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August 8, 2025

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Helium Stocks: 5 Biggest Canadian Companies in 2025

Investing 4 Mins Read

Demand for helium is rising alongside the semiconductor, healthcare and nuclear energy sectors.

Produced from natural gas wells, helium is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic, non-combustible and non-corrosive gas. While it may bring to mind birthday balloons, the element is an important industrial gas due to its cooling properties.

Helium has several critical applications across various industries witnessing market growth, including the manufacturing of semiconductors and electronics, medical imaging and nuclear power generation.

Global helium supply is mainly attributable to production at liquefaction facilities spread across the US, Qatar, Algeria, Russia, Australia, Canada, Poland and China. However, increasing demand for helium as an industrial gas is spurring further exploration and development of helium projects, including in Canada and in the US.

1. Pulsar Helium (TSXV:PLSR)

Market cap: C$46.05 million

Pulsar Helium is a helium project development company with assets in the United States and Greenland.

The company’s Topaz project in Minnesota is the newest helium discovery in the US, and drilling at its Jetstream #1 well in 2024 demonstrated high helium concentrations of 14.5 percent. Pulsar is also the first company in Greenland to obtain a license for helium exploration. According to the company, its Tunu helium-geothermal project in the country is one of just a few primary helium projects in Europe.

At Topaz, Pulsar is conducting a well flow testing program at the Jetstream prospect during the summer to gain data necessary to assess the project’s production potential. As for Tunu, a pre-feasibility study is underway at the project and is slated for completion by the end of August 2025.

2. Desert Mountain Energy (TSXV:DME)

Market cap: C$18.84 million

Next up on this list of top Canadian helium stocks is Desert Mountain Energy, a company engaged in the exploration, development and production of helium, hydrogen, natural gas and condensate projects in the US. Its key helium project is the West Pecos gas field in New Mexico, where it has a fully operational helium processing facility. It also owns the high-grade Holbrook Basin helium project in Arizona.

In 2025, Desert Mountain Energy is expanding into the international market with the formation of its wholly owned subsidiary Desert Energy UK, which has secured a substantial onshore exploration license for helium and hydrogen in Devon, United Kingdom.

3. Helium Evolution (TSXV:HEVI)

Market cap: C$12.07 million

Helium Evolution is a helium exploration company with over 5 million acres of helium land rights in Southern Saskatchewan, Canada. The company holds a 20 percent working interest in helium wells on joint lands with North American Helium, which is advancing the joint 2-31 discovery, with development wells planned for late 2025.

Earlier this year, Helium Evolution formed a collaboration agreement and secured a substantial investment from ENEOS Explora USA, a subsidiary of Japanese energy conglomerate ENEOS Group (TSE:5020), through two private placements. The second, closed in May, brought ENEOS’ total stake in Helium Evolution to about 28 percent.

4. Avanti Helium (TSXV:AVN)

Market cap: C$11.97 million

Avanti Helium’s helium exploration and development assets include approximately 78,000 acres within the Greater Knappen area, which covers land in both Southern Alberta, Canada, and Northwest Montana, US. It also owns approximately 63,000 acres of prospective helium permits within Southwest Saskatchewan.

Avanti’s Sweetgrass pool project in Montana is on track to achieve helium production in Q4 of 2025, the company stated in its April investor presentation. The company has two wells at Sweetgrass capable of total gas production of approximately 18,500 million cubic feet per day at 1.1 percent helium.

In August, Avanti announced it signed a multi-year offtake agreement with a global industrial gas supplier for a minimum monthly helium purchase volume equivalent to about one third of Sweetgrass’ initial plant output.

5. Altura Energy (TSXV:ALTU)

Market cap: C$8.21 million

Altura Energy is an exploration and production company which holds 27,000 acres in the Holbrook basin of Arizona, where its wells produce helium at concentrations of 5 percent to 8 percent. The company has a development plan for over 300 wells, with nine wells currently connected to a pipeline and an additional 10 wells at various stages of completion.

Formerly known as Total Helium, the company completed a name change and share consolidation in May 2025. In June, Altura announced it closed an up-sized brokered private placement for C$1.99 million, a quarter of which was used to settle outstanding indebtedness, with proceeds also planned for working capital.

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

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Quimbaya Gold Starts Drilling at Tahami South, Testing Undrilled Gold System Beside Aris’ Segovia Mine

Investing 7 Mins Read

The 4,000m drilling campaign aims to unlock district-scale potential by testing a possible extension of Aris’ producing vein system in Colombia’s premier high-grade gold corridor

Quimbaya Gold Inc. (CSE: QIM,OTC:QIMGF) (OTCQB: QIMGF) (FSE: K05) (‘Quimbaya’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce the commencement of its inaugural diamond drill campaign at the 100%-owned Tahami South Project in Antioquia, Colombia. The fully permitted 4,000-meter program marks Quimbaya’s transition from surface exploration to drill-testing in one of the country’s most prolific gold-producing districts.

Highlights

  • Tahami South is located adjacent to Aris Mining’s Segovia Mine, one of Colombia’s highest-grade and most productive gold operations.

  • The project covers a series of mapped epithermal gold-silver veins that trend through both the Segovia Mine and onto Quimbaya’s ground.

  • Despite extensive artisanal activity and positive surface sampling, the property has never seen diamond drilling.

  • Quimbaya’s 2025 fieldwork outlined multiple drill-ready targets with strong geochemistry, hydrothermal alteration, and structural control.

  • Drilling began in early August 2025, with initial results anticipated in Q4.

A Strategic First Drill Test in Colombia’s Premier Gold District

Tahami South lies within the Colombia’s premier high-grade corridor, a region known for high-grade quartz epithermal gold systems. Recent work by Quimbaya has confirmed widespread alteration, stockwork veins, and placer-style artisanal mining, all indicators of a potentially fertile gold system.

‘The old adage in exploration holds true: the best place to find a mine is next to a mine,’ said Alexandre P. Boivin, CEO of Quimbaya Gold. ‘We’re the first company to deploy modern exploration on this part of the Segovia trend. Our systematic work, including soil geochemistry, channel and rock sampling, stream sediments sampling and structural modelling, has built a robust case for drill testing. We’re now turning that data into action.’

Drill Targets and Geological Context

The initial program will test multiple zones across a structural corridor interpreted to be a continuation of the Segovia vein system. Planned holes will target:

  • Structural intersections mapped across sections A-A’, B-B’, C-C’, E-E’ and H-H’

  • Zones with strong sericitic alteration, quartz veins, hydrothermal breccias, and gold-bearing stockworks

  • Areas proximal to active artisanal workings, suggesting near-surface mineralisation

Surface sampling has returned:

  • Rock chip assays up to 11.21 g/t Au

  • Panel rock assays up to 23.3 g/t Ag

  • Auger soils up to 59 ppb Au and MMI soils up to 37.1 ppb Au

  • Multi-element pathfinder anomalies (As, Cu, Pb, Zn) coincident with structural targets

‘This program is the culmination of months of disciplined geoscience,’ said Ricardo Sierra, VP Exploration. ‘We’ve mapped out structural trends, alteration zones, and artisanal footprints that all suggest a large-scale epithermal system. Now, we’re finally testing it below surface.’

Figure 1. Planned drill platforms (TDH -001 to TDH-007) overlaid on gold-in-auger soil anomalies (Au g/t) and rock sample assay values (Au g/t) at the Tahami South Project.

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:
https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11347/261779_f9d44764a4c268ae_001full.jpg

Next Steps:

Drilling will continue through Q3 2025 with initial assay results expected in Q4. Follow-up drilling is being planned in parallel to expand on any intercepts and test new targets defined through ongoing mapping and geological exploration.

Qualified Person
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Ricardo Sierra, a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101.

About Quimbaya

Quimbaya aims to discover gold resources through exploration and acquisition of mining properties in the prolific gold mining districts of Colombia. Managed by an experienced team in the mining sector, Quimbaya is focused on three projects in the regions of Segovia (Tahami Project), Puerto Berrio (Berrio Project), and Abejorral (Maitamac Project), all located in Antioquia Province, Colombia.

Contact Information

Alexandre P. Boivin, President and CEO apboivin@quimbayagold.com

Sebastian Wahl, VP Corporate Development swahl@quimbayagold.com

Quimbaya Gold Inc.
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Cautionary Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute ‘forward-looking information’ as that term is defined in applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘intends’, ‘expects’ or ‘anticipates’, or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results ‘may’, ‘could’, ‘should’, ‘would’ or ‘occur’. Forward-looking statements herein include statements and information regarding the Offering’s intended use of proceeds, any exercise of Warrants, the future plans for the Company, including any expectations of growth or market momentum, future expectations for the gold sector generally, the Colombian gold sector more particularly, or how global or local market trends may affect the Company, intended exploration on any of the Company’s properties and any results thereof, the strength of the Company’s mineral property portfolio, the potential discovery and potential size of the discovery of minerals on any property of the Company’s, including Tahami South, the aims and goals of the Company, and other forward-looking information. Forward-looking information by its nature is based on assumptions and involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Quimbaya to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, that the Company’s exploration and other activities will proceed as expected. The future outcomes that relate to forward-looking statements may be influenced by many factors, including but not limited to: future planned development and other activities on the Company’s mineral properties; an inability to finance the Company; obtaining required permitting on the Company’s mineral properties in a timely manner; any adverse changes to the planned operations of the Company’s mineral properties; failure by the Company for any reason to undertake expected exploration programs; achieving and maintaining favourable relationships with local communities; mineral exploration results that are poorer or better than expected; prices for gold remaining as expected; currency exchange rates remaining as expected; availability of funds for the Company’s projects; prices for energy inputs, labour, materials, supplies and services (including transportation); no labour-related disruptions; no unplanned delays or interruptions in scheduled construction and production; all necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals are received in a timely manner; the Offering proceeds being received as anticipated; all requisite regulatory and stock exchange approvals for the Offering are obtained in a timely fashion; investor participation in the Offering; and the Company’s ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws. Although Quimbaya’s management believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Furthermore, should one or more of the risks, uncertainties or other factors materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in forward-looking statements or information. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. Forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of Quimbaya as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Except as required by law, Quimbaya does not expect to update forward-looking statements and information continually as conditions change.

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

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/261779

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Business

Claire’s, known for piercing millions of teens’ ears, files for Chapter 11

Business 3 Mins Read

Mall-based teen accessories retailer Claire’s, known for helping usher millions of teens into an important rite of passage — ear piercing — but now struggling with a big debt load and changing consumer tastes, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

Claire’s Holdings LLC and certain of its U.S. and Gibraltar-based subsidiaries — collectively Claire’s U.S., the operator of Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, made the filing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware on Wednesday. That marked the second time since 2018 and for a similar reason: high debt load and the shift among teens heading online away from physical stores.

Claire’s Chapter 11 filing follows the bankruptcies of other teen retailers including Forever 21, which filed in March for bankruptcy protection for a second time and eventually closed down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

Claire’s, based in Hoffman Estates, Illinois and founded in 1974, said that its stores in North America will remain open and will continue to serve customers, while it explores all strategic alternatives. Claire’s operates more than 2,750 Claire’s stores in 17 countries throughout North America and Europe and 190 Icing stores in North America.

In a court filing, Claire’s said its assets and liabilities range between $1 billion and $10 billion.

“This decision is difficult, but a necessary one,” Chris Cramer, CEO of Claire’s, said in a press release issued Wednesday. “Increased competition, consumer spending trends and the ongoing shift away from brick-and-mortar retail, in combination with our current debt obligations and macroeconomic factors, necessitate this course of action for Claire’s and its stakeholders.”

Like many retailers, Claire’s was also struggling with higher costs tied to President Donald Trump’s tariff plans, analysts said.

Cramer said that the company remains in “active discussions” with potential strategic and financial partners. He noted that the company remains committed to serving its customers and partnering with its suppliers and landlords in other regions. Claire’s also intends to continue paying employees’ wages and benefits, and it will seek approval to use cash collateral to support its operations.

Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData, a research firm, noted in a note published Wednesday Claire’s bankruptcy filing comes as “no real surprise.”

“The chain has been swamped by a cocktail of problems, both internal and external, that made it impossible to stay afloat,” he wrote.

Saunders noted that internally, Claire’s struggled with high debt levels that made its operations unstable and said the cash crunch left it with little choice but to reorganize through bankruptcy.

He also noted that tariffs have pushed costs higher, and he believed that Claire’s is not in a position to manage this latest challenge effectively.

Competition has also become sharper and more intense over recent years, with retailers like jewelry chain Lovisa offering younger shoppers a more sophisticated assortment at low prices. He also cited the growing competition with online players like Amazon.

“Reinventing will be a tall order in the present environment,” he added.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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Business

Trump demands resignation of Intel CEO over alleged China ties

Business 3 Mins Read

President Donald Trump on Thursday demanded that the CEO of the tech firm Intel resign immediately, saying he is “highly conflicted” because of alleged ties to China.

“There is no other solution to this problem,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Trump’s attack on the Intel chief is his latest attempt to pressure the semiconductor industry, which has fueled the boom in artificial intelligence. On Wednesday, he said he would hit imported computer chips with a 100% tariff unless companies are making them, or plan to make them, in the United States.

The demand also comes after Sen. Tom Cotton wrote to Intel Chairman Frank Yeary to “express concerns about the security and integrity of Intel’s operations and its potential impact on U.S. national security.”

Cotton, a Republican from Arkansas, claims in the letter that Intel’s recently named CEO, Lip-Bu Tan, “reportedly controls dozens of Chinese companies and has a stake in hundreds of Chinese advanced-manufacturing and chip firms. At least eight of these companies reportedly have ties to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army.”

Cotton asked Intel whether it had asked Tan to “divest from his positions in semiconductor firms linked to the Chinese Communist Party or the People’s Liberation Army and any other concerning entities in China that could pose a conflict of interest?”

Cotton also asked the company if it was aware of any subpoenas that Tan’s former firm received and if Tan has disclosed any other ties to China.

Intel has not responded to NBC News’ request for comment on Cotton’s letter and Trump’s social media post.

The senator’s letter cites a recent Reuters story that said Tan “has invested in hundreds of Chinese tech firms, including at least eight with links to the People’s Liberation Army, according to a Reuters review of Chinese and U.S. corporate filings.’

In March, Yeary announced that Tan had been named Intel CEO. Tan started working at the company on March 18. Tan was previously chief executive of Cadence Design Systems, an American chip design company based in California, from 2009 to 2021.

Intel’s rivals such as Taiwan Semiconductor, Samsung, GlobalFoundries and Nvidia have all announced plans to invest billions of dollars in their existing U.S. chipmaking infrastructure or deepen partnerships with U.S. companies like Apple to dodge those long-promised tariffs.

Further management turmoil for Intel likely spells more trouble and delays as it continues to try to play catch up with its competitors. The company’s stock market value, just shy of $90 billion, lags far behind most of its rivals. Its stock dropped more than 2% Thursday, erasing its gains for the year and underperforming the S&P 500’s 9% gain this year.

Intel’s last CEO, Patrick Gelsinger, was forced out at the end of 2024 after the company fell behind Nvidia, AMD and other chip firms in the AI race. That came as Gelsinger sought to transform the long-struggling company by attempting to build major chip factories in the U.S.

But Intel’s debt load and the lead time that other companies already had on Intel were too much for Gelsinger to overcome.

In November, Intel received a nearly $8 billion grant under the Biden administration’s “CHIPS Act” for factory build-outs and to make secure chips for the Defense Department.

But that grant was less than Intel was originally set to receive. It was reduced because U.S. officials worried about Intel’s ability to deliver what was promised, The New York Times reported.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

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