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Copper Quest Exploration Inc. (CSE: CQX,OTC:IMIMF; FRA: 3MX) (‘ Copper Quest ‘ or the ‘ Company ‘) is pleased to announce that, further to its news release dated December 1, 2025, it has issued an aggregate of 10,142,104 flow-through shares of the Company (the ‘ FT Shares ‘, and each, a ‘ FT Share ‘) at a price of $0.19 per FT Share for aggregate gross proceeds of $1,927,000 in connection with its previously announced fully subscribed non-brokered private placement (the ‘ Private Placement ‘).

Each FT Share constitutes a ‘flow-through share’ within the meaning of the Income Tax Act (Canada) (the ‘ Tax Act ‘) and the gross proceeds of the Private Placement will be used by the Company for exploration and related programs, which qualify as ‘Canadian exploration expenses’ and ‘flow-through critical mineral mining expenditures’, as such terms are defined in the Tax Act, in connection with Copper Quest’s projects in British Columbia.

Brian Thurston, President & CEO of Copper Quest, commented: The team has spent the last 12 months building Copper Quest to be a standout junior explorer holding seven quality projects including the recent acquisitions of Stars, Stellar, Nekash, and pending Kitimat and Alpine. It is now time for the Company to grow shareholder value through advancing these properties through work on the ground and drilling. These funds will allow us advance multiple properties in 2026 while we continue vetting quality partners to help advance the rest.

In connection with the Private Placement, the Company paid cash finder’s fees totaling $130,199.98 and issued 685,261 finder’s warrants (the ‘ Finder’s Warrants ‘) entitling the holder thereof to acquire one non-flow-through common share at an exercise price of C$0.19. The Finder’s Warrants will expire on December 5, 2027.

All securities issued pursuant to the Private Placement are subject to a statutory four month hold period expiring April 6, 2026.

To accommodate increased interest in the Private Placement, the Company also announces that it may further issue up to 255,264 FT Shares under the same terms as above stated, no later than December 15, 2025. All securities to be issued thereunder will be subject to a statutory hold period under applicable Canadian securities laws of four months and one day from the date of issuance.

Related Party Participation in the Private Placement

Jason Nickel, Director of the Company, participated in Private Placement by purchasing 50,000 FT Shares for $9,500. The participation by Mr. Nickel, as an insider of the Company, constitutes a ‘related party transaction’ as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (‘MI 61-101’). The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the FT Shares purchased by Mr. Nickel, nor the consideration for the FT Shares paid by Mr. Nickel, exceeded 25% of the Company’s market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Private Placement, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances as the details of insider participation in the Private Placement were not settled until shortly prior to closing the Private Placement and the Company wished to complete the Private Placement in an expeditious manner.

The securities described herein have not been 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 absent registration or compliance with an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Copper

Copper is an essential industrial metal at the heart of the global energy transition and modern infrastructure. It plays a critical role in electrification, renewable energy systems, electric vehicles, data centers, and smart technologies. With global demand rising and new supply challenged by declining grades, complex permitting, and underinvestment, the copper market faces persistent deficits and growing geopolitical scrutiny. Recent U.S. policy announcements, including import tariffs and initiatives to secure domestic and allied supply chains, underscore copper’s strategic importance and the need for resilient, localized resource exploration, development, production and processing capacity.

ABOUT Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Copper Quest (CSE: CQX,OTC:IMIMF; OTCQB: IMIMF; FRA: 3MX) is focused on building shareholder value through project acquisition, and exploration and development of its North American Critical Mineral portfolio of assets. The Company’s land package currently comprises five projects that span over 40,000+ hectares in great mining jurisdictions as well as the Kitimat Cu-Au Project and the past-producing Alpine Gold Mine that are both pending acquisition following due diligence.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Stars Property, a porphyry copper-molybdenum discovery, covering 9,693 hectares in central British Columbia’s Bulkley Porphyry Belt. Contiguous to the Stars Property, Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the 5,389 hectare Stellar Property. CQX also has an earn-in option up to 80% and joint-venture agreement on the 4,700 hectare porphyry copper-molybdenum Rip Project, also in the Bulkley Porphyry Belt.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Nekash Copper-Gold Project, a porphyry exploration opportunity located in Lemhi County, Idaho, along the prolific Idaho-Montana porphyry copper belt that hosts world-class systems such as Butte and CUMO. The project is fully road-accessible via maintained U.S. highways and forest service roads and currently consists of 70 unpatented federal lode claims covering 585 hectares.

Copper Quest has a 100% interest in the Thane Project located in the Quesnel Terrane of Northern BC which spans over 20,658 ha with 10 high-priority targets identified demonstrating significant copper and precious metal mineralization potential.

Copper Quest’s leadership and advisory teams are senior mining industry executives who have a wealth of technical and capital markets experience and a strong track record of discovering, financing, developing, and operating mining projects on a global scale. Copper Quest is committed to sustainable and responsible business activities in line with industry best practices, supportive of all stakeholders, including the local communities in which it operates. The Company’s common shares are principally listed on the Canadian Stock Exchange under the symbol ‘CQX’. For more information on Copper Quest, please visit the Company’s website at www.copper.quest.

On behalf of the Board of Copper Quest Exploration Inc.

Brian Thurston, P.Geo.
Chief Executive Officer and Director
Tel: 778-949-1829
For further information contact:

Investor Relations
info@copper.quest

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains certain ‘forward-looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ (collectively, ‘ forward-looking statements ‘) within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, including without limitation, statements regarding the terms and completion of the Flow-Through Offering, the payment of finder’s fees and issuance of Finder’s Warrants, the anticipated closing date and the planned use of proceeds of the Flow-Through Offering, and future operations and activities of Copper Quest, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as ‘expects’, ‘anticipates’, ‘believes’, ‘intends’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘possible’, and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results ‘will’, ‘may’, ‘could’, or ‘should’ occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, the ability to obtain regulatory approval of the Flow-Through Offering, risks associated with possible accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, risks associated with the interpretation of exploration results, the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company’s exploration plans, the risk that the Company will not be able to raise sufficient funds to carry out its business plans, and the risk of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes that might interfere with the Company’s business and prospects. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this news release concerning these items. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements of beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors, should they change, except as required by applicable securities laws.

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not reviewed, approved or disapproved the contents of this press release, and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

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Jennifer Newstead to join Apple as senior vice president, will become general counsel in March 2026

Kate Adams to retire late next year

Lisa Jackson to retire

Apple® today announced that Jennifer Newstead will become Apple’s general counsel on March 1, 2026, following a transition of duties from Kate Adams, who has served as Apple’s general counsel since 2017. She will join Apple as senior vice president in January, reporting to CEO Tim Cook and serving on Apple’s executive team.

In addition, Lisa Jackson, vice president for Environment, Policy, and Social Initiatives, will retire in late January 2026. The Government Affairs organization will transition to Adams, who will oversee the team until her retirement late next year, after which it will be led by Newstead. Newstead’s title will become senior vice president, General Counsel and Government Affairs, reflecting the combining of the two organizations. The Environment and Social Initiatives teams will report to Apple chief operating officer Sabih Khan.

‘Kate has been an integral part of the company for the better part of a decade, having provided critical advice while always advocating on behalf of our customers’ right to privacy and protecting Apple’s right to innovate,’ said Tim Cook, Apple’s CEO. ‘I am incredibly grateful to her for the leadership she has provided, for her remarkable determination across a myriad of highly complex issues, and above all, for her thoughtfulness, her deeply strategic mind, and her sound counsel.’

‘I am deeply appreciative of Lisa’s contributions. She has been instrumental in helping us reduce our global greenhouse emissions by more than 60 percent compared to 2015 levels,’ said Cook. ‘She has also been a critical strategic partner in engaging governments around the world, advocating for the best interests of our users on a myriad of topics, as well as advancing our values, from education and accessibility to privacy and security.’

‘We couldn’t be more pleased to have Jennifer join our team,’ said Cook. ‘She brings an extraordinary depth of experience and skill to the role, and will advance Apple’s important work all over the world. We are also pleased that Jennifer will be overseeing both the Legal and Government Affairs organizations, given the increasing overlap between the work of both teams and her substantial background in international affairs. I know she will be an excellent leader going forward.’

‘I have long admired Apple’s deep focus on innovation and strong commitment to its values, its customers, and to making the world a better place,’ said Newstead. ‘I am honored to join the company and to lead an extraordinary team who are dedicated each and every day to doing what’s in the best interest of Apple’s users.’

‘It has been one of the great privileges of my life to be a part of Apple, where our work has always been about standing up for the values that are the foundation of this great company,’ said Adams. ‘I am proud of the good our wonderful team has done over the past eight years, and I am filled with gratitude for the chance to have made a difference. Jennifer is an exceptional talent and I am confident that I am leaving the team in the very best hands, and I’m really looking forward to working more closely with the Government Affairs team.’

‘Apple is a remarkable company and it has been a true honor to lead such important work here,’ said Jackson. ‘I have been lucky to work with leaders who understand that reducing our environmental impact is not just good for the environment, but good for business, and that we can do well by doing good. And I am incredibly grateful to the teams I’ve had the privilege to lead at Apple, for the innovations they’ve helped create and inspire, and for the advocacy they’ve led on behalf of our users with governments around the world. I have every confidence that Apple will continue to have a profoundly positive impact on the planet and its people.’

Newstead was most recently chief legal officer at Meta and previously served as the legal adviser of the U.S. Department of State, where she led the legal team responsible for advising the Secretary of State on legal issues affecting the conduct of U.S. foreign relations. She held a range of other positions in government earlier in her career as well, including as general counsel of the White House Office of Management and Budget, as a principal deputy assistant attorney general of the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice, as associate White House counsel, and as a law clerk to Justice Stephen Breyer of the U.S. Supreme Court. She also spent a dozen years as partner at Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, where she advised global corporations on a wide variety of issues. Newstead holds an AB from Harvard University and a JD from Yale Law School.

Apple revolutionized personal technology with the introduction of the Macintosh in 1984. Today, Apple leads the world in innovation with iPhone, iPad, Mac, AirPods, Apple Watch, and Apple Vision Pro. Apple’s six software platforms — iOS, iPadOS, macOS, watchOS, visionOS, and tvOS — provide seamless experiences across all Apple devices and empower people with breakthrough services including the App Store, Apple Music, Apple Pay, iCloud, and Apple TV. Apple’s more than 150,000 employees are dedicated to making the best products on earth and to leaving the world better than we found it.

NOTE TO EDITORS: For additional information visit Apple Newsroom ( www.apple.com/newsroom ), or email Apple’s Media Helpline at media.help@apple.com .

© 2025 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251204848925/en/

Josh Rosenstock
Apple
jrosenstock@apple.com

News Provided by Business Wire via QuoteMedia

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The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is pleased to announce that registration is now open for PDAC 2026, taking place March 1-4, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto. The world’s leading gathering for mineral exploration and mining will once again unite industry leaders, investors, governments, students and Indigenous communities for four days of deals, ideas and discovery.

“PDAC 2026 is where conversations, connections and capital converge at a scale you won’t find anywhere else,” said PDAC President Karen Rees. “It’s a unique opportunity to meet directly with company leaders, government officials, policymakers and investors, to strike new deals and move projects forward. Just as importantly, it’s a place to advance respectful and mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities and other local partners. From students and early-career professionals to senior executives, everyone who attends PDAC 2026 can gain insight, build relationships and help shape the direction of our industry.”

What to expect at PDAC 2026

World-class scale and reach:
PDAC 2026 builds on the momentum of recent years, following a 2025 Convention that welcomed more than 27,000 attendees from over 130 countries and 91 government exhibitors. Its global scale and strong government-to-industry presence make it the most influential event for the mineral exploration and mining community.

Exhibits:
Bigger than ever in 2026, PDAC will feature more than 1,300 exhibitors across the Trade Show, Investors Exchange, and an expanded Trade Show North. Attendees can explore show floors packed with projects, equipment, technology, services, and country and regional displays that showcase the latest developments and opportunities across the sector.

Investment opportunities:
PDAC 2026 is a must-attend event for investors. Connect at the Investors Exchange, evaluate projects and meet management teams. See results first-hand in Core Shack, hear company updates through Corporate Presentations for Investors (CPI), and gain market insight at the Investment Leaders Forum.

Programming:
Hundreds of presenters will deliver cutting-edge content through panels, technical sessions, short courses, and keynote presentations. Programming spans Indigenous partnerships, sustainability, capital markets and financing, and advances in geoscience and exploration techniques, as well as the convention’s flagship keynote themes: commodities, mining industry outlook, technology and innovation, and discovery of the year.

Networking and events:
From daily meetups like Coffee Connections and the Lunch Social to flagship social events such as The Network: Gold Rush Gathering and the high-energy We Will Rock You Finale, PDAC 2026 offers countless ways to connect. Plus, the Awards Celebration & Nite Cap honours the 2026 PDAC Award recipients and brings the global industry together to recognize excellence and drive the sector forward.

Register now

Be part of PDAC 2026 in Toronto, March 1-4, 2026. Register and plan your experience today at pdac.ca/convention-2026.

About PDAC

The Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) is the leading voice of the mineral exploration and development community, an industry that employs more than 724,000, and contributed $156 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2024 (Natural Resources Canada, February 2025). Currently representing over 8,200 members around the world, PDAC’s work centres on supporting a competitive, responsible, and sustainable mineral sector. PDAC 2026, our 94th annual convention, will take place in person in Toronto, Canada from March 1-4. Please visit pdac.ca for more information.

Media contact

Scott Barber
Director, Communications
sbarber@pdac.ca
416-362-1969 x 244

Source

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Silver is known as the most versatile precious metal, and its end uses range from silverware to medicine, as well as industrial and technological applications, which account for well over half of annual global demand.

In 2024, global physical silver demand reached 1.16 billion ounces, shy of the record of 1.28 billion ounces set in 2022, as per the Silver Institute’s latest World Silver Survey released in April 2025.

Industrial demand is on an upward trend from the push toward renewable energy — in particular, silver demand should benefit from the expansion of the solar energy sector, electric vehicles and the growing use of AI and data centers. The metal is a great conductor of both heat and electricity, making it perfect for use in solar panels.

In 2025, the Silver Institute expects global demand for silver to decline by 1 percent to 1.15 billion ounces, but remain at historically high levels. With all of that in mind, here’s a look at four factors driving silver demand.

1. Industrial fabrication

Expected demand in 2025: 677.4 million ounces

Silver is the best electrical and thermal conductor of all the metals, so it’s no surprise that it’s used in industrial fabrication. Industrial silver demand has seen steady growth in recent years. Coming in at just 491 million ounces in 2016, industrial demand rose to 592.3 million ounces in 2022, 657.1 million ounces in 2023 and a record 680.5 million ounces in 2024.

For 2025, the Silver Institute believes industrial demand will see a slight regression of 0.5 percent to 677.4 million ounces.

Here’s a brief rundown of the main industrial uses driving silver demand:

Electronics — In electronics, industrial silver is used mainly in multi-layer ceramic capacitors, membrane switches, silvered film, electrically heated automobile windshields, conductive adhesives and the preparation of thick-film pastes.

Electronics is expected to remain an important driver for silver going forward, as per the Silver Institute, which expects overall industrial silver consumption to reach 456.6 million ounces in 2025. Photovoltaics form the largest portion of electronic demand, totaling 197.6 million tons in 2024.

Using silver as conductive ink, photovoltaic cells transform sunlight into electricity. These cells are combined to form solar panels. The use of silver in the fabrication of photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, is seen as an area of rapid growth in the short to medium term. In fact, SolarPower Europe reported that total installations reached 2.2 terawatts by the end of 2024, and are expected to more than triple to more than 7 terawatts by 2030.

Automotive industry — Every electrical action in a modern car is activated with silver-coated contacts. Basic functions such as starting the engine, opening power windows, adjusting power seats and closing power trunks are all activated using a silver membrane switch. Furthermore, in January 2021, the Silver Institute reported that, depending on the model, battery electric vehicles contain between 25 and 50 grams of silver, while hybrid vehicles use 18 to 34 grams of silver. That’s compared to 15 to 28 grams of silver in a light internal combustion engine vehicle.

The Silver Institute has projected that automotive demand for silver could reach 90 million ounces by 2025. The association states that silver demand from the car industry will be driven by infrastructure investment, broader decarbonization efforts and the expansion of charging stations.

Brazing and soldering — Adding silver to the process of soldering or brazing helps produce smooth, leak-tight and corrosion-resistant joints when combining metal parts. In addition, silver-brazing alloys are used widely in everything from air conditioning and refrigeration to electric power distribution. The Silver Institute predicts demand from this segment to total 52.9 million ounces in 2025.

2. Jewelry

Expected demand in 2025: 196.2 million ounces

Jewelry is often what laypeople think about when they consider silver demand. And for good reason — few materials are better suited for jewelry than silver. Lustrous but resilient, silver responds well to sculpting, requires minimal care and lasts a lifetime.

While silver and gold possess similar working qualities, the white metal enjoys greater reflectivity and can achieve a brilliant polish. A vast amount of silver supply from mine production gets turned into a form of jewelry. The segment grew moderately by 3 percent in 2024, rising to 208.7 million ounces, but the Silver Institute is predicting a significant reversal in 2025, with a 6 percent decline to 196.2 million ounces.

3. Silver bullion, coins and bars

Expected demand in 2025: 204.4 million ounces

Another source of silver demand is for silver as an investment in the form of silver coins, bars and rounds. This category includes the silver used to fabricate the bullion, as well as small bar purchases by retail investors, according to the Silver Institute.

Silver coins have a long history. Minted silver coins were first used in the Eastern Mediterranean region in 550 BCE, and by 269 BCE the Roman Empire had adopted silver as well. Silver was the main circulating currency until the 19th century, when it was phased out of regular coinage.

While silver is not used in many circulating coins today, mints in many countries still create high-purity bullion coins and bars for investors.

Physical silver investment demand reached a record high of 338.3 million ounces in 2022, but declined considerably to 244.3 million ounces in 2023, before falling another 22 percent to 190.9 million ounces in 2024.

However, with rising uncertainty in global financial markets, the institute is predicting 7 percent growth in 2025 to 204.4 million ounces.

Silver exchange-traded products (ETPs) and silver ETFs purchase significant amounts of physical silver. Silver ETPs have experienced high volatility over the last five years, with demand peaking in 2020 with net inflows of 331.1 million ounces of silver, which fell to to 64.9 million ounces in 2021. Following the pandemic, ETPs experienced heavy outflows with investors selling off 117.4 million ounces in 2022 and 37.6 million ounces in 2023.

In 2024, as uncertainty began to seep into global financial markets, investors once again returned to ETPs, pushing demand to 61.6 million ounces of silver flowing into the products.

The Silver Institute expects demand to grow by 14 percent in 2025 to 70 million ounces, attributing these inflows to cuts to the Federal Funds rate, concerns over US debt load, and instability in the Middle East.

4. Silverware

Expected demand in 2025: 46 million ounces

Sterling silver has been the standard for silver holloware and silver flatware since the 14th century. Silver cutlery and other decor lasts for generations as it resists tarnish and is a traditional decoration in homes around the world. Base metal copper is mixed with silver to strengthen it for use as cutlery, bowls and decorative items.

Demand for the metal from the silverware industry reached 73.5 million ounces in 2022 but has declined since then to 54.2 million ounces in 2024. The Silver Institute expects the market to shed another 15 percent in 2025 to 46 million ounces.

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

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Frank Holmes of US Global Investors (NASDAQ:GROW) shares his forecast for gold and silver.

He sees gold testing US$5,000 per ounce next year and then reaching US$7,000 by the end of US President Donald Trump’s second term in office.

‘And I think that silver will be over US$100,’ he added.

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

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Gold has reached once-unthinkable prices in 2025, gaining over 60 percent by early December.

Looking ahead to 2026, experts believe the major themes that carried the gold price to new heights this year will continue to underwrite its trajectory in the months ahead, boosting the metal even further.

What are the top trends shaping the gold market, and what should investors expect in the new year?

Trade tensions to stoke ETF and central bank gold demand

US President Donald Trump’s aggressive trade policies have injected a high level of volatility into a world economy that was already reeling from ongoing regional conflicts.

This type of uncertainty reliably encourages investors to seek safe havens, and that theme dominated much of the gold story for 2025. Heading into the new year, analysts see no end to this trend.

Strong gold exchange-traded fund (ETF) inflows and central bank purchases are projected to continue into next year as investors, particularly in the west, increasingly recognize the hedge value of gold.

Global financial services firm Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) sees demand for gold from ETFs and central banks pushing the gold price back up above US$4,500 per ounce by mid-2026.

The World Gold Council (WGC) also expects the themes of risk and uncertainty to continue driving gold.

“My sense is that we’re going to continue to see these challenges in 2026.”

Cavatoni expects this will translate into continued strong ETF flows and central bank demand for the monetary metal for 2026, although central bank buying may come at a slower pace than the past few years.

Gold as a hedge against potential AI stock bubble

Another potential 2026 tailwind for gold is a correction in artificial intelligence (AI) stocks.

Analysts are increasingly warning that this could happen, and it’s possible that AI bubble meltdown concerns may push more investors away from equities and into gold in the coming year.

Michael Hartnett, chief investment strategist at Bank of America Global Research, told his clients in late October that gold may be one of the strongest hedges if the AI bubble bursts.

Similarly, Macquarie analysts are warning that if AI tech firms and their clients can’t demonstrate a return on their huge investments in the emerging technology, gold may be the best bet for protection against the resulting market fallout: “Optimists buy tech, pessimists buy gold, hedgers buy both.’

Weak US dollar, low interest rates price positive for gold

The gold price has an inverse relationship with the US dollar and real interest rates. Indeed, Morgan Stanley’s US$4,500 gold forecast for mid-2026 is predicated on a weaker dollar and lower rates.

Lower rates typically weaken the dollar, and Trump has been pressuring the US Federal Reserve to drop rates since taking office. With Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s term due to end next year, market watchers are anticipating that a more dovish Fed head will take the helm. This means that more rate cuts are likely on the table for 2026.

A softer dollar and a low rate environment would provide foundational support for further gold price gains. The resulting inflation is expected to push the Fed toward quantitative easing (QE), or the purchasing of government bonds to increase money supply and lower long-term rates, which would further bolster the yellow metal’s appeal.

At its October policy meeting, the Fed stated that its quantitative tightening activities (allowing bonds to mature without reinvesting the proceeds) would end on December 1.

“Frankly … interest expense for the federal government is running at US$1.2 trillion a year (and) the budget deficit is US$1.8 trillion a year, so the interest is really contributing to the deficit,” he said. “The US federal government really needs lower rates, or else interest is going to continue to consume a big piece of their revenues.”

Lepard believes investors are keenly aware that lower rates are coming, which naturally means more inflation. This realization is enhancing gold’s investment appeal.

Gold price forecasts for 2026

Heading into 2026, Fed monetary policy changes are likely to give gold another boost to the upside.

“As we move through the year, as the Federal Reserve transitions to QE and maybe yield curve control and money printing, the (precious) metals themselves will catch another leg up,” said Lepard.

“Gold will go through US$4,500 toward US$5,000, silver will go to US$60 or US$70 and (gold and silver) stocks will all go up another 30 percent pretty easily, and then maybe more over the next 12 months,’ he added.

Global financial services provider B2PRIME Group also sees gold’s average price in 2026 at around US$4,500 as US debt challenges and possible Fed rate cuts continue to bolster the value of the precious metal.

Overall, most analysts’ gold price predictions for the upcoming year are in the US$4,500 to US$5,000 range.

Metals Focus is forecasting an annual average high of US$4,560 in 2026, with gold potentially reaching a record US$4,850 in the fourth quarter. The firm sees these gains materializing despite a projected gold surplus of 41.9 million ounces in 2026, up 28 percent year-on-year; that would take mine production to another record high in 2026.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) is predicting that gold could reach as high as US$4,900 next year on increased central bank buying and anticipated inflation-causing interest rate cuts by the Fed.

For its part, Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) sees the yellow metal breaching US$5,000 in 2026 on growing deficit spending in the US and Trump’s ‘unorthodox macro policies.’

Investor takeaway

Ongoing uncertainty from trade tensions, a potential market correction in the AI sector, US debt challenges and anticipated shifts in Fed policy have fueled strong investment demand for gold as a safe-haven asset.

Those demand drivers are not going away in 2026; in fact, they are likely to provide further foundational support that could propel the gold price to new record highs.

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

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Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV: FOR,OTC:FTBYF) (FWB: 5QN) (OTCQB: FTBYF) (‘Fortune Bay’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the appointment of Patrick McGrath as Chief Financial Officer (‘CFO’). Mr. McGrath succeeds Sarah Oliver, who will be stepping aside after serving as CFO since 2016. Ms. Oliver will remain involved over the coming months to ensure a smooth transition.

Patrick McGrath – Experienced Resource-Sector Executive
Mr. McGrath is a seasoned finance executive with over 25 years of experience in the resource industry. He has held senior leadership roles in multiple public companies, most recently as Chief Executive Officer of Blue Moon Metals Inc. until November 2024, and previously as Chief Financial Officer and later Chief Executive Officer of Hemlo Mining Corp. until May 2023, then known as Carcetti Capital Corp., a former producing oil and gas company in Eastern Europe.

Mr. McGrath holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Memorial University and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) in Canada. He brings extensive expertise in corporate finance, capital markets, and financial strategy, with a proven track record of supporting resource companies through exploration, development, and growth stages.

Leadership Transition
Ms. Oliver has played a key role in Fortune Bay’s financial stewardship for nearly a decade, ensuring strong compliance, reporting integrity, and fiscal discipline. Her contributions have been instrumental in positioning the Company with a solid financial foundation as it advances its gold project portfolio.

Dale Verran, CEO of Fortune Bay, commented, ‘On behalf of the Board and management team, I am delighted to welcome Patrick McGrath to Fortune Bay. Patrick’s depth of financial expertise and leadership experience will be invaluable as we advance our projects and pursue growth opportunities. I would also like to sincerely thank Sarah Oliver for her many years of dedicated service. Sarah has been a trusted steward of our financial operations and a valued member of our leadership team. We are grateful for her contributions and support through this transition.’

Patrick McGrath, incoming CFO, stated, ‘I am excited to be joining Fortune Bay at such a pivotal and exciting time for the Company. With a strong project portfolio, a clear growth strategy, and significant opportunities ahead, I look forward to contributing to Fortune Bay’s success and working with the team to deliver value for shareholders.’

About Fortune Bay
Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV:FOR,OTC:FTBYF; FWB:5QN; OTCQB:FTBYF) is a gold exploration and development company advancing high-potential assets in Canada and Mexico. With a strategy focused on discovery, resource growth and early-stage development, the Company targets value creation at the steepest part of the Value Creation Curve. Its portfolio includes the development-ready Goldfields Project in Saskatchewan, the resource-expansion Poma Rosa Project in Mexico, and an optioned uranium portfolio in the Athabasca Basin providing non-dilutive capital and upside exposure. Backed by a technically proven team and tight capital structure, Fortune Bay is positioned for multiple near-term catalysts. For more information, visit www.fortunebaycorp.com or contact info@fortunebaycorp.com.

On behalf of Fortune Bay Corp.

‘Dale Verran’
Chief Executive Officer
902-334-1919

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management’s current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. Words such as ‘expects’, ‘aims’, ‘anticipates’, ‘targets’, ‘goals’, ‘projects’, ‘intends’, ‘plans’, ‘believes’, ‘seeks’, ‘estimates’, ‘continues’, ‘may’, variations of such words, and similar expressions and references to future periods, are intended to identify such forward-looking statements.

Since forward-looking statements are based on assumptions and address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management’s expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company’s objectives, goals, intentions or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, timing of the commencement of operations and estimates of market conditions. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to failure to identify targets or mineralization, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate First Nations and other indigenous peoples, inability to reach access agreements with other Project communities, amendments to applicable mining laws, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing or partnerships needed in the future, changes in equity markets, inflation, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in the development of projects, capital and operating costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, and those risks set out in the Company’s public documents filed on SEDAR+. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. For more information on Fortune Bay, readers should refer to Fortune Bay’s website at www.fortunebaycorp.com. 

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

SOURCE Fortune Bay Corp.

View original content to download multimedia: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2025/04/c3529.html

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Sankamap Metals Inc. (CSE: SCU) (‘Sankamap’ or the ‘Company’) further to the Company’s news releases dated October 21, 2025, November 4, 2025, and November 18, 2025, the Company continues to work towards the filing of its annual audited financial statements and management’s discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025 (the ‘Required Filings’). The Company has obtained approval from the Alberta Securities Commission to extend the Management Cease Trade Order (‘MCTO’) under National Policy 12-203 Management Cease Trade Orders (‘NP 12-203’) until December 28, 2025.

While the audit of Sankamap’s private subsidiary has now been completed, timing adjustments in the subsidiary’s audit resulted in a brief postponement of fieldwork and the review of Sankamap’s audit file. The upcoming holiday period is also expected to affect scheduling. To support timely completion of the audit, the Company intends to appoint the subsidiary’s auditor as its auditor, as their familiarity with the Company’s mineral property and the Solomon Islands jurisdiction is expected to facilitate an expedited process. A change of auditor is underway, and the Company expects to file the required change of auditor documentation shortly.

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 issuance of the MCTO will 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.

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/276869

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (December 3) as of 9:00 a.m. UTC.

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

Bitcoin and Ether price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$92,758.95, up by 4.1 percent over 24 hours.

Bitcoin price performance, December 3, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

After Bitcoin stared the week with its largest single-day decline in a month, it rallied about 6.6 percent in 24 hours to reclaim US$93,000. This now marks Bitcoin’s highest intraday level in more than two weeks.

Despite the cryptocurrency’s rebound, analysts are still urging caution and advising investors to await clearer macro signals before fully re-entering higher-risk assets.

Ether (ETH) also regained ground and is currently priced at US$3,051.34, up 7.1 percent over 24 hours.

Altcoin price update

  • XRP (XRP) was priced at US$2.19, an increase of 4.6 percent over 24 hours.
  • Solana (SOL) was trading at US$142.17, up by 6.6 percent over 24 hours.

Today’s crypto news to know

Strategy faces possible removal from MSCI indexes

Michael Saylor’s Strategy (NASDAQ:MSTR) is in discussions with index provider MSCI as the company thinks about removing Strategy from major stock indexes, according to Reuters.

MSCI is considering cutting companies whose business model is to buy crypto. Strategy currently holds about 650,000 BTC and has relied on new debt and equity issuance to add to its holdings.

JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) estimates a removal could trigger up to US$8.8 billion in outflows if other index providers follow suit. Saylor said the company is participating in MSCI’s review process, but questioned the scale of possible selling projected by JPMorgan. A verdict is expected by January 15 of next year.

Sony partner launches stablecoin for Soneium

Startale Group has launched USDSC, a stablecoin pegged to the US dollar that is designed to serve as the default settlement currency on Sony Group’s (NYSE:SONY,TSE:6758) Soneium blockchain.

According to a Decrypt report, the launch includes a new rewards program called STAR Points that is geared at encouraging user activity across payments, liquidity supply and app interaction. Soneium went live earlier this year following a test phase that drew 14 million users and processed 50 million transactions.

Startale CEO Sota Watanabe said USDSC aims to support payments and yield generation across the network’s creator-focused ecosystem. Stablecoin infrastructure firm M0 is providing backend support for issuance and liquidity.

A waitlist for the Startale app is open to users seeking early access to USDSC features and rewards.

SEC blocks rollout of high-leverage ETFs

The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has halted the approval process for multiple ultra-leveraged exchange-traded funds (ETFs), citing concerns about investor risk.

Warning letters were sent to nine issuers, including Direxion, ProShares and Tidal, affecting products designed to offer more than 2x exposure to equities, commodities and cryptocurrencies.

The SEC said the proposals exceed regulatory limits on allowable leverage and rely on benchmark definitions that may fail to reflect true market volatility. Some of the planned funds target exposure to highly volatile assets. No 3x or 5x single-stock ETFs currently exist in the US due to existing restrictions.

Leveraged ETF trading has surged since 2020, with total assets rising to around US$162 billion.

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

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