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With the Seattle Seahawks trailing the Los Angeles Rams by 16 points early in the fourth quarter, it felt like they needed a miracle to come back. The crazy two-point conversion they got to tie the game 7 minutes later wasn’t quite a miracle, but it was the next best thing.

The Seahawks were trailing by 16 points early in the fourth quarter of the Week 16 ‘Thursday Night Football’ game. They managed to score a touchdown on a punt return by wide receiver Rashid Shaheed and converted a two-point try to cut the lead down to one score. On their following possession, Seattle scored another touchdown, but things got wild on the ensuing two-point conversion attempt that ended up tying the game.

After his 26-yard touchdown pass to AJ Barner, Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold attempted a quick screen pass to running back Zach Charbonnet on the two-point try. Rams defensive end Jared Verse was ready for it and leapt in between Darnold and Charbonnet to break up the pass. The tipped ball fell through Rams safety Kam Curl’s arms and dribbled into the end zone, where Charbonnet slowly walked over to pick it up.

The initial ruling on the field was that the pass fell incomplete. But upon further review, Darnold’s throw toward Charbonnet traveled backwards. Rather than an incompletion on a pass attempt, the loose ball was considered a fumble on a lateral attempt.

Since the ball ended up in the end zone and was recovered by Charbonnet, the ruling of an incomplete pass and failed two-point try was overturned to a successful conversion. It tied the game for Seattle with six and a half minutes remaining in the contest and reinvigorated the Seahawks’ division title hopes.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

  • The winner of the Rams-Seahawks game will become the NFC’s projected No. 1 playoff seed.
  • The Philadelphia Eagles can clinch the NFC East title with a victory over the Washington Commanders.
  • Multiple teams, including the Bills, Jaguars, Chargers, and Patriots, will attempt to clinch playoff berths on Sunday.

Did you have Rams-Seahawks (Part 2) circled as the potential NFL game of the year when the schedule came out seven months ago? It’s certainly a nice win for the Prime Video crew that will stream the NFC West rematch one month after the Rams held on for a 21-19 win in Los Angeles, a game Seattle nearly won despite QB Sam Darnold’s four interceptions. The winner of Thursday night’s showdown of 11-3 squads will wind up as the NFC’s projected No. 1 playoff seed and NFC West leader while the loser will be relegated into the conference’s fifth spot … at least for now.

But make no mistake, the remainder of Week 16 will also feature consequential matchups.

Saturday, the Philadelphia Eagles can secure the NFC East title and eliminate the Dallas Cowboys by defeating the Washington Commanders. And first place in the NFC North will also be on the line Saturday night as the Packers and Bears meet for the second time in three weeks, this time in Chicago. One of those teams will lock up a playoff berth over the weekend if the Detroit Lions lose to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

The NFC South will take center stage Dec. 21 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers meet in the first of two matchups over the next three weeks that should determine the division’s winner and lone playoff participant. The Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, LA Chargers and New England Patriots, who play the Baltimore Ravens on ‘Sunday Night Football,’ will all attempt to clinch playoff berths Sunday.

Monday night, the San Francisco 49ers could also punch their playoff ticket, though the focus of their nationally televised game is certain to be on Indianapolis Colts QB Philip Rivers’ first game at Lucas Oil Stadium in five years.

Got all of that, folks? Enjoy this pre-Holiday smorgasbord as USA TODAY Sports’ panel of NFL experts shares its outlook for the Week 16 rundown:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

Week 16 picks, predictions, odds

  • Rams at Seahawks
  • Eagles at Commanders
  • Packers at Bears
  • Chiefs at Titans
  • Vikings at Giants
  • Buccaneers at Panthers
  • Jets at Saints
  • Chargers at Cowboys
  • Bills at Browns
  • Bengals at Dolphins
  • Falcons at Cardinals
  • Jaguars at Broncos
  • Steelers at Lions
  • Raiders at Texans
  • Patriots at Ravens
  • 49ers at Colts
This post appeared first on USA TODAY

IRIS Metals Limited (ASX: IR1, “IRIS” or “the Company”) is pleased to announce it has executed a binding Heads of Agreement (HOA) with Finley Mining Inc for the exclusive right to farm-in to the Finley Basin Tungsten Project (Tungsten Project) located in Granite County, Montana, USA. This strategic farm-in opportunity further expands IRIS’ exposure to critical minerals beyond lithium, positioning the Company in a key tungsten district with historical production potential and untapped high-grade tungsten potential in a jurisdiction primed for revival under U.S. critical minerals policies.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • IRIS Metals has signed a binding Heads of Agreement with Finley Mining Inc and its shareholders, granting IRIS an exclusive right to farm-in to the high-grade Finley Basin Tungsten Project, located in Granite County, Montana, USA, subject to the execution of full form farm-in agreements to be negotiated in good faith on the agreed key terms within 40 business days (unless extended).
  • Due to the transaction materialising during a proposed capital raising program, the Company decided not to raise capital at this point in time, having regard to the strategic merits of the Tungsten acquisition.
  • Limited drilling undertaken by Union Carbide in the late 1970s–early 1980s resulted in a historical, non-JORC compliant tungsten reserve, 850,000 tons at an average grade of 0.68% WO₃1, which is considered high-grade relative to many global tungsten deposits.
  • The farm-in provides IRIS with exposure to tungsten, a critical mineral with strategic importance for defense, energy, and industrial applications, complementing IRIS’ existing critical minerals portfolio.
  • The farm-in structure allows IRIS to earn up to a 100% interest in the project through staged exploration expenditure of up to USD$2,000,000 over 4 years and delivery of a JORC- compliant Inferred Resource.
  • Exploration activities to commence at the Finley Basin Project in early 2026, focusing on resource definition, expansion, and development studies.
  • The transaction aligns with IRIS’ strategy to expand its critical minerals footprint in the USA, leveraging incentives for domestically sourced materials.
IRIS Metals Executive Chairman Peter Marks commented:

‘This binding agreement marks an exciting step for IRIS as we grow and diversify our critical minerals portfolio into tungsten, a vital component for the defense and technology industries. The Finley Basin Project offers significant upside with its prospective geology and location in a mining-friendly jurisdiction. Combined with our existing South Dakota portfolio, this positions IRIS to capitalise on significantly growing demand for US-sourced critical minerals.’

Montana Portfolio Expansion and Development

IRIS is actively evaluating additional critical mineral opportunities to complement its core South Dakota holdings. This farm-in to the Finley Basin Tungsten Project diversifies IRIS’ assets into tungsten, a critical mineral essential for military energetics, alloys, electronics, and renewable energy technologies, with U.S. demand surging amid defense initiatives and clean energy goals, yet vulnerable to geopolitical supply disruptions.

The expansion of IRIS’ mineral portfolio to tungsten was measured in approach with a number of projects reviewed and compared. The Company selected the Finley Basin Project due to its high-grade characteristics when compared other tungsten occurrences in the US2, historical exploration results, favourable jurisdiction, potential for expansion of known mineralisation, local milling capabilities, and reasonable proximity to the Company’s South Dakota operations.

IRIS’ primary focus remains on advancing its South Dakota lithium and rubidium projects toward near- term development under its “Hub & Spoke” strategy, which emphasises centralized processing across multiple sites.

Recent expansions, including the September 2025 acquisition of the Ingersoll Project from Rapid Critical Metals have significantly grown IRIS’ Black Hills footprint and private land holdings. IRIS is rapidly expanding mineral resources and progressing studies to support a multi-mine production model, with economic analysis targeted for 2026.

This strategic diversification importantly aligns with broader U.S. incentives for domestically sourced critical minerals and supports resilient supply chains under frameworks such as the Australia-U.S. Climate, Critical Minerals and Clean Energy Transformation Compact.

Click here for the full ASX Release

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Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ,OTC:QQCMF) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Questcorp’) announces that has closed its non-brokered private placement (the ‘Offering’) of flow-through units (each, an ‘FT Unit’). In connection with closing, the Company has issued 6,023,077 FT Units, at a price of $0.13 per FT Unit, for gross proceeds of up to $783,000. Each FT Unit consists of one common share of the Company, issued as a flow-through share within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada), and one-half-of-one share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a ‘Warrant’). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase an additional common share of the Company at a price of $0.20 until December 17, 2027.

The Company anticipates the proceeds from the Offering will be used to conduct exploration of the Company’s North Island Copper Property, located on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

In connection with closing, the Company paid $53,900 and issued 414,615 share purchase warrants (each, a ‘Finders’ Warrant‘) to certain arms-length parties who assisted in introducing subscribers to the Offering. Each Finders’ Warrant is exercisable to acquire a common share of the Company until December 17, 2027, with 134,615 of the Finders’ Warrants exercisable at a price of $0.13 and 280,000 exercisable at a price of $0.20. All securities issued in connection with the Offering are subject to restrictions on resale until April 18, 2026 in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining Inc. is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The Company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island Copper Property, on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, subject to a royalty obligation. The Company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100% interest in and to mineral claims totaling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union Project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.

Contact Information

Questcorp Mining Corp.

Saf Dhillon, President & CEO

Email: saf@questcorpmining.ca
Telephone: (604) 484-3031

This news release includes certain ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties, uncertain capital markets; and delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals. There can be no assurance that the geophysical surveys will be completed as contemplated or at all and that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278391

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Strengthening the Technical Team as Goldfields Advances Toward Pre-Feasibility

 Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV: FOR,OTC:FTBYF) (FWB: 5QN) (OTCQB: FTBYF) (‘Fortune Bay’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald (Ron) Halas, P.Eng., as Senior Mining Advisor for its Goldfields Gold Project in Saskatchewan, and to provide an update on recent exploration and development activities at Goldfields.

Highlights:

  • Senior Mining Advisor AppointmentRon Halas, P.Eng. brings over 35 years of global gold mining experience, including most recently as Chief Operating Officer of Lumina Gold Corp., where he led feasibility-level advancement of the Cangrejos gold-copper project prior to its acquisition by CMOC Group in 2025.
  • Permitting and Environmental Progress – Permitting activities are advancing, with a community engagement tour completed in November 2025. Results from environmental baseline studies are expected in January 2026, supporting planned regulatory engagement in Q1 2026.

Dale Verran, Chief Executive Officer of Fortune Bay, commented ‘At Goldfields, we are advancing toward a Pre-Feasibility Study while progressing permitting and stakeholder engagement activities. Ron’s appointment comes at an important time for the project. He brings deep, hands-on experience across the lifecycle of gold mining projects, from feasibility studies through mine construction and operations. His practical, execution-focused perspective significantly strengthens our technical team as this work continues.’

Ron Halas, Senior Mining Advisor, added ‘Goldfields is an excellent project with strong fundamentals, and I am pleased to be assisting Fortune Bay at a pivotal stage in its advancement. With project development and permitting activities gaining momentum, this is an opportune time to apply my experience in support of Fortune Bay’s disciplined approach to project development. I look forward to working closely with the team to help unlock the project’s potential.’

Appointment of Senior Mining Advisor

Fortune Bay has appointed Ronald (Ron) Halas, P.Eng., as Senior Mining Advisor for the Goldfields Gold Project. Mr. Halas will work with Fortune Bay on a consulting basis, providing direct input into project development planning and permitting activities as the project advances toward a PFS.

Mr. Halas brings more than 35 years of global mining and project development experience, spanning open pit and underground gold mining, feasibility studies, mine construction, permitting, and operations.

Most recently, Mr. Halas served as Chief Operating Officer of Lumina Gold Corp., where he led technical and operational activities supporting the advancement of the Cangrejos gold-copper project in Ecuador through feasibility-level studies. Lumina Gold Corp. was subsequently acquired by CMOC Group in 2025, following the completion of key technical milestones.

Prior to Lumina Gold Corp., Mr. Halas held senior executive and operational leadership roles with Global Atomic Corporation (Chief Operating Officer), Kinross Gold Corporation, IAMGOLD Corporation, Placer Dome, INCO (now Vale), and PT Freeport Indonesia, among others. His experience includes leadership roles at large-scale open pit and underground mining operations and the delivery of multiple feasibility studies across the Americas, Africa, and Asia. He has also served as a board member and technical advisor to several publicly listed mining companies.

Mr. Halas holds a Bachelor of Mining Engineering from McGill University and a Graduate Diploma in Business Administration from Simon Fraser University, and is a registered Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).

Goldfields Project Update

Exploration Drilling

  • Sample batches are being consigned to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, for gold analysis. First-batch assay results are expected in late-January, with additional results to follow as further batches are processed.
  • Drilling in January will continue exploration step-outs 200 to 350 metres beyond the current mineral resource extents, targeting extensions of higher-grade structural trends at Box.

Goldfields Development & Permitting

  • Metallurgical sample processing for Box is currently underway at SGS Canada – Lakefield, Ontario, focused on refining parameters for gravity-recoverable and flotation-recoverable gold. Results are expected in mid-January and will support decision-making around final project scope for initiation of a PFS.
  • A community tour of Indigenous communities and municipalities was completed in November 2025 to support early engagement regarding the proposed open-pit mine development at Goldfields, in accordance with the Updated PEA mine plan. This tour represents a key step in advancing project development consultation in line with the Company’s commitments to early, transparent, and respectful engagement with Indigenous Nations and local stakeholders.

Qualified Person & Technical Disclosure

The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gareth Garlick P.Geo., Vice-President Technical Services of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Garlick is an employee of Fortune Bay and is not independent of the Company under NI 43‑101.

About Fortune Bay

Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV:FOR,OTC:FTBYF; FWB:5QN; OTCQB:FTBYF) is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company with assets in Canada and Mexico. The Company’s primary focus is advancing the Goldfields Gold Project in Saskatchewan, Canada. Fortune Bay also holds the Poma Rosa Gold-Copper Project in Chiapas, Mexico, as well as an optioned uranium project portfolio in the Athabasca Basin of Saskatchewan. Fortune Bay continues to evaluate and advance its portfolio in a disciplined manner while maintaining a strong technical foundation and prudent capital management. For more information, please visit www.fortunebaycorp.com or contact info@fortunebaycorp.com.

On behalf of Fortune Bay Corp.

‘Dale Verran’
Chief Executive Officer
902-334-1919

Cautionary Statement

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘aims’, ‘anticipates’, ‘targets’, ‘goals’, ‘projects’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘believes’, ‘seeks’, ‘estimates’, ‘continues’, ‘may’, variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements, and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the results of the Updated PEA, including future Project opportunities, future operating and capital costs, closure costs, AISC, the projected NPV, IRR, timelines, permit timelines, and the ability to obtain the requisite permits, economics and associated returns of the Project, the technical viability of the Project, the market and future price of and demand for gold, the environmental impact of the Project, and the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including Indigenous Nations, local Municipalities and local levels of government. Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward- looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s objectives, goals or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate Indigenous Nations and local Municipalities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For more information on Fortune Bay, readers should refer to Fortune Bay’s website at www.fortunebaycorp.com.

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

SOURCE Fortune Bay Corp.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2025/18/c1857.html

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Uranium prices stayed fairly steady in 2025, but experts agree its long-term outlook is compelling,

Demand picked up from reactor restarts, new nuclear construction projects and growing interest in small modular reactors. Meanwhile, supply constraints continued as miners faced issues ramping up.

1. Trump Admin Pushes for Uranium Stockpile Boost to Secure Nuclear Power Future

Publish date: September 16, 2025

In September, the Trump administration zeroed in on its plan to reduce uranium reliance on Russia.

A report by Bloomberg outlined that Russia still accounts for approximately a quarter of the fuel used in America’s 94 nuclear reactors, which generate roughly 20 percent of the nation’s electricity.

Secretary of Energy Chris Wright said that the Department of Energy was working to reduce that dependence by rebuilding domestic uranium and enrichment supply chains.

The concept of a federal uranium reserve dates back to 2020, when the first Trump administration sought US$150 million to begin direct purchases from US producers, though Congress approved only half the amount.

Supply concerns sharpened after Russia briefly restricted uranium exports to the US in late 2024, underscoring Washington’s exposure to geopolitical risks.

A law signed in May 2024 requires US utilities to phase out Russian uranium by 2028, with future stockpile levels expected to rise in line with new reactor construction, including small modular reactors.

“We’re moving to a place — and we’re not there yet — to no longer use Russian enriched uranium,” Wright said, adding that the US needs significantly more domestic uranium and enrichment capacity.

2. China Achieves World’s First Thorium-to-Uranium Conversion

Publish date: November 6, 2025

China marked a milestone in 2025 by converting thorium into uranium inside a working molten salt reactor.

The experimental thorium molten salt reactor, developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics in the Gobi Desert, is the first in the world to demonstrate stable thorium-based fission.

The reactor has been operating since reaching first criticality in October 2023 and has now produced data confirming the conversion of thorium-232 into uranium-233, a fissile material capable of sustaining a nuclear chain reaction.

Unlike conventional reactors that use solid uranium fuel rods, the system relies on liquid fuel dissolved in molten fluoride salt, allowing continuous refueling and stable heat generation without shutting down operations.

3. Uranium Energy’s Sweetwater Project Fast Tracked Under Trump Initiative

Publish date: August 6, 2025

In August, Uranium Energy’s (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC) Sweetwater uranium complex in Wyoming was designated for expedited permitting under the Trump administration’s FAST-41 initiative. The initiative is part of a broader strategy to revitalize the US nuclear fuel supply chain and reduce reliance on imports from geopolitical rivals.

The Sweetwater complex, located in Wyoming’s Great Divide Basin, is anchored by a fully licensed conventional uranium mill with a capacity of 3,000 metric tons per day and annual output of 4.1 million pounds.

The site previously included several permitted mines — Sweetwater (Red Desert), Big Eagle and Jackpot (Green Mountain) — and will now be evaluated for in-situ recovery mining, a lower-impact extraction technique.

The new permitting push will allow the company to modify existing approvals to incorporate in-situ recovery capabilities both within and beyond the current mine boundary, including on adjacent federal lands.

Sweetwater is the second uranium project to receive fast-track treatment under the policy, following Anfield Energy’s (TSXV:AEC,NASDAQ:AEC) Velvet-Wood project in Utah, which received the status in May.

4. Denison Mines Moves Closer to Federal Approval for Phoenix ISR Uranium Project

Publish date: February 28, 2025

In February, Denison Mines (TSX:DML,NYSEAMERICAN:DNN) announced that the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission (CNSC) had scheduled public hearings for its Wheeler River uranium project in Saskatchewan.

The hearings were scheduled for October 8 and December 8 to 12, and according to the company would represent the final stage in the federal environmental assessment process. Denison holds an effective 95 percent interest in Wheeler River, the largest undeveloped uranium project in the Eastern Athabasca Basin. If approved, the company expects to begin site preparation and construction for its Phoenix in-situ recovery uranium project in early 2026.

In its Q3 report, released on November 6, Denison said the first part of the hearing was complete, and that it was expecting a decision from the CNSC in early 2026 after part two of the hearing.

5. Western Australia Reviews Uranium Mining Ban as Nuclear Energy Investment Grows

Publish date: October 2, 2025

Possibly the biggest uranium news in Australia in 2025 was Western Australia’s move to consider lifting its ban on new uranium licenses. In October, ahead of an energy-focused trade mission to China and Japan, Premier Roger Cook signaled the policy might be under review as part of broader strategic development considerations.

China, Western Australia’s largest trading partner, accounts for more than half of the state’s exports.

While the state’s three existing uranium mines continue to operate under previously approved permits, no new developments have been allowed since the ban was put in place in 2017. Cook emphasized that Western Australia intends to respect legal mining leases, while exploring future opportunities.

He also stressed that any change to the uranium policy would likely depend on a “significant shift” in global markets, while the state continues to monitor existing permit holders and potential future projects.

Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Restart of mining operations at San Agustin

  • Mining the reserve will produce 45,000 ounces at an AISC of $1,990/GEO providing a margin of over $2,300/oz at current spot gold prices

  • Oxide targets drilling program underway with 37 holes completed and submitted for analysis

Heliostar Metals Ltd. (TSXV: HSTR,OTC:HSTXF) (OTCQX: HSTXF) (FSE: RGG1) (‘Heliostar’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that mining, crushing and conveying and stacking of ore onto the leach pad at San Agustin has recommenced.

Heliostar CEO, Charles Funk, commented, ‘Restarting mining at San Agustin is a significant milestone for Heliostar. It delivers on our guidance of a Q4, 2025 restart issued at the beginning of the year and sets the Company up for a large increase in consolidated gold production in 2026. Mining the current reserve will produce 45,000 ounces of gold expected to generate US$40M in cash flow at a US$3,000 gold price. Further, the Company is in the middle of a 10,000-15,000 metre drill program focused on finding potential extensions of the orebody that may support an increase in mine life at San Agustin.’

‘Investing in Heliostar at the beginning of the year required trust that the many undefined opportunities recognized by our team within our portfolio could be progressed. We move toward the end of the year having crystalized many of these opportunities. We have certainty in our production profile at San Agustin and La Colorada going into 2026 and look forward to providing formal guidance in January. We have shown the value of our growth opportunities with studies on our flagship Ana Paula and Cerro del Gallo projects. With more drilling completed in 2025 than the entire previous history of Heliostar, we aim to continue to build on our 8.2M gold and gold-equivalent ounce M&I resource base1,2. We plan to deliver continued production growth, and grow the value of Heliostar on a per share basis. We are only just getting started!’

Restart Update

The Company announced it had received the final approvals from the government to restart mining at San Agustin on July 22, 2025. Since that time, Heliostar has rapidly advanced work to restart mining activities at the operation. This included purchase and transfer of the surface access rights to Heliostar, adjusting the location of a power line tower and establishing surface access roads to the Corner area.

Over the past several months, the Company has relocated the vegetation and topsoil at the Corner area and recommissioned the 30,000 tonne per day crushing circuit while residual heap leach operations have continued uninterrupted. This has allowed Heliostar to restart open pit mining with two ore blasts and two waste blasts completed to date. The mining contractor has successfully mobilized 90% of the mobile equipment fleet to site which will allow the operation to achieve production targets. Crushing activities continue to ramp up to full capacity with stacking of new oxide ore on the leach pad underway.

Restart Photos

Figure 1: Production drill rig drilling blast hole patten in Corner Area at San Agustin.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/278432_964ab61f64952905_003full.jpg

Figure 2:  First blast of the Corner Area at San Agustin.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/278432_964ab61f64952905_004full.jpg

Figure 3: First ore being loaded to be delivered to the crusher at San Agustin.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/278432_964ab61f64952905_005full.jpg

Figure 4: First new ore being conveyed and stacked on the San Agustin leach pad.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/278432_964ab61f64952905_006full.jpg

Technical Report Summary

On January 14, 2025, the Company filed an amended and restated technical report titled ‘San Agustin Operations, Durango State, Mexico, NI 43-101 Technical Report’ prepared by Mr. Todd Wakefield, RM SME, Mine Technical Services, Mr. David Thomas, P.Geo., Mine Technical Services, Mr. Jeffrey Choquette, P.E., Hard Rock Consulting, Mr. Carl Defilippi, RM SME, Kappes Cassiday and Associates and Ms. Dawn Garcia, CPG, Stantec with an effective date of November 30, 2024 (the ‘Technical Report’).

The life-of-mine (LOM) plan set out in the Technical Report indicates that a probable mineral reserve of 68,000 ounces of gold can be exploited based on 1.2 years of mine life at a site level all-in sustaining cost (AISC) of US$1,990/oz Au. The initial capital cost in the Technical Report is estimated at US$4.2M.

The Technical Report demonstrates a post-tax NPV5% of US$35.3M, a post-tax IRR of 548% and a payback period of 0.2 years for the upside case at a $3,000/oz gold price.

The mineral reserve estimate included in the Technical Report is based on operation of the existing crusher and conveyor system having a nameplate throughput capacity of about 30,000 tonnes/day and the continued operation of the heap leach and carbon-in-column (CIC) process circuit processing ore from the expanded open pit. The mineral reserve estimate included in the Technical Report is presented below. The expected operating performance and operating cost forecasts were compiled with the benefit of benchmarking historical performance at San Agustin and the input of seasoned professionals knowledgeable of the conventional technologies being used at San Agustin, the expected consumption quantities of key supplies, and commercial pricing for goods and services in Mexico.

Figure 5: View of Corner Area looking to southeast showing the current reserve model and planned pitshell.

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/7729/278432_964ab61f64952905_007full.jpg

Oxide Growth Targets

With mining now started at San Agustin mine, the Company is working to extend the mine life. To date, 37 drill holes totalling 3,300m from the ongoing 10,000-15,000m drill program have been completed with assays pending. This drill program is focused on defining additional gold-bearing oxide gold material at the margins of the current pit and at the edge of the Corner Area that can extend the life of the operation. Drilling at the Corner SW, MKT and Phase 3 SW areas (shown below in Figure 6) has been completed with the drill currently active at the Corner SW area.

Higher-grade oxide results from the priority Corner SW target area drilled by a previous operator include:

  • Hole 14-SAGRC-196 grading 3.52 grams per tonne (g/t) Gold over 18.3 metres from 32.0 metres downhole
  • Hole 14-SAGRC-177 grading 0.34 g/t Gold over 15.24 metres from 27.4 metres downhole

The targets are the extensions of mineralized corridors defined by grade control drilling and through a comprehensive re-logging and multi-element re-assaying program undertaken by Heliostar geologists in H1, 2025. The increase in gold price has also increased the potential of certain lower grade areas that were not previously a priority at San Agustin. The base case economics in the January 2025 Technical Report were shown at a $2,100/oz gold price within resource pit shells calculated at $2,150/oz.

Figure 6: Plan map of San Agustin showing oxide gold growth targets with drilling and blasthole data shown. Areas highlighted in yellow show drilling progress.

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Statement of Qualified Person

Stewart Harris, P.Geo., a Qualified Person, as such term is defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects, has reviewed the scientific and technical information that forms the basis for this news release and has approved the disclosure herein. Mr. Harris is employed as Exploration Manager of the Company.

Footnotes

  1. La Colorada, San Agustin, Ana Paula and San Antonio are gold-only measured and indicated resource contained ounces.
  2. Cerro del Gallo are measured and indicated resource contained gold-equivalent ounces. The gold equivalent grades were calculated as AuEq = Au Grade + (((Cu Price in US$/lb * 22.0462 * Cu Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Cu Grade) + (((Ag Price in US$/g * Ag Recovery and Payable) / (Au Price in US$/g * Au Recovery and Payable)) * Ag Grade). Metal prices used are US$2,500/oz Au, US$30.50/oz Ag, and US$4.60/lb Cu. In addition, a gold recovery of 74%, a silver recovery of 60% and a copper recovery of 17% were used for Oxide material, a gold recovery of 68%, a silver recovery of 73% and a copper recovery of 62% were used for Mixed Oxide material, a gold recovery of 61%, a silver recovery of 58% and a copper recovery of 73% were used for Mixed Sulfide material and a gold recovery of 53%, a silver recovery of 35% and a copper recovery of 59% were used for Sulfide material. The average overall payables from the smelter and refineries were estimated at 98.8% for gold, 90.1% for silver and 88.2% for copper.

About Heliostar Metals Ltd.

Heliostar is a gold mining company with production from operating mines in Mexico. This includes the La Colorada Mine in Sonora and the San Agustin Mine in Durango. The Company also has a strong portfolio of development projects in Mexico and the USA. These include the Ana Paula project in Guerrero, the Cerro del Gallo project in Guanajuato, the San Antonio project in Baja Sur and the Unga project in Alaska, USA.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:

Charles Funk
President and Chief Executive Officer
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: charles.funk@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045
Rob Grey
Investor Relations Manager
Heliostar Metals Limited
Email: rob.grey@heliostarmetals.com
Phone: +1 844-753-0045

 

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 Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain ‘Forward-Looking Statements’ within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and ‘forward-looking information’ under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘target’, ‘plan’, ‘forecast’, ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘schedule’ and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. These forward-looking statements or information relate to, among other things, show the full extent of the deposit, upgrade and expand the resource base, growing our annual production profile in the near term and bringing additional production online.

Forward-looking statements and forward-looking information relating to the terms and completion of the Facility, any future mineral production, liquidity, and future exploration plans are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the receipt of necessary approvals, price of metals; no escalation in the severity of public health crises or ongoing military conflicts; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; and the Company’s ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect the Company’s respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political, and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or forward-looking information and the Company has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company’s mining activities in foreign jurisdictions; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company’s management team and outside contractors; risks regarding exploration and mining activities; the Company’s inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of public health crises; the economic and financial implications of public health crises, ongoing military conflicts and general economic factors to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company’s interactions with surrounding communities; the Company’s ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s public disclosure documents. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/278432

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No. 1 seed Kentucky women’s volleyball will face off against No. 3 seed Wisconsin at the 2025 NCAA volleyball national semifinals on Thursday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The matchup includes some heavy-hitters on both sides, with two AVCA Player of the Year finalists, half a dozen 2025 All-Americans and even the AVCA Freshman of the Year getting ready to go head-to-head.

Kentucky first-team All-American outside hitter Eva Hudson is up for player of the year after hitting .317 with 4.54 kills per set and 504 total kills this season. The senior leads Kentucky’s offense, which is hitting .295. Outside hitter Brooklyn DeLeye was also named to the first team after racking up a team-high 521 kills this year.

Wisconsin will turn to veteran Mimi Colyer. The senior outside hitter had 20 or more kills in nine matches this season, including 23 kills against No. 1 Texas in the Elite Eight and 27 kills against No. 2 Stanford in the Round of 16. Colyer was named to the AVCA first team and is a finalist for player of the year.

Both teams have won a national championship in the past five years. Wisconsin won its first title in program history in 2021. Kentucky hoisted its NCAA national championship trophy in 2020.

Here’s everything you need to know about the second NCAA volleyball semifinal matchup:

When is Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball?

No. 1 Kentucky (29-2) will face off against No. 3 Wisconsin (28-4) in the second semifinal match on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

Kentucky vs. Wisconsin volleyball: Channel, streaming

  • Date: Thursday, Dec. 18 
  • Time: 9:00 p.m. ET (8:00 p.m. CT)
  • Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
  • Channel: ESPN
  • Stream: The ESPN App, Fubo

Kentucky Wildcats starting lineup

Head coach: Craig Skinner

  • 6 Kassie O’Brien | S 6-1 – Freshman
  • 7 Eva Hudson | OH 6-1 – Senior
  • 10 Kennedy Washington | MB 6-0 – Sophomore
  • 11 Molly Berezowitz | DS 5-5 – Junior
  • 12 Molly Tuozzo | L 5-7 – Junior
  • 15 Lizzie Carr | MB 6-6 – Redshirt Junior
  • 17 Brooklyn DeLeye | OH 6-2 – Junior

Wisconsin Badgers starting lineup

Head coach: Kelly Sheffield

  • 1 Una Vajagic | OH 6-0 – Redshirt Sophomore
  • 7 Kristen Simon | L 5-8 – Freshman
  • 15 Mimi Colyer | OH 6-3 – Senior
  • 17 Alicia Andrew | MB 6-3 – Redshirt Senior
  • 24 Charlie Fuerbringer | S 5-11 – Sophomore
  • 32 Grace Egan | RS 6-1 – Redshirt Sophomore
  • 52 Carter Booth | MB 6-7 – Senior

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Texas A&M women’s volleyball upset No. 1 overall seed Nebraska in a thrilling five-set match to advance to the 2025 NCAA volleyball national semifinals for the first time in program history. Another volleyball powerhouse now stands in the Aggies’ way.

Pitt is set to make its fifth straight Final Four appearance after dropping one set throughout the postseason. Reigning AVCA Player of the Year Olivia Babcock has led the way with double-digit kills in each NCAA tournament match, including 23 kills on .333 hitting in Pitt’s Elite Eight win over Purdue.

Neither No. 1 Pittsburgh nor No. 3 Texas A&M has won a national title or made a national championship appearance in program history. One team will break through on Thursday. Here’s how to watch:

When is Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball?

No. 1 Pitt (30-4) faces No. 3 Texas A&M (27-4) on Thursday, Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. ET at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

Pittsburgh vs. Texas A&M volleyball: Channel, streaming

  • Date: Thursday, Dec. 18
  • Time: 6:30 p.m ET (5:30 p.m. CT)
  • Location: T-Mobile Center (Kansas City, Missouri)
  • Channel: ESPN
  • Stream: ESPN, Fubo

Pittsburgh Panthers starting lineup

Head coach: Dan Fisher

  • 3 Emery Dupes | L/DS 5-6 – Redshirt Senior
  • 5 Olivia Babcock | RS 6-4 – Junior
  • 8 Blaire Bayless | OH 6-2 – Junior
  • 10 Marina Pezelj | OH 6-1 – Freshman
  • 13 Mallorie Meyer | L/DS 5-7 – Sophomore
  • 17 Brook Mosher | S 6-0 – Redshirt Senior
  • 20 Abbey Emch | MB 6-4 – Freshman
  • 21 Bre Kelley | MB 6-4 – Redshirt Senior

Texas A&M Aggies starting lineup

Head coach: Jamie Morrison

  • 37 Kyndal Stowers | OH 5-11 – Sophomore
  • 1 Ifenna Cos-Okpalla | MB 6-2 – Senior
  • 2 Addi Applegate | L/DS 5-5 – Freshman
  • 9 Logan Lednicky | OPP 6-3 – Senior
  • 12 Ava Underwood | L/DS 5-7 – Senior
  • 16 Maddie Waak | S 5-10 – Senior

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The Los Angeles Rams are going to be trying especially hard to lock up the NFC’s No. 1 seed in the final weeks of the season, if for no other reason than to avoid more road games – and the travel issues that have plagued them.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Rams’ scheduled flight to Seattle ahead of a Week 16 meeting with the Seahawks was ‘significantly delayed’ minutes before takeoff due to an issue with the plane’s equipment. Schefter wrote on social media that Los Angeles would be seeking ‘alternative travel arrangements to prevent any further delays.’

Schefter later reported that the Rams found a new flight to Seattle, with players and coaches scheduled to leave at 5:25 p.m. PT – around two hours after their originally scheduled departure – and the remaining Los Angeles personnel flying out later on another plane.

The Rams finally arrived in Seattle a little before 9 p.m. local time, per USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon. Kickoff is slated for 5:15 p.m. local time Thursday.

It’s the second travel hiccup the Rams have had in their last two road trips. Schefter noted that head coach Sean McVay had to travel on a separate plane to Phoenix ahead of Week 14’s meeting with the Arizona Cardinals because he was sick.

Los Angeles’ upcoming divisional face-off with the Seahawks has massive implications. The Rams won the first game between the two 11-3 teams at home on Nov. 16, giving them the head-to-head tiebreaker for first place in the NFC West entering Week 16.

Seattle not only has a chance to take sole possession of the NFC West lead and NFC No. 1 seed with a win, it could also even both the potential head-to-head tiebreaker and the divisional record tiebreaker with a win on its home turf. Conversely, Los Angeles could extend its division lead to a full game and take the head-to-head tiebreaker by sweeping the divisional matchups against the Seahawks with a Week 16 win.

The Rams are seeking their second straight division title this year, while the Seahawks are looking to win the NFC West for the first time since 2020.

Whichever team wins the division has a good shot at also taking the No. 1 seed in the conference and a first-round playoff bye. Both Seattle and Los Angeles are a game ahead of the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 2 seed entering Week 16. Neither the Rams nor the Seahawks have held the top seed in the NFC since 2014, when Seattle last reached the Super Bowl.

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