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Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) (Syntheia.ai) (the ‘Company’), is pleased to announce that further to its press release dated May 29, 2025, it has closed its non-brokered private placement financing for gross proceeds of $411,000 through the issuance of 4,110,000 units (each, a ‘Unit’) at a price of $0.10 per Unit (the ‘Offering’).

Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (each, a ‘Common Share‘) and one Common Share purchase warrant (each, a ‘Warrant‘). Each Warrant is exercisable to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.13 until June 17, 2027 (the ‘Expiry Date‘), subject to an accelerated expiry in the event the volume weighted average trading price of the Common Shares exceeds $0.13 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Company may, within 10 business days of the occurrence of such event, deliver a notice to the holders of the Warrants accelerating their Expiry Date to a date that is not less than 30 days following the date of such notice and the issuance of a press release by the Company announcing the acceleration notice (the ‘Accelerated Exercise Period‘). Any unexercised Warrants shall automatically expire at the end of the Accelerated Exercise Period.

In connection with the Offering, the Company paid: (i) a cash commission of $14,880; and (ii) 148,800 finder’s warrants (each, a ‘Finder’s Warrant‘) to certain finders (the ‘Finders‘). Each Finder’s Warrant is exercisable to purchase one additional Unit (each, a ‘Finder’s Unit‘) at a price of $0.10 per Finder’s Unit. The Finder’s Unit have the same terms as the Units issued under the Offering.

Gross proceeds raised from the Offering will be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. All securities issued in connection with the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months plus a day from the date of issuance and the resale rules of applicable securities legislation.

The Offering constituted a related party transaction within the meaning of Multilateral Instrument 61-101 – Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101‘) as certain insiders of the Company subscribed for an aggregate of 1,500,000 Units pursuant to the Offering. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(b) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the Company is not listed on a specified market and the fair market value of the participation in the Offering by insiders does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company in accordance with MI 61-101. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States. The securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act‘) or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to U.S. Persons as defined under applicable United States securities laws unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Syntheia

Syntheia Corp. is an early-stage artificial intelligence technology company, channeling its efforts into refining and expanding its proprietary, conversational AI-based platform (the ‘Syntheia AI Platform‘). The Syntheia AI Platform represents the integration of natural language processing (‘NLP‘) technology, enabling it to not only understand but also respond to human language with accuracy. The Syntheia AI Platform, a generative, AI-powered algorithm equipped with a human-like voice, boasts self-learning capabilities derived from NLP methodologies.

Currently in beta testing, the Syntheia AI Platform is crafted to offer a suite of automated solutions, particularly for retail-focused businesses where customer interaction and service are key to operations. At the heart of the Syntheia AI Platform is its use of AI to emulate human cognitive processes, combined with a sophisticated large language model, which is integral for interpreting and generating human-like language responses.

For further information, please contact:

Tony Di Benedetto
Chief Executive Officer
Tel: (416) 791-9399

Cautionary Statement

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

This news release contains certain ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as ‘plan’, ‘expect’, ‘project’, ‘intend’, ‘believe’, ‘anticipate’, ‘estimate’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘potential’, ‘proposed’ and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions ‘may’ or ‘will’ occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management’s estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. 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 jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/255819

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After being overshadowed by gold early in the year, silver has been in the spotlight in recent weeks.

The white metal broke through the US$37 per ounce mark on Tuesday (June 17) for the first time since May 2011.

Recent economic and geopolitical events have raised analysts’ expectations of a September rate cut from the US Federal Reserve, helping to fuel safe-haven buying of silver and gold.

The central bank has held its benchmark rate at 4.25 to 4.5 percent since November 2024.

Silver price, June 10 to June 17, 2025.

CME Group’s (NASDAQ:CME) FedWatch tool shows more than half of market respondents predict a 0.25 percent cut at the Fed’s September meeting, while just 8 percent are expecting the Fed to make a deeper 0.5 percent cut.

The central bank is widely expected to leave rates unchanged at its June and July meetings.

Silver’s price surge also comes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The two countries have come closer to war in recent days, with Israel striking nuclear and military targets deep in Iran.

On Monday (June 16), US President Trump took to Truth Social to urge a complete evacuation of Tehran ahead of planned strikes on targets in the city. He also urged Iran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

On the economic front, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics released its May consumer price index figures on June 11. The data shows inflationary growth, with the all-items index ticking up to 2.4 percent from 2.3 percent in June.

Growth was tempered mainly by falling prices at the pumps. Additionally, retail prices have yet to feel the full impact of US tariffs as retailers continue to work through stockpiles acquired earlier in the year.

Elsewhere, gold and equity markets weren’t faring as well on Tuesday.

Gold was flat, trading at US$3,385 per ounce. It has surged more than 25 percent this year, setting a slew of new price records, and has continued to trade in elevated territory, fueled by the same conditions as silver’s recent run. However, silver benefits from a lower entry point for investors looking for more affordable safe-haven investments.

The S&P 500 (INDEXSP: INX) was down on Tuesday, recording a 0.78 percent decline to 5,986. The Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ: NDX) was also down, falling 0.89 percent to 21,744, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX: .DJI) slipped 0.68 percent to 42,222.

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

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The U3O8 spot price climbed sharply to kick off the week, hitting US$76.21 per pound.

Its Monday (June 16) rise is a 9.7 percent gain from the previous week’s close of US$69.47, and came after news that the Sprott Physical Uranium Trust (TSX:U.U,OTCQX:SRUUF) had penned a US$100 million bought-deal financing.

The financing was upsized to US$200 million the same day ‘as a result of strong investor demand.’

Sprott (TSX:SII,NYSE:SII), acting on behalf of the trust, confirmed the agreement, which will see Canaccord Genuity Group (TSX:CF,OTC Pink:CCORF) purchase 11,600,000 units of the trust at a price of US$17.25 each.

The offering, expected to close by June 20 pending regulatory approvals, will fund purchases of uranium oxide concentrates and uranium hexafluoride, in line with the trust’s mandate to hold physical uranium.

The news sparked a rally in uranium stocks on Monday.

On the TSX, major miner Cameco (TSX:CCO,NYSE:CCJ) rose just over 6.5 percent, while NexGen Energy (TSX:NXE,NYSE:NXE) was up 8 percent. Uranium Energy (NYSEAMERICAN:UEC) was up 12.64 percent in the US, and Denison Mines (TSX:DML,NYSEAMERICAN:DNN) jumped 14.8 percent on the TSX.

In Australia, Deep Yellow (ASX:DYLASX:DYL,OTCQX:DYLLF) surged more than 21 percent, while Boss Energy (ASX:BOE,OTCQX:BQSSF) jumped nearly 18 percent and Paladin Energy (ASX:PDN,OTCQX:PALAF) climbed over 15 percent amid investor optimism that the fresh capital injection could tighten the uranium spot market.

The Sprott trust, launched in 2021 and often referred to as SPUT, has been a key player in physically sequestering uranium from global markets, helping to reduce available supply and influence spot pricing trends.

After reaching a 14 year high of US$82 in early 2024, uranium prices trended downward, falling as low as US$64.30 this year. Despite the consolidation phase, experts believe the long-term outlook is positive.

The deal marks one of the most significant capital raises for uranium buying in 2025, and reflects growing institutional confidence in the long-term viability of nuclear energy as part of the clean energy transition.

SPUT’s move also comes amid momentum in US uranium policy. In late May, US President Donald Trump signed a series of executive orders aimed at revitalizing America’s nuclear energy sector. The orders are intended to ramp up domestic uranium production to meet growing power demands, especially from artificial intelligence data centers.

Tech giants like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Google and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) have all done nuclear power deals for data centers, honing in on nuclear as a viable solution for their zero-carbon baseload energy needs.

For now, Sprott’s buying spree offers a test of how tight the uranium market really is. With settlement set for later this week, attention will turn to whether its uranium purchases trigger further positive price activity.

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

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Melbourne, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Lithium Universe Limited (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF) has entered into a binding agreement to acquire the global rights to commercially exploit a patented photovoltaic (‘PV’) solar panel recycling technology known as ‘Microwave Joule Heating Technology’ (‘MJHT’ or the ‘Technology’).

Highlights

– Agreement to acquire global rights photovoltaic (PV) solar panel recycling technology

– ‘Microwave Joule Heating Technology’ (MJHT) from Macquarie University

– Utilises microwave technology to selectively heat and delaminate PV cells

– 60-78 million tonnes of waste photovoltaic (PV) modules cumulated by 2050

– Today only 15% of waste solar cells are recycled worldwide

– Most end up in land fill as valuable waste

– Hard to recycle, high temperature furnace, toxic chemicals, low recovery

– MJHT and Delamination enables selective separation of materials – higher recoveries

– To investigate further recovery of silver, silicon, gallium and indium

– Binding commitments received to raise $1.7 million via placement to existing and new sophisticated and professional investors

The rights will be secured via an exclusive licensing agreement (‘Licensing Agreement’) with Macquarie University (‘MQU’), held through an Australian-incorporated holding company, New Age Minerals Pty Ltd (‘NAM’). The key terms of the Licensing Agreement are set out in Schedule 1*. The transaction will be effected by LU7 acquiring 100% of the issued share capital of NAM (‘Proposed Transaction’).

The basis of the technology platform utilises microwave technology to selectively heat silicon thereby softening the EVA encapsulant in solar panels, enabling easy delamination and potential recovery of valuable materials at room temperature. This approach avoids the need for extreme heat (1400degC) typically required for separating materials like glass and silicon as well as the use of costly hazardous chemicals in traditional processes. Delamination enables selective separation of materials without the need for mechanical crushing, whereas traditional crushing methods often result in cross-contaminated material and lower recovery rates.

A report published by the International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme1 projected that global waste PV modules will amount to 1.7-8.0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of solar panel waste worth over A$1 billion, while the global CIGS (Copper, Indium, Gallium, Selenide) solar cell market is projected to grow to US$12.23 billion by 2032.

Currently, only 15% of used PV cells are recycled, with the rest accumulating in landfills.

This low recycling rate is due to complex processes, high-temperature furnaces, toxic chemicals, and poor recovery yields. The Technology, developed by MQU, enhances the extraction of valuable metals such as silver, silicon, gallium, and indium from discarded PV panels using microwave and delaminating techniques. The breakthrough technology offers a promising new approach for enhanced recovery of valuable metals like Silver, Silicon, Gallium, and Indium. The Company plans to initiate further research and development in this area.

THE PROBLEM TODAY

The world’s renewable energy transition is moving fast, with large-scale PV solar panels playing a central role in national energy strategies. The global solar cell market is projected to hit US$39.81 billion by 2037, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 8.2%.

Approximately 37% of Australian households have installed solar panels. This represents over 4 million homes and small businesses with solar power systems. The Clean Energy Council reports that 12.4% of Australia’s electricity generation in 2024 came from rooftop solar.

However, as these panels approach the end of their 25-30-year lifespan, the industry faces a growing challenge: managing solar panel waste and recovering valuable materials. A report published by International Energy Agency Photovoltaic Power Systems Programme (IEA PVPS) Task12 and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in 2016 projected world’s waste PV modules globally to amount to 1,7-8,0 million tonnes cumulatively by 2030 and to 60-78 million tonnes cumulatively by 2050. By 2035, Australia alone is expected to accumulate 1 million tonnes of end-of-life solar panels, with a total material value of over $1 billion. By 2045, Australia could be looking at 34.6 GW of serviceable panels that will need to be recycled or repurposed, equivalent to the total installed solar capacity in the country as of August 2024.

LOW RECYCLING RATES

The global recycling rate for PV solar panels is around 15%, driven by several challenges. The recycling process is complex, requiring high temperatures and toxic chemicals, making it costly and energy intensive. Economic incentives are limited as the recovery of valuable materials like silicon does not provide sufficient financial returns. However, if recycling technologies can effectively attract and recover critical materials like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium, the financial viability of recycling improves, driving higher recycling rates.

Additionally, the lack of recycling infrastructure and the diverse materials in panels further complicate efficient separation, but advancements in technology are addressing these issues.

When waste PV cells aren’t recycled, they often end up in landfills, causing numerous environmental problems.

Panels can contain harmful materials like cadmium and lead, which may leak into the ground and water, posing risks to both ecosystems and human health. Valuable metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are lost, adding to the strain on natural resources. As more solar panels reach the end of their life, landfills fill up, and the energy stored in these materials is wasted. Recycling can help solve these issues by recovering critical materials and cutting down on pollution.

POTENTIAL GROWTH OF PV RECYCLING INDUSTRY

The nascent PV solar panel recycling industry is experiencing rapid growth due to the increasing demand for critical metals such as silicon, silver, and indium, which hold substantial economic value. As the market for endof-life (EoL) solar panels expands, driven by both economic opportunities and environmental needs, the recovery of these materials is becoming a lucrative business. The market for recyclable materials from EoL solar panels is projected to reach over $2.7 billion by 2030 and could approach $80 billion by 2050, according to Rystad Energy. This growth is further fuelled by the fact that recovering materials from used panels can offset the need for costly and environmentally damaging virgin material extraction. Additionally, recycling helps secure a domestic supply of critical metals, reducing reliance on volatile foreign sources. Advancements in recycling technology, particularly in recovering high-value materials like silicon and silver, are making these processes more economically viable and environmentally necessary. Research has demonstrated that up to 98% of silver and nearly all of copper, lead, and other valuable metals can be recovered efficiently, enhancing the profitability of the recycling industry. As technology improves, the recycling of PV panels will play a crucial role in supporting the transition to a circular economy and sustainable energy future.

CRITICAL METALS IN PV CELLS

As the demand for critical minerals continues to rise with the global shift to clean energy, the need to recover valuable materials from these panels becomes increasingly urgent. Solar panels are made up of 95% recyclable materials, including silver, aluminum, silicon, copper, indium, and gallium-all of which are vital to global clean energy supply chains. Rare metals like gallium are essential for solar fuel cells, semiconductor chips, and other high-tech applications, making their recovery from e-waste a key priority.

COMMENTS: EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN, IGGY TAN

‘Now that we have completed our lithium refinery DFS and secured all necessary components-including land and partnerships-we are positioned and ready for a lithium price recovery. We are confident in our counter-cyclical strategy and firmly believe that LU7 will benefit significantly when the lithium market rebounds. While awaiting this recovery, we have been presented with an exciting opportunity to acquire a cutting-edge photovoltaic recycling technology’.

‘I am thrilled about the acquisition of Macquarie University’s Microwave Joule Heating Technology (MJHT) and the opportunity to potentially extract critical metals such as silver from solar panel recycling.

The need for effective PV recycling has never been greater, with only 15% of panels currently being recycled. The mass accumulation of solar panel waste in landfills is a growing problem, as valuable critical metals like silver, silicon, gallium, and indium are left behind, contributing to both resource depletion and environmental harm. Microwave technology offers a promising solution to these challenges, enabling higher recovery rates and more sustainable recycling processes. We firmly believe that this technology represents the future of solar panel waste management. We are eager to collaborate with the Macquarie team to develop a more efficient and cost-effective recycling process’.

*To view the full release with tables and figures, please visit:
https://abnnewswire.net/lnk/A0938OHA

To view the Market Presentation, please visit:
https://www.abnnewswire.net/lnk/JJ10ITOI

About Lithium Universe Ltd:  

Lithium Universe Ltd (ASX:LU7) (FRA:KU00) (OTCMKTS:LUVSF), headed by industry trail blazer, Iggy Tan, and the Lithium Universe team has a proven track record of fast-tracking lithium projects, demonstrated by the successful development of the Mt Cattlin spodumene project for Galaxy Resources Limited.

Instead of exploring for the sake of exploration, Lithium Universe’s mission is to quickly obtain a resource and construct a spodumene-producing mine in Quebec, Canada. Unlike many other Lithium exploration companies, Lithium Universe possesses the essential expertise and skills to develop and construct profitable projects.

Source:
Lithium Universe Ltd

Contact:
Alex Hanly
Chief Executive Officer
Lithium Universe Limited
Tel: +61 448 418 725
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

Iggy Tan
Chairman
Lithium Universe Limited
Email: info@lithiumuniverse.com

News Provided by ABN Newswire via QuoteMedia

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Adelaide, Australia (ABN Newswire) – Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) (FRA:NC3) (OTCMKTS:RLMLF) is pleased to announce the selection of Clewett Global Services as external affairs advisers to support the development of the Horse Heaven Antimony-Gold-Silver-Tungsten project in Idaho, USA.

Highlights

– Engagement in Washington D.C. is a critical step in positioning RML as a trusted partner in the U.S. critical minerals supply chain

– Resolution to consider applying for U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) funding to expedite Horse Heaven Project in Idaho

– Neighbouring Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS) was fast-tracked for development in April 2025, and received up to US$74 million in DOD funding, highlighting strong U.S. Government commitment and support for antimony and other critical metal projects

– By aligning with U.S. Government strategic priorities, RML is actively enhancing its ability to progress Horse Heaven on a faster schedule

– Antimony, Silver, Gold and Tungsten trading at record-high prices

CLEWETT GLOBAL SERVICES APPOINTED TO WORK WITH RESOLUTION TO DEVELOP U.S. GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT STRATEGY

The Horse Heaven Project is located directly adjacent to NASDAQ-listed Perpetua Resources’ $2 billion Stibnite Gold and Antimony Project, which recently gained final record of decision approval from the U.S. Forest Service.

Horse Heaven has strong gold, antimony and silver mineralisation in two highly prospective structurally controlled mineralised corridors, and includes past-producing antimony, tungsten and gold mines.

Historical exploration results from Horse Heaven are highly encouraging and indicate similar geological characteristics to the neighbouring Stibnite project.

Given the importance of antimony to the U.S. Government’s critical minerals strategy, Resolution Minerals is excited to develop the Horse Heaven Project and will be actively seeking the support of the U.S. Government to expedite its progress.

Founding Partner of Clewett Global Services, Todd Clewett, is a seasoned external affairs executive with a track record of success in engaging decision makers in Washington D.C. regarding mining and critical minerals projects. Clewett formerly headed up the external affairs function for both Newmont Corporation and Fortescue.

Background

The U.S. government has prioritised domestic and allied sources of key minerals such as antimony, tungsten and gallium recognising their importance to defense applications and renewable technologies.

Until now, the U.S. has relied mainly on China for the supply of many critical metals. Following China’s total ban on exports of these metals to the U.S. in late 2024, a priority of the new Administration is to shore up its own domestic supply chains of these materials.

Fast-41 Program

The FAST-41 program, established by Title 41 of the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act), is a program designed to improve the timeliness, predictability, and transparency of the federal environmental review and permitting process.

FAST-41 is designed to streamline and expedite the permitting process for infrastructure and mining projects deemed nationally significant. FAST-41 can offer benefits to project developers, including increased predictability, transparency and faster decision-making.

Some projects currently covered under FAST-41 include:

– Perpetua Resources’ (PPTA.NAS) Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho

– Stillwater Palladium & Platinum Project in Montana

– Jindalee Resources’ (ASX:JLL) McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon

– BPH and RIO’s Resolution Copper Project in Arizona

– South32’s (ASX:S32) Hermosa Critical Minerals Project in Arizona

Resolution Minerals’ efforts to participate in the FAST-41 program follow the precedent set in April this year by next-door neighbour, NASDAQ-listed Perpetua Resources (PPTA.NAS), whose Stibnite Gold Project in Idaho became the first mining project accepted under FAST-41, and by ASX-listed Jindalee Lithium Limited (ASX:JLL), whose McDermitt Lithium Project in Oregon was also successfully fasttracked under FAST-41 in April.

2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill (‘Big Beautiful Bill’)

The proposed 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill includes US$2.5 billion to support U.S. production of critical minerals via the National Defense Stockpile. In addition, there is US$500 million allocated to the Department of Defense Credit Program for loans, loan guarantees, and technical assistance aimed at developing reliable sources of critical minerals – both within the U.S. and among key international allies.

Congress is expected to pass this bill (in some form) by the end of July 2025. Resolution has commenced plans to pursue all its available options to apply for funding that may become available upon passing of this proposed bill.

Resolution is considering opportunities under the U.S. Department of Defense’s Title III and Industrial Base Analysis and Sustainment (IBAS) programs, which support the development of reliable and resilient supply chains for critical minerals.

RML’s Executive Director, Aharon Zaetz commented:

‘We are extremely honoured for Todd Clewett to want to work with us. We feel very excited that he shares the enthusiasm for the Horse Heaven project and sees the massive potential here. Todd’s experience in working with governments to develop mining projects will be an invaluable asset to RML.

Todd’s experience, knowledge and network in the White House provides him with an extremely rare and unique skillset that RML shareholders are extremely privileged to benefit from.

About Resolution Minerals Ltd:  

Resolution Minerals Ltd (ASX:RML) is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration and development of precious and battery metals – such as antimony, gold, copper, and uranium.

Resolution Minerals Ltd Listed on the ASX in 2017 and has a broad portfolio of assets, such as the Drake East Antimony-Gold Project in north-eastern NSW and George Project prospective for silica sand and uranium.

Source:
Resolution Minerals Ltd

Contact:
Aharon Zaetz
Executive Director
Resolution Minerals Ltd
M: +61 424 743 098
ari@resolutionminerals.com

Jane Morgan
Investor Relations
Jane Morgan Management
M: +61 405 555 618
jm@janemorganmanagement.com.au

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It took 11 years since Facebook acquired it for $19 billion, but Meta is finally bringing ads to WhatsApp, marking a major change for an app whose founders shunned advertising.

Meta announced Monday that businesses will now be able to run so-called status ads on WhatsApp that prompt users to interact with the advertisers via the app’s messaging features. The ads will only be shown to users within WhatsApp’s “Updates” tab to separate the promotions from people’s personal conversations. Additionally, Meta will begin monetizing WhatsApp’s Channels feature through search ads and subscriptions.

The debut of ads on the messaging app represents a significant step in Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s plans to make WhatsApp “the next chapter” in his company’s history, as he told CNBC’s Jim Cramer in 2022. The move to monetize WhatsApp also comes amid Meta’s high-profile antitrust case with the Federal Trade Commission over the company’s blockbuster acquisitions of the messaging app and Instagram.

Already, Meta allows advertisers to run so-called click-to-message ads on Facebook and Instagram that steer users to WhatsApp where they can directly engage with businesses. Messaging between brands and consumers “should be the next pillar of our business,” Zuckerberg told analysts in April, adding that WhatsApp now has over 3 billion monthly users, including “more than 100 million people in the U.S. and growing quickly there.”

Now, companies can run those kinds of ads within WhatsApp itself. The new status ads appear in a user’s Updates tab within that tab’s “Status” feature that can be used to share pictures, videos and text that vanish after 24 hours, akin to Instagram Stories.

Since Meta bought WhatsApp in 2014, the popular messaging app has continued to grow worldwide. But unlike Facebook, Instagram and most recently Threads, WhatsApp has never allowed advertising.

WhatsApp’s co-founders, Jan Koum and Brian Acton, were public in their scorn for the advertising industry, and the duo left Facebook after reportedly clashing with executives who were eager to inject the app with advertising and other practices they shunned.

The social media company does not reveal WhatsApp’s specific sales, but analysts have previously estimated the app’s revenue to be between $500 million and $1 billion from charging businesses for tools and services so they can message customers on the app.

Meta will “use very basic information” to recommend which ads to show WhatsApp users, Nikila Srinivasan, Meta’s head of product for business messaging, said Friday. This includes a person’s country, city, device, language and data like who they follow or how they interact with ads.

The company debuted WhatsApp’s Updates tab in June 2023 along with an accompanying Channels feature that allows people and organizations to send broadcast messages and updates to their followers as opposed to personal conversations. Meta will also monetize the Channels feature, the company said Monday.

Organizations and people who are Channel administrators will now be able to spend money to boost the visibility of their respective Channels when a person searches for them via a directory, similar to ads on Apple’s and Google’s app stores.

Additionally, channel administrators will be able to charge users monthly subscription fees to access exclusive updates and content, Meta said Monday. The company will not immediately make money from those monthly subscription fees, but it plans to eventually take a 10% cut of those subscriptions, a spokesperson said.

Meta hopes that by limiting its new ads to WhatsApp’s Updates tab it will disrupt users as little as possible, Srinivasan said. Users’ status updates as well as personal messages and calls on WhatsApp will remain encrypted, she said.

“We really believe that the Updates tab is the right place for these new features,” Srinivasan said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

President Donald Trump’s business organization has announced the creation of a new wireless phone service that will carry the president’s name.

Trump Mobile, as the service will be known, will soon be available for what Donald Trump Jr. described as “real Americans” seeking “true value from their mobile carriers.” The eldest of Trump’s children, who serves as executive vice president of the Trump Organization, which runs the president’s businesses, made the remarks at a press event in New York City on Monday morning alongside his brother Eric Trump, who also oversees the Trump Organization.

According to the TrumpMobile.com website, the plan starts at $47.45 a month, reference to the elder Trump having served as the 45th and 47th president.

By comparison, Boost Mobile and Verizon’s Visible offer similar unlimited service for $25 per month. T-Mobile and Spectrum offer unlimited plans for $30.

Users can change to Trump Wireless while still keeping their existing phones. At the same time, the Trump Organization is also rolling out a $499 gold-colored phone, dubbed the T1, later this year as part of the service’s launch.

The announcement represents another example of the unprecedented line-blurring the president has undertaken by running the country while his branded business ventures continue to operate and make millions.

Late Friday, the president filed financial disclosure forms for 2024 showing hundreds of Trump-branded business ventures in operation as of last year. The Trump Organization, the main corporate entity run by the president’s family, earned more than $57 million from sales of digital tokens launched by its World Liberty Financial cryptocurrency platform. Trump has aggressively wielded the powers of the executive office to threaten businesses whose policies he does not support.

The launch of a wireless phone is a particularly striking case, since it comes as the president seeks to bring more production of electronics, including smartphones, to the United States. Trump has explicitly threatened Apple with tariffs for not making its iPhones stateside. Trump has sought to exert a strong influence over the heavily regulated telecom industry through Brendan Carr, the attorney Trump appointed to lead the Federal Communications Commission. Carr has cited traditional carriers for allegedly abusing workforce diversity requirements and censoring conservative voices.

The White House referred a request for comment to the Trump Organization. It did not respond to a follow-up query asking whether the president planned to use his own branded wireless service or the T1 phone.

According to its website, Trump Mobile is “powered” by Liberty Mobile Wireless. Florida state business records indicate Liberty Mobile was first registered in 2018 by its president and CEO, a Miami-area entrepreneur named Matthew Lopatin. He did not respond to an emailed request for comment.

Representatives for the three major U.S. phone carriers did not respond to requests for comment.

Trump Mobile’s T1 PhoneTrump Mobile

According to its website, Trump Mobile users would be able to receive telemedicine on their phone, roadside assistance and unlimited texting to at least 100 countries.

The service and phone are not actually made by the Trump Organization. The company is licensing the president’s name to a wireless service that is supported by the three major U.S. phone carriers. In a separate appearance with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo’s “Mornings with Maria” show Monday, Eric Trump said the phones would also be made in the U.S. but did not state the manufacturer. He also said the service’s call center would be based in St. Louis.

The announcement appears to echo one made earlier this month by the trio of actor-hosts of the popular “SmartLess” podcast, who said they were launching their own wireless service by purchasing network capacity from T-Mobile.

Another actor, Ryan Reynolds, has invested in Mint Mobile, which also uses T-Mobile’s network. Both Mint and SmartLess have been pitched as value services for users who don’t have need for unlimited data.

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