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Osisko Metals Incorporated (the ‘ Company or ‘ Osisko Metals ‘) ( TSX: OM,OTC:OMZNF ; OTCQX: OMZNF ; FRANKFURT: 0B51 ) is pleased to announce new drill results from the Gaspé Copper Project, located in the Gaspé Peninsula of Eastern Québec.

New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 35 mineralized intercepts from ten new drill holes. Infill intercepts are located inside the 2024 MRE model ( see November 14, 2024 news release ), and are focused on upgrading inferred mineral resources to measured or indicated categories, as applicable. Expansion intercepts are located outside the 2024 MRE model and may potentially lead to additional resources that will be classified appropriately within the next MRE update. Some of the reported intercepts have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion (noted on Table 1 below as ‘Both’). Maps showing hole locations are available at www.osiskometals.com .

Highlights:

  • Drill hole 30-1128
    • 330.6 metres averaging 0.46% Cu (0.49% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1115
    • 33.0 metres averaging 1.28% Cu (1.36% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1117
    • 779.0 metres averaging 0.26% Cu (0.34% CuEq – infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1118
    • 555.9 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (0.26% CuEq – infill)
  • Drill hole 30-1123
    • 313.5 metres averaging 0.23% Cu (0.28% CuEq – infill and expansion)
    • 220.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (0.30% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1125
    • 293.0 metres averaging 0.23% Cu (0.30% CuEq – expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1126
    • 804.0 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (0.31% CuEq – infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1130
    • 347.7 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (0.29% CuEq – infill)
  • Drill hole 30-1131
    • 714.0 metres averaging 0.21% Cu (0.27% CuEq – both)

Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results

DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* Type**
30-1115 499.5 532.5 33.0 1.28 8.89 0.009 1.36 Expansion
And 661.5 717.6 56.1 0.59 3.52 <0.005 0.61 Expansion
30-1117 21.0 45.0 24.0 0.24 1.79 <0.005 0.25 Infill
And 149.0 161.0 12.0 0.17 1.84 0.016 0.24 Infill
And 212.5 991.5 779.0 0.26 1.68 0.019 0.34 Both
(including) 212.5 679.0 466.5 0.22 1.44 0.018 0.29 Infill
(including) 679.0 991.5 312.5 0.32 2.04 0.019 0.41 Expansion
30-1118 17.1 573.0 555.9 0.20 1.00 0.008 0.26 Infill
And 624.0 775.5 151.5 0.11 0.77 0.027 0.21 Expansion
30-1123 23.0 59.0 36.0 0.28 2.19 <0.005 0.30 Infill
And 72.0 107.0 35.0 0.19 1.93 <0.005 0.20 Infill
And 123.0 137.0 14.0 0.13 2.04 <0.005 0.14 Infill
And 213.0 526.5 313.5 0.23 1.84 0.012 0.28 Both
(including) 213.0 443.0 230.0 0.24 1.94 0.011 0.29 Infill
(including) 443.0 526.5 83.5 0.20 1.57 0.017 0.27 Expansion
And 553.5 774.0 220.5 0.20 1.63 0.024 0.30 Expansion
30-1125 15.3 199.5 184.2 0.20 0.97 <0.005 0.21 Infill
And 255.0 288.0 33.0 0.12 1.10 0.008 0.14 Infill
And 304.5 335.0 30.5 0.14 0.65 0.009 0.18 Infill
And 356.6 531.7 175.1 0.15 0.98 0.019 <0.005 Infill
And 643.0 936.0 293.0 0.23 1.26 0.019 0.30 Expansion
30-1126 72.0 204.0 132.0 0.13 1.05 0.005 0.15 Infill
And 229.5 1033.5 804.0 0.24 1.48 0.016 0.31 Both
(including) 229.5 634.1 404.6 0.24 1.81 0.017 0.32 Infill
(including) 634.1 1033.5 399.4 0.24 1.15 0.015 0.30 Expansion
30-1127 5.0 24.0 19.0 0.16 2.31 <0.005 0.18 Infill
And 107.0 124.0 17.0 0.30 3.53 0.005 0.33 Infill
And 255.0 284.2 29.2 0.28 2.66 0.012 0.34 Infill
And 328.5 370.5 42.0 0.21 1.84 0.008 0.25 Infill
And 476.5 493.5 17.0 0.19 1.46 <0.005 0.21 Infill
And 546.0 591.0 45.0 0.56 3.46 0.046 0.75 Infill
And 807.9 833.0 25.1 0.53 2.79 <0.005 0.56 Expansion
And 864.0 891.0 27.0 0.40 2.46 <0.005 0.42 Expansion
30-1128 8.0 32.0 24.0 0.18 2.48 <0.005 0.19 Expansion
And 44.0 58.0 14.0 0.21 2.01 <0.005 0.22 Expansion
And 78.0 193.5 115.5 0.44 3.67 0.008 0.49 Expansion
And 225.0 555.6 330.6 0.46 4.33 <0.005 0.49 Expansion
(including) 392.0 406.5 14.5 2.51 24.9 <0.005 2.66 Expansion
30-1130 5.0 18.0 13.0 0.19 2.09 <0.005 0.21 Infill
And 168.0 515.7 347.7 0.24 2.14 0.010 0.29 Infill
And 610.5 888.0 277.5 0.26 1.51 0.023 0.35 Infill
30-1131 27.0 741.0 714.0 0.21 1.11 0.015 0.27 Both

* See explanatory notes below on copper equivalent values and Quality Assurance/Quality Controls.
** ‘Both’ indicates drill holes that have contiguous shallower infill as well as deeper expansion intercepts.

Discussion

Drill hole 30-1115, located on the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, did not intersect significant mineralization to a depth of 499 metres, but cut relatively high grades of 33.0 metres averaging 1.28 % Cu, 8.89 g/t Ag within the C Zone skarn horizon (expansion), as well as 56.1 metres averaging 0.59 % Cu and 3.52 g/t Ag, above the E Zone skarn horizon. The hole ended in an E zone stope where massive sulfides and high-grade skarns were previously mined.

Drill hole 30-1117, located on the western flank of Copper Mountain, cut three mineralized intervals including 779.0 metres averaging 0.26 % Cu, 1.68 g/t Ag and 0.019% Mo (which includes 312.5 metres of depth expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 991 metres.

Drill hole 30-1118, located near the southern lip of the Copper Mountain open pit, cut two mineralized intervals including 555.9 metres averaging 0.20 % Cu, 1.00 g/t Ag and 0.008% Mo (infill) as well as a deeper intersection of 151.5 metres averaging 0.11 % Cu, 0.77 g/t Ag and 0.027% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 776 metres.

Drill hole 30-1123, located on the southern flank of Copper Mountain, cut three mineralized intersections, 14 to 36 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface to a vertical depth of 137 metres, followed by 313.5 metres averaging 0.23 % Cu, 1.84 g/t Ag and 0.012% Mo (infill and expansion) and then by 220.5 metres averaging 0.20 % Cu, 1.63 g/t Ag and 0.024% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 774 metres.

Drill hole 30-1125, located approximately 200 metres south of 30-1118, near Copper Brook, cut five mineralized intersections, 30 to 293 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface to a vertical depth of 936 metres, including 184.2 metres averaging 0.20 % C and 0.97 g/t Ag (infill) as well as 293.0 metres averaging 0.23 % Cu, 1.26 g/t Ag and 0.019% Mo (expansion).

Drill hole 30-1126, located on the western flank of Copper Mountain, cut two mineralized intervals including 804.0 metres averaging 0.24 % Cu, 1.48 g/t Ag and 0.016% Mo (which includes 399.4 metres of depth expansion), extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 1033 metres.

Drill hole 30-1127, located near the eastern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut eight intersections of mineralization, 17 to 45 metres thick and distributed in ‘layer cake’ fashion from surface to a vertical depth of 891 metres, confirming the near limit of the 2024 MRE model at this location.

Drill hole 30-1128, located 100 metres south of the southern margin of the 2024 MRE model, cut four mineralized intersections, all expansion outside the current resource model, including 115.5 metres averaging 0.44 % Cu and 3.67 g/t Ag within (and above) the B Zone skarn horizon, as well as 330.6 metres averaging 0.46 % Cu and 4.33 g/t Ag from the top of the C Zone skarn to well below (120 metres) the E zone horizon. This latter intersection included a high-grade interval of 14.5 metres averaging 2.51 % Cu and 24.9 g/t Ag, located in a mineralized vein/massive sulfide zone about 20 metres above the E Zone horizon. This is a new mineralized zone not previously identified at Gaspé Copper and its extent is presently unknown.

Drill hole 30-1130, located on top of Copper Mountain near the center of the 2024 MRE model, cut two significant mineralized intervals including 347.7 metres averaging 0.24 % Cu, 2.14 g/t Ag and 0.010% Mo, followed by 277.5 metres averaging 0.26% Cu, 1.51 g/t Ag and 0.023% Mo, extending mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 874 metres.

Drill hole 30-1131, located near the southern lip of the Copper Mountain open pit adjacent to 30-1118, was drilled at a 78-degree dip towards the north and it intersected 741 metres of continuous mineralization from surface, averaging 0.21 % Cu, 1.11 g/t Ag and 0.015% Mo (infill). This hole confirmed mineralization in this area to a vertical depth of 725 metres, ending in the porphyry intrusion core of the Copper Mountain deposit.

Mineralization at Gaspé Copper is of porphyry copper/skarn type and occurs as disseminations and stockworks of chalcopyrite with pyrite or pyrrhotite and minor bornite and molybdenite. One prograde and at least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier, bedding replacement skarn and porcellanite-hosted mineralization throughout the Gaspé Copper system. Porcellanite is a historical mining term used to describe bleached, pale green to white potassic-altered hornfels. Subvertical stockwork mineralization dominates at Copper Mountain whereas prograde bedding-parallel mineralization, that is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of lower Copper Mountain, Needle Mountain, Needle East, and Copper Brook. High molybdenum grades (up to 0.5% Mo) were locally obtained in both the C Zone and E Zone skarns away from Copper Mountain.

The 2022 to 2024 Osisko Metals drill programs were focused on defining open-pit resources within the Copper Mountain stockwork mineralization ( see May 6, 2024 MRE press release ). Extending the resource model south of Copper Mountain into the poorly-drilled prograde skarn/porcellanite portion of the system subsequently led to a significantly increased resource, mostly in the Inferred category ( see November 14, 2024 MRE press release ).

The current drill program is designed to convert the November 2024 MRE to Measured and Indicated categories, as well as test the expansion of the system deeper into the stratigraphy and laterally to the south and southwest towards Needle East and Needle Mountain respectively. The November 2024 MRE was limited at depth to the base of the L1 skarn horizon (C Zone), and all mineralized intersections below this horizon represent potential depth extensions to the deposit, to be included in the next scheduled MRE update in Q1 2026.

Most holes are being drilled sub-vertically into the altered calcareous stratigraphy which dips 20 to 25 degrees to the north. The L1 (C Zone) the L2 (E Zone) skarn/marble horizons were intersected in most holes, as well as intervening porcellanites that host the bulk of the disseminated copper mineralization.

Table 2: Drill hole locations

DDH No. Azimuth (°) Dip (°) Length (m) UTM E UTM N Elevation
30-1115 0.0 -90.0 723.6 316600.0 5426109.0 612.4
30-1117 0.0 -90.0 1014.0 315811.0 5426424.0 695.7
30-1118 0.0 -90.0 780.0 315612.0 5426495.0 580.2
30-1123 0.0 -90.0 894.0 316136.0 5425972.8 621.3
30-1125 0.0 -90.0 972.0 315608.0 5426313.0 580.0
30-1126 0.0 -90.0 1080.9 315800.0 5426321.0 651.9
30-1127 0.0 -90.0 1029.0 316500.0 5426171.0 647.8
30-1128 90.0 -88.0 675.0 316277.0 5425557.0 566.5
30-1130 345.0 -80.0 888.0 316194.0 5426387.0 746.0
30-1131 355.0 -78.0 741.0 315612.0 5426495.0 583.0


Explanatory note regarding copper-equivalent grades

Copper Equivalent grades are expressed for purposes of simplicity and are calculated taking into account: 1) metal grades; 2) estimated long-term prices of metals: US$4.25/lb copper, $20.00/lb molybdenum, and US$24/oz silver; 3) estimated recoveries of 92%, 70%, and 70% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively; and 4) net smelter return value of metals as percentage of the price, estimated at 86.5%, 90.7%, and 75.0% for Cu, Mo, and Ag respectively.

Qualified Person

The scientific and technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mr. Bernard-Olivier Martel, P. Geo. (OGQ 492), an independent ‘qualified person’ as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (‘NI 43-101’).

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Mineralized intervals reported herein are calculated using an average 0.12% CuEq lower cut-off over contiguous 20-metre intersections (shorter intervals as the case may be at the upper and lower limits of reported intervals). Intervals of 10 metres or less are not reported unless indicating significantly higher grades .   True widths are estimated at 90 – 92% of the reported core length intervals.

Osisko Metals adheres to a strict QA/QC program for core handling, sampling, sample transportation and analyses, including insertion of blanks and standards in the sample stream. Drill core is drilled in HQ or NQ diameter and securely transported to its core processing facility on site, where it is logged, cut and sampled. Samples selected for assay are sealed and shipped to ALS Canada Ltd.’s preparation facility in Sudbury. Sample preparation details (code PREP-31DH) are available on the ALS Canada website. Pulps are analyzed at the ALS Canada Ltd. facility in North Vancouver, BC. All samples are analyzed by four acid digestion followed by both ICP-AES and ICP-MS for Cu, Mo and Ag.

About Osisko Metals

Osisko Metals Incorporated is a Canadian exploration and development company creating value in the critical metals sector, with a focus on copper and zinc. The Company acquired a 100% interest in the past-producing Gaspé Copper mine from Glencore Canada Corporation in July 2023. The Gaspé Copper mine is located near Murdochville in Québec s Gaspé Peninsula. The Company is currently focused on resource expansion of the Gaspé Copper system, with current Indicated Mineral Resources of 824 Mt averaging 0.34% CuEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 670 Mt averaging 0.38% CuEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals’ November 14, 2024 news release entitled ‘Osisko Metals Announces Significant Increase in Mineral Resource at Gaspé Copper’. Gaspé Copper hosts the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America, strategically located near existing infrastructure in the mining-friendly province of Québec.

In addition to the Gaspé Copper project, the Company is working with Appian Capital Advisory LLP through the Pine Point Mining Limited joint venture to advance one of Canada s largest past-producing zinc mining camps, the Pine Point project, located in the Northwest Territories. The current mineral resource estimate for the Pine Point project consists of Indicated Mineral Resources of 49.5 Mt averaging 5.52% ZnEq and Inferred Mineral Resources of 8.3 Mt averaging 5.64% ZnEq (in compliance with NI 43-101). For more information, see Osisko Metals June 25, 2024 news release entitled ‘Osisko Metals releases Pine Point mineral resource estimate: 49.5 million tonnes of indicated resources at 5.52% ZnEq’. The Pine Point project is located on the south shore of Great Slave Lake, NWT, close to infrastructure, with paved road access, an electrical substation and 100 kilometres of viable haul roads.

For further information on this news release, visit www.osiskometals.com or contact:

Don Njegovan, President
Email: info@osiskometals.com
Phone: (416) 500-4129

Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains ‘forward-looking information’ within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that involves predictions, expectations, interpretations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often, but not always, using phrases such as ‘expects’, or ‘does not expect’, ‘is expected’, ‘interpreted’, ‘management’s view’, ‘anticipates’ or ‘does not anticipate’, ‘plans’, ‘budget’, ‘scheduled’, ‘forecasts’, ‘estimates’, ‘potential’, ‘feasibility’, ‘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, occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking information and are intended to identify forward-looking information. This news release contains forward-looking information pertaining to, among other things: the tax treatment of the FT Units; the timing of incurring the Qualifying Expenditures and the renunciation of the Qualifying Expenditures; the ability to advance Gaspé Copper to a construction decision (if at all); the ability to increase the Company’s trading liquidity and enhance its capital markets presence; the potential re-rating of the Company; the ability for the Company to unlock the full potential of its assets and achieve success; the ability for the Company to create value for its shareholders; the advancement of the Pine Point project; the anticipated resource expansion of the Gaspé Copper system and Gaspé Copper hosting the largest undeveloped copper resource in eastern North America.

Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management, in light of management’s experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including, without limitation, assumptions about: the ability of exploration results, including drilling, to accurately predict mineralization; errors in geological modelling; insufficient data; equity and debt capital markets; future spot prices of copper and zinc; the timing and results of exploration and drilling programs; the accuracy of mineral resource estimates; production costs; political and regulatory stability; the receipt of governmental and third party approvals; licenses and permits being received on favourable terms; sustained labour stability; stability in financial and capital markets; availability of mining equipment and positive relations with local communities and groups. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information are set out in the Company’s public disclosure record on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Osisko Metals’ issuer profile. 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.

Neither the TSX Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Exchange) accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. No stock exchange, securities commission, or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1363bf79-5e03-4101-a728-51e24d82c5b7
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Development-ready gold asset in premier mining jurisdiction with funded advancement plan; preparing to initiate project-development and exploration drill program

Fortune Bay Corp. (TSXV: FOR,OTC:FTBYF) (FWB: 5QN) (OTCQB: FTBYF) (‘Fortune Bay’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that, following the completion of its $8 million bought-deal financing, the Company has initiated key technical work streams to advance the Goldfields Project (‘Goldfields’ or the ‘Project’) toward a Pre-Feasibility Study (‘PFS’) in 2026. In parallel, permitting activities are progressing through ongoing baseline environmental studies and planned community consultation. Together, these initiatives build on the strong foundation established by the recently released Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment (‘Updated PEA’), which demonstrated exceptional economics, a streamlined permitting pathway, and a de-risked mineral resource with 97% of ounces in the Indicated category.

Updated PEA Economic Highlights:

  • Leverage to Gold Price: At a spot gold price of US$3,650 per ounce (as of September 19, 2025), the after-tax NPV (5%) increases to C$1.25 billion and the IRR to 74%, generating cumulative after-tax free cash flow of C$1.82 billion.

‘Goldfields stands out as a development-ready gold asset in a premier mining jurisdiction,’ stated Dale Verran, CEO of Fortune Bay. ‘With robust Updated PEA economics, a strong project foundation and now a fully funded advancement plan, we are positioned to unlock meaningful value on multiple fronts. As part of this, we are preparing to commence a drilling program in the coming weeks that will include both project-development drilling to support the PFS and exploration drilling to evaluate resource growth potential. We expect to announce the specific exploration drill targets shortly.’

Studies Toward Pre-Feasibility:

  • Project Development-Related Drilling: Planning of a comprehensive drilling program for Box and Athona is underway. This is being optimized to provide the required drill coverage and core samples to support a PFS for Goldfields. The program will integrate geotechnical study, metallurgical sampling, waste rock study and groundwater investigations, aimed to minimize the amount of drilling required to the extent possible. Project development-related drilling is expected to be run in conjunction with an exploration drilling program for efficiency and is expected to begin in the coming weeks.
  • Waste Rock Characterization: The Company has initiated an analytical testing program and a suite of samples, representing the dominant lithological units in the Box and Athona waste rock material, have been collected and are being exported from site for Acid Base Accounting, metal geochemistry and shake flask extraction testing. Results of this work will inform subsequent mineralogical and kinetic waste rock humidity cell testing. All analyses will be carried out by SGS Canada – Lakefield laboratory in Ontario. The results of this study will be used to inform forward planning and sampling during upcoming drilling and will also be used to develop waste rock and water management plans.
  • Metallurgical Testwork: A testwork program is currently underway at the SGS Canada – Lakefield laboratory in Ontario. A representative sample of mineralization from the Box deposit is being tested to supplement work carried out in 2015 and properly constrain what percentage gold can be recovered into a concentrate with the minimum possible mass draw through a combination of gravity and two-pass floatation. Results are expected in early December, and these will inform decision making about project scope and additional metallurgical testing for advancement through PFS.
  • High-Resolution Topographic Survey: A fixed-wing airborne LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) survey was carried out at Goldfields in October 2025 to generate high-resolution topographic data to support more detailed engineering studies during PFS. The survey, carried out over the entire project footprint area as proposed in the Updated PEA with additional buffer, was completed by KBM Geomatics of Thunder Bay, Ontario. Deliverables are expected in November 2025.

Permitting Activities, Community Consultation and Regulatory Engagement:

  • Aquatic Surveys: Completed in September 2025 by Ecometrix Inc. of Mississauga, Ontario. Initial reporting on aquatic habitat studies and fishing results is expected in December 2025, with full reporting including laboratory analysis expected in early 2026.
  • Terrestrial Surveys: Initiated in August 2025 by Omnia Ecological Services of Calgary, Alberta. This included ecological land classification studies and deployment of cameras and acoustic survey units. Follow up field work was completed in October 2025, collecting a first round of data from all survey equipment, which remain deployed in the field. Initial reporting on findings is expected in December 2025, with survey work ongoing in 2026.
  • Planned Regulatory Engagement: Results from baseline environmental studies and waste rock characterization work mentioned above will be integrated with feedback from early consultation and will be used as a basis for initiation of regulatory engagement and the submission of a Technical Proposal to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Environment in Q1 of 2026. This work will build upon the Provincially-approved 2008 Environmental Impact Statement for a 5,000 tpd open-pit operation.

Qualified Person & Technical Report

Details for the Updated PEA for Goldfields are provided in the technical report titled ‘Goldfields Project Updated NI 43-101 Technical Report & Preliminary Economic Assessment, Saskatchewan, Canada‘, dated October 20, 2025, prepared by Kevin Murray, P.Eng.; Scott C. Elfen, P.E.; James Millard, P.Geo.; Jonathan Cooper, P.Eng.; Marc Schulte, P.Eng.; Cliff Revering, P.Eng.; and Ron Uken, Pr.Sci.Nat. for Fortune Bay Corp. The technical report is available under the Company’s issuer profile on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and on the Company’s website at www.fortunebaycorp.com.

The technical and scientific information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Gareth Garlick P.Geo., Vice-President Technical Services of the Company, who is a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101. Mr. Garlick is an employee of Fortune Bay and is not independent of the Company under NI 43‑101.

About Goldfields

The 100% owned Goldfields Project (‘Goldfields’ or the ‘Project’) is located approximately 13 kilometres south of Uranium City, Saskatchewan. Goldfields hosts the Box and Athona gold deposits, as well as additional gold showings within the prospective Goldfields Syncline. The Box deposit was historically mined underground between 1939 and 1942, producing 64,000 ounces of gold. The Project is located within a historical mining area and benefits from established infrastructure, including a road and hydro-powerline to the Box deposit. Nearby facilities and services in Uranium City include bulk fuel, civils contractors, and a commercial airport.

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—prior to the capital-intensive build phase. Its portfolio includes the development-ready Goldfields Project in Saskatchewan, the resource-expansion Poma Rosa Project in Mexico, and two optioned Athabasca Basin uranium portfolios 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

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, and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the results of the Updated PEA, including future Project opportunities, future operating and capital costs, closure costs, AISC, the projected NPV, IRR, timelines, permit timelines, and the ability to obtain the requisite permits, economics and associated returns of the Project, the technical viability of the Project, the market and future price of and demand for gold, the environmental impact of the Project, and the ongoing ability to work cooperatively with stakeholders, including Indigenous Nations, local Municipalities and local levels of government. 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 or future plans, statements, exploration results, potential mineralization, the estimation of mineral resources, exploration and mine development plans, 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 mineral resources, failure to convert estimated mineral resources to reserves, the inability to complete a feasibility study which recommends a production decision, the preliminary nature of metallurgical test results, delays in obtaining or failures to obtain required governmental, environmental or other project approvals, political risks, inability to fulfill the duty to accommodate Indigenous Nations and local Municipalities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing 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.

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Discovery of uranium mineralization in ideal geological setting, supported by regional radiometric anomaly, confirms large Rossing-style target

ReeXploration Inc. (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) (‘ReeXploration’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the identification of a significant new uranium exploration target at its Eureka Project (‘Eureka’ or the ‘Project’), located in the Erongo mining district, central Namibia. This new uranium target supports the Company’s broader focus on advancing critical-mineral opportunities in stable, mining-friendly jurisdictions.

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • New Large-Scale Uranium Target Identified: Immediately southwest of the Eureka Dome, which hosts the Company’s rare earth element (‘REE’) resource and numerous REE targets.
  • Strong Regional Radiometric Anomaly: Airborne data defines a 6.5 x 3.5 km zone characterized by high uranium and low thorium responses.
  • Evidence of Widespread Uranium Mineralization: Uranium reported in shallow overburden samples from historical exploration, verified by recent scintillometer readings up to 1,500 counts per second (‘cps’).
  • Uranium Discovered in Weathered Leucogranites: Field reconnaissance confirmed elevated uranium in occasionally outcropping leucogranites (‘alaskites’), with portable XRF semiquantitative values up to 853 ppm U.
  • Along Trend of Namibia’s ‘Alaskite Alley’: Lies within the same structural corridor that hosts major uranium deposits — Rössing, Husab, Etango, Omaholo, and Norasa — which collectively contain more than 1 billion pounds of U₃O₈.
  • Geological Setting Matches Rössing-Style Models: Key discovery criteria evident, including 1) proximity to the Welwitschia Lineament, 2) position on the flanks of a major basement dome, and 3) leucogranites intruded into reactive calc-silicate host rocks.

‘This uranium target, which is almost entirely covered by thin overburden, represents a promising exploration opportunity within one of the world’s most prolific uranium belts,’ commented Tolene Kruger, Senior Geologist for ReeXploration. ‘The geology, structural setting, and early results are consistent with the deposit models that led to the discovery of the major leucogranite-hosted uranium deposits within Namibia.’

Christopher Drysdale, Interim CEO for ReeXploration, added ‘The identification of this new target highlights the strong technical work completed by our exploration team and the expanded potential of the Eureka Project. As we continue to advance with our REE resource growth plan within the Eureka Dome, this extensive target immediately outside the Dome adds significant exploration upside and optionality for our shareholders, in one of the world’s most established critical minerals mining jurisdictions. We are looking forward to advancing exploration on our numerous REE targets and this newly identified uranium target, consistent with our strategy to discover significant critical mineral resources that contribute to secure, responsible supply chains.’

Expanded Discovery Potential – Large-Scale Rössing-Style Target

The identification of this target underscores the exceptional potential of the Eureka Project, which now includes a growing pipeline of REE targets alongside this newly recognized uranium opportunity. Review and field validation of government airborne radiometric data revealed extensive uranium anomalies situated off the southwestern margin of the Eureka Dome, which is host to the Company’s REE mineral resources and exploration targets. The government airborne radiometric data shows large-scale uranium anomalies 6.5 x 3.5 kilometres in extent with high uranium and low thorium – characteristic signature for Rössing-style targets (Figure 1).

Figure 1: Company license holding showing REE targets within the Eureka Dome, and high uranium anomalies outlined in red on uranium radiometric (government airborne radiometrics) backdrop. Insert: Thorium radiometric backdrop showing low thorium relative to the uranium anomalies.

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Located Along Trend of Namibia’s Renowned Alaskite Alley

The new uranium target at Eureka is situated along trend of Namibia’s ‘Alaskite Alley’, a structural corridor within Namibia’s Central Zone of the Damara Belt that hosts multiple giant uranium deposits hosted within leucogranites, including Rössing, Husab, Etango, Omaholo and Norasa (Figure 2).

Figure 2: Regional satellite view showing the position of the uranium anomalies southwest of the Eureka Dome, and their proximity to the Welwitschia Lineament and other large uranium deposits in Alaskite Alley.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/274096_b3f40910c437995f_002full.jpg

Key Geological Criteria Consistent with Major Uranium Deposits

The target exhibits all the key geological criteria consistent with the major uranium deposit models, including (Figure 3):

  • Proximity to the Welwitschia Lineament – a major crustal-scale structure, central to ‘Alaskite Alley’, interpreted to have played a key role in localizing uranium-bearing leucogranite intrusions throughout the district.
  • The Welwitschia Lineament is located immediately east of the new uranium target at Eureka.

  • An Older Basement Dome – that provides the structural architecture for the emplacement of uranium-rich leucogranites around dome margins.
  • The Eureka Dome is mapped as the same formation as the Rössing Dome (Etusis Formation).
  • Reactive Contact Rocks – typically calc-silicate lithologies (metasediments) which act as chemical traps promoting uranium precipitation.
  • Calc-silicates are mapped flanking the Eureka Dome (Arandis Formation).
  • The Presence of Leucogranites – late-stage magmatic intrusions which host uranium mineralization in Rössing-style deposits.
  • Significant leucogranites are interpreted to exist below the thin overburden at Eureka as sheeted dykes intercalated between calc-silicates, as evidenced by occasional weathered leucogranite outcrop.

Figure 3: Comparison between the major uranium deposits in Alaskite Alley and the airborne uranium anomalies southwest of the Eureka Dome.

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Initial Field Reconnaissance Supports Potential for Rössing-Style Deposit

Field spectrometer prospecting conducted by the Company has confirmed the regional scale of the airborne radiometric uranium anomalies. The anomalies relate to widespread uranium mineralization occurring within thin overburden, which is best visible where drainages have incised a regionally occurring gypcrete/calcrete horizon with anomalous values ranging from 300 to 1,500 counts per second (‘cps’) (Figure 4).

Figure 4: Photographs taken during reconnaissance field work and ground spectrometer survey within the anomalous areas.

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The uranium mineralization within the overburden is potentially indicative of extensive uranium mineralization within the underlying leucogranites, supported by (Figure 5):

  1. Discovery of secondary uranium mineralization (carnotite) within weathered/leached leucogranites— pXRF semiquantitative values of up to 853 ppm U.

  2. Abundant ‘smokey’ or irradiated quartz within the leucogranites.

  3. Spectrometer evidence of uranium enrichment of weathered leucogranites where in contact with chemically-reactive calc-silicates.

Figure 5: Mineralized leucogranite found during reconnaissance field work and the ground spectrometer survey.

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https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/6102/274096_b3f40910c437995f_005full.jpg

Historical Work Focused on Shallow Overburden Mineralization

Although the target is on trend with Namibia’s Alaskite Alley, its position farther north, together with the thin overburden and the presence of calc-silicates belonging to the Arandis rather than the Khan Formation, likely contributed to the lack of focused historical exploration. Despite the highly favorable geological setting, the target appears to remain largely untested.

Historical uranium exploration at Eureka—outside of the main Eureka Dome and then held under EPL 3637—was primarily directed toward near-surface secondary uranium (carnotite) mineralization hosted within calcrete and gypcrete horizons. While historical work confirmed the presence of leucogranites intruding calc-silicate rocks, these potential bedrock sources were evidently not systematically drill-tested at any depth.

The work completed in 2009 consisted mainly of shallow pitting and percussion drilling (<5 m depth) designed to evaluate surface uranium enrichment in the search for calcrete-hosted (paleochannel-type) uranium deposits such as Langer Heinrich, leaving the primary leucogranite targets effectively untested. Across the broader Eureka license area, historical work included 100 prospecting pits (to 1.8 m depth, averaging 1.3 m) and 139 rotary air-blast (RAB) drill holes totaling only 803 m (i.e. average depth of only 5.8 m). Visible carnotite mineralization was reported in several pits, with uranium values up to 192 ppm U₃O₈ over 1.18 m, confirming uranium enrichment within the overburden and weathered bedrock. Preliminary, non-NI 43-101-compliant historical estimates indicated approximately 600,000 lbs U₃O₈ at 70 ppm within the overburden gycretes and calcretes (see Technical Disclosure below in reference to this historical resource estimate).

Despite best efforts, the Company has been unable to locate additional drill data or records. The summary descriptions provided in the available report suggest that systematic testing of deeper bedrock targets was never completed. This provides a significant opportunity to evaluate the potential for Rössing-style, leucogranite-hosted uranium mineralization beneath the thin overburden.

Drill Testing Warranted Below the Weathering Profile

Given the apparent shallow nature of the historical drilling, any testing of the underlying leucogranite units would have been very limited or non-existent, with exploration evidently focused on surface and near-surface mineralization within the overburden. The highly weathered nature of the limited leucogranite outcrop indicates that leaching has occurred near-surface, and as a result, leucogranites found at surface would not be expected to be mineralized other than possible secondary mineralization (carnotite) — as discovered from initial field reconnaissance. Drilling below the weathering profile is required to test for primary leucogranite-hosted mineralization (uraninite), typical of Rössing-style deposits.

Technical Disclosure

The historical exploration results and historical resource estimate summarized herein are considered historical in nature and have not been verified by the Company’s Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects (‘NI 43-101’). These results, including the historical resource estimate, are sourced from Wartha, R.R. (2009). 2009 Annual Technical Report – EPL 3637 (Ancash Investment (Pty) Ltd.), prepared for Valencia Uranium (Pty) Ltd., December 18, 2009. The approximate historical resource estimate was calculated using an area of 1.5 million m2 and an average mineralized thickness of 1 to 2 metres within the overburden gycretes and calcretes providing approximately 3.9 million tonnes of mineralization at 70 ppm, totaling in 600,000 lbs of U₃O₈. The historical resource categories used in the estimate do not conform to the current CIM Definition Standards and should not be compared directly to current mineral resource categories. The Company is not aware of any more recent mineral resource estimates for the Property. A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to verify the historical estimate or to classify it as a current mineral resource, and the Company is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. To verify and upgrade the historical estimate, additional work will be required, including data verification, review of historical drilling and sampling QA/QC, updated geological modeling, and completion of a new mineral resource estimate in accordance with NI 43-101 and CIM Definition Standards.

Field analysis of rock samples was carried out using a calibrated SciAps X-555 portable X-Ray Fluorescence (pXRF) analyzer. The instrument is capable of detecting uranium providing a rapid, preliminary, and semi-quantitative indication of uranium concentrations which is considered sufficiently reliable for initial reporting of initial field reconnaissance results. Samples are expected to be verified through uranium assay at an accredited laboratory.

Counts per second (‘cps’) results were collected using an RS-125 handheld gamma-ray spectrometer. The RS-125 measures natural radioactivity from potassium (K), uranium (U), and thorium (Th), providing real-time counts-per-second (cps) readings that assist in identifying zones of elevated radioactivity and guiding geological mapping and sampling programs. The cps measurements are qualitative in nature and should not be interpreted as equivalent to uranium concentrations obtained through laboratory analysis.

Qualified Person

Tolene Kruger, BSc. (Hons), M.Sc., is a consulting geologist and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information in this news release. Mrs. Kruger is registered as Professional Natural Scientist (Pr.Sci.Nat.) with the South African Council for Natural Science Professions (SACNASP, Reg. No.: 148182), and a Qualified Person for the purposes of National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. Ms. Kruger is not independent of the Company under NI 43-101.

About ReeXploration Inc.

ReeXploration (TSXV: REE) (FSE: K2I0) is a Canadian exploration company positioned to help meet surging global demand for secure, responsible supplies of critical minerals essential to the clean energy transition, advanced technologies and national defense. The company’s flagship Eureka Project in central Namibia hosts rare earth element (REE) mineralization in monazite, rich in NdPr magnet metals, with bench-scale testing confirming production of a clean, Western-standard concentrate. Supported by a Namibia-based technical team and guided by global critical minerals experts, ReeXploration is advancing discovery-led growth for rare earth elements (REEs) and other critical minerals, building a credible, ESG-aligned platform positioned to benefit from the global race to diversify and secure responsible supply chains.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release may contain forward-looking information. This information is based on current expectations and assumptions (including assumptions relating to general economic and market conditions) that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties that are difficult to predict. Actual results may differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. ReeXploration does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking information in this release, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those reflected in the forward-looking information unless and until required by securities laws applicable to ReeXploration. Additional information identifying risks and uncertainties is contained in the filings made by ReeXploration with Canadian securities regulators, which filings are available at www.sedarplus.ca.

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

Further details are available on the Corporation’s website at www.rareearthexploration.com or contact Christopher Drysdale, Interim CEO of ReeXploration Inc., at +1 902-334-1949, contact@rareearthexploration.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274096

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U.S.-based companies announced more than 153,000 job cuts in October, the research firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported Thursday.

“This is the highest total for October in over 20 years, and the highest total for a single month in the fourth quarter since 2008,’ the firm said in a news release.

From January through the end of October, employers have announced the elimination of nearly 1.1 million jobs. It’s the most Challenger has recorded since 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic shut down the global economy.

“October’s pace of job cutting was much higher than average for the month,’ Andy Challenger, the firm’s chief revenue officer, said in a statement. The last time there was a higher October monthly total was in 2003.

“Some industries are correcting after the hiring boom of the pandemic, but this comes as AI adoption, softening consumer and corporate spending, and rising costs drive belt-tightening and hiring freezes,” he said.

On Wednesday, the private payroll processor ADP released its own October jobs data, showing that employers added just 42,000 jobs in the month.

The ADP report also flagged job losses in the leisure and hospitality sector as a potential sign of trouble ahead, given the industry’s acute sensitivity to consumer sentiment.

ADP’s chief economist called the losses in hospitality and leisure a ‘concerning trend.’

Both Challenger and ADP’s reports landed as major companies such as Amazon, IBM, UPS, Target, Microsoft, Paramount and General Motors announced plans to eliminate tens of thousands of jobs.

Despite the wave of downbeat economic news, the Trump administration continues to deliver an upbeat take on the current environment.

“Jobs are booming” and “inflation is falling,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Tuesday.

However, the most recent available data paints a different picture.

Inflation has also been on the rise. Prices as measured by the Consumer Price Index overall have risen every month since April.

A spokesperson for the Treasury Department did not immediately reply to a request for comment on the Challenger report.

Challenger’s report does not typically carry the same weight with economists and investors as federal jobs data, owing to its methodology.

To arrive at its figures, the firm compiles the number of job cuts companies have publicly announced. But employers may not ultimately carry out all the cuts they roll out.

Moreover, some of the job cuts that multinational companies announce could affect workers outside of the United States. Other headcount reductions could be achieved through attrition, rather than layoffs. The report also may not capture smaller layoffs over the long run.

But in the midst of a federal data blackout caused by the government shutdown, Challenger’s latest report is being read more closely than usual.

The federal government’s October jobs report that would traditionally be released Friday will not be published this week, due to the shutdown.

Other key data about the U.S. economy like GDP and an inflation indicator called PCE, closely watched by the Federal Reserve, has also been delayed.

Challenger equated the impact of AI on the current labor market to the rise of the internet in the early aughts. “Like in 2003, a disruptive technology is changing the landscape,” it said.

‘Technology continues to lead in private-sector job cuts as companies restructure amid AI integration, slower demand, and efficiency pressures,’ Challenger said.

But even firms that are not actively cutting jobs have warned that they do not plan to add to their headcount in the near term, with several pointing directly to AI’s impact on their personnel needs.

On Wednesday night, JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon told CNN that headcount at his company would likely remain steady as the nation’s largest bank rolls out AI internally.

Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon also recently told his employees that the firm would ‘constrain headcount growth through the end of the year,’ as it takes advantage of AI efficiencies, Bloomberg reported.

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Yum Brands said on Tuesday it was exploring strategic options for its Pizza Hut chain as the unit struggles to keep pace in a highly competitive fast-food industry vying for sales from a stressed consumer.

“Pizza Hut‘s performance indicates the need to take additional action to help the brand realize its full value, which may be better executed outside of Yum Brands,” Yum Brands’ new CEO, Chris Turner, said in a statement.

Pizza Hut‘s sales have lagged Yum Brands’ other prominent units, Taco Bell and KFC International, falling for seven consecutive quarters. In comparison, Taco Bell last reported negative comparable sales in June 2020.

Yum Brands’ shares were up about 2% in premarket trading after the company banked on 7% growth in Taco Bell U.S. same-store sales and 3% growth in KFC International to beat third quarter estimates.

Pizza Hut accounts for about 11% of Yum Brands’ operating profits, compared with about 38% for Taco Bell’s U.S. business.

Several quarters of price hikes at restaurants, sticky inflation and economic uncertainty have forced consumers to become more wary about dining out as they look to stretch their budgets. Still, pizzas are viewed as a value-option to feed families.

Industry giant Domino’s Pizza DPZ.O said in October that although fast-food traffic was slowing, consumers were still seeking out its pizzas, helped by promotions and new menu items, as well as its delivery partnerships with third-party aggregators such as Doordash DASH.O and UberEats UBER.N.

While Pizza Hut has also offered value deals such as various personal pizzas for $5 and $2, “an insufficient value message amid a competitive value landscape resulted in transaction softness,” company veteran and former CEO David Gibbs said in August.

Taco Bell’s Tex-Mex cuisine and its more affordable prices have held Yum Brands in good stead against the slowdown in dining out.

Yum Brands’ worldwide same-store sales grew 3% during the quarter ended September 30, 2025 edging past estimates of a 2.68% increase, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Adjusted profit per share of $1.58 beat estimates of $1.49.

Packaged food giant PepsiCo acquired Pizza Hut in 1977, but spun off the chain along with KFC and Taco Bell in 1997 to create a restaurants company, which took on the name Yum Brands in 2002.

A deadline to complete Pizza Hut‘s strategic review has not been set, and there was no assurance that the process would result in a transaction, Yum Brands said on Friday.

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Kimberly-Clark said on Monday it will buy Tylenol maker Kenvue KVUE.N in a cash-and-stock deal valued at about $48.7 billion, to create one of the biggest consumer health goods companies in the United States.

Shares of Kenvue were up 18% in premarket trading, while Kimberly-Clark‘s shares were down 12.5%.

Kenvue has been under a strategic review, leadership shake-up, and mounting litigation risks. It came under fresh scrutiny following President Donald Trump’s comments linking its popular pain medicine Tylenol to autism.

The deal will bring together brands including Neutrogena, Huggies and Kleenex under a consumer health and personal care company with expected combined annual revenues of roughly $32 billion.

Sources in June told Reuters the strategic review of its operations could include a sale or breakup of the company that had been spun off from healthcare conglomerate Johnson & Johnson JNJ.N in 2023.

Kenvue‘s shareholders will receive $3.50 per share and 0.15 Kimberly-Clark shares for each Kenvue share held. That implies a per-share deal value of $21.01, or an equity value of $40.32 billion, according to Reuters calculations.

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President Donald Trump’s tariffs are hitting toy giants Mattel and Hasbro as the critical holiday season nears. Still, both companies see a successful year end ahead.

“This quarter, our U.S. business was again challenged by industry-wide shifts in retailer ordering patterns,” CEO Ynon Kreiz said on Mattel’s recent earnings call. “That said, consumer demand for our products grew in every region, including in the U.S.”

During the most recent quarter, which ended Sept. 30, Mattel said sales slipped 6% globally, led by a 12% decline in North America. International sales rose 3%.

Some of the company’s top performing categories included Hot Wheels and action figures, primarily from the “Jurassic World,” Minecraft and WWE franchises.

Other Mattel brands saw a drop in sales, however, including Barbie and Fisher-Price.

With retail stores waiting until the last minute to assess the level of tariffs that would apply to their holiday orders, Kreiz said “since the beginning of the fourth quarter, orders from retailers in the U.S. have accelerated significantly.”

Retailers “expect strong demand for the holiday and they are restocking,” he added.

Meanwhile, rival toy giant Hasbro’s revenue jumped 8% in the quarter and it raised its financial guidance for the rest of the year.

Key drivers of that included “Peppa Pig” and Marvel franchise toys, as well as the Wizards of the Coast games.

Hasbro “managed tariff volatility with agility” and used price hikes to protect its margins, said Gina Goetter, the company’s chief financial officer and chief operating officer.

The company remains “firmly on track” to achieve its financial targets.

“As we calculate the various scenarios of where that absolute rates will play out, we’re really putting all of our levers to work,” she said on the company’s recent earnings call.

“From how we think about pricing, how we’re thinking about our product mix, how we’re thinking about our supply chain, and how we’re managing all of our operating expenses to mitigate and offset the impact” of tariffs, she said.

For its part, Hasbro also saw “softness” in the U.S. during the quarter due to retail chains waiting longer to place holiday orders, but said momentum is accelerating as the season gets underway.

In July, Mattel’s chief financial officer, Paul Ruh, said that the company was raising prices because of tariffs.

“We have implemented a variety of actions that will help us withstand some of those headwinds and those include … supply chain efficiencies and some pricing adjustments, particularly in the U.S.,” Ruh said on the company’s earnings conference call.

“So with that array of actions, we’re able to withstand some of the uncertainty that is mostly coming in the top line,” Ruh said. “Our goal is to keep prices as low as possible for our consumers.”

Still, Kreiz said that “consumers are buying our products and the toy industry is growing.”

He also said that consumers are taking price hikes in stride and those increases haven’t hurt demand: “We are not seeing any slowdown in consumer demand so far.”

Hasbro CEO Chris Cocks said the company has also raised some prices, but it was “pretty surgical” in what it chose to adjust.

“In terms of ongoing pricing, I think we just kind of have to see how the holiday goes and the consumer holds up,” he told analysts on the company’s earnings call.

Cocks also cautioned that there may be a two-tier economy forming, something other executives and economists have observed in recent months.

“Right now, I think it’s really kind of a tale of two consumers. The top 20%, particularly in the U.S., continue to spend pretty robustly,” he said. “The balance of households are watching their wallets a bit more.”

On Friday, the Labor Department released the latest consumer price index data, which showed that inflation is rising at a 3% annual pace, up from August’s 2.9%.

In May, Kreiz told CNBC that approximately half of the company’s toys were sourced from China.

Beijing has faced some of the steepest tariffs from Washington of any U.S. trade partner, as Trump has rolled out his disruptive trade agenda this year.

Mattel’s Ruh said the company continued to adjust its supply chains in response to shifting global tariff policies.

“We will be continuing to work with our retailers to make sure that the product is on the shelf,” he said.

At the same time, Hasbro’s Goetter said the company is diversifying its supply chains away from high-tariff countries.

“By 2026, we expect approximately 30% of our total Hasbro toy and game revenue will be sourced from China and 30% of our revenue will be based in the U.S., as we opportunistically lean into our U.S. manufacturing capacity,” she said.

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Card-reading contact lenses, X-ray poker tables, trays of poker chips that read cards, hacked shuffling machines that predict hands. The technology alleged to have been used to execute a multistate, rigged poker operation sounds like it’s straight out of Hollywood.

And those were only some of the gadgets that authorities say were used to swindle millions of dollars from unsuspecting victims through rigged, high-dollar, underground poker games over more than five years.

A sprawling indictment unsealed Thursday by the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York charged Chauncey Billups, the head coach of the NBA’s Portland Trail Blazers, and Damon Jones, a former NBA player, along with members of the Mafia and dozens of other defendants, with being part of a conspiracy.

The victims were “at the mercy of concealed technology, including rigged shuffling machines and specially designed contacts lenses and sunglasses to read the backs of playing cards, which ensured that the victims would lose big,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella of Brooklyn said in a statement.

Cheating at poker is as old as poker itself. But today, wearable tech and nano-cameras are putting even upstanding poker players on their guard.

The defendants used “special contact lenses or eyeglasses that could read pre-marked cards,” Nocella said at a news conference announcing the indictments.

He also showed a photo of an X-ray table that “could read cards face down on the table … because of the X-ray technology.”

An X-ray poker table in an image from defendant Robert Stroud’s iCloud account.U.S. Justice Department

“Defendants used other cheating technologies, such as poker chip tray analyzers, which is a poker chip tray that secretly reads cards using a hidden camera,” he said.

And while marking poker cards so they are visible only with special eyewear is an old trick, new radio-frequency identification and infrared technologies have ramped up the sophistication levels.

Technically speaking, many of the devices involved in the alleged scam authorities detailed Thursday are relatively cheap to manufacture, said Sal Piacente, a gaming security consultant.

By the time they reach their customers, however, the cost of industrial shufflers or tables can easily approach $100,000, once distributors and middlemen are factored in.

“You could make a lucrative career buying this stuff,” Piacente said.

Casino and gaming security consultants told NBC News that the alleged scheme was possible only because the games were underground. In backrooms, there was none of the surveillance tech that reputable casinos use to catch players cheating.

“A lot of the features which made this scheme so successful would have been ID’d a lot sooner, or very quickly, in a traditional regulated gaming environment,” said Ian Messenger, a former U.K. law enforcement officer and founder and CEO of the Association of Certified Gaming Compliance Specialists.

More than any other tech, it was the reprogramming of the industrial card shufflers — identified in charging documents as Deckmate-brand machines — that authorities said was key to the alleged game rigging.

A DeckMate 2 shuffler taken apart on a table in an image from defendant Shane Hennen’s iCloud account. U.S. Justice Department

Deckmates are not sold directly to the public — though many used ones can be found for sale online. The ones at the high-dollar games cited in the indictment could read cards and predict which player had the best hand. Neither Deckmate nor its parent company, Light & Wonder, were implicated in any way in Thursday’s indictments.

A spokesman for Light & Wonder told NBC News in a statement that the company was aware of reports about the charges against people but said they were not affiliated with the company.

“We sell and lease our automatic card shufflers and other gaming products and services only to licensed casinos and other licensed gaming establishments,” said Andy Fouché, the company’s vice president of communications. “We will cooperate in any law enforcement investigation related to this indictment.”

Reprogramming shufflers is not a new trick. In 2023, hackers at the Black Hat security conference in Las Vegas presented research showing how to hack a Deckmate shuffler and use it to cheat.

The rigged shuffler machines would transmit information about the players’ hands to an off-site “operator,” according to prosecutors.

The computer program showing information transmitted by the rigged shuffling machine in an image from defendant Shane Hennen’s iCloud account. U.S. Justice Department

The operator would then communicate the information to someone else at the table, dubbed the “quarterback.” The victim was known as the “fish.”

Here, the high-tech gadgets met the low-tech of a card game.

The quarterback might touch the $1,000 poker chip or tap his chin or touch his black chips to indicate who at the table had the best hand.

Text messages obtained by prosecutors also appear to show defendants concerned that a fish would leave the table if he lost too many hands.

“Guys please let him win a hand he’s in for 40k in 40 minutes he will leave if he gets no traction,” read one text message released by authorities.

But according to Messenger, the consultant, it was not the tech that made the alleged scheme so successful for so long. What set it apart was the level of communication.

For example, he said, the card information had to be seamlessly passed from the dealing machines to an off-site operator and back to a person back at the table, all without alerting the fish.

“The piece that made this so successful was the coordination, not the technology,” he said.

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Target said Thursday that it is eliminating about 1,800 corporate positions in an effort to streamline decision-making and accelerate initiatives to rebuild the flagging discount retailer’s customer base.

About 1,000 employees are expected to receive layoff notices next week, and the company also plans to eliminate about 800 vacant jobs, a company spokesperson said. The cuts represent about 8% of Target’s corporate workforce globally, although the majority of the affected employees work at the company’s Minneapolis headquarters, the spokesperson said.

Chief Operating Officer Michael Fiddelke, who is set to become Target’s next CEO on Feb. 1, issued a note to personnel on Thursday announcing the downsizing. He said further details would come on Tuesday, and he asked employees at the Minneapolis offices to work from home next week.

“The truth is, the complexity we’ve created over time has been holding us back,” Fiddelke, a 20-year Target veteran, wrote in his note. “Too many layers and overlapping work have slowed decisions, making it harder to bring ideas to life.”

Target, which has about 1,980 U.S. stores, lost ground to Walmart and Amazon in recent years as inflation caused shoppers to curtail their discretionary spending. Customers have complained of messy stores with merchandise that did not reflect the expensive-looking but budget-priced niche that long ago earned the retailer the jokingly posh nickname “Tarzhay.”

Fiddelke said in August when he was announced as Target’s next CEO that he would step into the role with three urgent priorities: reclaiming the company’s position as a leader in selecting and displaying merchandise; improving the customer experience by making sure shelves are consistently stocked and stores are clean; and investing in technology.

He cited the same goals in his message to employees, calling the layoffs a “necessary step in building the future of Target and enabling the progress and growth we all want to see.”

“Adjusting our structure is one part of the work ahead of us. It will also require new behaviors and sharper priorities that strengthen our retail leadership in style and design and enable faster execution,” he wrote.

Target has reported flat or declining comparable sales — those from established physical stores and online channels — in nine out of the past 11 quarters. The company reported in August that comparable sales dipped 1.9% in its second quarter, when its net income also dropped 21%.

The job cuts will not affect any store employees or workers in Target’s sorting, distribution and other supply chain facilities, the company spokesperson said.

The corporate workers losing their jobs will receive pay and benefits until Jan. 8 as well as severance packages, the spokesperson said.

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MADISON, Wis. — Early voting kicked off in this battleground state this week with computer delays and long lines.

Voters waited as long as three hours Tuesday to cast ballots in West Bend, a city of about 32,000, city clerk Jilline Dobratz said. State computer issues reared up again Wednesday, and by midafternoon, voters had to wait about 90 minutes to vote in the community 40 miles northwest of Milwaukee, she said. Residents were not used to anything like it.

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