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The U.S. Department of the Treasury on Wednesday sanctioned four companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector and identified four oil tankers as blocked property, saying the move targets oil traders involved in alleged sanctions-evasion that helps finance Nicolás Maduro’s regime.

Treasury said the vessels, some described as part of a ‘shadow fleet’ serving Venezuela, ‘continue to provide financial resources that fuel Maduro’s illegitimate narco-terrorist regime’ in Tuesday’s press release.

‘President Trump has been clear: We will not allow the illegitimate Maduro regime to profit from exporting oil while it floods the United States with deadly drugs,’ Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. ‘The Treasury Department will continue to implement President Trump’s campaign of pressure on Maduro’s regime,’ he added.

Treasury said the sanctions block property and interests in property of the designated entities within U.S. jurisdiction and generally prohibits Americans from transactions involving them.

The action follows U.S. measures against Venezuela’s state-run oil company Petroleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA).

OFAC designated PDVSA in January 2019 under Executive Order 13850, and President Trump later took additional steps to block PDVSA in August 2019 under Executive Order 13884, Treasury said.

Treasury said Wednesday’s move also complements actions announced Dec. 11 and Dec. 19 targeting PDVSA-linked officials, associates and vessels.

OFAC designated Corniola Limited and Krape Myrtle Co LTD and identified the tanker NORD STAR as blocked property. OFAC also designated Winky International Limited and identified ROSALIND, also known as LUNAR TIDE, as blocked property. OFAC designated Aries Global Investment LTD and identified the tankers DELLA and VALIANT as blocked property, Treasury said.

Treasury said blocked property within U.S. jurisdiction must be reported to OFAC, and warned that violations of U.S. sanctions may result in civil or criminal penalties.

Treasury said the goal of sanctions is to bring about a positive change in behavior, noting there is a formal process for seeking removal from an OFAC list consistent with U.S. law.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

Russian President Vladimir Putin used his New Year’s address to deliver a blunt message to the West and to his own troops: Russia is not backing down in Ukraine.

As 2026 arrived in Russia’s far eastern regions, Putin vowed victory in the nearly four-year war, praising Russian soldiers and framing the conflict as a fight for the nation’s survival — even as the United States ramps up diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the bloodshed.

‘We believe in you and our victory,’ Putin said in remarks broadcast nationwide and released by the Kremlin on Wednesday. Addressing troops directly, he congratulated ‘all our soldiers and commanders’ and pledged continued support for what Moscow calls its ‘special military operation.’

Putin cast the war as a struggle for Russia’s homeland, ‘truth and justice,’ signaling determination to press ahead despite mounting losses and international pressure.

In a separate message, ex-President Dmitry Medvedev — Putin’s security council deputy — said of victory in Ukraine: ‘I sincerely believe that it is near.’ Echoing Putin, he spoke of ‘our great and invincible Russia.’

The defiant tone comes as the war approaches grim milestones. On Jan. 12, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will surpass the 1,418 days the Soviet Union fought Nazi Germany in Europe during World War II. On Feb. 24, the conflict will enter its fourth year. Western estimates place the number of killed and wounded at more than 1 million — a figure the Kremlin disputes.

Putin’s rhetoric stood in sharp contrast to renewed diplomatic activity led by Washington.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with U.S. President Donald Trump at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida on Sunday, as the White House explores possible paths to end Europe’s largest land war since World War II.

After the meeting, Trump said Ukraine and Russia were ‘closer than ever’ to peace, while acknowledging that major obstacles — particularly territorial disputes — remain unresolved. Reuters separately reported that Trump and Zelenskyy discussed potential U.S. troop involvement as part of broader security guarantees, though no decisions were announced.

Reuters contributed to this report.

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The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday outlined a list of its accomplishments during President Donald Trump’s first year back in office, arguing that the agency has ended the political weaponization it says existed under the Biden administration.

The DOJ claimed in a statement posted on X that it has ‘turned around’ the agency, restoring fairness and law enforcement priorities.

‘Instead of keeping Americans safe, the Biden DOJ weaponized its power against political opponents: conservatives, parents, pro-lifers, Christians, and most of all, President Trump,’ the DOJ stated.

The DOJ said that after President Trump inherited a justice system it described as ‘in chaos,’ he charged the department with restoring ‘integrity, accountability and equal justice under the law.’

‘In 2025, the DOJ returned to its core mission: upholding the rule of law, vigorously prosecuting criminals, and keeping the American people safe,’ the department wrote.

The announcement comes as the Trump administration continues to face legal challenges and the Justice Department faces potential legal action after missing a statutory deadlinedeadline to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

The DOJ outlined 10 ‘wins’ since President Trump took office on Jan. 20, including efforts to pursue major fraud cases, particularly in Minnesota, which it described as ‘rife with fraud.’

According to the DOJ, 98 people have been charged — including 85 individuals identified as being of Somali descent — in Medicaid fraud and related case programs, leading to 64 convictions to date.

The statement outlines actions taken to roll back policies it said were targeting conservatives and parents, reduce crime nationwide, increase law enforcement activity in major cities, seize record amounts of illegal drugs and secure favorable rulings at the Supreme Court.

On Wednesday, FBI Director Kash Patel wrote on X that the bureau is working to restore trust in federal law enforcement.

‘Dismantling public corruption is a top priority of our leadership team here — we’ve worked day and night on that mission and will continue to do so until justice is done,’ he wrote.

The Justice Department said more enforcement actions are planned in 2026, signaling an escalation of arrests, court victories and action ‘against those who threaten the safety and well-being of the American people.’

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Momentum on a 20-point peace plan to end the war between Russia and Ukraine is faltering after President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of targeting a residence linked to him, a claim Moscow says leaves little room for compromise at the negotiating table.

The accusation comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been pressing a 20-point peace proposal as a counteroffer to a 28-point framework floated by the Trump administration before Thanksgiving. Zelenskyy was expected to present the plan directly to President Donald Trump during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago, part of what he described as ‘some of the most active diplomatic days of the year.’

Russia claims Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack early Monday against a presidential residence in the Novgorod region, involving 91 long-range drones that were intercepted by Russian air defenses.

Russia’s defense ministry released footage of a masked soldier standing next to drone wreckage it said was recovered from the attack, claiming the drone carried a high-explosive warhead ‘filled with a large number of striking elements’ intended to hit civilian targets.

The Kremlin has described the site as a presidential residence in the Novgorod region, one of several state-owned properties associated with Putin, though it has not said he was present at the time.

Kremlin officials quickly branded the incident ‘terrorist’ activity, warning it would force Russia to harden its negotiating position. 

‘This terrorist action is aimed at collapsing the negotiation process,’ Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters Tuesday. ‘The diplomatic consequence will be to toughen the negotiating position of the Russian Federation.’

Zelenskyy’s proposal calls for Western-backed security guarantees resembling NATO’s Article 5, a halt in fighting along current battle lines in contested regions, and the creation of demilitarized zones overseen by international forces — provisions Moscow has long opposed. The Ukrainian plan also rejects formal recognition of Russian control over occupied territory, a key point of divergence from the U.S. framework.

Ukraine has flatly denied responsibility for the alleged attack. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Russia has offered no evidence ‘because there’s none,’ accusing Moscow of leaning on a familiar strategy. 

‘Russia has a long record of false claims — it’s their signature tactic,’ Sybiha said in a post to the social platform X.

Zelenskyy told reporters that Ukraine had discussed the allegation with U.S. officials. ‘They’ve talked through the details. And we understand that it’s fake. And thanks to their technical opportunities, they can verify that it’s fake,’ he said.

Ukrainian officials argue the allegation fits a broader Kremlin playbook: using unproven claims to justify escalation or deflect blame as diplomacy intensifies. Kyiv has warned Moscow may be using the episode to lay the groundwork for new strikes, including against government buildings in the Ukrainian capital, while portraying Russia as the aggrieved party in peace talks.

The dispute has also drawn in Trump, who met with Zelenskyy in Florida Friday and later spoke by phone with Putin. Putin raised the alleged incident during their call.

‘I was very angry about it,’ Trump told reporters, adding that the U.S. was still working to determine what actually happened. ‘We’ll find out,’ he said.

Matthew Whitaker, the U.S. ambassador to NATO, said on Fox Business that Washington is investigating Russia’s claim

‘It’s unclear whether it actually happened,’ Whitaker said. ‘We’re going to get to the bottom of the intelligence.’

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The number of American citizens arrested and held in Venezuela has risen in recent months, according to a new report.

Several Americans have been detained by Venezuelan security forces as the Trump administration stepped up efforts to isolate President Nicolás Maduro, including sanctions enforcement and an expanded military presence in the Caribbean, The New York Times reported.

A U.S. official familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the outlet that while some detainees face what Venezuelan authorities describe as legitimate criminal charges, Washington is considering designating at least two Americans as ‘wrongfully detained.’

.’

This can speed up diplomatic efforts to secure their release.

Those arrested currently are said to include three Venezuelan-American dual nationals and two U.S. citizens with no known ties to Venezuela, the official told the outlet.

Maduro’s government has long been accused by U.S. officials and critics of using detained foreign nationals as leverage in negotiations with the U.S.

President Trump has made the release of Americans held overseas a priority during both of his presidencies. During his first term, he followed a campaign of maximum pressure against Maduro.

On his return to office in January, Trump also sent envoy Richard Grenell to Caracas to push for a prisoner agreement.

Grenell met Maduro in person and was tasked with securing the return of detained Americans, announcing he was bringing home six who had been imprisoned, per Reuters.

In May, Venezuela also released a U.S. Air Force veteran who had been detained for roughly six months. 

Joseph St Clair, who served in Afghanistan, had traveled to South America for treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder.

In July, as reported by Fox News Digital, 10 more Americans and U.S. permanent residents were released after a prisoner swap that saw more than 250 Venezuelans held in El Salvador also returned home. The U.S. State Department confirmed that release on July 18, 2025.

‘Our commitment to the American people is clear: we will safeguard the well-being of U.S. nationals both at home and abroad and not rest until all Americans being held hostage or unjustly detained around the world are brought home,’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the time.

.

That diplomatic push led to talks between U.S. and Venezuelan officials and resulted in the release of at least 16 American citizens and permanent residents by mid-2025.

Those negotiations were later suspended as the administration shifted toward broader pressure.

The U.S. began expanding sanctions enforcement, redeploying naval assets to the Caribbean, and increased operations targeting vessels allegedly linked to drug-trafficking networks tied to Maduro’s regime.

Meanwhile, the New York Times reported Wednesday that among those Americans currently reported missing is James Luckey-Lange, 28, of Staten Island, New York, who went missing after crossing Venezuela’s southern border in early December.

Luckey-Lange is the son of musician Diane Luckey, known as Q Lazzarus.

Another former detainee, Renzo Huamanchumo Castillo, a Peruvian-American, told the outlet he was arrested last year and accused of terrorism and plotting to kill Mr. Maduro.

‘We realized afterward, I was just a token,’ he said. He was released in the July prisoner swap after months of harsh detention.

At least two others with U.S. ties remain imprisoned, according to their families: Aidel Suarez, a U.S. permanent resident born in Cuba, and Jonathan Torres Duque, a Venezuelan-American, according to reporting by The New York Times.

The exact number of newly detained Americans has not been publicly disclosed by U.S. officials.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Department of State for comment.

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NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

Stallion Uranium Corp. (the ‘Company’ or ‘Stallion’) (TSX-V: STUD; OTCQB: STLNF; FSE: B76) is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 12, 2025 and December 17, 2025, it has increased its non-brokered private placement to raise gross proceeds of $7,723,064 (the ‘Offering’). The Company also announces that it has closed the Offering, issuing 17,162,365 flow-through shares of the Company as a ‘flow-through share’ within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (each, a ‘FT Share’) at a price of $0.45 per FT Share.

The gross proceeds from the FT Shares will be used by the Company to incur eligible ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ that qualify as ‘flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures’ as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ‘Qualifying Expenditures‘) related to the Company’s uranium projects in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan, on or before December 31, 2026. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the FT Shares effective December 31, 2025.

The FT Shares issued pursuant to the Offering are subject to a four-month and one day hold period from the date of issuance under applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the closing of the Offering, the Company paid the following cash fees to eligible arm’s length finders: $24,728 to Canaccord Genuity Corp., $353,524.84 to Accilent Capital Management Inc., $3,465 to Research Capital Corporation, $70,000 to PB Markets Inc., $47,250 to GloRes Securities Inc.; $28,000 to Wealth (WCPD Inc.), and $3,150 to Sightline Wealth Management.

This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of 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 or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available.

About Stallion Uranium Corp.:

Stallion Uranium is working to ‘Fuel the Future with Uranium’ through the exploration of roughly 1,700 sq/km in the Athabasca Basin, home to the largest high-grade uranium deposits in the world. The company, with JV partner Atha Energy holds the largest contiguous project in the Western Athabasca Basin adjacent to multiple high-grade discovery zones. With a commitment to responsible exploration and cutting-edge technology such as the use of the proprietary Haystack TI technology, Stallion is positioned to play a key role in the future of clean energy.

Our leadership and advisory teams are comprised of uranium and precious metals exploration experts with the capital markets experience and the technical talent for acquiring and exploring early-stage properties. For more information visit stallionuranium.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Stallion Uranium Corp.:

Matthew Schwab
CEO and Director

Corporate Office:
700 – 838 West Hastings Street,
Vancouver, British Columbia,
V6C 0A6

T: 604-551-2360
info@stallionuranium.com

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

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements’) that relate to the Company’s current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as ‘will likely result’, ‘are expected to’, ‘expects’, ‘will continue’, ‘is anticipated’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘estimated’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘forecast’, ‘projection’, ‘strategy’, ‘objective’ and ‘outlook’) are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements and may involve estimates, assumptions and uncertainties which could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. No assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking statements included in this material change report should not be unduly relied upon. These statements speak only as of the date they are made.

Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company’s control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. Any forward-looking statements contained in this presentation are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) (‘LaFleur Minerals’ or the ‘Company’ or ‘Issuer’) is pleased to announce that, further to its news releases dated December 15, 2025, and December 16, 2025, the Company has completed its previously announced non-brokered private placement of units of the Company (the ‘LIFE Units’) at a price of $0.50 per Unit under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (as defined herein) for an upsized amount and gross proceeds of $4,695,000 (the ‘LIFE Offering’). The Company also announces that it has closed its previously announced Flow-Through Offering (the ‘FT Units’) at a price of $0.60 per flow-through unit for an oversubscribed amount and gross proceeds of $2,205,421.

With both these financings closed, upsized due to demand and oversubscribed, LaFleur is now funded for the restart of its Beacon Gold Mill, intending to source mineralized material from its nearby Swanson Gold Project, and starting with an estimated 10,000-20,000 metric tons (mt) of mineralized stockpiles remaining on the site of its wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill.

FMI Securities Inc. acted as a special advisor and selling group member on the closed LIFE and FT Offerings, along with participation from other key investment banks and advisory firms such as Red Cloud Securities Inc., Ventum Financial Corp., Canaccord Genuity Group Inc., Research Capital Corp., Raymond James Ltd. and Stonegate Securities Ltd.

Beacon Gold Mill: A Strategic, High-Value Infrastructure Asset

The Company is uniquely positioned as one of the few junior gold companies in Canada that owns a fully permitted, existing gold mill, providing a clear pathway to cash flow without the long timelines, dilution, and capital intensity typically associated with mill construction. The completion of these financings materially de-risks LaFleur’s business model, enabling the Company to advance directly into gold production at its Beacon Gold Mill while simultaneously unlocking value from its nearby Swanson Gold Project. This vertically integrated strategy allows LaFleur to control the full value chain, from mineralized material to doré, creating the potential for early revenue generation, margin capture, and shareholder value accretion.

LaFleur’s wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill represents a rare and highly strategic asset within the Abitibi Gold Belt. The 750 tpd mill is fully constructed, in good condition, permitted, historically proven, and ready for restart of operations, significantly reducing execution risk and capital requirements compared to greenfield development scenarios. With funding now secured, the Company intends to restart mill operations and advance toward gold production, with impending Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘PEA’) results expected mid-January, positioning LaFleur as the newest producer in one of the world’s most prolific gold districts. Led by Environmental Resources Management (ERM), a global mining, sustainability, and environmental consulting firm with extensive technical mining expertise, the PEA is conducted for the purpose of evaluating the restart of gold production at LaFleur’s wholly-owned and recently refurbished Beacon Gold Mill using mineralized material from its nearby Swanson Gold Deposit, both located in the recognized mining camp of Val-d’Or, Québec. Ownership of the Beacon Gold Mill provides LaFleur with operational flexibility and optionality, including the ability to process mineralized material from its own project and potentially third-party feed from regional deposits, creating additional revenue opportunities beyond its core assets.

Swanson Gold Project: High-Grade Feed Potential Close to the Mill

The Swanson Gold Project, located in close proximity to the Beacon Gold Mill, is a cornerstone of LaFleur’s production strategy. The project hosts various showings of high-grade gold mineralization within the Abitibi Greenstone Belt, positioned in an area renowned for producing over 200 million ounces of gold historically. The Company plans to advance Swanson as a primary source of mill feed, leveraging short haul distances to reduce operating costs and enhance project economics. With funding in place, LaFleur can aggressively advance exploration and development activities at Swanson, targeting the definition of near-surface, high-grade zones that could be rapidly transitioned into production. This approach supports a low-capex, staged production model designed to generate cash flow while continuing to grow the resource base.

Beacon-Swanson Synergy: A Clear Path to Value Creation

The combination of a wholly-owned, restart-ready gold mill and a nearby, district-scale gold project with high-grade potential, positions LaFleur Minerals as a differentiated junior gold company with a clear and executable growth strategy. Being funded enables the Company to move decisively toward production, reduce financing risk, and focus on operational execution. Management believes this milestone places LaFleur in a strong position to deliver near-term production, establish cash flow, and build a scalable gold platform in Québec, creating long-term value for shareholders as the Company advances toward becoming a sustainable gold producer.

Financing Details

Each Unit of the LIFE Offering consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a ‘LIFE Share‘) and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a ‘LIFE Warrant‘). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 for a period of 36 months from the date of issuance. Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 – Prospectus Exemptions (‘NI 45-106‘), the LIFE Offering was made to purchasers’ resident in all provinces of Canada, except Quebec, pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the ‘Listed Issuer Financing Exemption‘). The securities offered under the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption are not subject to a hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

Each Unit of the Flow-Through Offering consists of one common share in the capital of the Company, to be issued as a ‘flow-through share’ within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) and the Taxation Act (Québec) (each, a ‘FT Share‘), and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a ‘FT Warrant‘). Each Warrant entitled the holder to purchase one additional common share at a price of $0.75 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance. The Warrants are subject to an accelerated expiry upon thirty (30) business days’ notice from the Company in the event the closing price of the Company’s common shares on the Canadian Securities Exchange (the ‘CSE‘) is equal to or above a price of $0.90 for fourteen (14) consecutive trading days any time after closing of the Offering.

In connection with the LIFE and FT Offerings, the Company paid an aggregate cash finder fee of $480,229.43 and issued an aggregate of 909,466 non-transferable finders’ warrants (each, a ‘Finder’s Warrant‘). Each Finder’s Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one common share in the capital of the Company at a price of $0.75 each for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance, all in accordance with the policies of the CSE.

The gross proceeds from the LIFE Offering will be used for the advancement of exploration initiatives at the Company’s Swanson Gold Project and for operational purposes for the restart of gold production operations at the Company’s wholly-owned Beacon Gold Mill, in addition to working capital and general corporate expenses.

This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘U.S. Securities Act’), and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. ‘United States’ and ‘U.S. person’ are as defined in Regulation S under the U.S Securities Act.

About LaFleur Minerals Inc.

LaFleur Minerals Inc. (CSE: LFLR,OTC:LFLRF) (FSE: 3WK0) is focused on the development of district-scale gold projects in the Abitibi Gold Belt near Val-d’Or, Québec. Our mission is to advance mining projects with a laser focus on our resource-stage Swanson Gold Deposit and the Beacon Gold Mill, which have significant potential to deliver long-term value. The Swanson Gold Project is approximately 18,304 hectares (183 km2) in size and includes several prospects rich in gold and critical metals previously held by Monarch Mining, Abcourt Mines, and Globex Mining. LaFleur has recently consolidated a large land package along a major structural break that hosts the Swanson, Bartec, and Jolin gold deposits and several other showings which make up the Swanson Gold Project. The Swanson Gold Project is easily accessible by road allowing direct access to several nearby gold mills, further enhancing its development potential. Lafleur Mineral’s fully refurbished and permitted Beacon Gold Mill is capable of processing over 750 tonnes per day and is being considered for processing mineralized material at Swanson and for custom milling operations for other nearby gold projects.

ON BEHALF OF LaFleur Minerals INC.

Paul Ténière, M.Sc., P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer
E: info@lafleurminerals.com
LaFleur Minerals Inc.
1500-1055 West Georgia Street
Vancouver, BC V6E 4N7

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding ‘Forward-Looking’ Information

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed ‘forward-looking statements’. All statements in this new release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words ‘expects’, ‘plans’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘projects’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions, or that events or conditions ‘will’, ‘would’, ‘may’, ‘could’ or ‘should’ occur. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, without limitation, statements related to the anticipated use of proceeds from the LIFE Offering. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company’s management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

THIS NEWS RELEASE IS NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWSWIRE SERVICES FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279262

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

Investor Insight

Silver Dollar Resources is repositioning its flagship La Joya silver-gold-copper project to unlock high-grade underground potential in Mexico’s prolific Durango-Zacatecas silver belt. Strengthened by the all-share sale of its Ranger-Page project to Bunker Hill Mining, the company offers investors leveraged exposure to near-term silver (zinc-lead) production in Idaho’s Silver Valley, while remaining fully funded to advance exploration across its core portfolio through 2026.

Overview

Silver Dollar Resources (CSE:SLV,OTCQX:SLVDF,FSE:4YW) is a precious metals exploration company focused on advancing high-grade silver and gold opportunities in Mexico. The company’s primary asset is the La Joya silver-gold-copper project, located in the southern portion of the Durango-Zacatecas silver belt, one of the world’s most productive silver regions.

La Joya has been the subject of extensive historical exploration, including more than 51,600 meters of drilling across 182 drill holes. This work outlined multiple mineralized zones, including the Main Mineralized Trend, Santo Niño and Coloradito. Silver Dollar is re-evaluating the project with an underground-focused exploration model, supported by structural analysis, underground sampling and reassessment of historic drill core to identify higher-grade targets at depth.

The company also owns the Nora silver-gold project in Durango, Mexico, which hosts the historic Candy mine and epithermal vein system that has returned high-grade surface sampling results. In addition, Silver Dollar holds an equity position in Bunker Hill Mining following the sale of the Ranger-Page project, providing equity exposure to the planned production restart in Idaho’s Silver Valley in the first 2026.

Silver Dollar is supported by an experienced management and technical team with expertise in underground exploration, epithermal systems and project evaluation. With a strong treasury, active exploration programs and multiple upcoming catalysts, the company is positioned to deliver exploration progress through 2026.

Company Highlights

  • 100 percent owned La Joya project, an advanced-stage silver-gold-copper system in Mexico’s Durango-Zacatecas silver belt
  • La Joya was originally proposed as an open pit in 2013 based on US$24 silver, US$1,200 gold and US$3 copper
  • Strategic shift toward evaluating La Joya’s high-grade underground potential supported by new 3D geological modeling, underground sampling, and drill target development
  • Completed sale of the Ranger-Page project to Bunker Hill Mining, providing equity exposure to a near-term US silver producer
  • Fully funded to carry out planned exploration programs through 2026
  • Largest shareholder is mining investor Eric Sprott, with approximately 17.5 percent ownership
  • Multiple exploration catalysts planned, including drilling at La Joya in early 2026

Key Projects

La Joya Silver-Gold-Copper Project

The La Joya project is Silver Dollar’s 100 percent owned flagship asset. It is located within the Durango-Zacatecas silver belt, which hosts numerous past-producing and operating mines, including assets operated by First Majestic Silver, Grupo México, Industrias Peñoles and Pan American Silver.

Historical exploration at La Joya outlined multiple zones of mineralization, including the Main Mineralized Trend, Santo Niño and Coloradito, with mineralization occurring as skarn, replacement and vein-style systems. Previous work was largely oriented toward evaluating open-pit potential.

Silver Dollar is advancing a reinterpretation of La Joya as a potential high-grade underground system. Recent work includes:

  • Underground sampling from historic workings, returning values of up to 2,753 grams per metric ton (g/t) silver equivalent
  • Identification of the Central Dyke zone over approximately 770 meters, including a sample returning 3,513 g/t (~124 oz/ton) silver
  • Discovery of the Brazo zone, located approximately 1 kilometer west of the Main Mineralized Trend, with Phase II drilling returning up to 451 g/t silver over 5 meters
  • The Brazo Zone provides evidence of deeper, high-grade mineralization at La Joya
  • Development of new 3D geological models is in progress incorporating the large database of structural, geochemical and fault-kinematic analysis

Silver Dollar plans to advance a new phase of drilling at La Joya in the first quarter of 2026, with a focus on testing high-grade underground targets identified through recent modeling and sampling.

Nora Silver-Gold Project

The Nora project is located in Durango, Mexico, within the same regional silver trend as several major operations. The property hosts an epithermal vein system known as the Candy vein.

Geological mapping and surface sampling have returned high-grade gold, silver and base metal values, including samples grading up to 29.61 g/t gold and 2,215 g/t silver, along with locally elevated copper, lead and zinc values.

In 2025, Silver Dollar identified the North Canyon zone, located approximately 1.5 kilometers north of the historic Candy mine. Channel sampling returned 162 g/t silver equivalent over 12.48 meters within a broad oxidation zone. Ongoing mapping and trenching are being used to define drill targets for potential drill testing in the first quarter of 2026.

Ranger-Page Project (Sold)

Silver Dollar acquired the Ranger-Page silver-lead-zinc project in Idaho’s Silver Valley in August 2024 and agreed to sell the asset to neighbor Bunker Hill Mining in October 2025 for C$3.5 million, payable by the issuance of 23,333,334 Bunker Hill shares at a deemed price of C$0.15 per share. The sale closed in December and the value of those Bunker Hill shares at the time of closing was approximately $5.8 million.

The Ranger-Page project is geologically contiguous with the Bunker Hill mine system. The transaction provides Silver Dollar with equity exposure to Bunker Hill’s planned production restart in the first half of 2026. Teck Resources owns ~32 percent of Bunker Hill and has life-of-mine off-take agreement for 100 percent of the zinc and lead production. Silver Dollar expects Bunker Hill to receive increased analyst coverage and a higher valuation next year as production commences.

Red Lake Area Properties

Silver Dollar also holds two 100 percent owned gold grassroots exploration properties in Ontario’s Red Lake mining division: Pakwash Lake and Longlegged Lake. Early-stage work has included airborne magnetic surveys, geological mapping and surface sampling, identifying structural and geophysical targets associated with the Pakwash Lake Fault Zone.

While not a primary focus, the properties provide optionality in a well-established gold district with major Kinross Gold discovery drilling on the Dixie Halo property that adjoins both properties to the north.

Management Team

Gregory Lytle — President, CEO and Director

Gregory Lytle has more than 20 years of experience advising mineral exploration companies on corporate strategy, capital markets and communications. Prior to becoming CEO in 2025, Lytle served as a consultant to Silver Dollar and has facilitated more than $100 million in financings for mining-sector clients.

J.J. (Jeff) Smulders — CFO, Corporate Secretary and Director

Jeff Smulders has more than 45 years of experience in accounting, taxation and financial management. He has provided financial consulting services to public and private companies for more than 25 years.

Bruce MacLachlan — Independent Director

Bruce MacLachlan is an exploration professional with more than four decades of experience across grassroots and advanced-stage projects. He has worked with companies including Noranda, Hemlo Gold, Battle Mountain and Noront.

Guillermo Lozano-Chávez — Independent Director

Guillermo Lozano-Chávez is a geologist with more than 40 years of experience in exploration and mine management across the Americas. He previously served as vice president of exploration at First Majestic Silver.

Dale Moore — Exploration Manager and Qualified Person

Dale Moore is an underground-focused geologist with more than a decade of experience in Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Mining District. His work includes major deposits such as Lucky Friday and the Galena Complex, and he leads technical work at La Joya.

Mark Malfair — Country Manager, Mexico

Mark Malfair is a bilingual geologist with more than 25 years of experience in exploration and project management in Mexico, including previous work at Chesapeake Gold’s Metates project.

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Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) (‘Sankamap’ or the ‘Company’) the Company and its auditor continue to work diligently toward the completion and filing of the Company’s annual audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the ‘Required Filings’). The Company has applied to the Alberta Securities Commission for an extension of the Management Cease Trade Order (‘MCTO’), however, there can be no assurance that a further extension will be granted. The additional delay in completing the Required Filings is primarily due to the auditor awaiting the receipt of certain required information from government authorities in Solomon Islands, as well as timing constraints associated with the holiday period. The Company estimates that approximately 90% of the audit work has been completed.

The Required Filings were due to be filed by October 28, 2025. In connection with the anticipated delays in making the Required Filings, the Company made an application for a Management Cease Trade Order (‘MCTO‘) under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (‘NP 12-203‘) to the Alberta Securities Commission, as principal regulator for the Company, and the MCTO was issued on October 29, 2025. The MCTO restricts all trading by the Company’s CEO and CFO in securities of the Company, whether direct or indirect. The MCTO does not affect the ability of persons who are not directors, officers or insiders of the Company to trade their securities. The MCTO will remain in effect until the Required Filings are filed or until it is revoked or varied.

The Company expects to proceed with the filing of its interim first-quarter financial statements shortly after the Required Filings have been completed and submitted.

The Company confirms that it intends to satisfy the provisions of the alternative information guidelines described in NP 12-203 by issuing bi-weekly default status reports in the form of a news release until it meets the Required Filings requirement. The Company has not taken any steps towards any insolvency proceeding and the Company has no material information relating to its affairs that has not been generally disclosed.

For further information with respect to the MCTO, please refer to the Company’s news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, November 18, 2025, December 3, 2025 and December 17, 2025, available for viewing on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

About Sankamap Metals Inc.

Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) is a Canadian mineral exploration company dedicated to the discovery and development of high-grade copper and gold deposits through its flagship Oceania Project, located in the South Pacific. The Company’s fully permitted assets are strategically positioned in the Solomon Islands, along a prolific geological trend that hosts major copper-gold deposits; including Newcrest’s Lihir Mine, with a resource of 71.9 million ounces of gold¹ (310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred).

Exploration is actively advancing at both the Kuma and Fauro properties, part of Sankamap’s Oceania Project in the Solomon Islands. Historical work has already highlighted the mineral potential of both sites, which lie along a highly prospective copper and gold-bearing trend, suggesting the possibility of further, yet-to-be-discovered deposits.

At Kuma, the property is believed to host an underexplored and largely untested porphyry copper-gold (Cu-Au) system. Historical rock chip sampling has returned consistently elevated gold values above 0.5 g/t Au, including a standout sample assaying 11.7% Cu and 13.5 g/t Au2; underscoring the area’s significant potential.

At Fauro, particularly at the Meriguna Target, historical trenching has returned highly encouraging results, including 8.0 meters at 27.95 g/t Au and 14.0 meters at 8.94 g/t Au3. Complementing these results are exceptional grab sample assays, including historical values of up to 173 g/t Au3, along with recent sampling by Sankamap at the Kiovakase Target, which returned numerous high-grade copper values, reaching up to 4.09% Cu. In addition, limited historical shallow drilling intersected 35.0 meters at 2.08 g/t Au3, further underscoring the property’s strong mineral potential and the merit for continued exploration. With a commitment to systematic exploration and a team of experienced professionals, Sankamap aims to unlock the untapped potential of underexplored regions and create substantial value for its shareholders. For more information, please refer to SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca), under Sankamap’s profile.

1.Newcrest Technical Report, 2020 (Lihir: 310 Mt containing 23 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t P+P, 520 Mt containing 39 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t indicated, 81 Mt containing 5 Moz Au at 1.9 g/t measured, 61 Mt containing 4.9 Moz Au at 2.3 g/t Inferred)

2. Historical grab, soil and BLEG samples from SolGold Kuma Review June 2015, and SolGold plc Annual Report 2013/2012

3. September 2010-June 2012 press releases from Solomon Gold Ltd. and SolGold Fauro Island Summary Technical Info 2012

QP Disclosure

The technical content for the Oceania Project in this news release has been reviewed and approved by John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol., a Qualified Person in accordance with CIM guidelines. Mr. John Florek is in good standing with the Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (Member ID:1228) and a director and officer of the Company.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

s/ ‘John Florek’
John Florek, M.Sc., P.Geol
Chief Executive Officer
Sankamap Metals Inc.

Contact:
John Florek, CEO
T: (807) 228-3531
E: johnf@sankamap.com

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not approved nor disapproved this press release.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made and information contained herein may constitute ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation. These statements and information are based on facts currently available to Sankamap and there is no assurance that the actual results will meet management’s expectations. Forward-looking statements and information may be identified by such terms as ‘anticipates,’ ‘believes,’ ‘targets,’ ‘estimates,’ ‘plans,’ ‘expects,’ ‘may,’ ‘will,’ ‘could’ or ‘would.’

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, but not limited to, statements regarding management’s expectations about obtaining the MCTO and completing the Required Filings within the anticipated timeline. Forward-looking statements are subject to various risks, uncertainties, and other factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such statements. Sankamap does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements or information, except as required by applicable securities laws. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/279270

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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U.S. and partner forces killed or captured nearly 25 Islamic State operatives in Syria in the days following a large-scale U.S.-led strike on Dec. 19, according to a new statement from U.S. Central Command, underscoring Washington’s assessment that ISIS remains an active and persistent threat inside the country.

CENTCOM said those forces conducted 11 follow-on missions between Dec. 20 and Dec. 29, killing at least seven ISIS members, capturing the remainder and eliminating four ISIS weapons caches. The operations followed Operation Hawkeye Strike, when U.S. and Jordanian forces hit more than 70 ISIS targets across central Syria using over 100 precision munitions, destroying infrastructure and weapons sites linked to the group. 

‘We will not relent,’ CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper said, adding that U.S. forces remain ‘steadfast’ in working with regional partners to dismantle ISIS networks that pose a threat to U.S. and regional security.

The scope of the follow-on raids highlights a reality U.S. commanders and analysts have been warning about for months: ISIS no longer controls large swaths of territory, but it retains the ability to organize, strike and regenerate inside Syria’s fragmented security landscape.

Syria remains divided among competing forces, militias and foreign-backed armed groups, with no single authority exercising full control over large parts of the country. Analysts say that vacuum continues to provide space for ISIS cells to operate quietly, recruit and exploit overstretched local forces.

Analysts note that Syria’s security environment remains shaped by former jihadist networks that were never fully demobilized after the war. The country’s transitional leadership, including President Ahmed al-Sharaa, emerged from armed Islamist factions that relied heavily on foreign fighters and militias, according to regional security assessments. While those groups are not synonymous with ISIS, experts say the incomplete dismantling of extremist networks has left gaps that ISIS cells continue to exploit.

‘ISIS today doesn’t need a caliphate to be dangerous,’ Bill Roggio told Fox News Digital. ‘We’ve always been quick to declare terrorist organizations defeated and insignificant, and that couldn’t be further from the truth.’

Roggio said the group has adapted rather than disappeared, shifting away from holding territory toward smaller, more covert cells capable of carrying out lethal attacks. He pointed to ongoing ISIS activity not only in Syria and Iraq, but also in Afghanistan and other regions, citing United Nations reporting that estimates roughly 2,000 ISIS fighters remain active in Afghanistan alone.

‘That’s not what a defeated group looks like,’ Roggio said, noting that ISIS continues to recruit, indoctrinate and inspire attacks even without the visibility it once had.

One of the most sensitive vulnerabilities remains the network of detention facilities in northeastern Syria holding thousands of ISIS terrorists and supporters. Those prisons are guarded primarily by Kurdish-led forces backed by a small U.S. military presence, estimated at roughly 1,000 troops, according to Reuters.

U.S. and coalition officials have repeatedly warned that any major disruption to prison security could allow hardened ISIS operatives to escape and reconstitute networks across Syria and beyond. Kurdish officials have also raised concerns about funding shortages, manpower strain and pressure from rival militias operating nearby.

While U.S. officials have not publicly linked the recent strikes to prison-related threats, analysts say the broader environment of fragmented control increases the risk of coordinated attacks, insider assistance or prison unrest.

The danger is not theoretical. ISIS has previously staged mass prison break operations in Syria and Iraq, including a 2022 assault on the al-Sinaa prison in Hasakah that required days of fighting to contain.

The U.S. strikes also come amid continued instability inside Syria, where multiple armed actors operate with overlapping authority. Analysts note that clashes among militias, sectarian violence and unresolved command structures have weakened overall security and diverted attention from counterterrorism efforts.

Bombings in neighborhoods of Damascus, including Mezzeh, and unrest in minority areas have further illustrated the gaps ISIS and other extremist groups can exploit, according to regional security assessments and open-source reporting.

‘Syria’s chaos is the accelerant,’ Roggio said. ‘ISIS thrives where no one is fully in charge.’

U.S. officials and analysts stress that ISIS activity in Syria is part of a wider pattern rather than an isolated flare-up.

Sources in the Israeli Mossad told Fox News Digital of continued ISIS-linked activity across multiple theaters, including recruitment networks and small-scale attacks designed to test security responses and maintain operational relevance.

In Turkey, security forces recently clashed with Islamic State militants during counterterrorism operations, wounding several officers, according to Reuters on Monday. Turkish authorities said the raids targeted ISIS cells suspected of planning attacks inside the country.

‘These are signals, not spikes,’ Roggio said. ‘ISIS operates across regions, adapting to pressure and exploiting weak governance wherever it finds it.’

The renewed U.S. military action raises difficult questions for policymakers about how long the current containment strategy can hold.

While U.S. officials say the Dec. 19 strikes delivered a significant blow to ISIS infrastructure, they have also acknowledged that counterterrorism operations alone cannot eliminate the underlying conditions that allow the group to persist.

‘Just because we want to declare the war against terror over doesn’t mean it’s over,’ Roggio said. ‘The enemy gets a vote.’

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