The M&E Dispatch - 020

Hello Everyone,

Former Kootenay East MLA Tom Shypitka recently weighed in on his Facebook Page about the province’s decision to separate Energy and Mines into two ministries: “Energy and Climate Solutions” and “Mines and Critical Minerals.” Tom questioned the choice of Surrey MLA Jagrup Brar to oversee mining, pointing out Brar’s lack of connection to the industry and past actions that, in Tom’s view, didn’t show strong support for BC mining. He emphasized the vital role metallurgical coal plays in the Elk Valley, supporting thousands of jobs and contributing over $1 billion to the economy each year.

Maybe it’s just the frustration of losing one’s seat, or maybe there’s something to it, but it raises an important question: Just like healthcare, is it not time we start appointing those with experience in the field to cabinet positions? As BC faces growing demand for critical minerals and the challenges of transitioning to cleaner energy, the next decade will be crucial for balancing sustainability, economic stability, and responsible resource management.

For me, it’s clear that our resources need to be better marketed and sold, the demand is there in the global marketplace but we keep getting caught up in tiny (population wise) politics.

I know, red tape and bureaucracy is a a tale as old as time, here’s hoping that with a narrower mandate MLA Jagrup Brar can show the sceptics that he’s ready to go to market.

// The Dirt

Sigma Lithium’s Stellar Q3 Results
Sigma Lithium surpasses production guidance, generating $34M in operating cash flow while ramping up efficiencies at its Greentech plant.
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Westwater Resources Cuts Costs and Adds Graphite Offtake
Westwater Resources reduces construction costs for the Kellyton Graphite Plant by 10% and signs a graphite fines offtake agreement with Hiller Carbon.
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Niobay Metals Begins Pilot Production Tests
Niobay Metals announces pilot-scale production testing and secures sample supply agreements with two potential clients.
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EGR Exploration’s $750K Private Placement
EGR Exploration launches a private placement to raise funds for ongoing projects, offering units and flow-through shares.
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Trigon Metals Heads to Dubai
Trigon Metals will present at the 121 Mining Investment Conference in Dubai, sharing updates on its projects and future plans.
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Osisko Metals Announces $100M Financing Deal
Osisko Metals expands its leadership team and secures a $100M bought deal financing to drive critical metals strategies.
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Sirios Resources Launches Phase 1 Drilling
Sirios Resources begins Phase 1 of its drill program at the Cheechoo Gold Project in Quebec’s Eeyou Istchee James Bay region.
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PPX Mining Signs Equipment Construction Deal
PPX Mining partners with JPC EC for constructing leaching tanks for its beneficiation plant in Peru.
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Core Assets Finds Longest Sulphide Intercept Yet
Core Assets drills a record 11.78m of massive sulphide mineralization at the Silver Lime Project, reporting strong zinc, copper, and silver grades.
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Manganese: The Next Big Thing?
Zimtu Capital highlights manganese’s rising role in green technology and renewable energy, positioning it alongside lithium and cobalt.
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Aero Energy Confirms High-Grade Uranium
Aero Energy’s Sun Dog Project returns surface assays of up to 13.0% U3O8, advancing exploration in Saskatchewan’s Athabasca Basin.
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Bold Ventures Stakes New Claims
Bold Ventures secures claims near Joutel, Quebec, while completing exploration phases at properties in Northwestern Ontario.
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American Pacific Acquires Palmer VMS Project
American Pacific Mining acquires 100% interest in Alaska’s Palmer Project, backed by a $10M deal.
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Tough loss on the weekend in the final, decided by a shootout… the worst way to end a hockey game. The great thing about minor hockey is after a tough loss the next weekend holds a shot at redemption.

Have a great week all, catch you on Friday.

- Lee