(Bloomberg) — A months-long wage negotiation at the world’s biggest copper mine is heading into a tense finale over the coming days.

The main union at Chile’s Escondida is calling on workers to be ready to strike amid limited progress in mediated talks. But owner BHP Group said it had made substantial improvements and vowed to continue its practice of not sweetening offers during strikes.

Wage talks at a mine that accounts for about 5% of global production are being closely watched by the copper market as trillions of dollars in government stimulus fuel demand for industrial metals. Traders will have to navigate Chile’s somewhat complex labor rules to figure out the likely next steps.

After workers rejected BHP’s final wage offer in regular talks, the company exercised its option of a five-day mediation period in a bid to avert a strike. That period ends Monday. If the two sides fail to reach a deal by then, they could agree to extend mediation for as many as five more business days or a legal strike could begin.

The two sides don’t seem too far apart in terms of benefits. The union requested a bonus equivalent to 1% of the company’s profit, which would be about 21 million pesos ($26,600) each worker. In regular talks, the company offered 18 million pesos apiece and says it has sweetened terms during mediation. They may be further apart in base wages.

Read More: A Copper Supply Shock Is Brewing as Miners Dig in on Wage Talks

According to consultancy firm Plusmining, any strike would probably be shorter than the 44-day stoppage that roiled the copper market in 2017. The union would have the option, as it took up four years ago, to end the strike by freezing the current contract for 18 months and negotiate again, without receiving any bonus now. But given the company submitted an offer higher than the legal floor, workers could only take up that option after 30 days, which would put pressure on their personal finances.

While the union says BHP hasn’t done enough during mediation and attached conditions to proposed benefits, the company is ratcheting up its own pressure to get a deal done. The cost of a prolonged strike at a time of sky-high copper prices would also be heavy for the Melbourne-based miner.

“We have gone to great lengths to reach an agreement during the process, and especially in mandatory mediation,” the company said in a text message late Friday. “We hope that these efforts will be appreciated by the workers because the offer in mediation will be the best that the company will present.”

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The market rally is at highs, but tricky to navigate. Apple, Tesla and Square are near buy points. BioNTech earnings loom.

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / August 6, 2021 / Strategic Metals Ltd. (TSXV:SMD) ("Strategic") announces results from the Oli and Bix projects, two of its many, wholly-owned critical metals projects.

The Oli and Bix projects are located in the prolific Tombstone/McQuesten mineral belt of central Yukon, which hosts active mines, past producers and undeveloped deposits that contain a variety of metals including gold, silver, base metals and critical metals (Figure 1). Production has come from hard-rock and placer deposits, and spans more than a century.

All of the major mineral deposits in the Tombstone/McQuesten belt are associated with mid-Cretaceous to early Tertiary intrusive activity. Hard-rock deposits in the belt include Alexco's Keno Hill silver-lead-zinc mines, Victoria Gold's Eagle gold mine and Mar tungsten deposit, St. James' Florin gold deposit, Banyan's AurMac gold deposit and Golden Predator's Brewery Creek gold mine. Many creeks within the belt have yielded significant placer gold production and one has been mined for tin and gold.

The tin mineralization in the belt typically occurs as cassiterite hosted in veins, breccia zones and skarns. Mapping done by the Yukon Geological Survey suggests that the tin is related to two-mica granites and quartz monzonites of the peraluminous McQuesten plutonic suite (64-67 Ma).

The Oli Project is located on the south-side of the McQuesten River and is connected by a bulldozer trail to roads servicing nearby placer operations. The area of interest lies on a vegetated, north-facing slope that is mostly blanketed by glacial overburden. Bedrock exposures are limited to creek cuts and old bulldozer trenches dating to exploration done in the late 1970s and early 1980s. The target was first identified by a stream sediment pan concentrate sample that assayed 7.4% Sn and 1.9% WO3. Follow-up prospecting and soil sampling outlined targets that were partially tested by trenching and 12 diamond drill holes. Several of the holes contained well-mineralized, skarn and vein intervals, with the best intervals grading 1.0% Sn over 6.0 m, 0.31% Sn over 10.4 m and 15.0% Sn over 0.80 m. Soil sampling and prospecting by Strategic have confirmed earlier results and shown that the tin usually occurs with elevated silver and zinc. Copper, cobalt and gold values are locally elevated in some trenches, but are not closely correlated with tin, suggesting that two or more phases of mineralization may be present. Rock samples collected by Strategic from bedrock exposed in trenches returned promising results for several metals including 0.33% Sn, 4.0 g/t gold, 921 g/t silver, 0.51% Co, 0.34% Mo, 0.45% Pb, 0.43% Zn and greater than 1% Cu and 100 ppm W. Historical drill core was not analyzed for many of these metals. Soil sampling is somewhat hampered by frozen ground and glacial overburden, but it has proven to be a useful technique to outline general areas of interest. Figure 2 shows tin-in-soil results for the Oli project.

The Bix Project is situated north of the McQuesten River and east of the Clear Creek placer gold district. The project area lies below treeline in a glaciated area characterized by dendritic drainages and rolling hills. The project host two historical breccia zones comprised of quartzite fragments within a quartz-orthoclase-tourmaline-cassiterite matrix. These zones (A and B) were locally tested by five diamond drill holes in 1979. The best results came from Zone A where hole SC79-4 intersected 0.28% Sn over 7.62 m. The historical area of interest was restaked in 2020, and Strategic purchased it and staked more claims in spring of 2021. Soil sampling and prospecting, done in 2020 and 2021, have identified a new target that lies south of the historical breccia zones. This target is marked by a prominent soil anomaly containing high tin, tungsten and copper values (Figure 3). Rock sampling done across the property has returned many values grading better than 200 ppm Sn, including a sample collected on the western side of the main soil anomaly, which assayed 14.9% Sn.

"Strategic Metals is pleased to have added these tin prospects to our strong portfolio of critical metal projects, which includes: another high-grade tin project; several very prospective tungsten occurrences; large, drill-confirmed vanadium prospects; and promising cobalt and nickel targets", states Doug Eaton, President and CEO of Strategic Metals. "The critical metals in many of these projects are hosted in settings that are conducive to large deposits and they are often accompanied by precious and base metals, making them very attractive opportunities in a broad-based, bull market for metals."

Rock sample preparation and multi-element analyses were carried out at ALS in Whitehorse, YT and North Vancouver, BC, respectively. Each sample was dried, fine crushed to better than 70% passing 2 mm and then a 250 g split was pulverized to better than 85% passing 75 microns. The fine fractions of the Bix samples were analyzed for 51 elements using four acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma (ME-MS41). An additional 30 g charge was further analysed for gold by fire assay and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy finish (Au-ICP21). Additional analysis for tin using a lithium borate fusion and ICP-MS finish (ME-MS85). Samples with overlimit values were further analyzed using a lithium borate 50:50 flux and XRF Spectroscopy for tin (Sn-XRF10). The fine fractions for the Oli samples were analyzed for 48 elements using a four acid digestion followed by inductively coupled plasma combined with mass spectroscopy and atomic emission spectroscopy (ME-MS61). An additional 30 g charge was further analysed for gold by fire assay and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy finish (Au-ICP21). Samples with overlimit values were further analyzed by four-acid digestion for copper using Cu-OG62.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Heather Burrell, P.Geo., a senior geologist with Archer, Cathro & Associates (1981) Limited and qualified person for the purpose of National Instrument 43-101.

About Strategic Metals Ltd.

Strategic is a project generator with 11 royalty interests, 8 projects under option to others, and a portfolio of more than 100 wholly owned projects that are the product of over 50 years of focussed exploration and research by a team with a track record of major discoveries. Projects available for option, joint venture or sale include drill-confirmed prospects and drill-ready targets with high-grade surface showings and/or geochemical anomalies and geophysical features that resemble those at nearby deposits.

Strategic has a current cash position of over $8 million and large shareholdings in a number of active mineral exploration companies including 38.9% of GGL Resources Corp., 33.5% of Rockhaven Resources Ltd., 19.9% of Honey Badger Silver Inc., 19.2% of Precipitate Gold Corp. and 18.7% of Silver Range Resources Ltd. All of these companies are well funded and are engaged in promising exploration projects. Strategic also owns 21.9% of Terra CO2 Technologies Holdings Inc., a private Delaware corporation which recently completed a US$9.2 million financing to advance its environmentally-friendly, cost-effective alternative to Portland cement. The current value of Strategic's stock portfolio is approximately $22 million.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

"W. Douglas Eaton"

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information concerning Strategic or its various exploration projects please visit our website at www.strategicmetalsltd.com or contact:

Corporate Information
Strategic Metals Ltd.
W. Douglas Eaton
President and C.E.O.
Tel: (604) 688-2568

Investor Inquiries
Richard Drechsler
V.P. Communications
Tel: (604) 687-2522
NA Toll-Free: (888) 688-2522
rdrechsler@strategicmetalsltd.com
http://www.strategicmetalsltd.com

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.

This news release may contain forward looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results that may prove to be inaccurate as a result of exploration and other risk factors beyond its control, and actual results may differ materially from the expected results.

SOURCE: Strategic Metals Ltd.

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/658623/Strategic-Metals-Advances-Oli-and-Bix-Tin-Projects-Central-Yukon

A dramatic recovery in dividends has gathered pace across the London stock market as profits rebound. Experts have forecast payouts to continue to climb as British stocks shake off the effects of the pandemic.

Dividends surged by 51pc between April and June and the companies that led the rebound have set the stock market on course for the next leg of its recovery.

Miners and banks, the biggest contributors to that forecast-beating jump, have announced a series of increases in their dividends over the past fortnight. These payments will be made in September, so DIY investors who buy now can still benefit.

James Lowen, co-manager of the JOHCM UK Equity Income fund, said British firms were “coming out of Covid very strongly” after a 43pc crash in dividend payments last year.

“The results from UK companies are off the charts. Every day we are hearing very good updates,” he said.

Rio Tinto, the miner, has led the way, unveiling a huge $5.61 per share dividend to be paid in September. That payout, which equates to 404p for British shareholders, is more than double last year’s payment. Analysts have forecast a final dividend of $5.70, to be paid in April. If accurate, it would mean the shares yield about 13pc relative to today’s share price.

Yields, or dividend payments as a percentage of share prices, have surged among mining companies. Anglo American announced a $1.71 per share interim dividend last week, six times higher than last year’s equivalent, plus an additional 80 cent special payout. The shares are expected to yield 9pc over the next year, based on the current share price.

Mr Lowen said miners were offloading a “tsunami” of cash to investors as profits surged thanks to booming commodity prices. “The money has nowhere to go other than to shareholders,” he said.

Yields on bank shares are lower, but dividends are forecast to rise sharply after the Bank of England lifted the last of its restrictions on payouts last month. Banks were barred from returning money to shareholders in 2020 and still faced curbs earlier this year, but have now announced their first unrestricted payouts.

Their shares are expected to yield between 3.3pc for NatWest and 5.6pc for HSBC over the next 12 months and dividends are forecast to rise sharply over the following two years. NatWest’s are tipped to increase by 43pc, Barclays’ by 29pc and Lloyds’ by 10pc. HSBC’s dividend for its 2023 financial year is expected to be 46pc higher than this year’s.

Richard Buxton, manager of the Jupiter UK Alpha fund, said: “All that cash the banks are generating – an awful lot of it is going to come back to the shareholders quite dramatically over the next three years.”

Those rising payouts should lead to a rally in bank shares, said Kevin Murphy, manager of the Schroder Income fund. “The payouts are not just attractive today but over five years. When people recognise this, investors will be rewarded not just with that income but also with share price growth,” he said.

Dividends from miners are expected to dip from this year’s elevated levels but remain high. Analysts at JPMorgan Cazenove, the broker, have forecast Rio Tinto to pay out a third of its market value in dividends over the next three years.

Investors expect a fall in iron ore prices to lead to lower dividends, but Mr Buxton said Rio Tinto was still worth backing. “I fully expect profits to fall and the dividend to fall with them, but it will still be extremely attractive,” he said. “The level of yield on offer remains incredibly high.”

Across the London market, dividends are forecast to rise by 64pc from last year’s low by 2024. A £1,000 investment in a fund that tracks the FTSE All-Share, such as iShares UK Equity Index, is forecast to pay £136 in income over that period.

Here at Zacks, we focus on our proven ranking system, which places an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, to find winning stocks. But we also understand that investors develop their own strategies, so we are constantly looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong companies for our readers.

Looking at the history of these trends, perhaps none is more beloved than value investing. This strategy simply looks to identify companies that are being undervalued by the broader market. Value investors use fundamental analysis and traditional valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are being undervalued by the market at large.

Zacks has developed the innovative Style Scores system to highlight stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will be interested in stocks with great grades in the "Value" category. When paired with a high Zacks Rank, "A" grades in the Value category are among the strongest value stocks on the market today.

VALE S.A. (VALE) is a stock many investors are watching right now. VALE is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy) and an A for Value. The stock is trading with P/E ratio of 4.02 right now. For comparison, its industry sports an average P/E of 4.03. VALE's Forward P/E has been as high as 6.95 and as low as 3.82, with a median of 4.97, all within the past year.

Finally, we should also recognize that VALE has a P/CF ratio of 7.86. This metric focuses on a firm's operating cash flow and is often used to find stocks that are undervalued based on the strength of their cash outlook. VALE's current P/CF looks attractive when compared to its industry's average P/CF of 9.41. VALE's P/CF has been as high as 14.10 and as low as 6.25, with a median of 10.57, all within the past year.

These are only a few of the key metrics included in VALE S.A.'s strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, VALE looks like an impressive value stock at the moment.

Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report
 
VALE S.A. (VALE) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Sanjeev Gupta’s under-pressure business empire has settled two disputes with major international companies, months after a major lender collapsed.

GFG Alliance said it has reached an agreement with India’s Tata Steel which will end proceedings that Tata launched against three GFG companies, including Liberty Speciality Steels, earlier this year.

According to reports from April, Tata took action against Liberty Steel due to unpaid debts linked to Liberty’s £100 million takeover of the Indian company’s speciality steel business in 2017.

GFG, which is a loose alliance of companies centred around Mr Gupta’s family’s business interests, did not provide further details on the settlement.

It has also settled a dispute with mining giant Rio Tinto linked to the company’s 2018 purchase of Rio’s Dunkirk aluminium smelter.

GFG again provided no further information on the deal.

Much remains to be done, but we believe that we are now making rapid progress in building faith with our creditors and other stakeholders through our restructuring plan

Sanjiv Gupta, GFG Alliance

Mr Gupta’s business empire has been under pressure since March when major lender Greensill Capital collapsed.

Greensill said at the time that it had billions of pounds worth of exposure to GFG Alliance.

Since then bosses at GFG have been scrambling to ensure that their companies can survive the shock of Greensill’s collapse.

On Thursday, GFG revealed that Liberty Steel’s mill in Newport, South Wales, had its best financial performance ever in the first quarter of the financial year, and that the outlook is even brighter for the second quarter.

Mr Gupta said: “The update of the RTC (Restructuring and Transformation Committee) shows that, despite the challenges, our core businesses continue to perform very well, and we are taking advantage of the excellent market conditions we face.

“Much remains to be done, but we believe that we are now making rapid progress in building faith with our creditors and other stakeholders through our restructuring plan.

“We are moving with significant momentum towards a profitable, restructured and focused business.”

There's no doubt that money can be made by owning shares of unprofitable businesses. For example, biotech and mining exploration companies often lose money for years before finding success with a new treatment or mineral discovery. But while the successes are well known, investors should not ignore the very many unprofitable companies that simply burn through all their cash and collapse.

Given this risk, we thought we'd take a look at whether Hillgrove Resources (ASX:HGO) shareholders should be worried about its cash burn. In this article, we define cash burn as its annual (negative) free cash flow, which is the amount of money a company spends each year to fund its growth. Let's start with an examination of the business' cash, relative to its cash burn.

View our latest analysis for Hillgrove Resources

Does Hillgrove Resources Have A Long Cash Runway?

A cash runway is defined as the length of time it would take a company to run out of money if it kept spending at its current rate of cash burn. As at December 2020, Hillgrove Resources had cash of AU$5.6m and such minimal debt that we can ignore it for the purposes of this analysis. Looking at the last year, the company burnt through AU$6.0m. So it had a cash runway of approximately 11 months from December 2020. To be frank, this kind of short runway puts us on edge, as it indicates the company must reduce its cash burn significantly, or else raise cash imminently. The image below shows how its cash balance has been changing over the last few years.

Is Hillgrove Resources' Revenue Growing?

Given that Hillgrove Resources actually had positive free cash flow last year, before burning cash this year, we'll focus on its operating revenue to get a measure of the business trajectory. The bad news for shareholders is that operating revenue actually plummeted 82% in the last year, which is a real concern in our view. In reality, this article only makes a short study of the company's growth data. You can take a look at how Hillgrove Resources has developed its business over time by checking this visualization of its revenue and earnings history.

Can Hillgrove Resources Raise More Cash Easily?

Given its problematic fall in revenue, Hillgrove Resources shareholders should consider how the company could fund its growth, if it turns out it needs more cash. Issuing new shares, or taking on debt, are the most common ways for a listed company to raise more money for its business. One of the main advantages held by publicly listed companies is that they can sell shares to investors to raise cash and fund growth. By looking at a company's cash burn relative to its market capitalisation, we gain insight on how much shareholders would be diluted if the company needed to raise enough cash to cover another year's cash burn.

Since it has a market capitalisation of AU$46m, Hillgrove Resources' AU$6.0m in cash burn equates to about 13% of its market value. As a result, we'd venture that the company could raise more cash for growth without much trouble, albeit at the cost of some dilution.

How Risky Is Hillgrove Resources' Cash Burn Situation?

Even though its falling revenue makes us a little nervous, we are compelled to mention that we thought Hillgrove Resources' cash burn relative to its market cap was relatively promising. Looking at the factors mentioned in this short report, we do think that its cash burn is a bit risky, and it does make us slightly nervous about the stock. Separately, we looked at different risks affecting the company and spotted 4 warning signs for Hillgrove Resources (of which 2 are a bit concerning!) you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies, and this list of stocks growth stocks (according to analyst forecasts)

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

Here are four stocks with buy rank and strong value characteristics for investors to consider today, August 5th:

Regional Management Corp. RM: This diversified consumer finance company has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rising 6.6% over the last 60 days.

Regional Management Corp. Price and Consensus

Regional Management Corp. price-consensus-chart | Regional Management Corp. Quote

Regional Management has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 9.24, compared with 11.60 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of B.

Regional Management Corp. PE Ratio (TTM)

Regional Management Corp. pe-ratio-ttm | Regional Management Corp. Quote

Vale S.A. VALE: This producer and seller of iron ore and iron ore pellets has a Zacks Rank #1, and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rising 10.6% over the last 60 days.

Vale S.A. Price and Consensus

Vale S.A. price-consensus-chart | Vale S.A. Quote

Vale has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 3.66, compared with 5.80 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of B.

Vale S.A. PE Ratio (TTM)

Vale S.A. pe-ratio-ttm | Vale S.A. Quote

Penn Virginia Corporation PVAC: This independent oil and gas company has a Zacks Rank #1, and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rising more than 100% over the last 60 days.

Penn Virginia Corporation Price and Consensus

Penn Virginia Corporation price-consensus-chart | Penn Virginia Corporation Quote

Penn Virginia has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 4.33, compared with 10.90 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of B.

Penn Virginia Corporation PE Ratio (TTM)

Penn Virginia Corporation pe-ratio-ttm | Penn Virginia Corporation Quote

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. LYB: This chemical company has a Zacks Rank #1, and seen the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings rising 26.6% over the last 60 days.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Price and Consensus

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. price-consensus-chart | LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Quote

LyondellBasell Industries has a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 4.88, compared with 12.70 for the industry. The company possesses a Value Score of A.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. PE Ratio (TTM)

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. pe-ratio-ttm | LyondellBasell Industries N.V. Quote

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

Learn more about the Value score and how it is calculated here.

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VALE S.A. (VALE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Regional Management Corp. (RM) : Free Stock Analysis Report

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (LYB) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Penn Virginia Corporation (PVAC) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

St. Paul, Minnesota–(Newsfile Corp. – August 5, 2021) – PolyMet Mining Corp. (TSX: POM) (NYSE American: PLM) has filed its financial results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2021.

During the period, the company secured funding to advance optimization and engineering efforts related to the NorthMet Project and to continue legal defense of its permits.

Of the more than 20 permits issued to build and operate the mine, four permits remain on hold pending active legal or regulatory action. More information on recent court developments can be found on the company's website at www.polymetmining.com/investors/news and in its filings found under the company's SEDAR and EDGAR profiles at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively. The company anticipates that ongoing litigation will continue to at least year-end 2021.

On July 15, 2021, the company issued to Glencore an unsecured convertible debenture in the amount of $10.0 million. The debenture is due on the earlier of March 31, 2023, or upon US$100 million of project financing. Interest will accrue on the unsecured debenture at 4% per annum and the principal amount of the debenture is convertible into common shares of the company at a conversion price equal to $3.4550.

Key Balance Sheet Statistics
(in '000 US dollars)

¹ Deficiency primarily due to the $17.2 million promissory note with Glencore being due December 31, 2021. Glencore has committed to provide financial support to enable the Company to continue its business operations for the next twelve months.

Key Income and Cash Flow Statement Statistics
(in '000 US dollars, except per share amounts)

• Loss for the three months ended June 30, 2021, was $5.1 million compared with $6.0 million for the prior year period. The decreased loss was primarily due to reduced spend on studies and evaluation of the mineral resource.

• Loss for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was $8.8 million compared with $13.5 million for the prior year period. The decreased loss was primarily due to reduced spend on studies and evaluation of the mineral resource, investment gains from restricted deposits, and non-cash gains from fair valuing financial assets.

• Capital expenditures for the three months ended June 30, 2021, was $1.9 million which was consistent with the prior year.

• Capital expenditures for the six months ended June 30, 2021, was $3.6 million compared with $4.8 million for the prior year. The decrease was due to lower capitalized spend following receipt of permits in March 2019 as the company awaits resolution of legal challenges to permits.

The financial statements have been filed at www.polymetmining.com and on SEDAR and EDGAR and have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. All amounts are in U.S. dollars. Copies can be obtained free of charge by contacting the company at 444 Cedar Street, Suite 2060, St. Paul, MN 55101, or by e-mail at info@polymetmining.com. Project developments described above are derived from these documents and should be read in conjunction with them.

* * * * *

About PolyMet
PolyMet is a mine development company that owns 100% of the NorthMet Project, the first large-scale project to have received permits within the Duluth Complex in northeastern Minnesota, one of the world's major, undeveloped mining regions. NorthMet has significant proven and probable reserves of copper, nickel and palladium – metals vital to infrastructure improvements and global carbon reduction efforts – in addition to marketable reserves of cobalt, platinum and gold. When operational, NorthMet will become one of the leading producers of nickel, palladium and cobalt in the U.S., providing a much needed, responsibly mined source of these critical and essential metals.

Located in the Mesabi Iron Range, the project will provide economic diversity while leveraging the region's established supplier network and skilled workforce, and generate a level of activity that will have a significant effect in the local economy. For more information: www.polymetmining.com.

For further information, please contact:

Media
Bruce Richardson, Corporate Communications
Tel: +1 (651) 389-4111
brichardson@polymetmining.com

Investor Relations
Tony Gikas, Investor Relations
Tel: +1 (651) 389-4110
investorrelations@polymetmining.com

PolyMet Disclosures
This news release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning anticipated developments in PolyMet's operations in the future. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "potential," "possible," "projects," "plans," and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will," "may," "could," or "should" occur or be achieved or their negatives or other comparable words. These forward-looking statements may include statements regarding the ability to receive environmental and operating permits, job creation, and the effect on the local economy, or other statements that are not a statement of fact. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements due to risks facing PolyMet or due to actual facts differing from the assumptions underlying its predictions.

PolyMet's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made, and PolyMet does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations and opinions should change.

Specific reference is made to risk factors and other considerations underlying forward-looking statements discussed in PolyMet's most recent Annual Report on Form 40-F for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2020, and in our other filings with Canadian securities authorities and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The Annual Report on Form 40-F also contains the company's mineral resource and other data as required under National Instrument 43-101.

No regulatory authority has reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92230

ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec, Aug. 05, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GLOBEX MINING ENTERPRISES INC. (GMX – Toronto Stock Exchange, G1MN – Frankfurt, Stuttgart, Berlin, Munich, Tradegate, Lang & Schwarz, LS Exchange, TTM Zone, Stock Exchanges and GLBXF – OTCQX International in the US) is pleased to inform shareholders that Globex has purchased 100% interest in a block of claims in Rouyn and Joannes townships, Quebec (NTS 32D02) approximately 10 km east of Rouyn-Noranda herein called the Rouyn Merger property. The property consists of 49 claims totaling 1,509.4 hectares (3,729.8 acres) covering approximately 6.5 kilometres (4.04 miles) of the prolific, gold localizing Cadillac Break. The vender, IAMGOLD Corporation (IMG–TSX), received 183,000 Globex shares subject to a 4 month hold period and a 1% Net Smelter Royalty.

The Rouyn Merger property includes several areas of known gold mineralization including the Rouyn Merger, O’Neil-Thompson and East O’Neil zones which have seen historical drilling to relatively shallow depth, outlining in some cases significant but erratic gold vein structures at or near the gold localizing Cadillac Break.

The Cadillac Break is one of the most important gold localizing structures in the Abitibi of Quebec and Ontario with numerous gold deposits located along its length. The Rouyn Merger property has been explored intermittently since the 1930’s when the Rouyn Merger gold deposit was found. Various non-compliant resource calculations have been undertaken on the Rouyn Merger gold zone but, due to the structural complexity of the ore lenses and expected high levels of dilution, production has been limited to a brief period in 1948-1949 of 32,198 t grading 3.87 g/t Au. Metallurgical testing between 1943 and 1947 indicated 95% gold recovery by treating ore crushed to 60% minus 200 mesh. Likewise, exploration on the O’Neil-Thompson gold zone outlined a non NI 43-101 compliant resource and limited production in 1936 of 2,449 tonnes. Other occurrences such as the East O’Neil have published but unverifiable resources.

The most recent work on the property was in 2015-16 during which an aeromag survey was flown, mapping and surface sampling undertaken and seven drill holes completed totaling 1,956 metres in three target areas. Several holes intersected significant gold values, such as Hole RM15-05 which returned 16.0 g/t Au over 1 metre from 277.5 to 278.5 m followed by 4.19 g/t Au over 0.5 m from 278.5 m to 279.0 m. The target of this exploration was to locate a large tonnage, low grade, bulk mineable gold deposit not higher grade underground minable, narrower vein deposits historically mined along the Cadillac Break.

Prior to acquiring the property, Globex undertook 3D modeling of all the readily available geological, geophysical and drill data. The modeling has allowed Globex to identify a number of priority areas for drilling many at shallow depth but others at mid-level depths of 500 metres and below. Although the area was flown as recently as 2015 with an aeromagnetic survey, Globex believes that the details provided by closely spaced lines using the Novatem aeromagnetic system may unlock a better understanding of the geological trends and structures and Globex intends to undertake such a survey over the entire property but at a different angle than the previous survey in order to merge such data with our 3D modeling.

This press release was written by Jack Stoch, Geo., President and CEO of Globex in his capacity as a Qualified Person (Q.P.) under NI 43-101.

Forward Looking Statements: Except for historical information, this news release may contain certain “forward looking statements”. These statements may involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity and performance to be materially different from the expectations and projections of Globex Mining Enterprises Inc. (“Globex”). No assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking information will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits Globex will derive therefrom. A more detailed discussion of the risks is available in the “Annual Information Form” filed by Globex on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

CLEVELAND, August 05, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE: CLF) announced today that its employees represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) Local 600 have ratified a three-year labor contract for its Dearborn Works operations. The new contract is retroactively effective from August 1, 2021 through July 31, 2024, and will cover approximately 1,000 UAW-represented workers at Dearborn.

Lourenco Goncalves, Chairman, President and CEO, stated, "We are extremely pleased to continue our commitment to good-paying middle class union jobs with a new labor agreement at Dearborn. Our union workforce is at the core of what we do at Cleveland-Cliffs, and Cleveland-Cliffs is at the core of American manufacturing as a whole. This is particularly relevant now, with the very real challenges and opportunities related to a new green era in steelmaking and in manufacturing. Dearborn is home of the most modern galvanizing line in the country, built in 2011 to produce the most advanced extra-wide automotive-grade exposed materials, among several other high end specs. Our local team at Dearborn is committed to the long-term health and success of our Company and our country, and as such, we were able to get a deal done with the UAW Local 600 that is fair and equitable for both sides." Mr. Goncalves added, "Differently from almost all other companies in this country, we embrace our unions as partners, and work with them as equals in pursuing our common goals. Our partnership is a powerful one and, with this latest deal, we will maintain our competitive cost structure in flat-rolled steel relative to any of our peers, union or non-union."

About Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Cleveland-Cliffs is the largest flat-rolled steel producer in North America. Founded in 1847 as a mine operator, Cliffs also is the largest manufacturer of iron ore pellets in North America. The Company is vertically integrated from mined raw materials and direct reduced iron to primary steelmaking and downstream finishing, stamping, tooling, and tubing. The Company serves a diverse range of markets due to its comprehensive offering of flat-rolled steel products and is the largest supplier of steel to the automotive industry in North America. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, Cleveland-Cliffs employs approximately 25,000 people across its mining, steel and downstream manufacturing operations in the United States and Canada. For more information, visit www.clevelandcliffs.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210805005921/en/

Contacts

MEDIA CONTACT:
Patricia Persico
Director, Corporate Communications
(216) 694-5316

INVESTOR CONTACT:
Paul Finan
Vice President, Investor Relations
(216) 694-6544

One of the best investments we can make is in our own knowledge and skill set. With that in mind, this article will work through how we can use Return On Equity (ROE) to better understand a business. We'll use ROE to examine Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:CLF), by way of a worked example.

Return on Equity or ROE is a test of how effectively a company is growing its value and managing investors’ money. In other words, it is a profitability ratio which measures the rate of return on the capital provided by the company's shareholders.

View our latest analysis for Cleveland-Cliffs

How Do You Calculate Return On Equity?

ROE can be calculated by using the formula:

Return on Equity = Net Profit (from continuing operations) ÷ Shareholders' Equity

So, based on the above formula, the ROE for Cleveland-Cliffs is:

22% = US$926m ÷ US$4.3b (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2021).

The 'return' is the income the business earned over the last year. That means that for every $1 worth of shareholders' equity, the company generated $0.22 in profit.

Does Cleveland-Cliffs Have A Good Return On Equity?

One simple way to determine if a company has a good return on equity is to compare it to the average for its industry. However, this method is only useful as a rough check, because companies do differ quite a bit within the same industry classification. As is clear from the image below, Cleveland-Cliffs has a better ROE than the average (17%) in the Metals and Mining industry.

That's what we like to see. Bear in mind, a high ROE doesn't always mean superior financial performance. A higher proportion of debt in a company's capital structure may also result in a high ROE, where the high debt levels could be a huge risk . Our risks dashboardshould have the 6 risks we have identified for Cleveland-Cliffs.

Why You Should Consider Debt When Looking At ROE

Companies usually need to invest money to grow their profits. The cash for investment can come from prior year profits (retained earnings), issuing new shares, or borrowing. In the first and second cases, the ROE will reflect this use of cash for investment in the business. In the latter case, the debt required for growth will boost returns, but will not impact the shareholders' equity. Thus the use of debt can improve ROE, albeit along with extra risk in the case of stormy weather, metaphorically speaking.

Combining Cleveland-Cliffs' Debt And Its 22% Return On Equity

It's worth noting the high use of debt by Cleveland-Cliffs, leading to its debt to equity ratio of 1.11. While its ROE is respectable, it is worth keeping in mind that there is usually a limit as to how much debt a company can use. Debt does bring extra risk, so it's only really worthwhile when a company generates some decent returns from it.

Conclusion

Return on equity is a useful indicator of the ability of a business to generate profits and return them to shareholders. A company that can achieve a high return on equity without debt could be considered a high quality business. If two companies have around the same level of debt to equity, and one has a higher ROE, I'd generally prefer the one with higher ROE.

But when a business is high quality, the market often bids it up to a price that reflects this. It is important to consider other factors, such as future profit growth — and how much investment is required going forward. So I think it may be worth checking this free report on analyst forecasts for the company.

But note: Cleveland-Cliffs may not be the best stock to buy. So take a peek at this free list of interesting companies with high ROE and low debt.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

We often see insiders buying up shares in companies that perform well over the long term. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell Pacific Bay Minerals Ltd. (CVE:PBM), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

Do Insider Transactions Matter?

It's quite normal to see company insiders, such as board members, trading in company stock, from time to time. However, rules govern insider transactions, and certain disclosures are required.

We would never suggest that investors should base their decisions solely on what the directors of a company have been doing. But equally, we would consider it foolish to ignore insider transactions altogether. As Peter Lynch said, 'insiders might sell their shares for any number of reasons, but they buy them for only one: they think the price will rise'.

Check out our latest analysis for Pacific Bay Minerals

Pacific Bay Minerals Insider Transactions Over The Last Year

While there weren't any large insider transactions in the last twelve months, it's still worth looking at the trading.

Over the last year, we can see that insiders have bought 1.32m shares worth CA$128k. But they sold 900.20k shares for CA$63k. Overall, Pacific Bay Minerals insiders were net buyers during the last year. Their average price was about CA$0.097. To my mind it is good that insiders have invested their own money in the company. However, we do note that they were buying at significantly lower prices than today's share price of CA$0.16. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

There are plenty of other companies that have insiders buying up shares. You probably do not want to miss this free list of growing companies that insiders are buying.

Are Pacific Bay Minerals Insiders Buying Or Selling?

In the last three months, insiders bought CA$63k. But that was only a smidgen more than the CA$63k worth of sales. Overall, we don't think these recent trades are particularly informative, one way or the other.

Insider Ownership

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. A high insider ownership often makes company leadership more mindful of shareholder interests. It's great to see that Pacific Bay Minerals insiders own 49% of the company, worth about CA$1.3m. Most shareholders would be happy to see this sort of insider ownership, since it suggests that management incentives are well aligned with other shareholders.

So What Does This Data Suggest About Pacific Bay Minerals Insiders?

Insider purchases may have been minimal, in the last three months, but there was no selling at all. The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. On a brighter note, the transactions over the last year are encouraging. With high insider ownership and encouraging transactions, it seems like Pacific Bay Minerals insiders think the business has merit. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Pacific Bay Minerals. To that end, you should learn about the 4 warning signs we've spotted with Pacific Bay Minerals (including 3 which are a bit concerning).

Of course Pacific Bay Minerals may not be the best stock to buy. So you may wish to see this free collection of high quality companies.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Teck Resources Limited (TSX: TECK.A and TECK.B, NYSE: TECK) (“Teck”) announced today that smoke from wildfires in southwestern British Columbia has affected operations at its Trail Operations metallurgical facility.

Specifically, the oxygen plant at Trail has been shut down due to poor ambient air quality, and the usual mitigation measures have not been adequate to deal with conditions. Zinc refining operations are running at approximately 70% of normal rates. Lead refining continues to operate normally; however, the lead smelting operations have been temporarily idled.

Resumption of full production will depend on improvements in air quality. Regional air quality conditions are being actively monitored and Trail Operations has response plans in place to protect employee safety.

About Teck
As one of Canada’s leading mining companies, Teck is committed to responsible mining and mineral development with major business units focused on copper, zinc, and steelmaking coal, as well as investments in energy assets. Copper, zinc and high-quality steelmaking coal are required for the transition to a low-carbon world. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, Teck’s shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols TECK.A and TECK.B and the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol TECK. Learn more about Teck at www.teck.com or follow @TeckResources.

Investor Contact:
Fraser Phillips
Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Strategic Analysis
604.699.4621
fraser.phillips@teck.com

Media Contact:
Chris Stannell
Public Relations Manager
604.699.4368
chris.stannell@teck.com

Buying shares in the best businesses can build meaningful wealth for you and your family. While the best companies are hard to find, but they can generate massive returns over long periods. For example, the Ferrexpo plc (LON:FXPO) share price is up a whopping 498% in the last half decade, a handsome return for long term holders. And this is just one example of the epic gains achieved by some long term investors. In more good news, the share price has risen 6.3% in thirty days.

Check out our latest analysis for Ferrexpo

In his essay The Superinvestors of Graham-and-Doddsville Warren Buffett described how share prices do not always rationally reflect the value of a business. One way to examine how market sentiment has changed over time is to look at the interaction between a company's share price and its earnings per share (EPS).

Over half a decade, Ferrexpo managed to grow its earnings per share at 81% a year. The EPS growth is more impressive than the yearly share price gain of 43% over the same period. So one could conclude that the broader market has become more cautious towards the stock. The reasonably low P/E ratio of 6.36 also suggests market apprehension.

You can see below how EPS has changed over time (discover the exact values by clicking on the image).

We consider it positive that insiders have made significant purchases in the last year. Having said that, most people consider earnings and revenue growth trends to be a more meaningful guide to the business. It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on Ferrexpo's earnings, revenue and cash flow.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. So for companies that pay a generous dividend, the TSR is often a lot higher than the share price return. We note that for Ferrexpo the TSR over the last 5 years was 851%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

A Different Perspective

We're pleased to report that Ferrexpo shareholders have received a total shareholder return of 227% over one year. Of course, that includes the dividend. That's better than the annualised return of 57% over half a decade, implying that the company is doing better recently. Someone with an optimistic perspective could view the recent improvement in TSR as indicating that the business itself is getting better with time. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Ferrexpo better, we need to consider many other factors. For example, we've discovered 3 warning signs for Ferrexpo (1 is concerning!) that you should be aware of before investing here.

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: insiders have been buying them).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on GB exchanges.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

MONTREAL, Aug. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The management of Sirios Resources Inc. (TSXV: SOI) is pleased to announce that a total of 2,517 metres of drilling has been completed to date on the Cheechoo gold property in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec. Visible gold was observed in ten instances in five of the nine definition diamond drill holes totalling 1,767 m. Two additional definition holes were drilled by reverse circulation (RC) for a total of 211 metres. To date, three exploration diamond drill holes have been completed for a total of 539 metres. The presence of visible gold, as well as the lithologies intersected, are in accordance with the expectations of Sirios' geologists and the modeling of the gold deposit.

Given the superior production rate of diamond drilling compared to reverse circulation drilling, Sirios' management decided to complete the remainder of the campaign by diamond drilling. The definition drill program will therefore continue by diamond drilling with Synee Drilling Inc. on the sites initially planned. The total number of meters to be drilled could be modified.

The objective of the definition drilling program is to better define the Cheechoo deposit and initiate an updated resource estimate (as early as 2022) that will allow for a significant amount of inferred resources to be converted to indicated resources. The improved gold resource classification of the project will increase the value of the Cheechoo deposit and help advance the project to a more advanced stage with the completion of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA).

About the Cheechoo Property

The Cheechoo gold property, wholly-owned by Sirios, is located in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec, less than 9 km from Newmont’s Eleonore gold mine. The latest resource estimate for the Cheechoo project (October 2020) estimated an inferred resource of 2.0 million ounces of gold contained in 93.0 million tonnes of rock at an average grade of 0.65 g/t Au, with significant potential to increase this resource.¹

The scientific and technical content of this press release has been reviewed and approved by Dominique Doucet, P.Eng. president and CEO of Sirios Resources Inc. and Jordi Turcotte, P.Geo. senior geologist, both qualified persons under National Instrument 43-101.

About Sirios

A pioneer in the discovery of significant gold deposits in Eeyou Istchee James Bay, Quebec, Canada, Sirios Resources Inc. is focusing primarily on its Cheechoo gold discovery, while actively exploring the gold potential of its other properties.

Forward-Looking Statements:

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws based on expectations, estimates and projections as of the date of this press release. Forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, expectations and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to: capital and operating costs that differ materially from estimates; the tentative nature of metallurgical test results; delays or failures in obtaining required governmental, environmental or other approvals; uncertainties related to the availability and cost of necessary financing in the future changes in financial markets; inflation; fluctuations in metal prices; delays in project development; other risks relating to the mineral exploration and development industry; and risks disclosed in public filings of the Company on SEDAR at www. sedar.com. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are reasonable, readers should not place undue reliance on this information, which speaks only as of the date of this news release, and there can be no assurance that such events will occur or occur within the time periods presented. 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 applicable law.

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

Contact :
Dominique Doucet, President, CEO, Eng.
Tel. : (514) 918-2867
ddoucet@sirios.com
website : www.sirios.com

¹ BBA, Mineral Resource Estimate Update for The Cheechoo Project, 31/10/2020

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 04, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — C2C Gold Corp. (CSE: CTOC, OTCQB:CTCGF) (the “Company” or “C2C”) is pleased to announce it has entered into an option and joint venture agreement (the “JV Agreement”) with Buchans Resources Limited (“Buchans”) pursuant to which Buchans will grant C2C an option to acquire up to a 70% ownership interest in 364 mineral claims (91 km²) covering the Lake Douglas and South Tally properties, located in the Central Newfoundland Gold Belt, Canada. Both properties cover key fault structures considered prospective for orogenic-style gold mineralization.

To view C2C property maps and news holdings please visit: https://bit.ly/3xdsud9

The Lake Douglas and South Tally Properties

The Lake Douglas property (87 claims,21.75 km²) covers the on-strike trend of gold-bearing structures at Marathon Gold Corporation’s Valentine project, located 15 km on strike to the southwest. The Lake Douglas property is also located less than 5 km on strike from a number of gold prospects on adjacent mineral claims being explored by Canterra Minerals Corporation.Among the prospects located on Canterra’s adjacent property are several gold in bedrock targets, where previous drilling returned intercepts of 10.0 g/t Au over 5.35 m core length, including 49.9 g/t Au over 0.98 m (Antler Gold Inc. news release dated December 13, 2017). A soil sampling program completed by Buchans in 2018 over the northwestern portion of the Lake Douglas property returned several gold in soil anomalies. The areas of interest include several multi-station gold anomalies ranging up to 200 m in length with anomalous values up to 317 ppb Au (Buchans Resources news release dated December 14, 2018).

The South Tally property (277 claims,69.25 km²) is contiguous with the southeast boundary of C2C’s Barrens Lake property. The South Tally property has traditionally been explored for VMS-style base metal mineralization. It remains essentially unexplored for gold despite the property covering an area hosting anomalous gold values detected within several Newfoundland and Labrador Geological Survey’s regional geochemical datasets. In addition to the project’s gold potential, both Buchans and C2C are encouraged by the property’s potential to host new base metal discoveries, as the property covers a 20 km extension to the Tally Pond volcanic belt that hosts Teck Resources’ former Duck Pond mine, located less than 4 km on strike of the South Tally property.

Work Plan

C2C will work in cooperation with Buchans to compile and interpret the historical data for the properties. A comprehensive field program will be designed to integrate into C2C’s ongoing exploration work on the Badger, Millertown, and Barrens Lake properties.

Terms of the Agreement

The Option is comprised of an initial option (the “First Option”) to earn and acquire a 51% ownership interest in the Properties and a second option (the “Second Option”), in the event Buchans elects not to participate in the joint venture, to earn and acquire an additional 19% ownership interest in the Properties.

In order to exercise the First Option, the Company must within four years of the date of the JV Agreement issue 100,000 common shares of the Company to Buchans and incur or fund expenditures on the Properties in the total amount of $1,500,000 as follows:

• Year 1 – minimum expenditures of $200,000 on or prior to the date that is one year from the date of the JV Agreement, to maintain the Properties in good standing, including the reimbursement to Buchans payable on the date of the JV Agreement for a bond in the amount of $69,250 posted with the Newfoundland Government on certain claims;

• Year 2 – minimum expenditures of $300,000 on or prior to the date that is two years from the date of the JV Agreement;

• Year 3 – minimum expenditures of $400,000 on or prior to the date that is three years from the date of the JV Agreement; and

• Year 4 – minimum expenditures of $600,000 on or prior to the date that is four years from the date of the JV Agreement.

Upon completion of the First Option, the parties will thereafter participate in a joint venture of which the Company will own 51% and Buchans will own 49%. If Buchans declines to participate in a joint venture, the Company will have the right to exercise the Second Option. In order to exercise the Second Option, the Company must incur or fund additional expenditures in the minimum amount of $1,000,000 on the Properties on or prior to the date that is five years from the date of the JV Agreement.

As Buchan’s is a base metal-focused company the Agreement contains a provision where if a base-metal dominant area is identified, then a project area would be defined and Buchans would become operator of the base metal project on a 70% Buchans/30% C2C joint venture.

Dilution of either party’s joint venture interest to below 10%, will result in that party’s joint venture interest converting to a 2% net smelter return royalty (the “NSR”), of which the majority joint venture interest owner will have the option to buy back half of the NSR in consideration for $1,500,000.

About Buchans Resource Corp.
Buchans Resources currently holds interests in zinc, lead, silver properties located in Newfoundland; gold properties in Newfoundland and in Labrador; nickel, copper, cobalt properties in Labrador, and indirectly through its shareholding in Xtierra Inc. (TSXV-XAG), in base metal and silver projects in Mexico, and, through its shareholding in Minco Exploration plc, in base metal exploration licences in Ireland.

About C2C Gold Corp.
C2C is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on the acquisition and development of mineral projects in Newfoundland, Canada. The Company holds the Badger, Millertown, and Barrens Lake projects, which cumulatively cover an area of more than 1,170 km² with road access and proximity to communities and power lines. C2C also holds a portfolio of projects within the prolific White Gold and Klondike districts in Canada’s Yukon.

Technical information in this news release has been approved by Lori Walton, P. Geo., CEO and Director of C2C Gold Corp. and Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. Management cautions that past results or discoveries on properties in proximity to Lake Douglas and South Tally may not necessarily be indicative of mineralization on the properties.

For additional information:
Lori Walton, Chief Executive Officer
(604) 757-7180
info@c2cgold.com www.c2cgold.com

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward Looking Statements
This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties and can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “expected”, “will be”, “anticipated”, “may” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “will” occur. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Forward looking statements in this news release include but are not limited to: the structure of the Option; the exercise of the Option; and the completion of the Joint Venture. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws.

It is not uncommon to see companies perform well in the years after insiders buy shares. Unfortunately, there are also plenty of examples of share prices declining precipitously after insiders have sold shares. So before you buy or sell Australia United Mining Limited (ASX:AYM), you may well want to know whether insiders have been buying or selling.

What Is Insider Selling?

Most investors know that it is quite permissible for company leaders, such as directors of the board, to buy and sell stock in the company. However, most countries require that the company discloses such transactions to the market.

Insider transactions are not the most important thing when it comes to long-term investing. But logic dictates you should pay some attention to whether insiders are buying or selling shares. For example, a Harvard University study found that 'insider purchases earn abnormal returns of more than 6% per year'.

Check out our latest analysis for Australia United Mining

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Australia United Mining

Over the last year, we can see that the biggest insider purchase was by insider Chao Ma for AU$200k worth of shares, at about AU$0.006 per share. We do like to see buying, but this purchase was made at well below the current price of AU$0.009. Because the shares were purchased at a lower price, this particular buy doesn't tell us much about how insiders feel about the current share price.

Happily, we note that in the last year insiders paid AU$239k for 38.23m shares. But insiders sold 33.33m shares worth AU$200k. In total, Australia United Mining insiders bought more than they sold over the last year. You can see a visual depiction of insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last 12 months, below. If you want to know exactly who sold, for how much, and when, simply click on the graph below!

Australia United Mining is not the only stock insiders are buying. So take a peek at this free list of growing companies with insider buying.

Insiders at Australia United Mining Have Bought Stock Recently

There was some insider buying at Australia United Mining over the last quarter. Non-Executive Director Jia Yu bought AU$39k worth of shares in that time. We like it when there are only buyers, and no sellers. But in this case the amount purchased means the recent transaction may not be very meaningful on its own.

Insider Ownership of Australia United Mining

Another way to test the alignment between the leaders of a company and other shareholders is to look at how many shares they own. Usually, the higher the insider ownership, the more likely it is that insiders will be incentivised to build the company for the long term. Australia United Mining insiders own about AU$6.6m worth of shares (which is 40% of the company). This kind of significant ownership by insiders does generally increase the chance that the company is run in the interest of all shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Australia United Mining Tell Us?

We note a that there has been a bit of insider buying recently (but no selling). The net investment is not enough to encourage us much. However, our analysis of transactions over the last year is heartening. Judging from their transactions, and high insider ownership, Australia United Mining insiders feel good about the company's future. While we like knowing what's going on with the insider's ownership and transactions, we make sure to also consider what risks are facing a stock before making any investment decision. To that end, you should learn about the 3 warning signs we've spotted with Australia United Mining (including 2 which are concerning).

If you would prefer to check out another company — one with potentially superior financials — then do not miss this free list of interesting companies, that have HIGH return on equity and low debt.

For the purposes of this article, insiders are those individuals who report their transactions to the relevant regulatory body. We currently account for open market transactions and private dispositions, but not derivative transactions.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.

(Bloomberg) — Vale SA may have finally resolved a strike at its Sudbury complex, but don’t expect it to resume nickel and copper production anytime soon.

After a wage deal with workers ended the two-month stoppage, Vale outlined a return-to-production schedule that won’t see the Canadian facility fully up and running again until next quarter. Maintenance underway at the mines and plants will be completed, with the ramp-up beginning in September, the Rio de Janeiro-based company said Wednesday in an emailed response to questions.

While staff will return to work next week, the complex nature of restarting smelters and refineries may keep pressure on the metals markets. Sudbury is one of the few producers of nickel pellet, which is used to make alloys for the aerospace, electronic and nuclear industries. The disruption has driven consumers to tap battery-grade nickel briquette as an alternative, raising its premium and shortening inventories.

Vale is looking to steady its base metals ship after a poor performance last quarter that prompted the world’s largest commercial producer of nickel to discontinue annual production guidance. On a call with analysts last week, Chief Executive Officer Luciano Siani predicted a “challenging” third quarter at Sudbury even if the strike ended quickly.

Besides monetary sweeteners, the new contract preserves retiree health benefits for future hires as well as paying each worker a $3,500 signing bonus and $2,500 for their efforts in the pandemic.Post-retirement benefits had been a sticking point in the talks as Vale looks to contain costs and overhaul operations with an eye on the demanding battery market.

“We have many opportunities ahead of us, with the growing electric vehicle market,” Dino Otranto, chief operating officer of North Atlantic operations, said in a statement. “The nickel, copper and cobalt we produce are critical metals to achieving a low carbon future.”

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• Detailed mapping and channel sampling has highlighted an extended mineralized zone.

• Drilling to start by mid-August.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 4, 2021) – Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd (TSXV: MTB) (OTCQB: MBYMF) (FSE: M9UA) ("Mountain Boy" or the "Company") announces that detailed mapping as well as channel sampling on the BA project is underway in support of drilling which is anticipated to begin before month-end.

The BA Project is a 10,658-hectare project located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia. The project lies 18 kilometres north-east of Stewart and the paved highway 37A and a high voltage electrical transmission line run through the northern end of the property through the Bear River valley. The project is located 29 kilometres by road to the deep-water seaport in Stewart.

The upcoming drill program targets the northern extension of the mineralized horizon that was drilled between 2007 and 2010. The historic drilling delineated substantial near surface silver-lead-zinc mineralization extending over 610 metres striking NNE. Since the historic drilling, receding glaciers at the northern end of the zone have exposed further mineralization at surface. This mineralization has now been sampled in three channel sampling campaigns extending the zone of mineralization to at least 700 metres.

Select results from the previous channel sampling programs are listed in Table 1 below.

Table 1- Select results from channel sampling programs on the northern extension of the Barbara Zone.

American Creek Project Update

Drilling began on the 27^th of July on the American Creek project. The drill has now completed 5 holes off the first drill pad targeting the High-Grade zone. The drill is being moved to the second pad, targeting the High-Grade extension, located 300 metres to the north.

About Mountain Boy Minerals

Mountain Boy has six active projects spanning 604 square kilometres (60,398 hectares) in the prolific Golden Triangle of northern British Columbia.

1. The flagship American Creek project is centered on the historic Mountain Boy silver mine and is just north of the past producing Red Cliff gold and copper mine (in which the Company holds an interest). The American Creek project is road accessible and 20 km from the deep-water port of Stewart.

2. On the BA property, 178 drill holes have outlined a substantial zone of silver-lead-zinc mineralization located 4 km from the highway. Work this year is aimed at extending that zone.

3. Surprise Creek is interpreted to be hosted by the same prospective stratigraphy as the BA property and hosts multiple occurrences of silver, gold and base metals.

4. On the Theia project, work by Mountain Boy and previous explorers has outlined a silver bearing mineralized trend 500 meters long, highlighted by a 2020 grab sample that returned 39 kg per tonne silver (1,100 ounces per ton).

5. Southmore is located in the midst of some of the largest deposits in the Golden Triangle. It was explored in the 1980s through the early 1990s, and largely overlooked until Mountain Boy consolidated the property and confirmed the presence of multiple occurrences of gold, copper, lead and zinc.

6. The Telegraph project, acquired in May 2021, has a similar geological setting to major gold and copper-gold deposits in the Golden Triangle.

Mountain Boy is funded for the coming field season and plans to advance these projects, including drilling on select project(s).

The technical disclosure in this release has been read and approved by Andrew Wilkins, B.Sc., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined in National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Lawrence Roulston
President & CEO

For further information, contact:

Nancy Curry
VP Corporate Development
(604) 220-2971

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.

This news release may contain certain "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors that may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/92003

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

TORONTO, August 04, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Sherritt International Corporation ("Sherritt") (TSX:S) today announced the appointment of Greg Honig as Chief Commercial Officer, Yasmin Gabriel as Chief Financial Officer, and Chad Ross as Chief Human Resources Officer. The appointments underscore the Corporation’s two-pronged growth strategy focused on capitalizing on the accelerating demand for high-purity nickel and cobalt from the electric vehicle industry and commercializing innovative solutions for resources companies looking to improve their environmental performance and economic value.

"I am pleased to expand the skills, capabilities, and external focus of our senior leadership team with the addition of Mr. Honig and the expertise he brings to the newly created Chief Commercial Officer role," said Leon Binedell, President and CEO of Sherritt International Corporation. "I am also excited to promote Ms. Gabriel and Mr. Ross, two very talented, experienced individuals who will help drive Sherritt’s continuing transformation."

Greg Honig is a senior mining executive with diverse international experience spanning private equity, corporate development, and investment banking. Mr. Honig has extensive experience in the development and execution of business/investment strategies in the sourcing, evaluation, and execution of investment opportunities. Most recently, Greg was the Principal, Director of Canada for Resource Capital Funds and his experience also includes business development and strategy, marketing and research at Xstrata Nickel.

Yasmin Gabriel has most recently been in the role of Interim Vice President, Finance at Sherritt. Ms. Gabriel is a transformational finance leader with 15 years of experience, including 11 years in mining in Financial Planning & Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Systems, Robotic Process Automation, Enterprise Risk Management, and Capital Allocation, with a proven track record of innovation, learning, continuous improvement and leading high-performance teams since she joined Sherritt in 2010.

Chad Ross is currently in the role of Director, HR Analytics & Operations at Sherritt. Mr. Ross is a strategic HR practitioner, with an extensive financial background and a passion for leveraging diverse thought to achieve successful outcomes. Since joining Sherritt in 2011, Chad has demonstrated the ability to lead high-performance teams and continuous improvement initiatives along with the ability to diagnose organizational opportunities, identify appropriate resources and engage stakeholders to deliver effective solutions. He succeeds Karen Trenton, who previously announced her retirement at the end of this year.

Mr. Binedell added, "Nathan Reeve, who has held the role of Interim Chief Financial Officer at Sherritt since the beginning of 2021, is leaving the organization, and I would like to thank him for his many contributions over the years. He has been a valuable resource to me and to the organization."

About Sherritt

Sherritt is a world leader in the mining and refining of nickel and cobalt — metals essential for the growing adoption of electric vehicles. Its Technologies Group creates innovative, proprietary solutions for oil and mining companies around the world to improve environmental performance and increase economic value. Sherritt is also the largest independent energy producer in Cuba. Sherritt’s common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "S".

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210804005274/en/

Contacts

Joe Racanelli, Director of Investor Relations
Telephone: 416-935-2457
Email: joe.racanelli@sherritt.com
www.sherritt.com

TORONTO, August 03, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nickel 28 Capital Corp. ("Nickel 28" or the "Company") (TSXV: NKL) (FSE: 3JC0) is pleased to release operating results for the six-month and three-month periods ended June 30, 2021 for the Company’s principal asset, an 8.56% joint-venture interest in the Ramu Nickel-Cobalt ("Ramu") integrated operation in Papua New Guinea. Highlights include significantly higher nickel and cobalt sales in a rising price environment for battery metals.

Highlights:

• Ramu H1 2021 production of 16,578 tonnes of contained nickel, which is 102% of nameplate capacity.

• Ramu nickel sales of 10,975 tonnes of contained nickel in Q2 2021, a 45% increase from the same period last year.

• Ramu cobalt sales of 1,004 tonnes of contained cobalt in Q2 2021, a 56% increase from the same period last year.

• LME average nickel price of US$7.87/lb. in Q2 2021, a 42% increase from the same period last year.

• Fast Markets average cobalt price of US$21.06/lb. in Q2 2021, a 39% increase from the same period last year.

"Ramu once again met production guidance in Q2 and had one if its best quarters ever for MHP sales, all in a rising nickel and cobalt price environment" stated Anthony Milewski, Chairman of Nickel 28. "We expect this to have a significant positive impact on Ramu’s profitability and cash flow in the second quarter, despite an increase in costs."

Production of 7,773 tonnes of nickel contained in MHP was 2% higher than the same period in the last year and on par with guidance. Overall Ramu has produced 16,578 tonnes of Ni contained in MHP in the first six months of 2021 compared to 16,238 for the same period in 2020. Year to date production is at 102% of nameplate capacity as Ramu continues to demonstrate exceptional performance despite the challenges introduced by the COVID pandemic over the last 18 months.

The LME price for Q2 2021 averaged $7.87/lb. compared to $5.53/lb. for the same period in the prior year, representing an improvement of 42% (all prices are reported in US$). The cobalt price (as reported by Fast Markets) averaged $21.06/lb. in the quarter compared to $15.19/lb. in Q2 2020 representing an improvement of 39%. Overall, the year-to-date nickel price is averaging US$7.92/lb. compared to US$5.65/lb. for the same period in 2020 and the cobalt price averaged $21.38 in H1 2021 compared to $15.93/lb. for H1 2020.

Actual cash costs for the quarter were $2.83 per pound of Ni contained in MHP, net of byproduct credits. This increase was primarily related to increased costs for sulphur and labour as a result of the pandemic coupled with planned reduced production in the quarter. Overall, the H1 2021 cash costs were in line with expectations at $2.13 per pound of nickel, which compares to $2.11 reported in 2021 for the same period.

Ramu’s operating, sales and cash costs for the periods noted are presented below, noting that these figures are unaudited.

A. Nickel 28 has included certain performance measures in this press release that do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by international financial reporting standards (IFRS) including Cash Cost Actual. The presentation of these non-IFRS measures is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. Other companies may calculate these non-IFRS measures differently. Note these figures have not been audited and are subject to change.

B. These figures have not been audited and are subject to change. the information presented above has not been audited by the company's independent accountants, should not be considered a substitute for audited financial statements and should not be regarded as a representation by the company as to the actual financial results

About Nickel 28

Nickel 28 Capital Corp. is a nickel-cobalt producer through its 8.56% joint-venture interest in the producing, long-life and world-class Ramu Nickel-Cobalt Operation located in Papua New Guinea. Ramu provides Nickel 28 with significant attributable nickel and cobalt production thereby offering our shareholders direct exposure to two metals which are critical to the adoption of electric vehicles. In addition, Nickel 28 manages a portfolio of 13 nickel and cobalt royalties on development and exploration projects in Canada, Australia and Papua New Guinea.

Investor inquiries can be directed to info@nickel28.com

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains certain information which constitutes ‘forward-looking statements’ and ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Any statements that are contained in this news release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identified by terms such as "may", "should", "anticipate", "expect", "potential", "believe", "intend" or the negative of these terms and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to: statements and figures with respect to the operational and financial results; statements related to the production impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic; and statements with respect to the business and assets of the Company and its strategy going forward. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties, most of which are beyond the Company’s control. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties underlying these forward-looking statements materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements could vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this release and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this news release.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210803005425/en/

Contacts

Investors:
Justin Cochrane
info@nickel28.com

(Reuters) – A union representing striking workers at Vale SA's nickel mine in Sudbury, Canada reached a tentative agreement to settle an ongoing labor dispute that saw 2,500 workers walk off their job on June 1, hitting the Brazilian miner's production.

The five-year agreement, posted on the United Steelworkers (USW) website, includes "significant monetary improvements for existing members and preserves retiree health benefits for all future hires," and will be put to vote on Tuesday, a USW Local 6500 union representative told Reuters.

Vale will also pay $2,500 to the workers in August, "in recognition of their efforts last year during the pandemic," according to the agreement recommended by USW Local 6500.

USW Local 6500 members had voted down Vale's two previous offers. They were against the company's plans to cut health and medical benefits for retirees as well as minimal wage increases.

(Reporting by Sahil Shaw in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)

Wall Street has started August mostly lower after a solid July. The growing resurgence of the highly-infectious Delta variant of COVID-19 and mounting inflationary pressure on the back of significant supply-side disruptions have dented investors' confidence to some extent.

The second-quarter earnings season has been impressive so far. The major part of the earnings season will be over this week. Market participants are concerned whether the U.S. economic recovery has already reached its peak and what the next driver for the risky stock markets will be.

The proposed infrastructure plan of the Biden administration is likely to play the role of a key catalyst going forward. The bill will provide federal money into physical infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges, passenger rails, airports, drinking water and waste-water systems, high-speed Internet and climate-related infrastructure.

Biden's Infrastructure Plan

On Aug 1, Senate introduced a bipartisan infrastructure bill of $550 billion in addition to the previously approved funds of $450 billion for five years. The 2,702-page legislation is aimed at establishing the United States with the world's best economic infrastructure. Total spending may go up to $1.2 trillion if the plan is extended to eight years.

The infrastructure bill will provide $100 billion toward roads, bridges and other major projects. The bill will provide $11 billion toward reducing car crashes and fatalities through a “Safe Streets for All” program. The plan allocates $39 billion to modernize public transit and improve access for disabled people.

In addition, the bill has proposed $66 billion for passenger and freight rail, $15 billion for electric vehicles and buses, and $17 billion for airports, ports and waterways. The plan will invest $50 billion and $55 billion in water infrastructure and clean water projects, respectively.

Moreover, $65 billion will be invested in high-speed Internet (broadband), $21 billion in environmental clean-up and $73 billion in Power infrastructure.

Majority leader Chuck Schumer aims to pass the bill before Senate’s month-long recess starting Aug. 9. Moreover, the Democrats will also try to pass a budget measure allowing them to approve a separate $3.5 trillion spending package without a Republican vote. The massive $3.5 trillion plan will include child care, tax breaks, health care and environmental issues.

U.S. Economy Exceeds Pre-Pandemic Level

The Department of Commerce reported that the U.S. GDP grew 6.5% in second-quarter 2021, far below the consensus estimate of 8.4%. Despite missing the estimate, in absolute term, U.S. GDP in second-quarter 2021 came in at $19.4 trillion, exceeding $19.2 trillion recorded in fourth-quarter 2019, the last quarter before the global outbreak of coronavirus.

The consumer spending that accounts for nearly 70% of the GDP, remained rock solid. The core personal consumption expenditure (excluding volatile food and energy items) jumped 6% in the second quarter from an upwardly revised 2.7% in the previous quarter.

The proposed infrastructure plan will generate a good number of jobs to help the struggling labor market and in turn provide more money to Americans as the existing coronavirus-led fiscal stimulus will fade out gradually.

Our Top Picks

We have narrowed down our search to five stocks that are likely to gain from the newly proposed infrastructure development plan. These stocks have strong potential for 2021 and witnessed solid earnings estimate revisions within the last 30 days. Each of our picks carries either a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

The chart below shows the price performance of our five picks year to date.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Caterpillar Inc. CAT manufactures and sells construction and mining equipment, diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives worldwide. The pickup in global industrial activity is likely to contribute to its top-line performance in the coming quarters.

The Zacks Rank #2 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 48.2% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 0.5% over the last 30 days. The stock price has surged 12.7% year to date.

Terex Corp. TEX manufactures and sells aerial work platforms and materials processing machinery worldwide. It operates in two segments, Aerial Work Platforms and Materials Processing. Terex is focused on aligning production and cost structure across segments in response to the customer demand environment while also aggressively managing cost and working capital.

The Zacks Rank #1 company has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has improved 1.2% over the last 30 days. The stock price has climbed 36.6% year to date.

Nucor Corp. NUE is a leading producer of structural steel, steel bars, steel joists, steel deck and cold-finished bars in the United States. It operates through three segments: Steel Mills, Steel Products, and Raw Materials.

The company is seeing consistent momentum in the non-residential construction market. Demand in non-residential construction markets was strong in the most recent quarter. Nucor’s downstream products unit is benefiting from the continued strength of non-residential construction markets.

The Zacks Rank #1 company has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 3.6% over the last 7 days. The stock price has soared 91.9% year to date.

United States Steel Corp. X produces and sells flat-rolled and tubular steel products primarily in North America and Europe. It operates through three segments: North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular).

The investment in Big River will bolster U.S. Steel’s position in high-margin steel-end markets including energy, infrastructure and automotive. U.S. Steel expects the investment will strengthen its Flat-Rolled segment’s position to cater to the growing U.S. and Mexican markets.

The Zacks Rank #1 company has an expected earnings growth rate of more than 100% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 26.9% over the last 30 days. The stock price has jumped 49.5% year to date.

Crane Co. CR manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally.

The company is poised to benefit from its diverse portfolio and efficient management team. It has exposure in many end markets like non-residential construction, aerospace, electronics, automated payment solutions, chemical, power and various general industries.

The Zacks Rank #2 company has an expected earnings growth rate of 59.6% for the current year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current-year earnings has improved 6.4% over the last 7 days. The stock price has advanced 24.2% year to date.

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United States Steel Corporation (X) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Nucor Corporation (NUE) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Terex Corporation (TEX) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Crane Co. (CR) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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Zacks Investment Research

For those looking to find strong Basic Materials stocks, it is prudent to search for companies in the group that are outperforming their peers. Is Rio Tinto (RIO) one of those stocks right now? By taking a look at the stock's year-to-date performance in comparison to its Basic Materials peers, we might be able to answer that question.

Rio Tinto is one of 251 companies in the Basic Materials group. The Basic Materials group currently sits at #8 within the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors.

The Zacks Rank is a successful stock-picking model that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions. The system highlights a number of different stocks that could be poised to outperform the broader market over the next one to three months. RIO is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #1 (Strong Buy).

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RIO's full-year earnings has moved 18.87% higher within the past quarter. This shows that analyst sentiment has improved and the company's earnings outlook is stronger.

Our latest available data shows that RIO has returned about 16.06% since the start of the calendar year. Meanwhile, the Basic Materials sector has returned an average of 14.92% on a year-to-date basis. This means that Rio Tinto is outperforming the sector as a whole this year.

Looking more specifically, RIO belongs to the Mining – Miscellaneous industry, which includes 47 individual stocks and currently sits at #197 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 18.49% so far this year, so RIO is slightly underperforming its industry this group in terms of year-to-date returns.

Investors in the Basic Materials sector will want to keep a close eye on RIO as it attempts to continue its solid performance.

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For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.

Featuring daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, full access to the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens, the research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor.

It also includes access to the Zacks Style Scores.

What are the Zacks Style Scores?

The Zacks Style Scores, developed alongside the Zacks Rank, are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing methodologies; they also help investors pick stocks with the best chances of beating the market over the next 30 days.

Each stock is assigned a rating of A, B, C, D, or F based on their value, growth, and momentum characteristics. Just like in school, an A is better than a B, a B is better than a C, and so on — that means the better the score, the better chance the stock will outperform.

The Style Scores are broken down into four categories:

Value Score

Finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under their true value, are what value investors like to focus on. So, the Value Style Score takes into account ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, Price/Cash Flow, and a host of other multiples to highlight the most attractive and discounted stocks.

Growth Score

Growth investors are more concerned with a stock's future prospects, and the overall financial health and strength of a company. Thus, the Growth Style Score analyzes characteristics like projected and historic earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will see sustainable growth over time.

Momentum Score

Momentum trading is all about taking advantage of upward or downward trends in a stock's price or earnings outlook, and these investors live by the saying "the trend is your friend." The Momentum Style Score can pinpoint good times to build a position in a stock, using factors like one-week price change and the monthly percentage change in earnings estimates.

VGM Score

If you want a combination of all three Style Scores, then the VGM Score will be your friend. It rates each stock on their combined weighted styles, helping you find the companies with the most attractive value, best growth forecast, and most promising momentum. It's also one of the best indicators to use with the Zacks Rank.

How Style Scores Work with the Zacks Rank

The Zacks Rank is a proprietary stock-rating model that harnesses the power of earnings estimate revisions, or changes to a company's earnings expectations, to help investors build a successful portfolio.

It's highly successful, with #1 (Strong Buy) stocks producing an unmatched +25.41% average annual return since 1988. That's more than double the S&P 500. But because of the large number of stocks we rate, there are over 200 companies with a Strong Buy rank, plus another 600 with a #2 (Buy) rank, on any given day.

This totals more than 800 top-rated stocks, and it can be overwhelming to try and pick the best stocks for you and your portfolio.

That's where the Style Scores come in.

To maximize your returns, you want to buy stocks with the highest probability of success. This means picking stocks with a Zacks Rank #1 or #2 that also have Style Scores of A or B. If you find yourself looking at stocks with a #3 (Hold) rank, make sure they have Scores of A or B as well to ensure as much upside potential as possible.

The direction of a stock's earnings estimate revisions should always be a key factor when choosing which stocks to buy, since the Scores were created to work together with the Zacks Rank.

For instance, a stock with a #4 (Sell) or #5 (Strong Sell) rating, even one that boasts Scores of A and B, still has a downward-trending earnings forecast, and a much greater likelihood its share price will decline as well.

Thus, the more stocks you own with a #1 or #2 Rank and Scores of A or B, the better.

Stock to Watch: VALE S.A. (VALE)

Brazil-based Vale S.A. is one of the world’s largest mining companies with a market capitalization of $109 billion. It produces iron ore, iron ore pellets and nickel. It also produces manganese ore, ferroalloys, metallurgical and thermal coal, copper, platinum group metals (PGMs), gold, silver and cobalt.

VALE is a #1 (Strong Buy) on the Zacks Rank, with a VGM Score of A.

It also boasts a Value Style Score of B thanks to attractive valuation metrics like a forward P/E ratio of 3.58; value investors should take notice.

Two analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days for fiscal 2021. The Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.57 to $5.93 per share. VALE boasts an average earnings surprise of 14.3%.

With a solid Zacks Rank and top-tier Value and VGM Style Scores, VALE should be on investors' short list.

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Zacks Investment Research

Individual and institutional investors as well as advisors are invited to log-on to VirtualInvestorConferences.com to view presentations

NEW YORK, Aug. 3, 2021 /CNW/ – Virtual Investor Conferences, the leading proprietary investor conference series today announced that the presentations from the July Green Energy & Precious Metals lnvestor Conference are now available for on-demand viewing.

REGISTER OR LOGIN NOW TO VIEW THE PRESENTATIONS: https://bit.ly/37cWBqt

The company presentations will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors, advisors and analysts may download shareholder materials from the "virtual trade booth" for the next three weeks.

Participating Companies:

To facilitate investor relations scheduling, for more information about the program and to view a complete calendar of Virtual Investor Conferences, please visit www.virtualinvestorconferences.com.

About Virtual Investor Conferences^®
Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly-traded companies to meet and present directly with investors.

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View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/August2021/03/c1698.html

U.S. steelmakers are posting great results and their stocks have rallied. But now is not the time to jump into this sector.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 3, 2021) – Lara Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: LRA) ("Lara"), is pleased to report the planned start of field work and receipt of the second option payment from Minsur S.A. ("Minsur") of US$200,000 as part of an Option and Royalty Agreement ("the Agreement") for the Lara Copper Project signed in July 2020.

The Lara Copper Project comprises of mineral rights covering a partly defined copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located in the Laramate Province of the Ayacucho Department, approximately 40km inland from the town of Palpa on the Pan American Highway. The Project is registered in the name of Minas Dixon S.A., which is in turn owned 55% Global Battery Metals Ltd. ("GBML"), and 45% by Lara.

Under the terms of the Agreement, GBML and Lara have granted Minsur an exclusive option to acquire a 100% interest in the Lara Copper Project by making staged cash payments of US$5.75 million to Minas Dixon S.A. on the satisfaction of various milestones, and with each of GBML and Lara retaining a 0.75% net smelter royalty. Payment milestones for the Agreement are summarized in the following table:

 

Minsur is expected to start fieldwork at the Lara project this month, including:

• Detailed relogging of 7,345 meters from 27 diamond drill holes

• Review of 2,504 meters from 23 RC drill holes (dependent on the state of the RC rock chips)

• Detailed geological mapping of 1,800 hectares

• Geophysics

Permitting is also underway for a drilling campaign that is targeted to commence in Q2-2022, once the permit has been approved.

About Lara Exploration

Lara is an exploration company following the Prospect and Royalty Generator business model, which aims to minimize shareholder dilution and financial risk by generating prospects and exploring them in joint ventures funded by partners, retaining a minority interest and or a royalty. The Company currently holds a diverse portfolio of prospects, deposits and royalties in Brazil and Peru. Lara's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LRA".

Michael Bennell, Lara's Vice President Exploration and a Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects and has approved the technical disclosure and verified the technical information in this news release.

For further information on Lara Exploration Ltd. please consult our website www.laraexploration.com, or contact Chris MacIntyre, VP Corporate Development, at +1 416 703 0010.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

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To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91949

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – August 3, 2021) – Thesis Gold Inc. (TSXV: TAU) ("Thesis" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the Government of British Columbia has granted a five-year Work Permit (Mines Act Permit) for exploration and drilling on its flagship Ranch Gold-Silver Project (the "Property"), located in the Golden Horseshoe of north-central British Columbia, Canada.

As a result, the Company immediately commenced its fully funded and comprehensive exploration and drill program at the property. The program consists of a 20,000 metre (m) drill program, extensive surface geochemical sampling, bedrock and alteration mapping, airborne VTEM and ground-based magnetics and induced polarization (IP) geophysics, designed to target near-surface high-grade gold and silver mineralization in addition to deeper porphyry targets (Figure 1). The 178km² Property is largely unexplored and the geological setting coupled with historical evidence of high-grade mineralization represents a significant opportunity for major discovery.

Ewan Webster, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "The granting of this work permit is a huge milestone for the Company and our collaboration with our First Nation Partners. The drills have now started turning on the project and we will be testing the known zones of mineralization, but more importantly a number of new targets that have never been drilled and have the potential for significant new gold discoveries. The planned work represents a significant and extensive regional exploration program and we look forward to communicating our progress to the market over the coming months."

Exploration program highlights:

• 20,000 metres of diamond drilling

  • Confirmation, expansion, and discovery drilling of untested regional epithermal and porphyry targets;

• Detailed ground magnetic surveys to expand strike lengths of known mineralized northwest and northeast-trending structural corridors

  • 165 line-kilometres planned in two survey areas at 100 metre spacing;

• High resolution ground IP geophysics to delineate subsurface resistivity and chargeability anomalies associated with mineralization

  • 11 km² planned over two survey areas;

• Airborne VTEM geophysical and radiometric survey covering the unexplored northern portion of the Property

  • ~51km² of airborne VTEM planned to complete property-wide coverage;

• Bedrock and alteration mapping is planned to contextualize historical mineralization and generate new targets in prospective areas, and;

• Sizeable soil and rock grab sampling programs are planned to generate new target areas

  • >6,000 soil samples planned

  • ~1,000 rock grab samples anticipated.

Figure 1: 2021 Ranch Property planned exploration work areas

To view an enhanced version of Figure 1, please visit:
https://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/2191/91832_c49d46e074d83a86_001full.jpg

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Michael Dufresne, M.Sc, P.Geol., P.Geo., a qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

On behalf of the Board of Directors
Thesis Gold Inc.

"Ewan Webster"

Ewan Webster Ph.D., P.Geo.
President, CEO and Director

For further information or investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Dave Burwell
Vice President
The Howard Group Inc.
Email: dave@howardgroupinc.com
Tel: 403-410-7907
Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915

Nick Stajduhar
Director
Thesis Gold
Telephone: 780-701-3216
Email: nicks@thesisgold.com

About Thesis Gold Inc.

Thesis Gold is a mineral exploration company focused on proving and developing the resource potential of the 17,832-hectare Ranch Gold Project located in the "Golden Horseshoe" area of northern British Columbia, approximately 300 km north of Smithers, B.C. For further details about the Ranch Gold Project, please refer to the Company's current geological Technical Report dated September 18, 2020 available under the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

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 press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the use of proceeds from the Company's recently completed financings, and the future plans or prospects of the Company. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market and economic risks, uncertainties and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information 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 information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/91832