Inca Minerals (ICG:AU) has announced Close of Takeover Offer
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Jim Thorne, chief market strategist at Wellington-Altus, discusses which assets investors should focus on in today’s tumultuous environment.
He sees promise in gold and silver, as well as Bitcoin and the artificial intelligence sector.
Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Galan Lithium (ASX:GLN) has rejected a US$150 million (AU$240 million) cash bid from China’s Zhejiang Huayou Cobalt Co and France’s Renault Group to acquire its Hombre Muerto West and Candelas lithium brine projects in Argentina, The West Australian reports.
Described as unsolicited, conditional, and non-binding, the offer from battery materials giant Zhejiang Huayou and EV manufacturer Renault was deemed “opportunistic” and “undervalued,” the report noted.
Galan and its advisors refused the offer, asserting confidence in the long-term value of its flagship Hombre Muerto West project, which is nearing production of 5,400 tonnes per annum (tpa) of lithium carbonate equivalent. They believe the project holds greater potential to deliver superior returns for shareholders.
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Blackstone Minerals (BSX:AU) has announced Blackstone Unlocks High Grade Copper-Gold at Mankayan
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The White House is reportedly considering an executive order aimed at expediting the process for deep-sea mining in international waters, according to a Reuters exclusive.
The potential order could allow US companies to bypass the United Nations-backed review system currently in place and seek faster approval from US regulatory agencies for the extraction of key critical minerals.
These minerals, including nickel and copper, are essential for industries ranging from technology to energy, and the push is part of a broader US strategy to reduce dependence on foreign supply chains, especially China.
The order could pave the way for companies to apply for permits through the US Department of Commerce’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) instead of the International Seabed Authority (ISA).
The ISA has been working for years to develop a regulatory framework for deep-sea mining in international waters, but has faced delays due to ongoing debates over environmental and operational guidelines.
The Trump administration’s proposed move to fast-track mining permits is part of a broader “America First” agenda that prioritizes boosting domestic production of minerals critical for national security and technological infrastructure.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump invoked emergency powers to accelerate domestic mineral production.
This new executive order would extend that push to international waters, reinforcing the US commitment to reducing reliance on foreign sources, particularly China. China has strong control over supply of many key minerals, especially those vital for the defense and high-tech sectors. Recent steps from the US to secure alternative sources include the pursuit of potential partnerships with nations like Greenland and Ukraine for mineral extraction.
The executive order under consideration would allow American companies to extract seabed resources while following US regulations, sidestepping the slow-moving ISA process.
Regulatory disputes and growing frustration
Under current international law, deep-sea mining in international waters is governed by the ISA, which was established by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
However, the ISA has yet to finalize its mining regulations, largely due to disputes over environmental issues, such as the impact of mining on marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
One major company, the Metals Company (TMC) (NASDAQ:TMC), which has been involved in deep-sea mining for over a decade, has expressed frustration over the ISA’s delays.
In a recent statement, TMC CEO Gerard Barron said while the company has invested heavily in developing environmentally responsible mining techniques, it has been unable to move forward due to the ISA’s lack of action.
“We believe we have sufficient knowledge to get started and prove we can manage environmental risks. What we need is a regulator with a robust regulatory regime, and who is willing to give our application a fair hearing,” he said.
TMC has already taken steps to apply for mining permits under existing US laws, and intends to submit its application for exploration licenses and recovery permits in the second quarter of 2025.
The ISA, which is composed of 36 member nations, recently held a council meeting in Kingston, Jamaica, where it once again failed to resolve critical regulatory issues surrounding deep-sea mining.
The meeting, which took place earlier this month, ended without an agreement on key amendments to the draft mining code that has been under discussion for years.
Delays from the ISA have led some companies, such as TMC, to seek alternatives. Barron has voiced support for a US-led permitting process, arguing that the US already has a robust framework under the Deep Seabed Hard Mineral Resources Act of 1980, which gives NOAA the authority to regulate deep-sea mining activities in international waters.
“Despite collaborating in good faith with the ISA for over a decade, it has not yet adopted the Regulations on the Exploitation of Mineral Resources in the Area in breach of its express treaty obligations under UNCLOS and the 1994 Agreement,” Barron continued, adding that the company is confident it can manage risks.
The ISA’s failure to resolve these issues has raised concerns among nations and companies that have staked claims in international waters. Bypassing the ISA could strain relations with countries that support its oversight role, especially those advocating for a global regulatory approach to ensure fair and sustainable resource extraction.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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AngloGold Ashanti (NYSE:AU,JSE:ANG)said on Monday (March 31) that with the completion of its Tropicana renewables project it has created the largest hybrid power system in Australia’s mining sector.
First introduced by AngloGold in June 2023, the renewables project is a partnership with Pacific Energy (ASX:PEA), which will integrate 61 megawatts of wind and solar generation capacity at the Tropicana development.
Tropicana is located in Western Australia roughly 1,000 kilometres east of Perth and is a joint venture between AngloGold and fellow gold producer Regis Resources (ASX:RRL,OTC Pink:RGRNF).
The former holds a 70 percent interest in the project, while the latter owns the remaining 30 percent.
The renewables project is expected to reduce the Tropicana development’s natural gas consumption by approximately 50 percent and decrease carbon emissions by an average of 65,000 tonnes annually over the next decade. The project was completed on time, as construction began toward the end of 2023 and was expected to finish during Q1 2025.
“This project will enable a significant reduction in emissions while reducing both diesel and natural gas consumption and improving our overall security of energy supply,” said AngloGold CEO Alberto Calderon.
The project’s energy capacity is equivalent to powering between 40,000 and 50,000 average Australian homes annually. AngloGold believes Tropicana enhances its net asset value, underlining its status as a valuable investment.
In the long run, the renewables initiative will play a crucial role in AngloGold’s 2030 decarbonisation goal, which calls for a 30 percent reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions based on its 2021 carbon emissions baseline.
Outlining the project’s environmental impact in a fact sheet, AngloGold compares it to planting 33 million trees annually, removing 23,000 cars from the road each year or eliminating 2.8 million long-haul flights per year.
Additionally, the plant is expected to reduce the Tropicana operation’s diesel consumption by 5.6 million litres annually and cut natural gas usage by 1.1 million gigajoules per year.
Pacific Energy was responsible for designing and constructing the expansion. The company also owns and operates the hybrid renewables-natural gas power station under a 10 year power purchase agreement.
Combined, the thermal and renewable power systems will provide a total capacity of 115 megawatts.
Securities Disclosure: I, Gabrielle de la Cruz, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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As Canada prepares for a federal election, the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is pressing political parties to commit to long-term support for the Mineral Exploration Tax Credit (METC), emphasizing its crucial role in sustaining the country’s resource exploration industry.
While the Liberal government announced a two year METC extension earlier this month, PDAC is urging the next government to put a 10 year extension in place once Parliament returns. It believes this will provide the stability needed to attract investment in mineral exploration, particularly in remote and Indigenous communities.
“Since its introduction in 2000, the METC has been indispensable to mineral exploration across the country — helping to generate billions in equity, creating jobs, supporting remote and Indigenous communities, and enabling major discoveries that feed into Canada’s broader mining ecosystem,” said PDAC President Karen Rees on Monday (March 31).
“For every dollar the government forgoes, multiple dollars flow back into Canada’s economy, with rural, remote, and Indigenous communities seeing substantial benefits,’ she added.
PDAC has included this recommendation in its broader election platform roadmap, which also calls for regulatory reforms to accelerate project approvals and enhance Canada’s competitiveness in the global critical minerals market.
Conservative Party’s mining commitments
Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre has positioned mining and resource development as a cornerstone of his economic plan, pledging to fast-track permitting for major mining projects.
Poilievre has committed to setting a six month deadline for approving all federal permits in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region, along with a C$1 billion investment over three years to develop essential road infrastructure that will connect mining sites to Ontario’s highway network and First Nations communities.
“Unlocking the Ring of Fire will be life-changing for Northern Ontario towns and First Nation communities, galvanized by thousands of paycheques and modern infrastructure,” he said in a press release. “We could boost our economy with billions of dollars, allowing us to become less dependent on the Americans, while our allies overseas would no longer have to rely on Beijing for these metals, turning dollars for dictators into paycheques for our people.’
Beyond the Ring of Fire, Poilievre has proposed a ‘shovel-ready zones’ initiative, which is aimed at establishing pre-approved permits for large-scale resource and energy projects.
The Conservative platform also includes broader efforts to reduce regulatory barriers, promising a pre-approved national energy corridor to streamline infrastructure development across the country.
On the financial side, Poilievre has announced plans to defer capital gains taxes for investors who reinvest in Canadian projects, a move he says will serve as ‘rocket fuel’ for domestic investment, including in mining and critical minerals.
Liberal Party’s approach to mining
The Liberal Party, under leader Mark Carney, has focused on expanding Canada’s role in the global critical minerals supply chain while balancing environmental and Indigenous concerns.
Carney has emphasized trade diversification and infrastructure investments, including a C$5 billion Trade Diversification Corridor Fund aimed at supporting industries like mining that are essential for Canada’s export economy.
‘Canada must diversify and expand its trading relationships by becoming an essential partner for like-minded countries, drawing on our vast resources of conventional and clean energy, critical metals and minerals, leadership in [artificial intelligence] and deep human capital,’ Carney states in his campaign material.
While the Liberals have not proposed the same level of permitting acceleration as the Conservatives, they have pledged to maintain existing federal tax credits for clean technology and critical mineral production.
Carney’s platform also includes funding for workforce training and economic partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure they benefit from resource development projects.
Path forward for Canada’s mining sector
With both major parties acknowledging the importance of mining to Canada’s economy, the 2025 election will be critical in shaping the future of mineral exploration and development.
Regardless of which party wins, industry experts believe that mining will be a central pillar of Canada’s economic strategy. The urgency to secure domestic mineral supply chains, exacerbated by US tariffs and shifting global trade dynamics, has made support for mining a rare point of agreement.
With the election shaping up to be a close race, mining sector stakeholders will be watching closely to see how political promises translate into actionable policies.
Canadians will head to the polls on April 28.
Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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Altech Batteries (ATC:AU) has announced Altech – CERENERGY Cells Test Safe Under Extreme Conditions
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Pontax Lithium Project, James Bay, Canada
Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) is pleased to announce that it has negotiated a two-year extension to its two-stage earn-in with Stria Lithium Inc (‘Stria’) for the Pontax Lithium Project in James Bay, Quebec (‘Pontax’).
In July 2023, Cygnus announced that it had earned 51 per cent of Pontax under the first stage of the earn-in by spending C$4 million on the project and issuing 9,129,825 fully paid ordinary shares in Cygnus (‘Shares’) to Stria.
As a demonstration of the co-operation between Stria and Cygnus, the parties have now agreed that Cygnus has an additional 24 months to satisfy the second stage of the earn-in and earn an additional 19% interest in Pontax, bringing its total interest to 70%.
The extension means that Cygnus has until October 2027 to expend an additional C$2 million on exploration at the project and make a cash payment to Stria of C$3 million, enhancing the likelihood of successful exploration outcomes at Pontax.
As consideration for the extension and subject to TSXV approval, Cygnus will shortly issue 300,000 Shares to Stria utilising the Company’s available Listing Rule 7.1 capacity at a deemed price of A$0.105 per Share (based on the ASX closing price on 1 April 2025). These Shares will be subject to voluntary escrow for a period of 12 months from issue.
This announcement has been authorised for release by the Board of Directors of Cygnus.
David Southam
Executive Chairman
T: +61 8 6118 1627
E: info@cygnusmetals.com
About Cygnus Metals
Cygnus Metals Limited (ASX: CY5, TSXV: CYG, OTCQB: CYGGF) is a diversified critical minerals exploration and development company with projects in Quebec, Canada and Western Australia. The Company is dedicated to advancing its Chibougamau Copper-Gold Project in Quebec with an aggressive exploration program to drive resource growth and develop a hub-and-spoke operation model with its centralised processing facility. In addition, Cygnus has quality lithium assets with significant exploration upside in the world-class James Bay district in Quebec, and REE and base metal projects in Western Australia. The Cygnus team has a proven track record of turning exploration success into production enterprises and creating shareholder value.
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.
News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia
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The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index (INDEXNASDAQ:NBI) is still trading at three-year highs, despite current market volatility, in response to breakthrough innovations and increased deals involving biotech stocks listed on the NASDAQ.
After dropping to a low of 3,637.05 in October 2023, the index climbed to a nearly three year peak of 4,954.813 on September 19, 2024. While the index had pulled back to 4,243.7 as of March 31, 2025, further growth could be in store in the future.
According to a Towards Healthcare analyst report, the global biotech market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5 percent from now to 2034, reaching a valuation of US$5.036 trillion.
Driving that growth will be favorable government policies, investment in the sector, increased demand for synthetic biology and a rise in chronic disorders such as cancer, heart disease and hypertension.
The top NASDAQ biotech stocks have seen sizeable share price increases over the past year. For those interested in investing in biotech companies, the best-performing small-cap biotech stocks are outlined below.
Data was gathered on March 31, 2025, using TradingView’s stock screener. Small-cap biotech stocks with market caps between US$50 million and US$500 million at that time were considered for this list.
1. Bright Minds Biosciences (NASDAQ:DRUG)
Company Profile
Year-over-year gain: 2,942.02 percent
Market cap: US$254.99 million
Share price: US$36.20
Bright Minds Biosciences is developing novel treatments for pain and neuropsychiatric disorders such as epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder and difficult-to-treat depression.The company’s platform includes serotonin agonists designed to provide powerful therapeutic benefits while minimizing side effects.
Bright Minds is currently in Phase 2 clinical trials for BMB-101, a highly selective 5-HT2C receptor agonist, in adult patients with classic absence epilepsy and developmental epileptic encephalopathy.
Bright Minds’ share price rocketed upward in the fourth quarter of last year, shooting up from US$2.49 to US$38.49 in one day on October 15. The company issued a press release at the time, stating it was ‘unaware of any material changes in the company’s operations’ that would have contributed to such a rally.
The outperformance appears to be related to the October 14 news that Danish pharma company H. Lundbeck was to acquire Longboard Pharma, a company developing a 5-HT2C receptor agonist, for US$60 per share.
A few days later, Bright Minds announced a non-brokered private placement of US$35 million, which sent shares up to US$47.21 on October 18.
That same month, the company shared its collaboration with Firefly Neuroscience (NASDAQ:AIFF) to use Firefly’s Brain Network Analytics technology platform to provide a full analysis of the electroencephalogram data from Bright Minds’ BMB-101 Phase 2 clinical trial. This follows the pair’s previous successful collaboration to analyze data from Bright Minds’ first-in-human Phase 1 study of BMB-101.
In March 2025, Bright Minds expanded its Scientific Advisory Board with the addition of five experts in epilepsy research.
Bright Minds’ share price reached US$55.77, its peak for the past year, on November 6.
2. Monopar Therapeutics (NASDAQ:MNPR)
Company Profile
Year-over-year gain: 924.54 percent
Market cap: US$220.3 million
Share price: US$36.10
Clinical-stage biotech Monopar Therapeutics’ main drug candidate is its late-stage ALXN-1840 for Wilson disease. Its pipeline also includes radiopharma programs such as Phase 1-stage MNPR-101-Zr for imaging advanced cancers, as well as Phase 1a-stage MNPR-101-Lu and late preclinical-stage MNPR-101-Ac225 for the treatment of advanced cancers.
Shares in Monopar spiked by more than 600 percent on October 24, 2024, to US$32.66 following its news release detailing its exclusive worldwide licensing agreement with Alexion, AstraZeneca’s (NASDAQ:AZN) Rare Disease unit, for ALXN-1840, a drug candidate for Wilson disease that met its primary endpoints in its Phase 3 clinical trial. Going forward, Monopar will be responsible for all future global development and commercialization activities.
Further positive news flow in December continued to drive the company’s stock value. Early in the month, the company shared that the first patient was dosed with MNPR-101-Lu in its Phase 1a trial for the radiopharmaceutical. A few weeks later, Monopar announced the launch of a US$40 million concurrent public offering and private placement. After having fallen back to the US$22 range, shares in the company climbed to US$30.68 on December 17, 2024.
Positive sentiment in the company and the biotech market would later drive the stock up to its yearly high of US$51.89 on February 10, 2025. Monopar released its Q4 and full-year 2024 results on March 31.
3. Candel Therapeutics (NASDAQ:CADL)
Company Profile
Year-over-year gain: 268.3 percent
Market cap: US$262.39 million
Share price: US$5.64
Candel Therapeutics is a biotech company focused on developing oncology treatments. The company’s pipeline includes two clinical-stage multimodal biological immunotherapy platforms.
Candel’s lead product candidate, CAN-2409, is in a Phase 2 clinical trial in non-small cell lung cancer and borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, as well as Phase 2 and 3 trials for localized, non-metastatic prostate cancer.
The company had a number wins with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024. In February and May, respectively, Candel’s CAN-3110 received regulatory approval for fast-track designation and orphan drug designation for the treatment of recurrent high-grade glioma.
The agency also granted Candel orphan drug designation for CAN-2409 for the treatment of pancreatic cancer in April 2024. Positive interim data for the trial on pancreatic cancer released that month, sent the company’s share price spiking upward. It ultimately climbed to its 2024 high point of US$14.00 on May 15, 2024.
So far in 2025, Candel’s share price has traded as high as US$12.21 on February 20. In its January corporate update, the company shared its goals for the year, including aiming for Q4 for reporting overall survival data in patients with recurrent high-grade glioma from its ongoing phase 1b trial that is evaluating multiple doses of CAN-3110.
4. Tiziana Life Sciences (NASDAQ:TLSA)
Company Profile
Year-over-year gain: 154.76 percent
Market cap: US$119.51 million
Share price: US$1.08
Tiziana Life Sciences is a clinical-stage biopharma which is developing therapies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, degenerative diseases, and cancer-related to the liver. Its pipeline of candidates is built on its patent drug delivery technology that provides a possible alternative to intravenous (IV) delivery. Tiziana’s lead candidate is intranasal foralumab, which it says is the only fully human anti-CD3 mAb currently in clinical development.
On May 31, 2024, shares in Tiziana broke above US$1 after a series of positive news flow for the company. This included positive clinical results from its intermediate sized Expanded Access Program for non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients, which demonstrated multiple improvements in foralumab-treated patients, as well as its submission of an orphan drug designation application to the FDA for intranasal foralumab for the treatment of non-active secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (na-SPMS).
While Tiazana’s share price slid back down below US$1 per share by mid-June 2024, news that the FDA granted fast track designation to Tiziana intranasal foralumab for the treatment of na-SPMS gave it a much needed boost to the upside. By August 12, the stock’s value had risen to US$1.45 per share.
Tiziana Life Sciences shares reached a yearly peak of US$1.69 on March 7, 2025, after the company filed its investigational new drug application to the FDA for a phase 2 clinical trial in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which is supported by the ALS Association.
5. Benitec Biopharma (NASDAQ:BNTC)
Company Profile
Year-over-year gain: 149.71 percent
Market cap: US$331.43 million
Share price: US$13.01
California-based Benitec Biopharma is advancing novel genetic medicines via its proprietary “Silence and Replace” DNA-directed RNA interference platform. The company is currently focused on developing therapeutics for chronic and life-threatening conditions, including oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy (OPMD).
Its drug candidate BB-301 was granted orphan drug designation by the FDA and the European Medicines Agency. Benitec is well funded to advance its BB-301 clinical development program through the end of 2025.
Benitec’s share price benefited from its first bump of the past year, after the company released its fiscal year Q3 2024 update in mid-May highlighting its achievements over the quarter. This included the closing of a US$40 million private placement. Benitec’s stock value hit US$10.47 per share on May 20, 2024.
Later in the fall, the company reported positive data from two patients with OPMD treated with low-dose BB-301 in phase 1b/2a study, showing the clinical trial is meeting key safety and efficacy endpoints. Shares hit another high of US$11.22 on October 17, 2024.
Benitec’s share price hit US$16.79, its highest yearly value to date, on March 20, 2025, a day after the company released positive interim clinical results for three patients with OPMD treated with BB-301 in phase 1b/2a study.
“The sixth and final Subject of Cohort 1 will be treated with BB-301 in the second calendar quarter of this year, and we are highly optimistic about the potential for continued benefit in Subjects enrolled in the ongoing clinical study,” said Jerel A. Banks, Benitec Executive Chairman and CEO.
Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.
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