howald, Executive Chairman of Blackrock. Mr. William Howald, AIPG Certified Professional Geologist #11041, is a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. He has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

About Blackrock Silver Corp.

Backed by gold and silver ounces in the ground, Blackrock is a junior precious metal focused exploration and development company driven to add shareholder value. Anchored by a seasoned Board of Directors, the Company is focused on its 100% controlled Nevada portfolio of properties consisting of low-sulphidation, epithermal gold and silver mineralization located along the established Northern Nevada Rift in north-central Nevada and the Walker Lane trend in western Nevada.

Additional information on Blackrock Silver Corp. can be found on its website at www.blackrocksilver.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements and Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements‘) within the meaning of Canadian and United States securities legislation, including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things: the Company’s strategic plans; the anticipated objectives and results from the Company’s drill programs at Tonopah West; the timing of completion of an updated mineral resource estimate and preliminary economic assessment on Tonopah West; the Company’s de-risking initiatives at Tonopah West; estimates of mineral resource quantities and qualities; estimates of mineralization from drilling; geological information projected from sampling results; and the potential quantities and grades of the target zones.

These forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant operational, business, economic and regulatory uncertainties and contingencies. These assumptions include, among other things: conditions in general economic and financial markets; accuracy of assay results; geological interpretations from drilling results, timing and amount of capital expenditures; performance of available laboratory and other related services; future operating costs; the historical basis for current estimates of potential quantities and grades of target zones; the availability of skilled labour and no labour related disruptions at any of the Company’s operations; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled activities; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals for operations are received in a timely manner; the ability to secure and maintain title and ownership to properties and the surface rights necessary for operations; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. The foregoing list of assumptions is not exhaustive.

The Company cautions the reader that forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the timing and content of work programs; results of exploration activities and development of mineral properties; the interpretation and uncertainties of drilling results and other geological data; receipt, maintenance and security of permits and mineral property titles; environmental and other regulatory risks; project costs overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; availability of funds; failure to delineate potential quantities and grades of the target zones based on historical data; general market and industry conditions; and those factors identified under the caption ‘Risks Factors’ in the Company’s most recent Annual Information Form.

Forward-looking statements are based on the expectations and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. The assumptions used in the preparation of such statements, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statements were made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements included in this news release if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as otherwise required by applicable law.

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

For Further Information, Contact:

Andrew Pollard
President and Chief Executive Officer
(604) 817-6044
info@blackrocksilver.com

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