TORONTO, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Board of Directors of Forsys Metals Corp. (TSX: FSY) (FSE: F2T) (NSX: FSY) (“Forsys” or the “Company”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Willem Kotzé as the Project Manager for the Company’s Norasa Project located in Namibia, Africa.

Mr. Kotzé is a Professional Geoscientist with over 48 years of industry experience, mainly in Southern Africa. Mr. Kotzé initially worked for mainstream mining houses (GENCOR, Gold Fields, SOEKOR) but lately as a Geosciences Consultant. He has extensive exploration as well as mining experience in various commodities including uranium, base metals, gold and industrial minerals and cement materials. His experience will be invaluable as the Company proceeds with the development of the Norasa Project in Namibia.

Mr. Kotzé graduated with a B.Sc Honours in Geology from the University of Stellenbosch in 1973, a B.Sc. Honours in Computer Science and Information Systems from the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 1985, a Graduate Diploma in Engineering (GDE) from the University of Witwatersrand in 2002 and a M.Eng (Mineral Resources) from the University of Witwatersrand in 2004. Mr. Kotzé is registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), the Geosciences Council of Namibia and is a member of the Geological Society of Namibia, the Geostatistical Association of South Africa and Geological Society of Africa.

“The appointment of Willem reinforces our commitment to the development of the Norasa Project and strengthens our Namibian team with a highly respected and very experienced geologist and project manager. We welcome him to our team,” said Mark Frewin, CEO.

About Forsys Metals Corp.
Forsys Metals Corp. is a uranium focused development company with 100% ownership of the Norasa project that comprises the Valencia and Namibplaas uranium projects in Namibia, Africa, a politically stable and mining friendly jurisdiction. Information regarding current National Instrument 43‐101 compliant Resource and Reserves at Valencia and Namibplaas are available on the Company website forsysmetals.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of Forsys Metals Corp. Richard Parkhouse, Director, Investor Relations.

For additional information please contact:
R ichard Parkhouse, Director, Investor Relations
email: rparkhouse@forsysmetals.com email: info@forsysmetals.com
Phone: +44 (0) 7730 493432

Albertsons Companies, Inc. ACI was up 3.3% during the trading session on Oct 18 owing to robust second-quarter fiscal 2021 results. The company’s top- and bottom-line metrics reflected year-over-year growth as well as surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate.

Results benefited from strong identical sales as well as digital revenues. Management highlighted that favorable consumer backdrop along with the company’s focus on providing efficient in-store services, strong digital and omni-channel capabilities as well as efforts to boost productivity favored growth in identical sales. The company saw strong traffic trends across stores as vaccinations have propelled consumers to comfortably spend more time outdoors. The company’s transformation strategy is also on track.

Backed by the strong performance and overall business strength, management announced a hike in its quarterly dividend. The company also provided an update on its fiscal 2021 view.

Shares of this Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company have surged 42.8% in the past three months against the industry’s decline of 8.4%.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

Results in Detail

Adjusted earnings came in at 64 cents per share rising from 60 cents in the prior-year quarter. The bottom line also surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 45 cents.

Albertsons’ net sales and other revenues during the second quarter came in at $16,505.7 million, increasing 4.7% year over year. The top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $16,088 million. The upside was driven by a 1.5% rise in the company’s identical sales as well as higher fuel sales. On a two-year stacked basis, the company’s identical sales were up 15.3%. Digital sales were up 5% year on year, while the same surged 248% on a two-year stacked basis.

Gross profit amounted to $4,717 million, up 3.1% year on year. Gross profit margin contracted 40 basis points (bps) to 28.6%. Excluding fuel, gross profit margin was flat year on year due to increased product, supply chain and advertising costs, offset by gains from productivity initiatives, favorable product mix and improved pharmacy margins stemming from administering COVID-19 vaccines.

Selling and administrative expenses were up nearly 5% year on year to reach $4,231.3 million. As a percentage of sales, selling and administrative expenses remained flat year on year at 25.6%. Excluding the impact of fuel, selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, rose 55 bps. Rise in selling and administrative expenses was caused by employee costs, depreciation and expenses related to strategic growth investments. Employee costs were mainly driven by higher labor expenses due to reopening of fresh departments, market-driven wage rate increases and higher equity-based compensation expenses.

Adjusted EBITDA increased 1.8% to $965.4 million. The upside was backed by higher sales and improved sales, partly offset by rise in selling and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA accounted for 5.8% of sales, down from 6% in the prior-year quarter.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise

Albertsons Companies, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Albertsons Companies, Inc. Quote

Other Financial Details

Albertsons ended the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $2,849.8 million, as of Sep 11, 2021. Long-term debt and finance lease obligations amounted to $8,129.1 million, while total shareholders’ equity amounted to $1,959.9 million.

For the 28-week period ended Sep 11, net cash from operating activities was $2,137.7 million. Capital expenditures during this period were nearly $822.5 million, including investments toward digital and technological growth endeavors as well as the opening of six new stores and remodeling of 76 stores. Management continues to expect capital expenditures for fiscal 2021 between $1.9 billion and $2 billion.

During the second quarter, the company paid out its quarterly dividend of 10 cents per share on Aug 10, 2021 to shareholders on record as on Jul 26.

In a separate release, the company announced a 20% hike in its quarterly dividend to reach 12 cents per share. The raised dividend is payable on Nov 12, 2021, to shareholders on record as on Oct 29, 2021. Management highlighted that the company was able to raise the dividend mainly due to balanced capital allocation efforts and overall strength in the business.

Guidance

For fiscal 2021, management expects identical sales to decline in the range of 2.5-3.5%. Previously, the company had anticipated sales to decline in the bracket of 5-6%. On a two-year stacked basis, identical sales are expected to rise 13.4-14.4% compared with growth of 10.9-11.9% anticipated earlier.

Adjusted earnings are anticipated in the range of $2.50-$2.60 per share compared with the earlier view of $2.20-$2.30. In the prior year, the company reported adjusted earnings of $3.24. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings is currently pegged at $2.34 for fiscal 2021.

The company expects adjusted EBITDA in the range of $3.95-$4.05 billion compared with the prior view of $3.7-$3.8 billion.

Check These Solid Consumer Staples Stocks

J & J Snack Foods Corp. JJSF, flaunting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), delivered an earnings surprise of 200.4% in the last four quarters, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

United Natural Foods, Inc. UNFI has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 13.1%, on average. It sports a Zacks Rank #1.

General Mills, Inc. GIS, with a Zacks Rank #2, has a long-term earnings growth rate of 7.5%.

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Zacks Investment Research

Enthusiasm from individual traders is reshaping the market for nuclear fuel that generates a tenth of the world’s electricity and sending uranium-linked stocks higher.

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 19, 2021) – ALX Resources Corp. (TSXV: AL) (FSE: 6LLN) (OTC: ALXEF) ("ALX" or the "Company") announced today that the Company has both staked and purchased additional claims at its 100% owned Lazy Edward Bay Uranium Project ("Lazy Edward Bay"), and has negotiated a three-year extension of time with an underlying vendor for two claims within its 100%-owned Newnham Lake Uranium Project ("Newnham Lake"). Each of the projects are located in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan.

Lazy Edward Bay Acquisitions

ALX has executed a purchase agreement (the "Purchase") with Eagle Plains Resources Ltd. ("Eagle Plains") for a 100% interest in nine (9) claims totaling 2,409.75 hectares (5,954.5 acres) as a complement to the Company's existing land package at Lazy Edward Bay. The combination of the Purchase with six (6) additional claims staked by ALX in mid-September 2021 will bring the total area of Lazy Edward Bay to 10,984.33 hectares (27,142.28 acres). As consideration for the Purchase, Eagle Plains has agreed to receive 600,000 common shares of ALX and will retain a 2.0% net smelter returns royalty ("NSR"), of which ALX has the right to purchase 1.0% (one-half) of the NSR for $1.0 million.

Newnham Lake Option Agreement Extension

ALX has negotiated a three-year extension of time (the "Extension") with an underlying arms-length vendor for two claims totaling 1,518.6 hectares (the "Claims") within Newnham Lake. Under the terms of an option agreement dated August 21, 2014, and a previous extension agreement dated August 19, 2019, ALX was obligated to spend $1.5 million in exploration expenditures on the Claims by August 28, 2022. All other monetary terms of the option agreement (cash and shares payable to the vendor) have been satisfied by ALX. In consideration for a three-year extension to August 28, 2025 for ALX to complete the exploration expenditures, ALX has agreed to issue 300,000 common shares of the Company to the vendor.

Closing of the Purchase and the Extension are each subject to the acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

For maps and photos of Lazy Edward Bay and Newnham Lake, please visit our website at: www.alxresources.com

About ALX

ALX is based in Vancouver, BC, Canada and its common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "AL," on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "6LLN" and in the United States OTC market under the symbol "ALXEF."

ALX's mandate is to provide shareholders with multiple opportunities for discovery by exploring a portfolio of prospective mineral properties, which include uranium, nickel-copper-cobalt and gold projects. The Company uses the latest exploration technologies and holds interests in over 250,000 hectares of prospective lands in Saskatchewan, a stable Canadian jurisdiction that hosts the highest-grade uranium mines in the world, a producing gold mine, and production from base metals mines, both current and historical.

ALX holds interests in a number of uranium exploration properties in northern Saskatchewan, including a 20% interest in the Hook-Carter Uranium Project, located within the uranium-rich Patterson Lake Corridor with Denison Mines Corp. (80% interest) operating exploration since 2016, a 40% interest in the Black Lake Uranium Project (a joint venture with UEX Corporation and Orano Canada Inc.), and 100% interests in the Gibbons Creek Uranium Project, the Sabre Uranium Project and the Javelin and McKenzie Lake Uranium Projects.

ALX also owns 100% interests in the Firebird Nickel Project (now under option to Rio Tinto Exploration Canada Inc., who can earn up to an 80% interest), the Flying Vee Nickel/Gold and Sceptre Gold projects, and can earn up to an 80% interest in the Alligator Lake Gold Project, all located in northern Saskatchewan, Canada. ALX owns, or can earn, up to 100% interests in the Electra Nickel Project and the Cannon Copper Project located in historic mining districts of Ontario, Canada, the Vixen Gold Project (now under option to First Mining Gold Corp., who can earn up to a 100% interest in two stages), and in the Draco VMS Project in Norway.

For more information about the Company, please visit the ALX corporate website at www.alxresources.com or contact Roger Leschuk, Manager, Corporate Communications at: PH: 604.629.0293 or Toll-Free: 866.629.8368, or by email: rleschuk@alxresources.com

On Behalf of the Board of Directors of ALX Resources Corp.

"Warren Stanyer"

Warren Stanyer, CEO and Chairman

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Statements in this document which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Forward-looking statements in this news release include: the Company's exploration projects are prospective for uranium and other minerals. It is important to note that the Company's actual business outcomes and exploration results could differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. Risks and uncertainties include that ALX may not be able to fully finance exploration at its exploration projects, including drilling; initial findings at its projects may prove to be unworthy of further expenditure; commodity prices may not support exploration expenditures at its projects; and economic, competitive, governmental, societal, public health, environmental and technological factors may affect the Company's operations, markets, products and share price. Even if we explore and develop our mineral exploration projects, and even if uranium or other metals or minerals are discovered in quantity, the projects may not prove to be commercially viable. Additional risk factors are discussed in the Company's Management Discussion and Analysis for the Six Months Ended June 30, 2021, which is available under the Company's SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Except as required by law, we will not update these forward-looking statement risk factors.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/100216

(Rewrites with background on deal)

Oct 20 (Reuters) – BHP Group on Wednesday topped a takeover offer for Canadian nickel miner Noront Resources by billionaire Andrew Forrest's Wyloo Metals earlier this week, as the two miners vie for the key battery metal used in electric vehicles (EVs).

The months-long takeover battle highlights the efforts miners are taking to secure supply of key battery metals ahead of an expected EV boom as the world looks to cut emissions.

BHP increased its offer to C$419.3 million ($339.10 million), or C$0.75 per share, bettering the C$0.70 per-share proposal from Wyloo that Noront backed on Monday and giving shareholders of the Canadian firm 22 days to accept.

At stake in the scramble for Noront is the Eagle's Nest nickel asset in Canada's so-called Ring of Fire, a high-grade deposit of the metal, as well as copper and palladium.

Wyloo, Noront's top shareholder, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

BHP, the world's biggest miner, said while it had Noront's backing for its improved offer, it did not require it and only needed 50% of shares to vote in favour.

Noront also did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

Wyloo had lifted its offer from C$0.315 per share to top a C$0.55 proposal made by BHP in July.

($1 = 1.2365 Canadian dollars) (Reporting by Nikhil Kurian Nainan and Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Soni and Subhranshu Sahu)

Gainers

• HCW Biologics Inc. (NASDAQ: HCWB) surged 31% to $3.75.

• Kaival Brands Innovations Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: KAVL) jumped 28.9% to $2.0750 after surging 18% on Monday. Kaival Brands Innovations recently announced plans to launch distribution of its products in the U.K.

• Full Truck Alliance Co. Ltd. (NYSE: YMM) rose 15% to $16.54.

• iQIYI, Inc. (NASDAQ: IQ) shares gained 13.5% to $9.65.

• InflaRx N.V. (NASDAQ: IFRX) shares climbed 13.2% to $2.7387 after the company announced it was awarded an up to roughly $50.7 million grant by the German government to advance the development of vilobelimab for the treatment of severe COVID-19.

• Harmony Biosciences Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HRMY) gained 12.8% to $42.89 after it was announced the company will replace Retail Properties of America in the S&P SmallCap 600.

• Ginkgo Bioworks Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DNA) surged 12.2% to $13.83.

• AlloVir, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALVR) jumped 11.6% to $23.30.

• Socket Mobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: SCKT) rose 11.3% to $8.30.

• Prelude Therapeutics Incorporated (NASDAQ: PRLD) climbed 11.2% to $17.48.

• ViewRay, Inc. (NASDAQ: VRAY) gained 11% to $6.62.

• X Financial (NYSE: XYF) surged 10.5% to $4.9650.

• Skylight Health Group Inc. (NASDAQ: SLHG) gained 10.5% to $3.4046.

• Youdao, Inc. (NYSE: DAO) gained 9.6% to $13.14.

• Athene Holding Ltd. (NYSE: ATH) jumped 9.5% to $84.09.

• Zix Corporation (NASDAQ: ZIXI) rose 6% to $8.12 after Reuters reported that the company is exploring a sale.

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Losers

• Galera Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRTX) shares dipped 68.1% to $2.3592 in reaction to disappointing data from the Phase 3 ROMAN trial of avasopasem manganese in severe oral mucositis (SOM) patients with locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing standard-of-care radiotherapy.

• Atea Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVIR) fell 62% to $15.451 after the company reported data from the Phase 2 MOONSONG trial of AT-527 in the outpatient setting in patients with mild or moderate COVID-19. The trial did not meet the primary endpoint of clear reduction in SARS-CoV-2 viral load in the overall population compared to placebo.

• Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) dipped 17% to $16.34. Peabody recently said it sees preliminary Q3 sales of $670 million to $690 million.

• Windtree Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: WINT) fell 16% to $1.89.

• EverQuote, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVER) dropped 16% to $14.56 after the company cut third-quarter sales guidance below estimates.

• Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE) declined 13.4% to $14.62.

• Communications Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: JCS) dropped 12.7% to $4.4650.

• Zymergen Inc. (NASDAQ: ZY) fell 12.3% to $11.07.

• TaskUs, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASK) fell 12.3% to $63.95 after the company announced the launch of a secondary offering of 10 million shares of Class A common stock.

• CONSOL Energy Inc. (NYSE: CEIX) dipped 11.8% to $31.49.

• Remitly Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: RELY) fell 11% to $36.02.

• Oyster Point Pharma, Inc. (NASDAQ: OYST) fell 10.5% to $12.41. The FDA recently approved Oyster Point Pharma Tyrvaya (varenicline solution) Nasal Spray 0.03 mg for signs and symptoms of dry eye disease.

• Valneva SE (NASDAQ: VALN) shares fell 10.4% to $35.12. Valneva shares jumped around 40% on Monday after the company reported VLA2001 met both co-primary endpoints in the Phase 3 pivotal trial Cov-Compare.

• DLocal Limited (NASDAQ: DLO) dropped 10% to $54.53 after the company announced a proposed secondary offering and issued Q3 preliminary results.

• ESS Tech, Inc. (NYSE: GWH) fell 8.6% to $17.05.

• Aehr Test Systems (NASDAQ: AEHR) dropped 7.8% to $20.25.

• Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM) shares fell 5.7% to $31.86. Tata Motors recently raised $1 billion in investments from TPG Rise Climate and ADQ for its Passenger Electric Vehicle business. The company also reported a year-over-year increase in global wholesales.

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Gainers

• Valneva SE (NASDAQ: VALN) shares surged 39.8% to close at $39.21 on Monday after the company reported VLA2001 met both co-primary endpoints in the Phase 3 pivotal trial Cov-Compare.

• Progenity, Inc. (NASDAQ: PROG) rose 39.7% to close at $2.99. Benzinga recently highlighted stock as a top 5 short squeeze candidate.

• MeiraGTx Holdings plc (NASDAQ: MGTX) jumped 30% to close at $18.56.

• Evolving Systems, Inc (NASDAQ: EVOL) jumped 24.1% to settle at $2.78 after the company announced it will sell its activation and marketing businesses to PartnerOne Capital for $40 million.

• Peabody Energy Corporation (NYSE: BTU) jumped 23.2% to settle at $19.66. Peabody said it sees preliminary Q3 sales of $670 million to $690 million.

• Versus Systems Inc. (NASDAQ: VS) gained 21.2% to close at $4.00 after the company earlier announced it has surpassed 10 million viewers across all platforms since Jul. 1.

• EuroDry Ltd. (NASDAQ: EDRY) jumped 20.1% to settle at $30.50.

• Aerovate Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AVTE) shares gained 19.5% to close at $16.89 after declining around 19% on Friday.

• Independence Contract Drilling, Inc. (NYSE: ICD) rose 19.5% to close at $5.45.

• FuelCell Energy, Inc. (NASDAQ: FCEL) shares climbed 18.3% to settle at $8.74.

• Macy's, Inc. (NYSE: M) climbed 17.5% to close at $28.25. Jana Partners LLC, an activist investment firm founded by hedge fund executive Barry Rosenstein, has taken a stake in Macy’s and has called on the company’s leadership to spin off its e-commerce operations.

• Agile Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: AGRX) climbed 16.7% to close at $0.8871. The company said Executive Edelman Joseph bought 8.42 million shares at average price of $0.58.

• Horizon Global Corporation (NYSE: HZN) gained 16.5% to settle at $8.34.

• Huadi International Group Co., Ltd. (NASDAQ: HUDI) surged 16.3% to close at $8.49.

• Lightbridge Corporation (NASDAQ: LTBR) gained 15.1% to settle at $7.23.

• Lightbridge recently received notice of acceptance for key patent in Australia.

• TORM plc (NASDAQ: TRMD) rose 14.4% to close at $9.22.

• LM Funding America, Inc. (NASDAQ: LMFA) climbed 13.5% to settle at $5.39. LM Funding priced 6,315,780 unit offering at $4.75 per unit.

• Amplitude, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMPL) gained 13.4% to close at $63.52.

• Xiaobai Maimai Inc. (NASDAQ: HX) surged 13.1% to settle at $6.67.

• BTCS Inc. (NASDAQ: BTCS) gained 13% to close at $6.68.

• TaskUs, Inc. (NASDAQ: TASK) shares jumped 12.6% to settle at $72.92. TaskUs, after the closing bell, announced the launch of a secondary offering of 10 million shares of Class A common stock.

• Greenpro Capital Corp. (NASDAQ: GRNQ) gained 11.8% to close at $0.9994 after jumping around 19% on Friday.

• DoubleVerify Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: DV) rose 11.3% to close at $35.36. Barclays maintained DoubleVerify with an Equal-Weight and lowered the price target from $42 to $37.

• Ardmore Shipping Corporation (NYSE: ASC) rose 10.6% to settle at $4.29.

• InMed Pharmaceuticals Inc. (NASDAQ: INM) shares gained 9.3% to close at $1.53. InMed Pharmaceuticals recently announced completion of BayMedica acquisition.

• MoneyLion Inc. (NYSE: ML) climbed 9.3% to settle at $6.56.

• Riot Blockchain, Inc. (NASDAQ: RIOT) rose 7% to close at $29.80 amid a weekend increase in the price of Bitcoin.

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Losers

• Revance Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: RVNC) shares tumbled 39.2% to close at $13.81 on Monday. The FDA issued a Complete Response Letter (CRL) regarding Revance Therapeutics’ marketing application for DaxibotulinumtoxinA for Injection for moderate to severe glabellar (frown) lines.

• Omeros Corporation (NASDAQ: OMER) fell 26.7% to close at $5.67 after the company announced it received a Complete Response Letter from the FDA for the Biologics License Application for narsoplimab in the treatment of HSCT-TMA.

• Nxt-ID, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTD) fell 20.9% to close at $3.13.

• Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ: JSPR) dipped 18.7% to settle at $13.35 as the stock pulled back following last week's strength.

• MannKind Corporation (NASDAQ: MNKD) fell 18.3% to close at $4.16 after the company announced the FDA issued a complete response to United Therapeutics regarding the New Drug Application for Tyvaso DPI.

• NextPlay Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: NXTP) dipped 16.9% to settle at $2.61.

• NextPlay Technologies’ co-CEO purchased 1.99 million shares at average price of $2 per share.

• Guardforce AI Co., Limited (NASDAQ: GFAI) dropped 16.4% to close at $2.90.

• Kala Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: KALA) fell 16.3% to close at $1.85.

• Phathom Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: PHAT) fell 16.2% to close at $27.26. Phathom Pharmaceuticals announced data from the PHALCON-EE Phase 3 trial evaluating vonoprazan versus lansoprazole for erosive esophagitis (EE).

• Cullinan Oncology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CGEM) fell 15.5% to close at $21.12. Cullinan Oncology named Nadim Ahmed as Chief Executive Officer.

• Avadel Pharmaceuticals plc (NASDAQ: AVDL) dipped 15.4% to settle at $8.45. Avadel Pharmaceuticals reported ongoing FDA review of NDA for FT218 for patients with narcolepsy.

• Latch, Inc. (NASDAQ: LTCH) declined 14.7% to close at $9.31. Goldman Sachs downgraded Latch from Buy to Neutral and lowered the price target from $16 to $10.

• NACCO Industries, Inc. (NYSE: NC) fell 14.2% to settle at $32.99.

• Renovacor, Inc. (NYSE: RCOR) dropped 13.9% to close at $6.99.

• Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: IONS) fell 13.8% to close at $30.25. Ionis Pharmaceuticals recently highlighted topline results from its tofersen Phase 3 study and its open label extension in SOD1-ALS at the American Neurological Association Meeting.

• Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE: ENZ) dipped 12.4% to settle at $3.31. Enzo Biochem recently reported fourth-quarter FY21 revenue growth of 27% year-on-year to $24.8 million.

• Zillow Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: Z) shares fell 9.5% to close at $86.00. After buying more than 3,800 homes in the second quarter, Zillow Group has announced that it will make no further purchases for the rest of the year, according to a report from Bloomberg.

• Salem Media Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SALM) fell 6.9% to settle at $3.25.

• Flywire Corporation (NASDAQ: FLYW) fell 6.7% to close at $48.37.

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For Immediate Release

Chicago, IL – October 19, 2021 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Range Resources Corporation RRC, Comstock Resources, Inc. CRK, EQT Corporation EQT, CNX Resources Corporation CNX and Cheniere Energy, Inc. LNG.

Here are highlights from Monday’s Analyst Blog:

Natural Gas: Price Falls but Fundamentals Remain Bullish

The U.S. Energy Department's weekly inventory release showed a lower-than-expected increase in natural gas supplies. Despite the positive inventory numbers, a bearish turn in weather forecasts sparked a pullback in the commodity. But relatively low stockpile levels and continued strong liquefied natural gas (“LNG”) feedgas deliveries suggest that the fuel’s prices will remain favorable in the short and medium terms. 

EIA Reports a Build Smaller Than Market Expectations

Stockpiles held in underground storage in the lower 48 states rose by 81 billion cubic feet (Bcf) for the week ended Oct 8 compared to the 89 Bcf addition guidance, per the analysts surveyed by S&P Global Platts. But the increase was above the five-year (2016-2020) average net build of 79 Bcf and last year’s addition of 50 Bcf for the same corresponding week.

The latest injection puts total natural gas stocks at 3,369 billion cubic feet (Bcf), which is 501 Bcf (12.9%) below the 2020 level at this time and 174 Bcf (4.9%) lower than the five-year average.

The total supply of natural gas averaged 97.8 Bcf per day, essentially unchanged on a weekly basis as higher dry production was offset by lower shipments from Canada.

Meanwhile, daily consumption rose 1.3% to 84.7 Bcf from 83.6 Bcf in the previous week, primarily due to stronger demand from the residential/commercial sector and increased LNG deliveries, partly canceled by a lower power burn.

Natural Gas Registers a Weekly Decline

Natural gas prices trended downward last week despite the lower-than-expected inventory build. Futures for November delivery ended Friday at $5.41 on the New York Mercantile Exchange, falling 2.8% from the previous week’s closing. The decrease in natural gas realization is the result of a mild weather outlook and the subsequent lull in heating/cooling demand.

Wrap-Up

As is the norm with natural gas, changes in temperature and weather forecasts can lead to price swings. The latest models are anticipating moderate temperature-driven consumption, after which prices have gone down. Nevertheless, the commodity’s medium-term outlook continues to be favorable.

For starters, the low stockpile levels — well below normal for this time of the year — have been supporting the price of the energy commodity with the apprehension that the market might enter the winter withdrawal season with a supply shortage.

Secondly, LNG shipments for export from the United States have been robust for months on the back of environmental reasons and record higher prices of the super-chilled fuel elsewhere. Most analysts believe that deliveries appear poised for further gains this year on surging consumption in Europe and Asia, especially as we head into winter. The circumstances are particularly dire in Europe where gas supply is running low with the need for a steady refill from the United States ahead of the heating season.

Consequently, the scenario for the primary U.S. power plant fuel is expected to be healthy. In fact, natural gas recently topped $6 MMBtu for the first time since 2014 and reached a 13-year high settlement of $6.312 earlier this month. As a matter of fact, prices have more than doubled year to date and a staggering 270% from the 25-year lows in June 2020.

Final Words

Overall, given natural gas’ fundamental set-up, prices might ease occasionally but should generally stay strong. The upward trend should aid gas-weighted producers Range Resources, Comstock Resources, EQT Corporation and CNX Resources, while LNG exporter Cheniere Energy is also primed for growth. SilverBow, Goodrich, Range and Comstock sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), while EQT, CNX and Cheniere carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Media Contact

Zacks Investment Research

800-767-3771 ext. 9339

support@zacks.com                                      

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Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.

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Here are four stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, October 19th:

Albertsons Companies, Inc. ACI: This company that engages in the operation of food and drug stores carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 3.1% over the last 60 days.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. Price and Consensus

Albertsons Companies, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Albertsons Companies, Inc. Quote

Albertsons Companies has a PEG ratio of 1.05 compared with 3.57 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.

Albertsons Companies, Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM)

Albertsons Companies, Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | Albertsons Companies, Inc. Quote

Jabil Inc. JBL: This company that provides manufacturing services and solution carries a Zacks Rank #1, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.4% over the last 60 days.

Jabil, Inc. Price and Consensus

Jabil, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Jabil, Inc. Quote

Jabil has a PEG ratio of 0.82, compared with 1.05 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.

Jabil, Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM)

Jabil, Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | Jabil, Inc. Quote

HP Inc. HPQ: This company that provides personal computing and other access devices, imaging and printing products, and related technologies, solutions, and services carries a Zacks Rank #1, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 6.9% over the last 60 days.

HP Inc. Price and Consensus

HP Inc. price-consensus-chart | HP Inc. Quote

HP has a PEG ratio of 0.93, compared with 2.04 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of B.

HP Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM)

HP Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | HP Inc. Quote

Lithia Motors, Inc. LAD: This automotive retailer carries a Zacks Rank #1, has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 5.2% over the last 60 days.

Lithia Motors, Inc. Price and Consensus

Lithia Motors, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Lithia Motors, Inc. Quote

Lithia Motors has a PEG ratio of 0.43, compared with 0.54 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score of A.

Lithia Motors, Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM)

Lithia Motors, Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | Lithia Motors, Inc. Quote

See the full list of top ranked stocks here.

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

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HP Inc. (HPQ) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Jabil, Inc. (JBL) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Lithia Motors, Inc. (LAD) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

• State Street Corp.’s STT shares rose 2.2% after the company reported fiscal third-quarter 2021 adjusted earnings per share of $2.00, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.92.

• Albertsons Companies Inc. ACI shares gained 3.3% after reporting second-quarter fiscal 2021 adjusted earnings per share of $0.64, outpacing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.45.

• Shares of CDW Corp. CDW surged 4.8% after the company decided to acquire Sirius Computer Solutions for $2.5 billion in cash.

• Shares of Facebook Inc. FB advanced 3.3% after the company announced its plan to hire 10,000 manpower in Europe to help build its much-hyped metaverse – an online world.

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State Street Corporation (STT) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
Facebook, Inc. (FB) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
CDW Corporation (CDW) : Free Stock Analysis Report
 
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Zacks Investment Research

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 19, 2021 /CNW/ – Trading resumes in:

Company: RANCHERO GOLD CORP. (formerly Melior Resources Inc.)

TSX-Venture Symbol: RNCH (formerly MLR)

Resumption (ET): 9:30 AM 10/20/2021

IIROC can make a decision to impose a temporary suspension (halt) of trading in a security of a publicly-listed company. Trading halts are implemented to ensure a fair and orderly market. IIROC is the national self-regulatory organization which oversees all investment dealers and trading activity on debt and equity marketplaces in Canada.

SOURCE Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada (IIROC) – Halts/Resumptions

View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/October2021/19/c5804.html

• A sample with 9,676 grams per tonne silver further confirms a high-grade silver zone

• Copper-molybdenum porphyry target mapped and sampled over a 400-metre trend

• Newly found gold bearing occurrences sampled over 200 metres

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 19, 2021) –  Mountain Boy Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: MTB) (OTCQB: MBYMF) (FSE: M9UA)  ("Mountain Boy" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from field work on its Theia project. These latest results extend previously known mineralized areas, some of which were discovered 30 years ago but passed over until Mountain Boy consolidated the property in 2020. The results also include some new discoveries, further confirming the highly prospective nature of this extensive and well-located project.

The 9,028-hectare (90 square kilometre) Theia property is located in the Golden Triangle of British Columbia, 15 km north of the historic Dolly Varden silver mine. There are logging roads within 10 km of the eastern boundary of the claims and the proposed Homestake Ridge Road is 12 km to the west.

Field work by Mountain Boy in 2021 on the western part of the project followed up on the high-grade silver occurrences that were identified in the 1990's. In 2020, the Mountain Boy geological team confirmed the historic occurrences and extended the mineralized trend to 500 metres (see News Release March 8^th, 2021). This year's program produced another confirmation grab sample in excess of a kilogram per tonne silver. The highlight was grab sample C0033201, that yielded 9,676 g/t silver, 1.59 g/t gold, 13.4% lead, 0.64% copper, 2.75% zinc.

A separate gold-bearing structure was mapped and sampled over an additional 200 metres and yielded three samples that returned 0.58, 0.33, and 0.14 grams per tonne gold, respectively, outlining the potential for a sizable gold-bearing system.

A new discovery was made on a nunatak (a rock exposure surrounded by glacier), also on the western part of the property, where several samples yielded multiple percent zinc values and anomalous silver. The mineralization is hosted within the Lower Hazelton volcanic rocks and characterized locally as breccia matrix or replacement style. Grab samples include:

– 3.24% lead and 27.47 g/t silver
– 3.03% zinc, 52.72 g/t silver, and 0.1% lead
– 1.63% zinc, 12.51 g/t silver, and 0.21% lead

(The reader is cautioned that grab samples are selective by nature and may not represent the true mineralization on the property).

On the eastern portion of the claims, the field crew investigated the molybdenum-copper porphyry showing that first attracted explorers to the area. Work by one of the majors in the 1960s identified the porphyry system, but little was done since then. Several samples were taken this year, including samples C0034086, C0034085, and C0034081 which assayed 0.24%, 0.20%, and 0.14% molybdenum respectively. These and other samples demonstrate molybdenum mineralization over a 400-metre trend. Recent work in conjunction with the earlier work suggests the potential for a sizable porphyry system.

Also in this area, the geological team confirmed gold values first identified in 1991. The gold occurs in the vicinity of the contact between an intrusive unit and the volcano-sedimentary host rocks, a favourable setting in the region. Float sample C0034101 yielded 2.59 grams per tonne gold and grab sample C0034102 yielded 0.83 grams per tonne gold, both taken this year. Further work is planned to evaluate the extent of this gold-bearing system.

The Theia project shares the southern claim boundary with Hecla's Kinskuch property, which according to Hecla's website (https://www.hecla-mining.com/kinskuch/) hosts potential for the discovery of epithermal silver-gold, gold-rich porphyry and volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Teuton Resources and Silver Grail's Konkin Silver property shares the northern claim boundary, where drilling was recently conducted (http://teuton.com/properties/konkin-silver-property).

Lawrence Roulston, President and CEO commented: "The geological team is doing an outstanding job, building on historic results and making new discoveries. In a region as fertile as the Golden Triangle, these results point to the potential for sizable mineral occurrences. While we remain focused on our more advanced projects, Theia is emerging as another important project for Mountain Boy."

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.

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.

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 metres long, highlighted by a recent 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 was consolidated by Mountain Boy in May 2021 and covers 23,600 hectares. Previous work shows that it has a similar geological setting to major gold and copper-gold deposits in the Golden Triangle and is now seeing the first comprehensive exploration program.

Results are pending from a geophysical program on Southmore and from recent drilling on BA and American Creek.

On behalf of the Board of Directors:

Lawrence Roulston
President & CEO

For further information, contact:

Fraser Ruth
Investor Relations
(416) 274-3195

Kirsti Mattson
Corporate Communications/Media Relations
(778) 434-2241

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/100141

Freeport-McMoRan Inc. FCX is set to release third-quarter 2021 results before the opening bell on Oct 21.

The mining giant’s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in two of the last four quarters, while missed once and were in-line on the other occasion. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 5.9%, on average. Freeport’s third-quarter results are likely to reflect the benefits of higher copper prices and cost-management actions.

The stock has rallied 118.9% in the past year compared with the industry’s 71.9% rise.

Image Source: Zacks Investment Research

What do the Estimates Indicate?

For the third quarter, Freeport expects sales volumes to be 1.035 billion pounds of copper, 360,000 ounces of gold and 21 million pounds of molybdenum.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Freeport’s third-quarter consolidated revenues is currently pegged at $6,208 million, which suggests a year-over-year rise of 61.2%.

The Zacks Consensus Estimate for third-quarter consolidated net cash costs per pound of copper is currently pegged at $1.30, which calls for 1.5% fall on a year-over-year basis. The same for average realized price for copper stands at $4.22 per pound, reflecting a 40.2% rise year over year.

The consensus mark for consolidated copper sales for the third quarter is pegged at 1,018 million pounds, which suggests a year-over-year rise of 20%.

A Few Factors to Watch

Freeport is expected to have benefited from year-over-year higher copper prices in the third quarter. Copper has bounced back after taking a beating in the earlier part of 2020 as the coronavirus pandemic ravaged the global economy. The widely-used industrial metal has witnessed a rally after plunging to multi-year lows in March 2020. The rebound has been backed by expectations of an economic recovery, supply chain disruptions associated with the pandemic, a recovery in industrial activities and higher demand from top consumer China.

Higher year over year average realized prices are expected to have boosted Freeport’s margins in the September quarter. The company is also likely to have benefited from its continued focus on maintaining a low-cost position.

The ramp-up of underground mining at PT Freeport Indonesia and efforts to increase operating rates at Cerro Verde are also likely to have driven the company’s copper and gold sales volumes in the quarter to be reported.

FreeportMcMoRan Inc. Price and EPS Surprise

FreeportMcMoRan Inc. price-eps-surprise | FreeportMcMoRan Inc. Quote

Zacks Model

Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Freeport this season. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. But that’s not the case here.

Earnings ESP: Earnings ESP for Freeport is -1.23%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings for the third quarter is currently pegged at 80 cents. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.

Zacks Rank: Freeport currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.

Stocks That Warrant a Look

Here are some companies in the basic materials space you may want to consider as our model shows they have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:

Olin Corporation (OLN), scheduled to release earnings on Oct 21, has an Earnings ESP of +7.45% and carries a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

Nutrien Ltd. NTR, scheduled to release earnings on Nov 1, has an Earnings ESP of +0.77% and carries a Zacks Rank #1.

United States Steel Corporation X, scheduled to release earnings on Oct 28, has an Earnings ESP of +2.86% and carries a Zacks Rank #2.

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FreeportMcMoRan Inc. (FCX) : Free Stock Analysis Report

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

Olin Corporation (OLN) : Free Stock Analysis Report

Nutrien Ltd. (NTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report

To read this article on Zacks.com click here.

Zacks Investment Research

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 19, 2021) – Canterra Minerals Corporation (TSXV: CTM) (OTCQB: CTMCF) ("Canterra" or the "Company") announces that is has granted a total of 2,867,500 options under the Company's Incentive Stock Option Plan to various employees, executives, directors and advisors of the Company,. All of the options are subject to vesting provisions. The options will be granted for a period of five (5) years, commencing on October 18, 2021, exercisable at a price of $0.31 per share.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF CANTERRA MINERALS CORPORATION

Chris Pennimpede
President & CEO

Additional information about the Company is available at www.canterraminerals.com
For further information, please contact: +1 (604) 687-6644
Email: info@canterraminerals.com

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

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information
This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Consequently, there can be no assurances that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include risks associated possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects.; the business and operations of the Company; unprecedented market and economic risks associated with current unprecedented market and economic circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as those risks and uncertainties identified and reported in the Company's public filings under its respective SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, the Company disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/100261

VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 19, 2021 / The Power Play by The Market Herald has announced the release of new interviews with SoLVBL Solutions, Xebra Brands Ltd., Prophecy DeFi, and Max Resource discussing their latest press releases.

The Power Play by The Market Herald provides investors with a quick snapshot of what they need to know about the company's latest press release through exclusive insights and interviews with company executives.

SoLVBL Solutions (CSE:SOLV) granted U.S. patent for Q by SoLVBL

SoLVBL Solutions has received a U.S. patent for its cryptographic product, Q by SoLVBL^TM. Raymond Pomroy, CEO of SoLVBL sat down with Caroline Egan to discuss the implications of this critical patent.

For the full interview with Raymond Pomroy and to learn more about the patent, click here.

Xebra Brands (CSE:XBRA) commences trading on the CSE

Xebra Brands has announced that it received final approval to list its common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange. Board Chairman Robert Giustra spoke with Dave Jackson to discuss the CSE listing, the company's DTC and OTC applications, its upcoming FSE listing and the Mexican Supreme Court injunction vote.

For the full interview with Robert Giustra to read more about the listing, click here.

Prophecy DeFi (CSE:PDFI) subsidiary generates over $2.0M in returns in first 90 days of operation

Prophecy DeFi subsidiary Layer2 Blockchain has generated yield and capital gains of $2.0M over a 90-day period beginning on July 17th. John McMahon, CEO of Prophecy DeFi sat down with Caroline Egan to discuss Layer2's performance and the success of Prophecy DeFi.

For the full interview with John McMahon and to read more about the announcement, click here.

Max Resource (TSXV:MXR) reports standout copper assays

Max Resource has assayed 3.3 per cent copper over 15m at its Cesar Project in northeastern Colombia. Brett Matich, CEO of Max Resource spoke with Dave Jackson to discuss the significance of the results.

For the full interview with Max Resource Corp. and to learn more about their recent assay, click here.

Interviews for The Power Play by The Market Herald are released daily. To learn more about the companies featured in The Power Play or to explore our other interviews visit The Power Play by The Market Herald.

About The Market Herald

The Market Herald Canada is the leading source of authoritative breaking stock market news for self-directed investors. Our team of Canadian markets reporters, editors and technologists covers the entire listed company universe in Canada. We cover over 3,985 businesses, their people, their investors, and their customers. We write the stories that move the Canadian capital markets.

Contact Information:
The Market Herald
Brianna Anthony
brianna.anthony@themarketherald.ca
themarketherald.ca

SOURCE: The Market Herald

View source version on accesswire.com:
https://www.accesswire.com/668768/The-Power-Play-by-The-Market-Herald-Announces-Interviews-with-SoLVBL-Solutions-Xebra-Brands-Ltd-Prophecy-DeFi-and-Max-Resource-on-Latest-Company-News

A look at the shareholders of Endeavour Mining plc (TSE:EDV) can tell us which group is most powerful. Generally speaking, as a company grows, institutions will increase their ownership. Conversely, insiders often decrease their ownership over time. Warren Buffett said that he likes "a business with enduring competitive advantages that is run by able and owner-oriented people." So it's nice to see some insider ownership, because it may suggest that management is owner-oriented.

With a market capitalization of CA$7.9b, Endeavour Mining is rather large. We'd expect to see institutional investors on the register. Companies of this size are usually well known to retail investors, too. In the chart below, we can see that institutions own shares in the company. We can zoom in on the different ownership groups, to learn more about Endeavour Mining.

Check out our latest analysis for Endeavour Mining

What Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Endeavour Mining?

Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.

Endeavour Mining already has institutions on the share registry. Indeed, they own a respectable stake in the company. This can indicate that the company has a certain degree of credibility in the investment community. However, it is best to be wary of relying on the supposed validation that comes with institutional investors. They too, get it wrong sometimes. When multiple institutions own a stock, there's always a risk that they are in a 'crowded trade'. When such a trade goes wrong, multiple parties may compete to sell stock fast. This risk is higher in a company without a history of growth. You can see Endeavour Mining's historic earnings and revenue below, but keep in mind there's always more to the story.

We note that hedge funds don't have a meaningful investment in Endeavour Mining. Looking at our data, we can see that the largest shareholder is La Mancha Holding S.à R.L. with 19% of shares outstanding. With 13% and 10% of the shares outstanding respectively, BlackRock, Inc. and Van Eck Associates Corporation are the second and third largest shareholders.

Our research also brought to light the fact that roughly 52% of the company is controlled by the top 5 shareholders suggesting that these owners wield significant influence on the business.

While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. There are a reasonable number of analysts covering the stock, so it might be useful to find out their aggregate view on the future.

Insider Ownership Of Endeavour Mining

The definition of an insider can differ slightly between different countries, but members of the board of directors always count. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.

I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.

Our most recent data indicates that insiders own some shares in Endeavour Mining plc. This is a big company, so it is good to see this level of alignment. Insiders own CA$547m worth of shares (at current prices). If you would like to explore the question of insider alignment, you can click here to see if insiders have been buying or selling.

General Public Ownership

The general public holds a 24% stake in Endeavour Mining. While this size of ownership may not be enough to sway a policy decision in their favour, they can still make a collective impact on company policies.

Private Equity Ownership

Private equity firms hold a 19% stake in Endeavour Mining. This suggests they can be influential in key policy decisions. Sometimes we see private equity stick around for the long term, but generally speaking they have a shorter investment horizon and — as the name suggests — don't invest in public companies much. After some time they may look to sell and redeploy capital elsewhere.

Next Steps:

I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. Take risks for example – Endeavour Mining has 3 warning signs (and 1 which makes us a bit uncomfortable) we think you should know about.

If you are like me, you may want to think about whether this company will grow or shrink. Luckily, you can check this free report showing analyst forecasts for its future.

NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.

This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. 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.

Inaugural annual report highlights company's philanthropic contributions and results

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB), a leader in the global specialty chemicals industry, announced today that the Albemarle Foundation has released its first-ever annual Community Impact Report. The report offers insight into the Foundation's programs, distributions, and success stories in communities from around the world.

"In this Community Impact Report, we showcase remarkable efforts of our employees, retirees, board members and partner agencies to translate our mission into meaningful actions throughout 2020," said Sandra Holub, Executive Director, Albemarle Foundation. "It is inspiring to see this compilation of our company values in action to grow the good in our communities."

The Albemarle Foundation was created in 2007 as a privately endowed 501c3 entity with a mission to make a positive, sustainable difference in communities where the company operates. Its philanthropic efforts support education, health and social services, and cultural initiatives through grants, matching grants, volunteer grants, and scholarships. The Foundation also supports the Albemarle Care Fund to assist employees who have been impacted by catastrophic circumstances or natural disaster.

In 2020, the Albemarle Foundation distributed more than $5.6 million in grants. Since its inception in 2007, the organization has distributed more than $46 million in grants.

For a complete review of Albemarle Foundation's 2020 Community Impact Report, please visit https://www.albemarle.com/about/albemarle-foundation.

About Albemarle
Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) is a global specialty chemicals company with leading positions in lithium, bromine, and catalysts. We think beyond business as usual to power the potential of companies in many of the world's largest and most critical industries, such as energy, electronics, and transportation. We actively pursue a sustainable approach to managing our diverse global footprint of world-class resources. In conjunction with our highly experienced and talented global teams, our deep-seated values, and our collaborative customer relationships, we create value-added and performance-based solutions that enable a safer and more sustainable future.

We regularly post information to www.albemarle.com, including notification of events, news, financial performance, investor presentations and webcasts, non-GAAP reconciliations, SEC filings and other information regarding our company, its businesses and the markets it serves.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/albemarle-foundation-publishes-2020-community-impact-report-301403902.html

SOURCE Albemarle Corporation

Investors who take an interest in Empire Resources Limited (ASX:ERL) should definitely note that the Non-Executive Chairman, Michael Ruane, recently paid AU$0.011 per share to buy AU$302k worth of the stock. That's a very decent purchase to our minds and it grew their holding by a solid 48%.

View our latest analysis for Empire Resources

The Last 12 Months Of Insider Transactions At Empire Resources

In fact, the recent purchase by Michael Ruane was the biggest purchase of Empire Resources shares made by an insider individual in the last twelve months, according to our records. So it's clear an insider wanted to buy, at around the current price, which is AU$0.012. Of course they may have changed their mind. But this suggests they are optimistic. We do always like to see insider buying, but it is worth noting if those purchases were made at well below today's share price, as the discount to value may have narrowed with the rising price. Happily, the Empire Resources insiders decided to buy shares at close to current prices.

In the last twelve months Empire Resources insiders were buying shares, but not selling. You can see the insider transactions (by companies and individuals) over the last year depicted in the chart below. By clicking on the graph below, you can see the precise details of each insider transaction!

Empire Resources is not the only stock that insiders are buying. For those who like to find winning investments this free list of growing companies with recent insider purchasing, could be just the ticket.

Does Empire Resources Boast High Insider Ownership?

For a common shareholder, it is worth checking how many shares are held by company insiders. I reckon it's a good sign if insiders own a significant number of shares in the company. Empire Resources insiders own about AU$2.1m worth of shares. That equates to 19% of the company. We've certainly seen higher levels of insider ownership elsewhere, but these holdings are enough to suggest alignment between insiders and the other shareholders.

What Might The Insider Transactions At Empire Resources Tell Us?

It is good to see the recent insider purchase. And the longer term insider transactions also give us confidence. However, we note that the company didn't make a profit over the last twelve months, which makes us cautious. When combined with notable insider ownership, these factors suggest Empire Resources insiders are well aligned, and that they may think the share price is too low. In addition to knowing about insider transactions going on, it's beneficial to identify the risks facing Empire Resources. Every company has risks, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Empire Resources you should know about.

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. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. 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) — BHP Group, the world’s biggest mining company, has raised its offer for Noront Resources Ltd., trumping a bid from iron ore billionaire Andrew Forrest and securing the support of the Canadian nickel miner’s board.

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The Melbourne-based company increased its bid by 36% to C$0.75 per share, above the C$0.70 offered by Forrest’s Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd.

BHP said the offer, which is open to shareholders until Nov. 9, doesn’t require the support of Wyloo to proceed, even though that company holds about 37% of Noront stock.

Wyloo and BHP have been in a bidding war to gain access to Noront’s high-grade Canadian nickel deposits in a largely untapped region of northern Ontario dubbed the Ring of Fire. Mining heavyweights are racing to control more supplies of raw materials that are key to transitioning to low-carbon energy sources. Nickel is one of the key metals used in lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles.

“Noront and BHP believe that the offer provides Noront shareholders with the value inherent in Noront’s portfolio of projects without the long-term risks associated with the development and execution of those projects,” BHP said in a media statement.

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SAN DIEGO, October 19, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Shareholder rights law firm Robbins LLP announces it is investigating Piedmont Lithium Inc. f/k/a Piedmont Lithium Limited (NASDAQ: PLL) to determine whether certain Piedmont officers and directors violated the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and breached their fiduciary duties to the Company. Piedmont engages in the exploration and development of resource projects and holds a 100% interest in a lithium project covering 2,322 acres in North Carolina.

If you would like more information about Piedmont Lithium Inc.'s misconduct, click here.

Piedmont Lithium Inc. (PLL) is Accused of Misleading Investors Regarding its Timeliness in Obtaining Permits

According to a class action complaint filed on behalf of purchasers of Piedmont between March 16, 2018 and July 19, 2021, defendants touted its plan to mine in North Carolina and warned of the risks associated with the Company's failure to obtain the necessary permits. In 2019, the Company informed investors it had submitted "key permit applications," was in the process of "secur[ing] the necessary permits and approvals to commence mining and processing operations," and "look[ed] forward to deliver a DFS for a fully permitted integrated project by the end of 2020." However, by January 2021, the Company had not secured the proper permits to begin its project.

On July 20, 2021, Reuters published an article explaining that while the Company announced a deal to supply Tesla Inc. with lithium sourced from its deposits in North Carolina, it had done nothing to obtain state mining permits or zoning variance in Gaston County. The article also highlighted the deteriorating relationship between Piedmont and county leaders. On this news, Piedmont shares fell $12.56 per share, or nearly 20%, to close at $50.52 per share on July 20, 2021, damaging investors.

Piedmont Lithium Inc. (PLL) shareholders have legal options. If you own shares of Piedmont Lithium Inc., contact us to learn more about your rights.

All representation is on a contingency fee basis. Shareholders pay no fees or expenses.

Contact us to learn more:

Aaron Dumas
(800) 350-6003
adumas@robbinsllp.com
Shareholder Information Form

About Robbins LLP: A recognized leader in shareholder rights litigation, the attorneys and staff of Robbins LLP have been dedicated to helping shareholders recover losses, improve corporate governance structures, and hold company executives accountable for their wrongdoing since 2002. To be notified if a class action against Piedmont Lithium Inc. settles or to receive free alerts when corporate executives engage in wrongdoing, sign up for Stock Watch today.

Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211019006232/en/

Contacts

Aaron Dumas
Robbins LLP
5040 Shoreham Place
San Diego, CA 92122
adumas@robbinsllp.com
(800) 350-6003
www.robbinsllp.com

The lithium stock reversed losses from the previous day after yet another analyst turned bullish on electric vehicles.

Company Also Announces New Head of Lithium Position and Hire

OVERLAND PARK, Kan., October 19, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP), a leading global provider of essential minerals, today announced the successful, third-party conversion testing of its lithium brine resource into both lithium carbonate and battery-grade lithium hydroxide, representing a significant milestone in its previously announced lithium development project.

The company engaged Veolia Energy, an established technology provider, to conduct lithium chloride to lithium hydroxide conversion testing utilizing a proven, commercially viable conversion process. The company believes this is the first known conversion to battery-grade lithium hydroxide from the sustainable lithium brine resource originating from the Great Salt Lake.

At a concentration of >56.5% lithium hydroxide monohydrate, the conversion sample meets established battery-grade specifications for the U.S. domestic electric vehicle (EV) and energy storage markets. Compass Minerals believes this achievement, and the resulting supply it is expected to help enable, is critical for U.S. domestic production of advanced battery materials and support of a growing domestic EV fleet. As previously disclosed, the company expects to enter the market with a battery-grade lithium hydroxide product by 2025.

"When we first announced the identification of a readily available, 2.4 million ton lithium brine resource, we emphasized that we are evaluating multiple paths forward for development, potential partnerships, and product selection to ensure optimal shareholder value. While that work continues, our progress to date puts us firmly on track for market entry with a battery-grade lithium product by 2025," said Kevin S. Crutchfield, president and CEO. "As we continue to assess potential DLE technology partners and commercial opportunities, we remain committed to responsible stewardship of this exciting and sustainable resource. We look forward to providing future updates as we achieve additional milestones in the coming months."

Compass Minerals also announced today that Chris Yandell will be joining the company as head of lithium, effective Nov. 8, 2021. In this senior management role, Yandell will lead the development and implementation and coordinate the strategic direction for the company’s lithium business.

Yandell brings broad-based leadership experience in operations, commercial, supply-chain and strategic planning, having served the last 15 years in varying roles of increasing responsibility with Albemarle Corporation, a global specialty chemicals company and producer of lithium, bromine and Catalyst solutions. Most recently with Albemarle, he served as chief commercial officer for refining catalysts and previously as vice president of lithium operations. Prior to his time at Albemarle, he served in operations and engineering positions with Praxair, Inc., since acquired by Linde plc, and BASF. A former non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, Yandell earned a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering and Master of Business Administration, both from Louisiana State University.

"Chris’ specific lithium development expertise, coupled with his proven operational experience, will make a great addition to our team," added Crutchfield. "I have no doubt his leadership will help propel our project forward."

As previously announced, Compass Minerals is targeting an annual production capacity of approximately 20,000 to 25,000 metric tons lithium carbonate equivalent of battery-grade lithium, with up to 65% of the future production derived from brine that has already been extracted from the Great Salt Lake and in varying stages of concentration within the company’s existing ponds at its active Ogden, Utah, solar evaporation site. The company sustainably manages 160,000 acres of leasehold on the bed of the Great Salt Lake, together with held water rights, 55,000 acres of existing ponds and active mineral extraction permissions.

The company is currently undertaking a formal life cycle assessment of various lithium development scenarios with Minviro Ltd. to help quantify any environmental impacts associated with the project and help identify opportunities to further minimize the project’s environmental footprint.

More detailed information on Compass Minerals’ defined lithium resource is available at investors.compassminerals.com.

About Compass Minerals

Compass Minerals (NYSE: CMP) is a leading global provider of essential minerals focused on safely delivering where and when it matters to help solve nature’s challenges for customers and communities. Its salt products help keep roadways safe during winter weather and are used in numerous other consumer, industrial and agricultural applications. And its plant nutrition business manufactures products that improve the quality and yield of crops, while supporting sustainable agriculture. Additionally, its specialty chemical business serves the water treatment industry and other industrial processes. The company operates 15 production and packaging facilities with more than 2,000 employees throughout the U.S., Canada, Brazil and the U.K. Visit compassminerals.com for more information about the company and its products.

Forward Looking Statements and Other Disclaimers

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including, without limitation, statements about the anticipated development of the lithium resource at the company’s Ogden, Utah, site, including the indicated lithium resource within the ambient brine of the Great Salt Lake, as well as statements about the company’s ability to develop a battery-grade lithium hydroxide product. Forward-looking statements are those that predict or describe future events or trends and that do not relate solely to historical matters. We use words such as "may," "would," "could," "should," "will," "likely," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "plan," "forecast," "outlook," "project," "estimate," "target," and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events to identify forward-looking statements or forward-looking information. These statements are based on the company’s current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause the company’s actual results to differ materially. The differences could be caused by a number of factors, including without limitation (i) the company’s ability to convert all or any part of the lithium mineral resource identified by the initial assessment into an economically extractable mineral reserve, including the availability and cost of capital for related capital expenditures and the development of applicable process technologies; (ii) the overall environmental impact of the proposed extraction of the lithium mineral resource, as well as the company’s ability to receive or maintain required operating and environmental permits, approvals, modifications or other authorizations of, or from, governmental or regulatory authorities and costs related to implementing improvements to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements; (iii) the results of the company’s proposed strategic resource assessment regarding the lithium mineral resource; (iv) the company’s ultimate production capacity with respect to LCE; (v) potential weaknesses and uncertainties in global economic conditions, including adverse changes in the overall market for lithium and related products; (vi) the company’s ability to economically produce lithium carbonate and/or battery-grade lithium hydroxide at commercial scale from its lithium brine resource on its expected timeline, or at all; and (vii) the risk that the company may not realize the expected financial or other benefits from the proposed development of the lithium mineral resource. For further information on these and other risks and uncertainties that may affect the company’s business, see the "Risk Factors" and "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 and the company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarters ended March 31, 2021 and June 30, 2021 filed (including any amendments) with the SEC, as well as the company’s other SEC filings. The company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements made in this press release to reflect future events or developments, except as required by law. Because it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, this list cannot be considered a complete set of all potential risks or uncertainties.

The company has completed an initial assessment to define the lithium resource at Compass Minerals’ existing operations in accordance with applicable SEC regulations, including Subpart 1300. Pursuant to Subpart 1300, mineral resources are not mineral reserves and do not have demonstrated economic viability. The company’s mineral resource estimates, including estimates of the LCE mineral resource, are based on many factors, including assumptions regarding extraction rates and duration of mining operations, and the quality of in-place resources. For example, the process technology for commercial extraction of lithium from brines with low lithium and high impurity (primarily magnesium) is still developing. Accordingly, there is no certainty that all or any part of the LCE mineral resource identified by the initial assessment will be converted into an economically extractable mineral reserve.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211019006130/en/

Contacts

Media Contact Rick AxthelmChief Public Affairs and Sustainability Officer+1.913.344.9198MediaRelations@compassminerals.com

Investor Contact Douglas KrisSenior Director of Investor Relations+1.917.797.4967krisd@compassminerals.com

(Adds details from interview with BHP executive)

Oct 20 (Reuters) – BHP Group Ltd on Wednesday topped a takeover offer for Canadian nickel producer Noront Resources Ltd from billionaire Andrew Forrest's Wyloo Metals, as the two groups vie for greater access to the electric vehicle battery metal.

BHP, the world's biggest mining company, increased its all-cash offer to C$419.3 million ($339.1 million), or C$0.75 per share, bettering the C$0.70 per-share proposal from Wyloo that Noront backed on Monday

Wyloo, already Noront's top shareholder, this week lifted its offer from C$0.315 per share to top a C$0.55 proposal made by BHP in July.

At stake in the scramble for Noront is the Eagle's Nest nickel asset in Canada's so-called Ring of Fire, a high-grade deposit of the metal, as well as copper and palladium.

"We like the geology of the area, and Noront has the best land position in that area," Johan van Jaarsveld, BHP's chief development officer, told Reuters.

BHP gave shareholders of the Canadian firm 22 days to accept its latest offer.

The company, which earlier this year signed a deal to supply Tesla https://www.reuters.com/business/bhp-supply-nickel-tesla-australia-2021-07-21 Inc with nickel from its Australian operations, does not plan to build a Canadian smelter to process Noront's nickel and won't limit nickel sales from the project to North America, he said.

Should BHP's offer prevail, the mine would be run completely on renewable electricity, van Jaarsveld said.

"We certainly have the operating track record in nickel and the ability to build infrastructure in remote areas," he said, adding that BHP would be open to developing the asset jointly "with the right partner".

Neither privately held Wyloo nor Noront immediately responded to a request for comment.

BHP's offer requires at least 50% of Noront shareholders to tender in support, while Wyloo's offer would require a shareholder vote.

If Noront shareholders support BHP's offer, "this could all be over by mid-November," van Jaarsveld said.

($1 = 1.2365 Canadian dollars)

(Reporting by Nikhil Kurian Nainan and Savyata Mishra in Bengaluru, and Ernest Scheyder in Houston; Editing by Aditya Soni, Subhranshu Sahu and Jan Harvey)

REE Co-Founder & CEO Daniel Barel will talk about the future of EVs and REE’s business strategy during fireside chats, 1-on-1 and small group meetings

NEW YORK and TEL-AVIV, Israel, Oct. 19, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — REE Automotive Ltd. (NASDAQ: “REE”), a leader in e-mobility, today announced that it will participate in a series of major investor conferences in the fourth quarter of 2021. Daniel Barel, REE Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, is set to discuss REE’s business strategy, future production milestones and global expansion plans.

UBS Emerging SMID Cap Mini ConferenceWednesday, November 3, 2021Fireside chat scheduled for 10 a.m. ET

MKM Partners: Gearing Up for the New Normal Wednesday, November 17, 2021

Barclays Global Automotive and Mobility Tech ConferenceThursday, November 18, 2021

Credit Suisse Industrials ConferenceThursday, December 2, 2021

For updated information regarding fireside chat times and webcast links please go to: https://investors.ree.auto/news-events/events

Investors who wish to participate in a virtual meeting with Daniel Barel during the conferences may refer to their banking contact or to Limor Gruber, REE VP of Investor Relations at limorg@ree.auto.

For the most up-to-date investor information go to: https://investors.ree.auto

About REE AutomotiveREE is an automotive technology leader creating the cornerstone for tomorrow’s zero-emission vehicles. REE’s mission is to empower global mobility companies to build any size or shape of electric or autonomous vehicle – from class 1 through class 6 – for any application and any target market. Our revolutionary, award-winning REEcorner technology packs traditional vehicle drive components (steering, braking, suspension, powertrain and control) into the arch of the wheel, allowing for the industry’s flattest EV platform. Unrestricted by legacy thinking, REE is a truly horizontal player, with technology applicable to the widest range of target markets and applications. Fully scalable and completely modular, REE offers multiple customer benefits including complete vehicle design freedom, more space and volume with the smallest footprint, lower TCO, faster development times, ADAS compatibility, reduced maintenance and global safety standard compliance.

Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, with a planned U.S. headquarters in Austin, Texas, and subsidiaries in the UK and Germany, REE has a CapEx-light manufacturing model that leverages its Tier 1 partners’ existing production lines. REE’s technology, together with its unique value proposition and commitment to excellence, positions REE to break new ground in e-Mobility.For more information visit: www.ree.auto

Investor RelationsLimor GruberVP Investor Relations | REE Automotive+972-50-5239233investors@ree.autoMediaKeren ShemeshChief Marketing Officer | REE Automotive+972-54-5814333media@ree.auto

Caution About Forward-Looking StatementsThis communication includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, may be forward-looking statements. Words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “likely,” “anticipates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plan,” “projects,” “believes,” “views,” “estimates”, “future”, “allow”, “aims”, “strives” “endeavors” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements. These statements include, among other things, the Company’s statements about the Company’s strategic and business plans, relationships or outlook, the impact of trends on and interest in its business, intellectual property or product and its future results. These forward-looking statements are based on REE’s expectations and beliefs concerning future events and involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. These factors are difficult to predict accurately and may be beyond REE’s control. Forward-looking statements in this communication or elsewhere speak only as of the date made and REE undertakes no obligation to update its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, should circumstances change, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. In light of these risks and uncertainties, investors should keep in mind that results, events or developments discussed in any forward-looking statement made in this communication may not occur. Uncertainties and risk factors that could affect REE’s future performance and cause results to differ from the forward-looking statements in this release include, but are not limited to: REE’s ability to commercialize its strategic plan; REE’s ability to maintain and advance relationships with current Tier 1 suppliers and strategic partners; development of REE’s advanced prototypes into marketable products; REE’s ability to grow and scale manufacturing capacity through relationships with Tier 1 suppliers; REE’s estimates of unit sales, expenses and profitability and underlying assumptions; REE’s reliance on its UK Engineering Center of Excellence for the design, validation, verification, testing and homologation of its products; REE’s limited operating history; risks associated with plans for REE’s initial commercial production; REE’s dependence on potential suppliers, some of which will be single or limited source; development of the market for commercial EVs; intense competition in the e-mobility space, including with competitors who have significantly more resources; risks related to the fact that the Company is incorporated in Israel and governed by Israeli law; REE’s ability to make continued investments in its platform; the impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and any other worldwide health epidemics or outbreaks that may arise; the need to attract, train and retain highly-skilled technical workforce; changes in laws and regulations that impact REE; REE’s ability to enforce, protect and maintain intellectual property rights; REE’s ability to retain engineers and other highly qualified employees to further its goals; and other risks and uncertainties set forth in the sections entitled “Risk Factors” and “Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” in REE’s final prospectus relating to its business combination filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on July 1, 2021 and in subsequent filings with the SEC. While the list of factors discussed above and the list of factors presented in the final prospectus are considered representative, no such list should be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Unlisted factors may present significant additional obstacles to the realization of forward-looking statements.

MELBOURNE, Australia, October 18, 2021–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Rio Tinto welcomes the final report of the Joint Standing Committee on Northern Australia following its inquiry into the destruction of rock shelters at Juukan Gorge on the land of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura people (PKKP) in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Jakob Stausholm said "We have been working hard to rebuild trust and meaningful relationships with the PKKP people and other Traditional Owners. Rio Tinto is absolutely committed to listening, learning and showing greater care, and this remains a top priority.

"We know this will take time and there will be challenges ahead, but we are focused on improving our engagement with Indigenous Peoples and our host communities to better understand their priorities and concerns, minimise our impacts, and responsibly manage Indigenous cultural heritage in and around our operations."

Following Rio Tinto’s Board Review of Cultural Heritage Management in August 2020, the company has introduced several changes to ensure heritage sites of exceptional significance, like the Juukan Gorge rock shelters, are protected and preserved.

Rio Tinto has also worked to address the recommendations made in the Committee’s interim report in December 2020 that weren’t addressed in the Board’s recommendations.

A comprehensive summary of the actions taken to strengthen heritage protection, restore trust with Traditional Owners, and drive cultural change within the business was outlined in last month’s Communities and Social Performance (CSP) Commitment Disclosure Interim Report.

The work being undertaken by Rio Tinto includes:

• Working closely with the PKKP on the ongoing remediation of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters.

• Undertaking a detailed review to ensure there are no other sites of exceptional cultural significance within the company’s existing mine plans. To date, Rio Tinto has reviewed 2,205 heritage sites.

• Commencing agreement modernisation discussions with ten Pilbara Traditional Owner groups and their representatives;

• Committing to work with Traditional Owner groups to co-design and implement leading practice cultural heritage management;

• Progressing the establishment of an Australian Advisory Group to inform policies and positions important to Indigenous Australians and the business;

• Building social performance capacity, capability and governance across the company. Across 60 sites in 35 countries, Rio Tinto now has more than 300 professionals working in Communities and Social Performance, up 20 per cent on last year.

As well as its overhaul of cultural heritage management and work to rebuild relationships with Traditional Owners, Rio Tinto is working to drive cultural change at every level of the business.

This includes important steps to grow Indigenous leadership, with $50 million invested to retain, attract and grow Indigenous professionals and leaders in Rio Tinto’s Australian business.

In Australia, all frontline Rio Tinto staff are undertaking cultural awareness training, with face-to-face training or e-learning with Indigenous Australians.

Rio Tinto Chief Executive, Australia, Kellie Parker said "Our determination not to repeat the events leading up to the destruction of the Juukan Gorge rock shelters is ingrained in everything we do.

"Significant changes have been made at all levels of our business and this is continuing. While we are confident we have put in place the right foundations for a better future, we know we will be judged by our actions and we are determined to get it right. The important work of the Committee has helped reinforce our priorities as we work to rebuild trust.

"We will continue to work in close consultation with Traditional Owners to better understand and protect their cultural heritage and ensure future mining activity is done in the right way, to create meaningful social and economic benefits.

"We thank the PKKP people and Traditional Owners everywhere for their engagement as we continue this vital work."

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20211017005075/en/

Contacts

Media Relations, UK

Illtud Harri
M +44 7920 503 600

David Outhwaite
M +44 7787 597 493

Media Relations, Americas

Matthew Klar
T +1 514 608 4429

Investor Relations, UK

Menno Sanderse
M: +44 7825 195 178

David Ovington
M +44 7920 010 978

Clare Peever
M +44 7788 967 877

Media Relations, Australia

Jonathan Rose
M +61 447 028 913

Matt Chambers
M +61 433 525 739

Jesse Riseborough
M +61 436 653 412

Investor Relations, Australia

Natalie Worley
M +61 409 210 462

Amar Jambaa
M +61 472 865 948

Rio Tinto plc

6 St James’s Square
London SW1Y 4AD
United Kingdom

T +44 20 7781 2000
Registered in England
No. 719885

Rio Tinto Limited

Level 7, 360 Collins Street
Melbourne 3000
Australia

T +61 3 9283 3333
Registered in Australia
ABN 96 004 458 404

riotinto.com

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 18, 2021) – Contact Gold Corp. (TSXV: C) (OTCQB: CGOLF) (the "Company" or "Contact Gold") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement (the "Offering") of up to 60,000,000 units ("Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000.

Each Unit will consist of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole Common Share purchase warrant, a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase an additional Common Share at a price of $0.075 per share for a period of 24 months from the closing date (the "Expiry Date"). In the event that at any time between four months and one day following the closing date and the Expiry Date, the Common Shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV") at a closing price which is equal to or greater than $0.15 for a period of ten consecutive trading days, the Company may accelerate the expiry date of the Warrants by giving notice to the holders thereof and in such case the Warrants will expire on the 30^th day after the date such notice is provided.

The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used to undertake further drilling at Contact Gold's Green Springs gold project & continued exploration at the Pony Creek gold project each located in Nevada, and for general working capital purposes.

The securities issued pursuant to the Offering will be subject to a four month and one day statutory hold period in Canada. Completion of the Offering is subject to the receipt of all necessary approvals, including the conditional approval of the TSXV.

Certain persons may be eligible to receive finder fees, payable in cash, representing up to 6% of the proceeds placed by such finders, in connection with the Offering.

Closing of the Offering is expected to occur on or about November 17, 2021, and remains subject to the final approval of the TSXV.

The offered securities have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") or any state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, any person in the United States or any "U.S person", as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act, absent registration or an applicable exemption from registration requirements. Offers and sales in the United States will be limited to institutional accredited investor. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Contact Gold Corp.

Contact Gold is an exploration company focused on making district scale gold discoveries in Nevada. Contact Gold's extensive land holdings are on the prolific Carlin and Cortez gold trends which host numerous gold deposits and mines. Contact Gold's land position comprises approximately 140 km² of target rich mineral tenure hosting numerous known gold occurrences, ranging from early- to advanced-exploration and resource definition stage.

Additional information about the Company is available at www.contactgold.com.
For more information, please contact: +1 (604) 449-3361
John Glanville – Director Investor Relations
Jack Trembath – Manager, Investor Relations
E-mail: info@ContactGold.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. In this news release, forward-looking statements relate, among other things, to the Offering generally, the anticipated closing and successful completion of the Offering, the use of proceeds therefrom, receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including TSXV conditional approval, and proposed exploration activities of the Company on the Green Springs and Pony Creek properties and the results thereof.

These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: impacts arising from the global disruption caused by the Covid-19 coronavirus outbreak, fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; receipt of applicable regulatory approvals including TSXV conditional approval of the Offering; availability of financing; business integration risks; fluctuations in securities markets; fluctuations in spot and forward prices of gold, silver, base metals or certain other commodities; fluctuations in currency markets (such as the Canadian dollar to United States dollar exchange rate); change in national and local government, legislation, taxation, controls, regulations and political or economic developments; risks and hazards associated with the business of mineral exploration, development and mining (including environmental hazards, industrial accidents, unusual or unexpected formations pressures, cave-ins and flooding); inability to obtain adequate insurance to cover risks and hazards; the presence of laws and regulations that may impose restrictions on mining; employee relations; relationships with and claims by local communities and indigenous populations; availability of increasing costs associated with mining inputs and labour; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development (including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses, permits and approvals from government authorities); and title to properties. Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the Company believes, or believed at the time, to be reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure shareholders that actual results will be consistent with such forward-looking statements, as there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. The Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. ANY FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RESTRICTION MAY CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF U.S. SECURITIES LAWS.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99995

Vancouver, British Columbia–(Newsfile Corp. – October 18, 2021) – Lara Exploration Ltd. (TSXV: LRA) is pleased to report that widespread significant copper and silver mineralisation has been outlined by Valor Resources Ltd. (ASX: VAL) at the Picha Project in Southern Peru. Lara holds a 2% NSR royalty on any precious metals produced and a 1% NSR on copper and any other metals produced from the property.

Valor reported on October 11, 2021 that it has a program of surface mapping and sampling underway, with 144 sample results received and a further 150 expected in the coming weeks, from three target areas: Cobremani, Maricate and Cumbre Coya. Highlights from the sample results received to date include:

• 35.6m long channel sample averaging 1.3% Cu and 22.85g/t Ag at Cobremani;

• 10m long channel sample averaging 1.09% Cu and 6.36g/t Ag at Cobremani;

• Several samples >1% Cu and up to 13.4% Cu at the Maricate target area;

• High-grade copper mineralization at Maricate over 1km in extent

Valor notes in its release that upon completion of the current field program, ground geophysics and drilling is planned as follow-up.

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.

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, Peru and Chile. Lara's common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "LRA".

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.

-30-

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/99696

PERTH, Australia, Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd (“Wyloo Metals”) is pleased to announce it has reached an agreement with Noront Resources Ltd. (TSXV:NOT) (“Noront”) and formalized its offer to Noront shareholders as part of a comprehensive strategy to develop the Ring of Fire as a world-class Future Metals Hub.

Wyloo Metals’ superior offer is distinguished by several factors including offering shareholders true optionality alongside a superior cash offer. Pursuant to a statutory Plan of Arrangement under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario), each Noront shareholder will be given the option of (i) accepting cash consideration of Cdn$0.70 per share for some or all of their shares, and (ii) continuing to participate in Noront’s unrealized potential by remaining as a shareholder (the “Wyloo Offer”).

Wyloo Metals’ strategy will also see Noront revitalized under the leadership of a world-class Board of Directors led by Dr. Andrew Forrest AO, who has an unparalleled track record in the development of remote mining projects and a proud and continuing legacy of partnering with Indigenous and local communities. Dr. Forrest led Fortescue Metals Group (ASX: FMG) from a junior mining exploration company to one of the world’s largest mining companies.

Battery and hydrogen technologies are unleashing the full potential of renewable energy by making it available when and where it is required. These technologies, and the critical metals that they are built from, will positively impact future generations in ways we cannot yet imagine.

The Ring of Fire is home to expansive deposits of these metals and is ideally located near downstream markets, presenting a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform Canada into a critical metals powerhouse.

Only Wyloo Metals' offer provides shareholders with the opportunity to share in that journey.

THE WYLOO OFFER IS SUPERIOR

There are four aspects of the Wyloo Offer that make it superior to the offer made by BHP Western Mining Resources International Pty Ltd (“BHP”):

• True optionality for Noront shareholders

  The underlying mineral value of the Ring of Fire is immense and, when developed, will support a multi-generational, critical metal mining district.

  Rather than forcing an all-or-nothing outcome upon Noront shareholders, the Wyloo Offer is a flexible proposal that allows shareholders to elect their preferred level of retained exposure to the immense future value of the Ring of Fire, while also providing an option to crystallize immediate cash value.

• A superior offer price

  The Noront Board of Directors has unanimously determined that the Wyloo Offer is superior. Consideration of Cdn$0.70 in cash per share represents a 192% premium to Noront’s unaffected closing price on May 21, 2021 and a 27% premium to the BHP offer of Cdn$0.55 in cash per share.

• Greater deal certainty

  Noront shareholders holding an aggregate of 10.3% of Noront’s common shares on a fully diluted basis, including certain Noront directors and senior management, will enter into lock-up agreements under which they agree to vote in support of the Plan of Arrangement. Together with Wyloo Metals, holders of 45.7% of Noront’s common shares on a fully diluted basis are supportive of the Wyloo Offer.

  Wyloo Metals does not intend to support any alternate offers for Noront. Without the support of Wyloo Metals’ 37.2% direct interest in Noront, a competing plan of arrangement cannot be successful and a competing take-over bid will be unlikely to meet any minimum tender condition.

• A world-class Board of Directors

  Noront will be revitalized under the leadership of a new Board of Directors, featuring some of the world’s most experienced mining leaders who are committed to deliver Noront’s true potential to its shareholders.

Wyloo Metals is the only bidder that can deliver this unique combination of benefits to Noront shareholders.

The Ring of Fire is a long-term mining district with a present-day value that is impossible to accurately quantify. Only the Wyloo Offer can provide Noront shareholders with comfort in the knowledge that they have received sufficient optionality and value for their ownership of Canada’s next great mineral hub."

Luca Giacovazzi, Head of Wyloo Metals

EXPECTED TIMING

Completion of the Wyloo Offer is expected to occur in December 2021. The Wyloo Offer is subject to BHP’s right to match period of 5 business days.

ADVISORS

Wyloo Metals has engaged Maxit Capital LP to act as its financial advisor and McCarthy Tétrault LLP to act as its legal advisor. Shorecrest Group has also been engaged to act as Wyloo Metals’ strategic communications advisor and proxy solicitation and information agent.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Andrew Bennett

M +61 427 782 503

P +61 8 6460 4949

E abennett@tattarang.com

AURORA STRATEGY SPOKESPERSON:

David Ellis

M 416 704 0937

P 416 704 0937

E davide@aurorastrategy.com

ABOUT WYLOO METALS

Wyloo Metals is the metals and mining subsidiary of Tattarang, one of Australia’s largest private investment groups. Led by a multidisciplinary team of geologists, engineers and financial professionals, Wyloo Metals manages a diverse portfolio of exploration and development projects and cornerstone interests in a number of public and private companies. Wyloo Metals seeks to work closely with all stakeholders to accelerate projects through the development cycle while meeting the highest international environmental, social and governance standards. See more at: www.wyloometals.com.

Wyloo Canada Holdings Pty Ltd (“Wyloo Canada”), a wholly owned subsidiary of Wyloo Metals, currently holds an aggregate of 208,434,427 common shares of Noront, representing approximately 37.24% of the outstanding common shares of Noront. Wyloo Canada also holds warrants (“Noront Warrants”) to acquire 1,774,664 common shares of Noront at an exercise price of Cdn$0.35 per share. If the Noront Warrants are also fully exercised, Wyloo Canada would hold 210,209,091 common shares of Noront, representing approximately 37.43% of the outstanding common shares of Noront on a partially diluted basis.

DISCLAIMER

Some of the statements in this press release may be forward looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. Such statements are naturally subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors such as the development of general economic conditions, future market conditions, unusual catastrophic loss events, changes in the capital markets and other circumstances may cause the actual events or results to be materially different from those anticipated by such statements. Wyloo Metals does not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, completeness or updated status of such statements. Therefore, in no case whatsoever will Wyloo Metals and its affiliate companies be liable to anyone for any decision made or action taken in connection with the information and/or statements in this press release or for any related damages.

This press release is issued pursuant to National Instrument 62-103 – The Early Warning System and Related Take-Over Bid and Insider Reporting Issues, which requires a report to be filed under Noront’s profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) containing additional information with respect to the foregoing matters. A copy of such report may be obtained by contacting Wyloo Metals at info@wyloometals.com. The address of Wyloo Metals is PO Box 3155, Broadway Nedlands, WA 6009 Western Australia.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Candente Copper Corp. (TSX: DNT, BVL: DNT) ("Candente Copper", "the Company") is pleased to announce that Candente Copper and Gold Fields La Cima S.A., a subsidiary of Gold Fields Limited, have conditionally agreed to commercial terms for Gold Fields to option the Arikepay copper-gold porphyry property in Southern Perú.

Terms

• Cash Payments totalling up to US$1,790,000 over 10 years:

1) US$100,000 on signing of Definitive Agreement;
2) US$40,000 upon receiving drilling permits;
3) US$100,000 on first and second anniversaries;
4) US$150,000 per year until Year 5;
5) US$200,000 per year for the next 5 years

• Exploration commitments are:

1) US$3.5M over 3 years to reach 51% interest;
2) An additional US$3.5M over another 2 years (5 yrs total) to reach 70% interest;
3) Complete Feasibility and make a payment of US$10M within 10 yrs to reach 100% interest, subject to a 2.5% Net Smelter Return (“NSR”);
4) The 2.5% NSR has an option to buyout 1.5% Interest for US$6M

The proposed terms are subject to the execution and completion of a Definitive Agreement by both parties which will layout further details currently still under discussion.

“We are excited to work on completing the Definitive Agreement with Gold Fields so that we can explore and advance the Arikepay Property with such a well established and successful company. This is a great time of world demand for both gold and copper and Arikepay shows excellent potential for both. Working with Gold Fields on Arikepay, while we are dedicating so much to our Cañariaco copper project and the 2021 PEA, is a great way to add shareholder value,” stated Joanne Freeze, CEO, Candente Copper Corp.

About the Arikepay Property
The Arikepay property, held by Cobriza Metals Peru S.A., (“Cobriza”), subsidiary of the Company, is located about 110 kilometres (“km”) south of the city of Arequipa in southern Perú and 45 km south of the +3 billion tonne Cerro Verde copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, owned by Freeport, SMM Cerro Verde Netherlands and Buenaventura.

Two altered and mineralized bodies have been found on the property. Alteration comprises propylitic, phyllic, silicic and potassic altered volcanic and intrusive rocks. Mineralization consists dominantly of pyrite ranging from <1% to >10% in disseminations and veinlets with lesser amounts of chalcopyrite, bornite and magnetite.

Two drilling programs have been completed on the property to date. Cobriza completed a reverse circulation (“RC”) drill program in June 2012 totalling 3,630 metres (“m”) in 14 holes and a third party, Compania Minera Zahena S.A.C. (“Zahena”) drilled 8,908m in 14 drill holes between Dec 2013 and March 2017.

Cobriza and Zahena both initially focused on the copper potential but since 2017, Cobriza recognized a stronger potential for gold mineralization at Arikepay.

Selected highlights of copper mineralization from the RC drilling program included:

• 142m of 0.51% CuEq*

• 186m of 0.43% CuEq*

• 292m of 0.39% CuEq*

Selected highlights of gold mineralization from the drilling programs included:

• 81m of 3.05 grams per tonne (“g/t”) gold (“Au”) and 2.04 g/t silver (“Ag”)

• 18m of 1.09 g/t Au and 0.1 g/t Ag

• 26m of 1.29 g/t Au and 4.5 g/t Ag

*Copper equivalent (CuEq) grades include gold and silver values based on 100% metal recoveries and the following metal price assumptions: US$1,200 per troy ounce gold, US$20 per troy ounce silver, and US$2.50 per pound copper.

About Candente Copper
Candente Copper is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, and development of mineral properties. The Company’s most advanced project is its 100% owned Cañariaco project, which includes the Cañariaco Norte deposit as well as the Cañariaco Sur deposit and Quebrada Verde prospect, located within the western Cordillera of the Peruvian Andes in the Department of Lambayeque in Northern Peru. Ausenco Engineering Inc. has been engaged to conduct an updated Preliminary Economic Assessment Study (“PEA”) to evaluate a new development strategy for the Cañariaco Norte Project. The updated PEA study is estimated to be completed before the end of Q4 2021.

Candente Copper also holds 100% interest in the Don Gregorio and Arikepay properties in Peru and has an option to earn 100% interest in the Canyon Creek copper-molybedum property in B.C., Canada.

About Gold Fields Limited
Gold Fields Limited is a globally diversified gold producer with nine operating mines in Australia, Ghana (including the Asanko Joint Venture), Peru and South Africa, and with the Salares Norte project under construction in Chile. It has attributable gold Mineral Reserves of around 51.3 million ounces and gold Mineral Resources of around 115.7 million ounces. Gold Fields has a primary listing on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) Limited, with a secondary listing on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Joanne C. Freeze, P.Geo., CEO, is the Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the projects discussed above. She has reviewed and approved the contents of this release.

This news release may contain forward-looking information (as such term is defined under Canadian securities laws) including but not limited to the potential execution of a definitive agreement with Goldfields, for discovery on the Cañariaco Property and other statements that are not historical facts including comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, potential mineral recovery processes, the completion of a favourable PEA and the expected results thereof and the acquisition of various permits. While such forward-looking information is expressed by Candente Copper in good faith and believed by Candente Copper to have a reasonable basis, they address future events and conditions and are therefore subject to inherent risks and uncertainties including those set out in Candente Copper’s MD&A. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Candente relies upon litigation protection for forward-looking statements. Factors that cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking information include, without limitation, metal prices, results of exploration and development activities, regulatory changes, defects in title, availability of materials and equipment, timeliness of government approvals, potential environmental issues, availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Candente Copper expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

On behalf of the Board of Candente Copper Corp.

“Joanne C. Freeze” P.Geo.
President, CEO and Director
___________________________________
For further information please contact:

NR-141

• Noront Board of Directors unanimously determines Wyloo Metals Offer of C$0.70 per share to be a Superior Proposal

• Proposed consideration of C$0.70 in cash per share represents a 192% premium to Noront’s unaffected closing price on May 21, 2021 and a 27% premium to BHP’s C$0.55 per share offer

• BHP has five business days to match Wyloo’s offer

TORONTO, Oct. 18, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Noront Resources Ltd. (“Noront” or the “Company”) (TSXV: NOT) today announced it has settled the terms of a proposal from Wyloo Metals Pty Ltd. and Wyloo Canada Holdings Pty Ltd (together, “Wyloo Metals”) under which Wyloo Metals would acquire up to 100% of the common shares of Noront for C$0.70 in cash pursuant to a statutory plan of arrangement under the Business Corporation Act (Ontario) (the “Wyloo Offer”). The consideration of C$0.70 in cash per share under the Wyloo Offer represents a 192% premium to Noront’s unaffected closing price on May 21, 2021 and a 27% premium to the BHP Western Mining Resources International Pty Ltd (“BHP”) C$0.55 per share offer (the “BHP Offer”).

Under the proposed arrangement agreement between Noront and Wyloo Metals (the “Arrangement Agreement”), Noront shareholders would be entitled to elect to sell all or a portion of their common shares to Wyloo Metals for C$0.70 per share. Shareholders who opt to retain their Noront common shares would continue as common shareholders in the Company going forward.

The Noront Board of Directors, on the basis of a recommendation from independent directors comprising Noront’s Special Committee of the Board of Directors, and supported by advice from external financial and legal advisors, has unanimously determined that the Wyloo Offer constitutes a superior proposal as compared to the outstanding BHP Offer.

Noront CEO, Alan Coutts: “Based on an evaluation by the Special Committee and its advisors, the Noront Board of Directors has determined that Wyloo Metals’ proposal represents superior value for our shareholders, compared to the offer by BHP."

BHP Right to Match
Pursuant to the terms of the support agreement among Noront, BHP and BHP Lonsdale Investments Pty Ltd (the “Support Agreement”), once the Company has determined that a superior proposal has been received, BHP has the right, but not the obligation, to offer to amend the terms of the BHP Offer. BHP has five business days from receiving notice of the superior proposal in accordance with the terms of the Support Agreement to negotiate with Noront, should BHP decide to do so, to amend the terms of the existing Support Agreement such that the Wyloo Offer is no longer considered by the Noront Board of Directors to be superior to the amended BHP offer. The Noront Board of Directors will, in good faith, review any such amended offer by BHP in order to determine whether such amendment would result in the Wyloo Offer no longer being a superior proposal when assessed against any such amended BHP offer. If BHP does not exercise its right to match within the period provided for in the Support Agreement, the Support Agreement will be terminated in accordance with its terms and the Arrangement Agreement will be immediately entered into by the Company and Wyloo Metals.

If the Arrangement Agreement is entered into, Wyloo Metals has also agreed to provide a loan to Noront of up to C$23 million (the "Wyloo Loan") to finance, among other things, the termination payment of C$13 million payable to BHP upon the termination of the Support Agreement, as well as other transaction related costs. The term of the Wyloo Loan will be 12 months from completion of the Wyloo transaction, with interest of 5% per annum payable quarterly in either cash or common shares of Noront, at the option of Noront and subject to receiving shareholder approval for the payment of interest in common shares of Noront, and subject to the approval of the TSXV Venture Exchange.

It is expected that, if the Support Agreement is terminated, certain Noront shareholders, including Noront directors and senior management, will enter into lock-up agreements under which they will agree to vote in support of the Wyloo Offer. Wyloo Metals currently holds approximately 37.25% of the Noront common shares.

The terms of the Arrangement Agreement, if executed, will provide that Wyloo Metals will be entitled to a termination payment of C$17 million (equal to approximately 4% of the total equity value of the transaction based on 100% of Noront’s fully diluted shares outstanding) if the Arrangement Agreement is terminated in certain circumstances. This termination payment will not be payable if BHP elects to match the Wyloo Offer and Noront and Wyloo Metals therefore do not enter into the Arrangement Agreement.

There is no action for Noront shareholders to take today. If Noront enters into the Arrangement Agreement with Wyloo Metals, additional information will be provided to Noront shareholders in advance of a Special Meeting of Shareholders to vote on the plan of arrangement. The applicable materials will also be available under Noront's profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com, and on Noront's website at www.norontresources.com. The Company will continue to provide updates as developments warrant.

The entering into of the Wyloo Loan between Wyloo Metals and Noront, is considered to be a "related party transaction" for purposes of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101") as Wyloo Metals has beneficial ownership of, and control or direction over, directly or indirectly, securities of the Company carrying more than 20% of the voting rights attached to all of Noront's outstanding voting securities. The Company did not file the material change report more than 21 days before the expected completion of the Wyloo Loan as the details of the Wyloo Loan were not settled until shortly prior to the announcement of the Wyloo Loan. The Company is relying on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements available under MI 61-101. The Company is exempt from the formal valuation requirement in section 5.4 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.5(b) of MI 61-101 as the Company is not listed on a specified market under MI 61-101. Additionally, the Company is exempt from minority shareholder approval requirement in section 5.6 of MI 61-101 in reliance on section 5.7(f) of MI 61-101.

Advisors
TD Securities Inc. is acting as financial advisor, Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal counsel and Longview Communications & Public Affairs is acting as communications advisor to Noront.

About Noront Resources
Noront Resources Ltd. is focused on the development of its high-grade Eagle’s Nest nickel, copper, platinum and palladium deposit and the world class chromite deposits including Blackbird, Black Thor, and Big Daddy, all of which are located in the James Bay Lowlands of Ontario in an emerging metals camp known as the Ring of Fire. www.norontresources.com

Forward Looking Statements
Certain statements contained in this news release contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information and statements are not based on historical facts, but rather on current expectations and projections about future events, and are therefore subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the future results expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Wyloo offer; the BHP Offer; and the BHP right to match.

Although Noront believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, such information and statements involve risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements. Material factors or assumptions that were applied in formulating the forward-looking information contained herein include, without limitation, the expectations and beliefs of the Special Committee of Noront as of the date hereof. Noront cautions that the foregoing list of material factors and assumptions is not exhaustive. Many of these assumptions are based on factors and events that are not within the control of Noront, BHP, BHP Lonsdale Investments Pty Ltd or Wyloo Metals, and there is no assurance that they will prove correct. Consequently, there can be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by Noront will be realized or, even if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences for, or effects on, Noront or its future results and performance.

Forward-looking information and statements in this news release are based on Noront's beliefs and opinions at the time the statements are made, and there should be no expectation that these forward-looking statements will be updated or supplemented as a result of new information, estimates or opinions, future events or results or otherwise, and Noront disavows and disclaims any obligation to do so except as required by applicable law. Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to be a forecast, projection or estimate of the future financial performance of Noront.

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.