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New Rare Earths Venture Targets High-Grade Assets in US and Brazil

Rare Earths Americas (REA), a private critical minerals company, has launched a new platform to explore and develop high-grade rare earth assets in the United States and Brazil in a bid to consolidate supply chains for various domestic sectors.

The company, which raised AU$25 million (approximately US$16 million) in a private funding round, said it combines experienced operators and investors with “deep expertise across global mining, energy and critical materials.”

Included in the company’s four asset portfolio is the Foothills discovery, located in Georgia, USA, the site contains rare earth grades of up to 41.3 percent total rare earth oxides (TREO), including heavy rare earth elements crucial for high-performance magnets.

The project benefits from “outstanding logistics, low-cost power and streamlined permitting pathway,” the company said in an August 18 press release.

In Brazil, the Alpha and Constellation projects cover more than one billion metric tons of high-grade ionic clay rare earth mineralization, including dysprosium and terbium, which are essential for permanent magnets. The Homer project targets multiple carbonatite clusters with potential for rare earth and niobium discoveries in a region known for leading niobium mines.

“The rare earths market is undergoing a generational shift as the West races to secure its rare earths future,” said CEO Donald Swartz.

REA’s timing aligns with broader US efforts to reduce reliance on China, which currently controls nearly 70 percent of global rare earth processing and accounts for most heavy rare earth production.

In April, Beijing restricted shipments of seven rare earths to the US and other countries, prompting concern among automakers and defense contractors dependent on these materials.

The US government has recently proposed a pricing support mechanism for domestic rare earth ventures to increase production and mitigate China’s influence. Discussions last month, led by former White House trade advisor Peter Navarro and National Security Council official David Copley, included rare earth producers and major technology firms reliant on these critical minerals.

China’s dominance stems from billions of dollars invested in mining and processing since 2000, often with minimal environmental or safety oversight, allowing the country to produce rare earths at lower cost than Western competitors.

Meanwhile, the US response has included efforts to develop domestic mined supply and the build out of refinement, processing and production capacity. American companies have also sought to secure alternative sources in Africa and Latin America, but investment and technology barriers remain significant.

Mountain Pass in California, the country’s only large-scale rare earth mine, produces bastnaesite carbonate but relies heavily on foreign processing. MP Materials (NYSE:MP), the mine’s operator, posted a net loss of US$65.4 million in 2024, highlighting the challenge of competing with China’s low-cost production model.

REA’s launch positions it as a potential strategic player in this evolving landscape. The Foothills project offers a “streamlined permitting pathway” in the US, while the Alpha and Constellation projects in Brazil provide access to large-scale, high-grade heavy rare earths.

“With grade and strategic geography on our side, we intend to advance our rare earths projects to support the long-term supply of critical materials essential to domestic innovation,” Swartz added.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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Glencore Invests US$13.5 Billion in Argentina Copper Growth as US Cracks Down on Chinese Metals

Glencore (LSE:GLEN,OTC Pink:GLCNF) has submitted applications to place two of its flagship copper projects in Argentina under a new investment regime.

The Switzerland-based commodities giant said it is seeking to include the El Pachón deposit in San Juan province and the Agua Rica deposit in Catamarca under Argentina’s recently introduced Incentive Regime for Large Investments (RIGI).

Together, the projects represent a planned capital investment of about US$13.5 billion over the next decade — US$9.5 billion for El Pachón and US$4 billion for Agua Rica.

Both sites would benefit from a long-term economic framework with enhanced investor protections under the RIGI program, which the administration of President Javier Milei launched this year to attract foreign investment.

“President Milei and his administration must be credited for introducing the RIGI. This framework has changed the investment landscape in Argentina, providing a key catalyst to attract major foreign investment to the country,” Glencore Chief Executive Officer Gary Nagle said in the company’s announcement.

Martín Pérez de Solay, CEO of Glencore Argentina, added: “The RIGI provides a key platform for the development of Argentina’s significant natural resource endowment. I am confident that the mining sector can be a major contributor to the Argentinian economy with the El Pachón and Agua Rica projects supporting the country’s ambition to become one of the world’s leading copper producers.”

El Pachón is a large-scale copper and molybdenum deposit with estimated mineral resources of about 6 billion metric tons of ore, averaging 0.43 percent copper, 2.2 grams per tonne silver and 130 grams per metric ton molybdenum.

Agua Rica, meanwhile, hosts roughly 1.2 billion metric tons of ore with average grades of 0.47 percent copper, 0.20 grams per tonne gold, 3.40 grams per metric ton silver and 0.03 percent molybdenum.

The Agua Rica ore would be processed at the existing Alumbrera facilities, 35 kilometers away, through the MARA project framework.

The scale of Glencore’s expansion comes amid a broader strategic race among Western producers to secure supplies of critical minerals needed for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles and defense applications.

Copper in particular is considered vital to global electrification, and analysts warn that rising demand could soon outstrip supply.

US enforcement shift on Chinese metals

On Tuesday (August 19), the Department of Homeland Security announced that imports of Chinese steel, copper and lithium would be targeted for “high-priority enforcement” under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA), a law restricting goods linked to alleged human-rights abuses in China’s Xinjiang region.

“The use of slave labor is repulsive and we will hold Chinese companies accountable for abuses and eliminate threats its forced labor practices pose to our prosperity,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a post on X.

US officials say the Xinjiang region hosts state-run internment camps where Uyghurs and other minority groups are subject to forced labor.

Beijing has consistently denied the allegations, dismissing them as politically motivated.

The announcement expands Washington’s campaign to scrutinize goods with ties to Xinjiang, which has already affected solar panels, cotton, and other commodities. The new focus on copper and lithium marks a significant escalation, given both metals’ central role in renewable energy and battery production.

Global supply chains in flux

Together, Glencore’s Argentine projects and Washington’s enforcement measures highlight how critical minerals are becoming increasingly entangled with geopolitics.

China currently processes about 70 percent of the world’s rare earths and controls a major share of global copper and lithium refining capacity. Western governments are now trying to diversify away from Chinese supply chains amid rising tensions.

Argentina, with its vast mineral reserves, has emerged as a key player in this strategy. The country is already a major producer of lithium and is positioning itself as a copper hub through projects like Glencore’s expansion.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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Kobo Resources Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement of up to $3.0 Million

NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR RELEASE PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR DISSEMINATION DIRECTLY, OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES.

Kobo Resources Inc. (‘ Kobo ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) ( TSX.V: KRI ) intends to complete a non-brokered private placement of up to 10,000,000 units (the ‘ Units ‘) at a price of $0.30 per Unit for gross proceeds of up to $ 3.0 million (the ‘ Offering ‘). Each Unit will be comprised of one Common Share and one-half Common Share Purchase Warrant. Each Warrant will entitle its holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.55 for a period of 24 months from the Closing Date. The Units will be issued pursuant to exemptions from the prospectus requirements in accordance with NI 45-106. The securities underlying the Units will be subject to a 4-month statutory hold period in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819849238/en/

Edward Gosselin, CEO and Director of Kobo commented: ‘After the completion of the diamond drilling program in 2024 and 2025, we look forward to expanding our exploration efforts at our Kossou Gold Project in the second half of 2025. Following the expected closing of this financing, the additional capital will enable us to enhance our current exploration initiatives in 2025 on our three main targets, for the Kossou Gold Project.’

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the Offering to pursue its exploration initiatives initiated in H1-2025 and extend the known zones of mineralisation at its three main targets, the Road Cut Zone, Jagger Zone and Kadie Zone on the Kossou Gold Project, initiate preliminary metallurgical work and further develop its ongoing soil geochemical and trenching survey at Kossou as well as to enhance the geological exploration program on the Kotobi research permit and for general corporate and working capital purposes.

Closing of the Offering may occur in one or more closings with the first closing expected to occur on or about August 28, 2025 and the final closing to occur no later than September 5, 2025 (the ‘ Closing ‘), and are subject to certain closing conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The Units, Common Shares and Warrants have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the ‘ U.S. Securities Act ‘), or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold to, or for the account or benefit of, persons in the ‘United States’ or ‘U.S. persons’ (as such terms are defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent registration under the U.S. Securities Act and all applicable U.S. state securities laws or compliance with an exemption from such registration requirements. This press release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities 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.

About Kobo Resources Inc.

Kobo Resources is a growth-focused gold exploration company with a compelling new gold discovery in Côte d’Ivoire, one of West Africa’s most prolific and developing gold districts, hosting several multi-million-ounce gold mines. The Company’s 100%-owned Kossou Gold Project is located approximately 20 km northwest of the capital city of Yamoussoukro and is directly adjacent to one of the region’s largest gold mines with established processing facilities.

With over 18,500 metres of diamond drilling, nearly 5,900 metres of reverse circulation (RC) drilling, and 5,900 metres of trenching completed since 2023, Kobo has made significant progress in defining the scale and prospectivity of its Kossou’s Gold Project . Exploration has focused on multiple high-priority targets within a 9+ km strike length of highly prospective gold-in-soil geochemical anomalies, with drilling confirming extensive mineralisation at the Jagger, Road Cut, and Kadie Zones. The latest phase of drilling has further refined structural controls on gold mineralisation, setting the stage for the next phase of systematic exploration and resource development.

Beyond Kossou , the Company is advancing exploration at its Kotobi Permit and is actively expanding its land position in Côte d’Ivoire with prospective ground, aligning with its strategic vision for long-term growth in-country. Kobo remains committed to identifying and developing new opportunities to enhance its exploration portfolio within highly prospective gold regions of West Africa. Kobo offers investors the exciting combination of high-quality gold prospects led by an experienced leadership team with in-country experience. Kobo’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ‘KRI’. For more information, please visit www.koboresources.com .

Kobo’s common shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol ‘KRI’. For more information, please visit www.koboresources.com .

NEITHER THE TSXV NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSXV) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

Cautionary Statement on Forward-looking Information:

This news release may contain ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ (collectively, ‘forward-looking statements’) within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements. Any statement that involves discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as ‘expects’, or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘forecasts’, ‘estimates’, ‘believes’ or ‘intends’ or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results ‘may’ or ‘could’, ‘would’, ‘might’ or ‘will’ be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements, including statements related to the Offering or to the exploration program of the Company. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable as at the date of this news release, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the inherent risks involved win the exploration and development of mineral properties; unanticipated costs and expenses; the delay or failure to receive board, shareholder or regulatory approvals; and other risk factors listed from time to time in our documents filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca . There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release. Except as required by law, Kobo assumes no obligation and/or liability to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250819849238/en/

For further information, please contact:

Edward Gosselin
Chief Executive Officer and Director
1-418-609-3587
ir@kobores.com

Twitter: @KoboResources | LinkedIn: Kobo Resources Inc.

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

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Allied Critical Metals Appoints Former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen as a Director of Allied Critical Metals USA

Highlights:

  • Secretary Nielsen joins the board of directors of Allied USA.
  • Secretary Nielsen is a leading expert on United States national security matters and has advised government agencies, private sector companies, international organizations, and NGOs on assessing their risk posture and increasing their resiliency.
  • Allied USA is focused on importation, marketing and sales of tungsten into the United States.

Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM,OTC:ACMIF) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) (‘Allied’ or the ‘Company’), which is focused on its 100% owned past producing Borralha and Vila Verde tungsten projects in northern Portugal, is pleased to announce the appointment of former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen M. Nielsen as a Director of Allied’s wholly owned U.S. subsidiary, Allied Critical Metals (USA) Inc. (‘Allied USA’).

As a Director of Allied USA, Secretary Nielsen will provide strategic counsel to Allied USA, which is focused on the importation, marketing, and distribution of tungsten across key U.S. sectors. Her appointment comes as the Company deepens its engagement with U.S. government agencies and defense partners to ensure a secure, domestic supply of critical materials vital to national security.

‘Secretary Nielsen brings deep expertise in homeland security, public policy, and critical infrastructure,’ commented Roy Bonnell, CEO of the Company. ‘Her insights into federal operations, supply chain resilience, and defense readiness will be invaluable as we position ACM as a trusted partner in strengthening America’s access to strategic minerals like tungsten.’

Secretary Nielsen served as the sixth Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from 2017 to 2019, where she led efforts to protect the homeland from evolving threats, including cyberattacks, terrorism, and vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. She previously served as Principal Deputy Chief of Staff to the President and Chief of Staff at DHS, and was a senior advisor under the George W. Bush administration, where she helped shape national preparedness policy following the 9/11 attacks.

In addition to her government service, Secretary Nielsen has held leadership roles in the private sector, including as president of a consulting firm focused on risk management and resilience. She has advised Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and global organizations on security, strategic response, and continuity of operations.

‘I am honored to join Allied Critical Metals at such a pivotal time,’ commented Secretary Nielsen. ‘Securing the domestic supply of critical materials like tungsten is essential to national security, economic resilience, and global competitiveness. I look forward to supporting Allied USA’s efforts to strengthen the U.S. supply chain and advance its mission.’

Tungsten is a critical mineral used in aerospace, defense, electronics, and energy applications. ACM is committed to becoming a reliable Western supplier of tungsten, reducing dependence on non-aligned sources and supporting U.S. and allied interests in the critical minerals sector.

About Allied Critical Metals Inc.

Allied Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: ACM,OTC:ACMIF) (OTCQB: ACMIF) (FSE: 0VJ0) is a Canadian-based mining company focused on the expansion and revitalization of its 100% owned past producing Borralha Tungsten Project and the Vila Verde Tungsten Project in northern Portugal. Tungsten has been designated a critical metal by the United States and other western countries, as they are aggressively seeking friendly sources of this unique metal. Currently, China, Russia and North Korea represent approximately 86% of the total global supply and reserves. The tungsten market is estimated to be valued at approximately USD $5 to $6 billion and it is used in a variety of industries such as defense, automotive, manufacturing, electronics, and energy.

Please visit our website at www.alliedcritical.com.

Also visit us at:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/allied-critical-metals-inc
X: https://x.com/@alliedcritical/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliedcriticalmetals/

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Per: ‘Roy Bonnell’

Roy Bonnell
Chief Executive Officer and Director

Contact Information

For further information or investor relations inquiries, please contact:
Dave Burwell, Vice President, Corporate Development
Tel: 403 410 7907 | Toll Free: 1-888-221-0915
Email: daveb@alliedcritical.com

The Canadian Stock Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. The securities of the Company have not been, nor will they be, registered under the 1933 Act or under any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the 1933 Act, as amended, and applicable state securities laws.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking statements’, including with respect to the use of proceeds. Wherever possible, words such as ‘may’, ‘would’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘will’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘plan’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘potential for’ and similar expressions have been used to identify these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations of the Company’s management for future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects and opportunities and involve significant known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including, without limitation, those listed in the Company’s Listing Statement and other filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities (which may be viewed under the Company’s profile at www.sedarplus.ca). Examples of forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the proposed timeline and use of proceeds for exploration and development of the Company’s mineral projects as described in the Company’s Listing Statement, news releases, and corporate presentations. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results, performance or achievements may vary materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. These factors should be considered carefully, and prospective investors should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company’s forward-looking statements and reference should also be made to the Company’s Listing Statement dated April 23, 2025 and news release dated May 16, 2025, and the documents incorporated by reference therein, filed under its SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca for a description of additional risk factors. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as required by law.

Corporate Logo

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/263183

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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Crypto Market Update: Bitcoin and Ether ETFs Record US$1.3 Billion in Outflows

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (August 20) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$113,687, a 1.6 percent decline in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$112,647, while its highest was US$115,789.

Bitcoin price performance, August 20, 2025.

Bitcoin price performance, August 20, 2025.

Chart via TradingView

Bitcoin continued its consolidation as investors awaited signals from the Federal Reserve ahead of Jerome Powell’s Jackson Hole speech. The decline mirrored a wider crypto pullback, fueled by liquidations and bearish sentiment. Despite short-term pressure, data shows long-term holders remain confident in Bitcoin’s outlook.

Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$4,216.39, down by 2.3 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$4,074.50, and its highest valuation was US$4,311.87.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$181.14, down by 0.3 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$1176.13, while its highest level was US$182.90.
  • XRP was trading for US$2.89, down 4.1 percent in the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$2.86.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.48, down by 2.5 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.42, while its highest was US$3.64.
  • Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.8572, down 7.9 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$0.8449, while its highest was US$0.9454.

Today’s crypto news to know

Bitcoin and Ether ETFs shed nearly US$1 billion, Fear & Greed index slips to “Fear”

Bitcoin and Ether exchange-traded funds (ETFs) saw a wave of investor withdrawals this week, totaling nearly US$1 billion in just three days.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded US$533 million in outflows on Tuesday (August 19), more than quadruple Monday’s figure. Ether ETFs also faced steep losses, with outflows jumping from US$200 million on Monday to US$422 million the next day.

Together, the two assets have seen US$1.3 billion in withdrawals since last Wednesday, coinciding with price declines of 8.3 percent for Bitcoin and 10.8 percent for Ether.

Investor sentiment in the crypto market has turned sharply negative following three straight days of heavy ETF outflows.

The widely followed Crypto Fear & Greed Index dropped to 44 on Wednesday, slipping into the “Fear” category for the first time in weeks. The index tracks volatility, market momentum, and trading activity to gauge overall mood, and its decline reflects mounting concerns over recent price drops.

Fed supervision chief pushes for Crypto integration

Michelle Bowman, the US Federal Reserve’s new vice chair for supervision, signaled strong support for crypto adoption in her first major policy speech on the subject.

Speaking at the Wyoming Blockchain Symposium, Bowman argued that banks risk becoming irrelevant if they fail to embrace digital assets, calling for a “clear, strategic regulatory framework” tailored to crypto rather than relying on outdated banking standards.

Bowman, who was nominated by President Donald Trump and sworn in two months ago, will play a central role in shaping US rules for stablecoins under the GENIUS Act.

In her remarks, she highlighted tokenization’s potential to reduce costs and improve financial efficiency, while stressing that regulators must distinguish digital assets from traditional instruments. She even suggested Fed staff should be allowed to hold small amounts of crypto to gain hands-on experience, likening it to learning how to ski by actually putting on skis.

‘We stand at a crossroads: we can either seize the opportunity to shape the future or risk being left behind,’ Bowman said.

South Korea halts new crypto lending amid investor losses, regulatory scrutiny

South Korea’s financial watchdog has ordered domestic crypto exchanges to stop offering new lending products, citing rising risks and investor losses.

The Financial Services Commission (FSC) confirmed that exchanges must suspend fresh lending operations until official guidelines are finalized.

Existing contracts, including repayments and maturity rollovers, will be allowed to continue in the meantime.

The decision follows reports of forced liquidations, with one exchange seeing over 3,600 users lose funds out of 27,600 participants in just a month, representing roughly US$1.1 billion in trading volume. Regulators also flagged cases of Tether-based lending that triggered unusual selling pressure on the stablecoin.

The FSC said it will carry out inspections and take enforcement action against platforms that fail to comply.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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Apple just landed a key win for the global encryption fight

Apple clinched a major win Monday after the U.S. government announced that the U.K. had agreed to drop its demand for the company to provide a “back door” granting officials access to users’ encrypted data.

The iPhone maker won’t be alone to rejoice in the outcome.

The development came after extensive talks between Britain and the U.S., which had raised national security concerns over the request.

At the root of the row was end-to-end encryption, a technology which secures communications between two devices in a way that means not even the company providing a chat service can view any messages.

The story of Apple’s U.K. privacy battle started earlier this year, when it was reported that the British government had demanded access to the company’s encrypted cloud service via a technical “back door.”

Such a back door has long been contested by Apple. In 2016, the Federal Bureau of Investigation tried to get Apple to create software that would enable it to unlock an iPhone it recovered from one of the shooters involved in the 2015 terror attack in San Bernardino, California.

Other companies have also had to fend off government attempts to undermine end-to-end encryption. For example, when Meta announced plans to encrypt all messages on its Facebook Messenger app, the move drew condemnation from the U.K. Home Office. Meta had already offered encryption on WhatsApp.

The Monday news could have broader implications for the debate around end-to-end encryption globally.

Governments and law enforcement agencies have long pushed for methods to break such encryption systems to assist with criminal investigations into terrorism and child sexual abuse.

However, tech companies have said that building an encryption back door would not only undermine user privacy, but also expose them to possible cyberattacks. Cybersecurity experts say that any back door built for a government would eventually be found and exploited by hackers.

U.S. national intelligence officials were also worried by the ramifications of Apple offering such a back door.

For Apple, the U.K.‘s concession over encryption could mean that the company can bring back its most secure service for users’ cloud data, Advanced Data Protection (ADP), which the company stopped offering to Brits in February.

It is not yet clear if Apple will reintroduce its ADP service to the U.K. market.

CNBC has reached out to Apple and the U.K. government for comment.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS
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I made memes for the White House. Here’s what I learned

‘oMg, diD tHe wHiTE hOuSE reALLy PosT tHis?’

That became one of the most common reactions across the White House’s feeds. The answer was always yes.

Serving as director of digital content for President Donald Trump was the most meaningful and intense chapter of my professional life. From the moment we rebooted the administration’s online presence on Inauguration Day, the mission was clear: speak in a voice that resonated with real Americans and make sure our MAGA message could not be ignored.

We did not build a cautious, government-style account. We built a fast, culturally fluent content machine designed to cut through the noise and win online. And it worked.

In just six months, the administration’s platforms added over 16 million new followers, with the fastest growth among Americans aged 18–34. We generated billions of video views and gained more than half a million new YouTube subscribers – nearly triple the previous administration’s total growth over four years.

But it was never just about numbers. Our success came from echoing the humor, passion and identity of a movement that was already alive. We did not invent the culture. We gave it a megaphone.

This was not entertainment for entertainment’s sake. Our meme-heavy, content-first strategy was aligned with the president’s priorities. Digital was not a sideshow. It was a frontline tool for shaping narratives, building momentum, and applying pressure. 

Democrats are

That was clearest during the push for President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act. We were not writing legislation. We were making sure Americans understood what was at stake. We turned policy into content people wanted to share – and that shifted the conversation.

That agility was only possible because of President Trump. His decisiveness gave us the freedom to move fast and take risks. Whether it was an ASMR-style video of deportations, a Jedi Trump with a bicep vein battling the deep state, or a surreal ‘Make It Rain’ Gemini AI-generated storm of cash over the White House, every post had intention. Every choice matched the cultural moment.

These were not random stunts. They were designed to draw younger Americans, many of whom had tuned out politics, back into the conversation. And it worked.

Behind the scenes of Gen Z political commentator Brilyn Hollyhand’s meeting with Trump

We did not wait to react to headlines. We inspired them. From the 100-day mugshot display on the North Lawn to anime-style fentanyl dealers crying on camera, we pushed the boundaries of political communication. 

Major media outlets took notice. Even Democrats are playing catch-up. Gavin Newsom has pretty much stolen podcasts, memes and trolling tactics that came straight from the MAGA playbook. That is not coincidence. That is proof of impact.

Here is the truth. We did not go viral because we were chasing virality. We went viral because we paid attention. We knew our audience. We stayed sharp on the message. And we operated like creators, not bureaucrats.

Brett Cooper: Trump completely disrupted the system

That kind of approach takes a rare team. The White House digital staff I had the honor to serve with are some of the smartest and most imaginative minds in politics today. They understand what many still miss: politics and culture are inseparable. You move them together or you do not move them at all. 

I have full confidence in the team under White House deputy communications director Kaelan Dorr to continue winning, and as Dorr put it best: ‘The arrests will continue. The memes will continue.’

As I step away from my role at the White House and return to leading my public relations and digital firm, I do so with pride. We did not just manage accounts. We reinvented how people experience the presidency online. Others are only now beginning to understand that reality. We will continue to lead – because we not only understand the tools. We understand the Americans who use them.

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Trump slams mail-in ballots as corrupt, but may not have the power to derail them

President Trump told Brian Glenn of the conservative Real America’s Voice that he didn’t want to answer his question because it was ‘off-topic’ as he stood there with Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.

Then he proceeded to answer it at great length.

The idea, it turns out, began with Vladimir Putin, who has a bit of experience at keeping himself in power, which isn’t all that hard if you’re a dictator.

My source? Donald Trump.

He said Putin told him that ‘it’s impossible to have mail-in voting and have honest elections,’ in an interview with Fox’s Sean Hannity. He said Putin told him he won the 2020 election ‘by so much,’ as Trump has long claimed, ‘and you lost it because of mail-in voting. It was a rigged election.’

Music to the president’s ears.

So Trump was ready when a friendly reporter asked the question.

‘Mail-in ballots are corrupt,’ he declared. ‘Mail-in ballots, you can never have a real democracy with mail-in ballots, and we as a Republican Party are going to do everything possible that we get rid of mail-in ballots. We’re going to start with an executive order that’s being written right now by the best lawyers in the country to end mail-in ballots because they’re corrupt.’

He was just warming up.

And, you know, that we’re the only country in the world, I believe I may be wrong, but just about the only country in the world that uses [mail-in ballots] because of what’s happened, massive fraud all over the place. The other thing we want, change of the machines. For all of the money they spend, it’s approximately 10 times more expensive than paper ballots. And paper ballots are very sophisticated with the watermark paper and everything else, we would get secure elections. We get much faster results, the machines, I mean, they say we’re going to have the results in two weeks with paper ballots. You have the results that night. Most people almost have, but most people in many countries use paper ballots. It’s the most secure form.’

A little fact-checking is in order.

As Axios points out, many countries around the world have some form of mail-in voting. And millions of Americans who live overseas, such as military families, are eligible for mailing in their ballots.

Trump actually doesn’t have the power to do this. While he says the states are an ‘agent’ of the feds, the Constitution says the mechanics of holding elections ‘shall be prescribed in each State by the Legislature thereof.’ But Congress can change those requirements. Could the president get this through the narrow majorities in both chambers?

‘It’s a fraud,’ Trump said, adding: ‘It’s time that the Republicans get tough and stop it because the Democrats want it, it’s the only way they can get elected.’

Trump even invoked Jimmy Carter. In 2004, a commission set up by the former president and ex-Reagan aide James Baker III concluded that ‘absentee ballots remain the largest source of potential voter fraud.’

In 2020, Trump went all-out in favor of mail-in ballots, arguing that they would help Republicans. Of course, he may just have been trying to make the best of the tools already in place. No party believes in unilateral disarmament.

But his enthusiasm for mail-in ballots in that election stands in stark contrast to his current stance that they are corrupt and should be banned.

Trump wound up telling Brian Glenn, who is dating Marjorie Taylor Greene, ‘I’m glad you asked that question.’

The president doesn’t let himself be tied down by the rules of consistency that most conventional politicians have to obey. Until last Friday, he was insisting on a cease-fire between Russia and Ukraine as a precondition for any peace agreement. After the Alaska summit, he dropped the cease-fire idea that Zelensky had been demanding, given that his country is being bombarded every day, with significant civilian casualties, and adopted the Putin stance of allowing the war to continue to further freeze his military gains in the crucial Donbas region.

But that flexibility – what critics call flip-flopping – has put the president in the position where he has a shot at hammering out a peace agreement, though major obstacles remain.

So I expect we’ll hear a lot more about how mail-in ballots are horrible and evil in the coming months, though whether he can get his Hill allies to go along is very much an open question. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS
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Crypto Market Update: South Korea and Japan Set Stablecoin Plans in Motion

Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Monday (August 18) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$116,339, a 1.1 percent decline in 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$114,985, while its highest was US$116,751.

Bitcoin price performance, August 18, 2025.

Bitcoin price performance, August 18, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Markets pulled back considerably on Sunday (August 17) night ahead of a pivotal meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders.

Later this week, US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will deliver a speech after the Jackson Hole Economic Policy Symposium. His remarks are highly anticipated by investors who are looking for clarity on the Fed’s next move.

Ethereum (ETH) was priced at US$4,359.32, down by 2.3 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was $4,282.60, and its highest valuation was US$4,381.21.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) was priced at US$183.41, down by 4.4 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$181.21, while its highest level was US$184.80.
  • XRP was trading for US$3.08, down 0.6 percent in the past 24 hours, and its highest valuation of the day. Its lowest was US$2.98.
  • Sui (SUI) was trading at US$3.62, down by 4.6 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$3.55, while its highest was US$3.64.
  • Cardano (ADA) was trading at US$0.92, down 3.7 percent over 24 hours. Its lowest valuation of the day was US$0.9026, while its highest was US$0.9283.

Today’s crypto news to know

South Korea to introduce stablecoin regulations

South Korea’s Financial Services Commission (FSC) is set to introduce a regulatory framework for a won-backed stablecoin in October, according to a report from South Korean news outlet MoneyToday.

The initiative, part of the nation’s Virtual Asset User Protection Act, aims to establish clear rules for crypto service providers and is expected to outline requirements for stablecoin issuance, collateral management and internal control systems. The FSC has been developing this framework since 2023 through its virtual asset committee.

Democratic Party of Korea Representative Park Min-kyu confirmed that the government bill is expected to be submitted to the National Assembly around October. This regulatory move follows a June collaboration among major South Korean banks to develop a won-pegged stablecoin, intended to safeguard the currency against increasing dollar dominance. At the time, the token was projected to launch in late 2025 or early 2026.

Japan prepares to issue stablecoin in Q3

Japan is also set to approve its first stablecoin, with its Financial Services Agency preparing to greenlight the issuance of a Japanese yen-denominated digital currency as early as this fall.

According to a Sunday report from Japanese news outlet the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, Tokyo-based fintech firm JPYC will spearhead the initiative, aiming to maintain a fixed value of one JPY per Japanese yen, backed by liquid assets like bank deposits and Japanese government bonds.

Tokens will be issued to digital wallets via bank transfer after purchase applications from individuals or corporations. The company plans to register as a money transfer business within the month.

Gemini, Winklevoss twins file for Nasdaq listing

Gemini, the crypto exchange founded by Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss, has formally filed to go public with plans for a Nasdaq listing under the ticker GEMI. Founded in 2014, the company says it has processed US$285 billion in lifetime trading volume, with custodies of over US$18 billion in digital assets as of June 30.

Its registration statement does not specify how many shares will be offered or at what price range.

In the filing, the Winklevoss twins said crypto is entering “a new Golden Age,” emphasizing their vision of financial markets moving increasingly on-chain. They describe Gemini as a “super app” for digital assets, offering trading, custody and broader crypto financial services under one platform.

If successful, Gemini would join Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) as one of the few US exchanges to list publicly, offering investors direct equity exposure to crypto market infrastructure.

Amdax unveils Bitcoin treasury firm, plans Euronext Amsterdam listing

Amsterdam-based Amdax announced plans to list a new Bitcoin treasury firm, Amsterdam Bitcoin Treasury Strategy (AMBTS), on the Euronext Amsterdam exchange.

The company said the goal is to create a vehicle that holds Bitcoin long term on behalf of institutional and private investors, reflecting growing corporate adoption of digital reserves.

CEO Lucas Wensing noted that more than 10 percent of Bitcoin’s supply is already held by corporations, governments and institutions, suggesting a structural shift in how the asset is used.

Bitcoin’s rally of 32 percent in 2025, alongside pro-crypto regulatory momentum following Trump’s election, has reinforced the case for such vehicles. AMBTS plans to raise capital in a private round before listing, with a long-term target of accumulating at least 1 percent of total Bitcoin supply.

The move could make Euronext Amsterdam a more prominent hub for European digital asset investment products, challenging London and Frankfurt.

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

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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Silver Miners Deliver Record Q2 Earnings as Price Breaks Out

Top silver miners around the world delivered a slate of strong second quarter earnings reports as a mixture of higher metals prices and production gains boosted results across the sector.

The silver price has broken decisively above the US$35 per ounce level, rising to levels not seen in over a decade. Its run has been fueled by a structural supply deficit and robust industrial demand.

Analysts also note that silver is finally beginning to catch up with gold — the gold-silver ratio has narrowed from April’s peak of 105 to around 94, signaling the white metal’s relative strength.

Read on for details on Q2 earnings from major silver producers.

Pan American delivers record net earnings

Pan American Silver (TSX:PAAS,NYSE:PAAS) posted record net earnings of US$189.6 million, or US$0.52 per share, for the second quarter, supported by record mine operating earnings of US$273.3 million. Revenue came in at US$811.9 million, while silver output reached 5.1 million ounces and gold production was 178,700 ounces.

The firm’s acquisition of MAG Silver (TSX:MAG,NYSEAMERICAN:MAG), which was approved by shareholders in July, is expected to close in the second half of the year. Pan American said MAG’s Juanicipio asset should lift its silver production by roughly 35 percent on an annualized basis and meaningfully lower all-in sustaining costs.

The company also confirmed that it remains engaged in consultations with the local Xinka parliament at the Escobal mine in Guatemala under ILO Convention 169 amid pushback regarding the project’s planned restart.

First Majestic reports record revenue

First Majestic Silver (TSX:AG,NYSE:AG) recorded its strongest quarter to date, with silver equivalent production rising 48 percent year-on-year to 7.9 million ounces, including 3.7 million ounces of silver.

The company also posted record quarterly revenue of US$264.2 million, nearly double the US$136.2 million recorded a year earlier. Average realized silver prices rose to US$34.62 per silver equivalent ounce, while payable sales volumes climbed 42 percent. First Majestic ended the quarter with 424,272 ounces of silver in inventory, valued at US$15.3 million (but not recognized in quarterly revenue). The board also declared a dividend of US$0.0048 per share.

Production gains were driven by stronger performance at the San Dimas mine in Mexico, where output rose 9 percent, and contributions from the Los Gatos joint venture, also in Mexico, which added 1.5 million attributable ounces of silver.

Endeavour Silver expands via Kolpa acquisition

Endeavour Silver (TSX:EDR,NYSE:EXK) reported Q2 silver production of 1.48 million ounces and gold output of 7,755 ounces, for total silver equivalent production of 2.5 million ounces, up 13 percent year-on-year.

The silver-focused company’s overall revenue rose 46 percent to US$85.3 million for the period, supported by higher realized prices of US$32.95 per ounce of silver and US$3,320 per ounce of gold.

Furthermore, the company completed its acquisition of Minera Kolpa on May 1, funded in part by a US$50 million equity financing. Endeavour also said that it has advanced commissioning at its Mexico-based Terronera project, which is nearing commercial production. Milling rates reached up to 2,000 metric tons per day by late July, with silver recoveries averaging 71 percent and gold recoveries at 67 percent.

Hecla Mining hits records across the board

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL) reported record quarterly revenue of US$304 million, a 16 percent increase from the prior quarter. Net income came in at US$57.6 million, or US$0.09 per share, while adjusted EBITDA reached US$132.5 million. The company said free cashflow also reached record levels.

The US- and Canada-focused firm’s silver costs remained low, with cash cost per ounce after by-product credits at negative US$5.46 and all-in sustaining costs at US$5.19.

On the production side, milestones were set at key operations: the Lucky Friday mine (Idaho) established a new milling record of 114,475 metric tons, while Greens Creek (Alaska) delivered positive gold output owing to higher grades.

Silvercorp Metals maintains consistency

Silvercorp Metals (TSX:SVM,NYSEAMERICAN:SVM) produced 1.8 million ounces of silver in its fiscal first quarter of 2026, along with 2,050 ounces of gold, 15.7 million pounds of lead and 5.2 million pounds of zinc.

Output came from its Ying Mining District in China’s Henan Province. The firm also posted revenue of US$81.3 million, with income from mine operations standing at US$35.8 million. Silvercorp said that the margins are slightly lower compared to the prior year as higher processing volumes increased costs and royalties in China.

The company said even though higher royalties and processing expenses have offset some benefits of stronger realized prices, it remains profitable and cashflow positive.

Fresnillo reports lower silver output

Fresnillo (LSE:FRES,OTC Pink:FNLPF), one of Mexico’s largest gold and silver producers, reported revenues of US$1.94 billion for the first half of 2025, up 30 percent from the same period in 2024.

The company reported that attributable silver production was 24.9 million ounces in the first half, down 11.7 percent from the year prior due to the closure of San Julián DOB and lower grades at Ciénega and Juanicipio. By contrast, attributable gold production rose 15.9 percent to 313,800 ounces, supported by higher ore grades at Herradura.

Fresnillo also confirmed that parent company Industrias Peñoles agreed to buy back the longstanding Silverstream contract for US$40 million. Since 2007, Peñoles has paid Fresnillo US$882 million for approximately 52 million ounces of silver delivered from the Sabinas mine under the arrangement.

MAG Silver navigates takeover, advances exploration

MAG Silver entered Q2 under the spotlight as its pending acquisition by Pan American Silver moved forward.

The transaction, approved by MAG shareholders in July, offers shareholders the option of receiving either cash or Pan American shares, with closing expected in the second half of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals in Mexico.

Operationally, exploration remained active across the company’s portfolio.

At Juanicipio in Mexico, MAG drilled nearly 9,500 meters underground, with results pending, while surface work added over 6,000 meters targeting the Cañada Honda and Magdalena structures.

In the US, geophysical surveys advanced at the Deer Trail project in Utah, and drilling commenced at Ontario’s Larder project, where over 5,200 meters were completed at the Italian zone.

Avino delivers revenue growth, index inclusion

Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM,NYSEAMERICAN:ASM) posted strong second quarter financials, with revenues rising 47 percent year-on-year to US$21.8 million.

Net income more than doubled to US$2.9 million, while mine operating income surged 118 percent to US$10.2 million, supported by economies of scale and record mill throughput.

Production from the company’s portfolio of Mexican projects reached 645,602 silver equivalent ounces, a 5 percent increase despite lower feed grades, as throughput gains offset grade variability.

Beyond operations, Avino secured inclusions in both the S&P/TSX Global Mining Index (INDEXTSI:TXGM) and the Solactive Global Silver Miners Index during the quarter.

Coeur achieves record quarter on silver and gold strength

Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE) reported record Q2 results with revenues of US$481 million and net income from continuing operations of US$71 million, marking its fifth consecutive profitable quarter. Adjusted EBITDA rose 64 percent from the prior quarter to US$244 million, while free cashflow soared eightfold to US$146 million.

The company produced 4.7 million ounces of silver and 108,487 ounces of gold, up 79 and 38 percent year-on-year, respectively, with strong contributions from all five operations. Meanwhile, crushed ore rates and production volumes climbed sharply from the company’s expanded Rochester mine in Nevada. Coeur reaffirmed its full-year guidance of 380,000 to 440,000 ounces of gold and 16.7 million to 20.3 million ounces of silver.

Silver price outlook

Silver’s breakout above US$35 has injected new momentum into the precious metals complex, and has put silver back into focus after more than a decade of underperformance relative to gold.

Traders are already eyeing the psychologically important US$40 level and ultimately the 2011 peak near US$50, with market strategists noting that previous moves through the mid-US$30s have often triggered rapid runs higher.

The renewed excitement comes as the gold price sits at a historically high level, providing a strong comparative benchmark that has many investors looking to silver as a value trade.

Behind the price action, silver’s fundamentals remain compelling. Industrial demand tied to green energy applications, paired with persistent multi-year supply deficits, continues to erode aboveground stocks.

Whether or not silver makes a sustained run in the near term, the alignment of macroeconomic factors and strong tailwinds proves that silver’s resurgence in 2025 is being built on more than just speculation.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com
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