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Lyft said Thursday its co-founders, Logan Green and John Zimmer, are stepping down from the ride-hailing services provider’s board, following the completion of a two-year transition plan.

Green and Zimmer began serving as the chair and vice chair of Lyft’s board in 2023 after stepping down as CEO and president, respectively, handing the reins to David Risher, who has been a board member since 2021.

The duo founded Lyft in 2012, with the company now operating across four continents and nearly 1,000 cities.

Sean Aggarwal, who was the chair of Lyft’s board from 2019 to 2023, will reprise his role.

Zimmer is launching a new consumer-focused business venture named YES&, while Green will continue as a venture partner at Autotech Ventures, a firm investing in the mobility and transportation sector.

Lyft, which recently completed its nearly $200 million acquisition of European mobility platform FreeNow, has signed a deal with China’s Baidu 9888.HK to introduce the search-engine giant’s robotaxis in the region.

It posted revenue of $1.59 billion in the second quarter, missing estimates of $1.61 billion, according to data compiled by LSEG.

Rides on Lyft’s platform grew 14% to a record high of 234.8 million in the quarter, slightly below estimates of 235.9 million, per Visible Alpha.

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The world’s top gold producers delivered a string of robust second-quarter results, buoyed by record prices and resilient operations as investors continue to seek refuge in the yellow metal amid growing economic uncertainty.

With spot gold trading above US$3,400 per troy ounce, just shy of its April all-time high of US$3,448.50, the world’s largest gold producers posted higher earnings and stronger cash flow in their recent Q2 results.

Below is a breakdown of how a few major players fared in Q2.

Barrick nearly doubles profit margins

Barrick Mining (TSX:ABX,NYSE:B) formerly Barrick Gold, reported a 97 percent year-on-year jump in net income to US$1.25 billion for the quarter, compared to US$634 million a year earlier.

Earnings per share rose to US$0.47 while operating cash flow in the first half reached US$2.5 billion, up 32 percent from 2024. Free cash flow more than doubled to US$770 million, supported by higher commodity prices.

Gold production climbed 5 percent from the first quarter, while copper output surged 34 percent, led by strong performance at Zambia’s Lumwana mine. Nevada Gold Mines boosted output by 11 percent, while Pueblo Viejo in the Dominican Republic posted a 28 percent increase as expansion work in the site advanced.

“From the ramp-up at Goldrush to the progress at Pueblo Viejo, Lumwana and Reko Diq, not to mention the transformational potential of Fourmile, we’re demonstrating the strength and depth of our portfolio,” president and chief executive Mark Bristow said in the recent Q2 report.

The company also recently agreed to sell its Alturas Project in Chile to a Boroo subsidiary for US$50 million upfront plus a royalty, with proceeds earmarked for funding future ventures

Kinross outpaces gold price gains

Kinross Gold Corporation (TSX:K,NYSE:KGC) posted record attributable free cash flow of US$646.6 million in the second quarter, alongside operating cash flow of US$992.4 million. Adjusted net earnings jumped to US$541 million from US$174.7 million a year earlier.

Further, the company achieved a 21 percent margin increase from the first quarter, outpacing the 15 percent rise in gold prices over the same period.

“Our portfolio of mines continued to perform well during the quarter contributing to a strong first half of the year and positioning us well to achieve our full-year guidance,” CEO J. Paul Rollinson said.

Kinross said that it expects to produce 2 million gold-equivalent ounces in 2025 at an average production cost of US$1,120 per ounce.

Paracatu in Brazil was the company’s top-producing asset, while Tasiast in Mauritania began mining the Fennec satellite deposit. US-based Bald Mountain also reported higher output at lower costs.

The company also advanced key projects, including its Great Bear exploration program in Ontario, engineering work at Round Mountain Phase X in Nevada, and drilling at the Curlew Basin project in Washington.

Agnico Eagle delivers, shares gain

Agnico Eagle’s (TSX:AEM,NYSE:AEM) operational consistency and cost control helped drive a six-day share price rally, culminating in a 10.06 percent gain over the past week.

In the second quarter, the company produced 866,029 ounces of gold, maintaining full-year guidance of 3.3 to 3.5 million ounces. Adjusted earnings per share came in at US$1.94, prompting analysts to raise 2025 profit forecasts by US$0.70 to US$6.94.

Analysts cited the company’s steady performance despite rising unit costs, noting its appeal as a defensive play in the sector. Bank of America raised its price target to US$173 due to rising optimism about the firm’s growth prospects.

Newmont rides sector momentum

Newmont (TSX:NGT,NYSE:NEM) posted higher sales and net income for the quarter while authorizing a new share repurchase program and declaring a quarterly dividend.

The miner also renewed a key lease in Ghana. Shares rose 36 percent over the last quarter, outpacing the US Metals and Mining industry’s 24.1 percent return.

The performance came despite a drop in the company’s gold production. Rather, Newmont underscored the role of shareholder returns and strategic asset moves in supporting investor sentiment. Over the past three years, Newmont has delivered a total shareholder return of 63.75 percent.

Gold outlook: Gold shines during volatility

The sector’s strong quarter unfolded against a favorable macro backdrop.

Gold, which has gained about 30 percent year-to-date, has been buoyed by safe-haven flows. The metal’s latest rally began after spot prices dipped to US$3,311.80 in early August, then climbed back above US$3,418 by the first week of August..

The Federal Reserve cut rates by a full percentage point in late 2024 but has held steady this year, citing the need for more data on how tariffs affect inflation. Lower rates generally enhance gold’s appeal by reducing the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets..

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

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Ulta Beauty and Target said Thursday that they have decided to end a deal that opened makeup and beauty shops in hundreds of Target’s stores.

Shares of Target fell about 2% in early trading, while Ulta’s stock slid about 1%.

In a news release, the companies said the partnership — which also added some of Ulta’s merchandise to Target’s website — will end in August 2026. Target had added more than 600 Ulta Beauty shops to its stores since 2021, according to a company spokesperson. That’s nearly a third of Target’s 1,981 U.S. stores.

Ulta Beauty at Target shops carried a smaller and rotating assortment of the merchandise at the beauty retailer’s own stores. They were staffed by Target’s employees.

The loss of the popular beauty retailer’s products could be another blow to Target as it tries to woo back both shoppers and investors. Target’s annual sales have been roughly flat for four years and it expects sales to decline this fiscal year. Shares of the company are worth less than half of what the were back in 2021, when they hit an all-time closing high of $266.39. It also has faced backlash over both its Pride collection and its rollback of key diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

Store traffic for Target has declined year over year nearly every week from the week of Jan. 27, days after the company’s DEI announcement, through the week of Aug. 4, according to Placer.ai, an analytics firm that uses anonymized data from mobile devices to estimate overall visits to locations. Target traffic had been up weekly year over year in the four weeks before Jan. 27.

The only exceptions to that trend were the two weeks on either side of Easter, when traffic rose less than 1% year over year, the firm’s data showed.

On earnings calls and in investor presentations, leaders of the Minneapolis-based company had touted Ulta’s shops and its trendy beauty brands as a way to drive store traffic.

At a investor presentation in New York City in March, CEO Brian Cornell highlighted beauty as a growth category for Target and cited it as reason for confidence in Target’s long-term business. He said the company had gained market share in beauty and its sales in the category rose by nearly 7% in the fiscal year that ended in early February.

Target’s CEO Brian Cornell, 66, is expected to depart the company soon. The longtime Target leader renewed his contract for approximately three years in September 2022 after the board scrapped its retirement age of 65.

David Bellinger, an analyst for Mizuho Securities who covers retailers, said in an equity research note on Thursday that Target’s “messy in-store operations” as well as issues with retail theft and insufficient staffing at stores likely contributed to the companies ending their partnership.

“Overall, we see losing the Ulta shop-in-shop relationship as a negative development and something else Target’s next CEO will have to grapple with,” he wrote.

In a statement on Thursday, Target Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez said the discounter is “proud of our shared success with Ulta Beauty and the experience we’ve delivered together.”

“We look forward to what’s ahead and remain committed to offering the beauty experience consumers have come to expect from Target — one centered on an exciting mix of beauty brands with continuous newness, all at an unbeatable value,” he said.

In a statement, Ulta’s Chief Retail Officer Amiee Bayer-Thomas described the Target deal as “one of many unique ways we have brought the power of beauty to guests nationwide.”

“As we continue to execute our Ulta Beauty Unleashed plans, we’re confident our wide-ranging assortment, expert services and inspiring in-store experiences will reinforce our leadership in beauty and define the next chapter of our brand,” she said.

This post appeared first on NBC NEWS

For years, conservative groups and corporate leaders argued that the U.S. government would be better if it were run like a business.

For President Donald Trump, who has controlled his own businesses for decades, that looks like taking an increasingly active role in individual corporations’ affairs, from manufacturing to media to tech firms.

And corporations are meeting the demands of a president who is more freely exerting his powers than he did the last time he was in office. At Trump’s urging, Coca-Cola said it would produce a version of its namesake soda with U.S.-grown cane sugar. Paramount paid millions to settle allegations Trump levied against CBS’ venerated “60 Minutes.” Two major semiconductor makers agreed to give the government a cut of their sales in China. The CEO of Intel met with Trump soon after the president called on him to resign.

“It’s so much different than the first term,” said a Republican lobbyist whose firm represents several Fortune 500 companies, who spoke on condition of anonymity to speak candidly. “He’s just acting like a businessman. In his first term, I think he was trying to cosplay as a politician. He’s more comfortable in his own skin, too. He can explain deals better.”

Trump’s role represents a break with past administrations that may have been unwilling or unable, politically, to bring similar pressure to bear on businesses. In the past, small-government conservatives once accused previous Democratic administrations of attempting to “pick winners and losers” by trying to regulate industries. Trump today stands downstream of a bolder right-wing movement that calls for enhanced state intervention in corporate affairs.

Trump has said the corporate concessions are intended to boost the U.S. economy.

And the White House, in a statement, reinforced the idea that Trump’s involved approach to private-sector dealings is a key part of his economic agenda.

“Cooled inflation, trillions in new investments, historic trade deals, and hundreds of billions in tariff revenue prove how President Trump’s hands-on leadership is paving the way towards a new Golden Age for America,” White House spokesperson Kush Desai said.

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Homerun Resources Inc. (TSXV: HMR,OTC:HMRFF) (OTCQB: HMRFF) (‘Homerun’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Company has completed the transaction for the acquisition of the exploitation rights from Guidoni Brasil S.A. (‘Guidoni), for areas granted under a lease agreement with Companhia Bahiana de Pesquisa Mineral (CBPM) in the municipality of Belmonte, Bahia, Brazil. All tenements of the Guidoni project are fully permitted for immediate extraction mining and at a lower royalty rate than the Company’s previous silica sand supply contracts in the Santa Maria Eterna District.

Further to the News Release dated February 12th, 2025, announcing the total and irrevocable assignment of all rights and responsibilities in favor of Homerun, of the rights to exploit the mining tenements 871.960/1992, 870.462/1999, 870.463/1999 and 873.387/2007, the Company has executed a Term of Assignment with Guidoni, with the Consent of CBPM, for the process number 036.5410.2020.0001386-11, assigning the above mineral rights, subject of bid number 004/2020, along with all its rights and obligations, to Homerun. Under the Guidoni Lease Terms with CBPM, the Company will pay CBPM an extraction royalty of R$26 (US$4.50) per tonne of extracted silica sand.

Brian Leeners, CEO of Homerun stated, ‘In our original strategic plan two years ago, we stated that we would work methodically to consolidate control over the unique Santa Maria Eterna silica sand deposits in the Belmonte Silica District, and we continue to execute on that mandate. This process requires major effort and considerable patience while building beneficial relationships and favourable terms and I want to thank our team for their relentless efforts in this regard. We also want to thank our partners in the District, in particular CBPM, the State-owned resource company of the Government of Bahia, Brazil. These efforts continue and between ownership via CBPM leases and an ongoing partnership with a premier silica production company in Brazil, we are now in control of a significant majority of the silica sand in the District. Dialogue and negotiations continue with historic owners and transitional owners based on long-term legal issues over the portion of the District not under CBPM concessions. This resource base, combined with our vertically integrated approach from extraction through solar glass production, positions us uniquely as both the primary demand driver and supply controller for this unique material. With centuries of supply at our disposal, we’re not just participating in Brazil’s renewable energy transformation, we’re enabling it while building a defensible competitive moat that extends well beyond any single market cycle.’

The total required payments under the Agreement are R$2,500,000 reais, to be advanced, as follows:

  • R$500,000 payable against the execution of the definitive agreement for the transfer of the Guidoni rights and obligations (PAID).

  • R$2,000,000, paid over four installments, maturing, one by one, every 6 months, from the date of payment of the first installment, adjusted by the foreign exchange rate variation from the reference rate of 1 US$ = R$ 4.9827 in relation to the actual closing exchange rate of the day before the maturing of each payment. The first of these four installments was due and paid on August 12th, 2025.

About Homerun (www.homerunresources.com)

Homerun (TSXV: HMR,OTC:HMRFF) is a vertically integrated materials leader revolutionizing green energy solutions through advanced silica technologies. As an emerging force outside of China for high-purity quartz (HPQ) silica innovation, the Company controls the full industrial vertical from raw material extraction to cutting-edge solar, battery and energy storage solutions. Our dual-engine vertical integration strategy combines:

Homerun Advanced Materials

  • Utilizing Homerun’s robust supply of high purity silica sand and quartz silica materials to facilitate domestic and international sales of processed silica through the development of a 120,000 tpy processing plant.

  • Pioneering zero-waste thermoelectric purification and advanced materials processing technologies with University of California – Davis.

Homerun Energy Solutions

  • Building Latin America’s first dedicated high-efficiency, 365,000 tpy solar glass manufacturing facility and pioneering new solar technologies based on years of experience as an industry leader in developing photovoltaic technologies with a specialization in perovskite photovoltaics.

  • European leader in the marketing, distribution and sales of alternative energy solutions into the commercial and industrial segments (B2B).

  • Commercializing Artificial Intelligence (AI) Energy Management and Control System Solutions (hardware and software) for energy capture, energy storage and efficient energy use.

  • Partnering with U.S. Dept. of Energy/NREL on the development of the Enduring long-duration energy storage system utilizing the Company’s high-purity silica sand for industrial heat and electricity arbitrage and complementary silica purification.

With six profit centers built within the vertical strategy and all gaining economic advantage utilizing the Company’s HPQ silica, across, solar, battery and energy storage solutions, Homerun is positioned to capitalize on high-growth global energy transition markets. The 3-phase development plan has achieved all key milestones in a timely manner, including government partnerships, scalable logistical market access, and breakthrough IP in advanced materials processing and energy solutions.

Homerun maintains an uncompromising commitment to ESG principles, deploying the cleanest and most sustainable production technologies across all operations while benefiting the people in the communities where the Company operates. As we advance revenue generation and vertical integration in 2025, the Company continues to deliver shareholder value through strategic execution within the unstoppable global energy transition.

On behalf of the Board of Directors of
Homerun Resources Inc.

‘Brian Leeners’

Brian Leeners, CEO & Director
brianleeners@gmail.com / +1 604-862-4184 (WhatsApp)

Tyler Muir, Investor Relations
info@homerunresources.com / +1 306-690-8886 (WhatsApp)

FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE

The information contained herein contains ‘forward-looking statements’ within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements relate to information that is based on assumptions of management, forecasts of future results, and estimates of amounts not yet determinable. Any statements that express predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward-looking statements’.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/262485

News Provided by Newsfile via QuoteMedia

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The surge in energy-intensive artificial intelligence (AI) applications is driving renewed investment and policy focus on nuclear power.

Nuclear fusion is a re-emerging cornerstone technology that could meet the twin challenges of decarbonizing the global economy while energizing the data centers needed to power the AI revolution.

Nuclear power offers a 24/7, carbon-free source of baseload electricity. Unlike intermittent clean energy sources like wind and solar, nuclear plants also require significantly less land and fewer raw materials per unit of energy, adding to their appeal.

The advantages presented by nuclear power position it as a compelling opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the future of global energy innovation.

SMRs: The new face of nuclear

Small modular reactors (SMRs), a broad classification that covers several designs, are helping to transform the nuclear sector. Smaller than traditional reactors at a capacity of 300 megawatts electrical (MWe) or less, SMRs can be factory built with enhanced safety features and lower upfront capital costs.

For example, NuScale Power’s (NYSE:SMR) recently approved US460 SMR has passive safety features. Unlike large nuclear plants that require active cooling systems, its design uses natural forces like gravity and convection for automatic shutdown and cooling, removing the need for operator intervention or external power in emergencies.

Similarly, X-Energy’s flagship Xe-100 SMR uses proprietary TRISO-X fuel, which is designed with multiple layers of ceramic materials that cannot melt, even at extremely high temperatures. The fuel serves as the primary containment barrier, ensuring safety without active intervention. In early August, X-Energy selected Clark Construction Group to finish the building construction phase of its advanced nuclear fuel fabrication facility.

Kairos Power is also making headway with its advanced modular reactor design, which combines TRISO fuel with a molten salt cooling system. The installation of the reactor vessel for the company’s third engineering test unit in Tennessee is a key milestone in the buildout of the company’s advanced modular design.

The design of SMRs also enable them to be deployed in a diverse range of locations.

Arc Energy’s sodium-cooled fast reactor is designed to be remote, able to operate for over two decades without refueling. In June, the company signed a memorandum of understanding with energy infrastructure company Deep Atomic to jointly explore deployment opportunities across North America.

Microreactors, a much smaller subcategory of SMRs that typically produce less than 10 MWe of power, represent the next wave of flexibility. Oklo (NYSE:OKLO), an advanced nuclear technology company headquartered in California, recently secured a contract with the US Air Force to pilot a microreactor at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska.

For its part, BWX Technologies (NYSE:BWXT) has begun fabricating the reactor core for the 1.5 megawatt Pele demonstration microreactor for the US Department of Defense, a project that highlights the military’s growing interest in portable, reliable nuclear power.

Meanwhile, California-based Hadron Energy is developing the Hadron micro modular reactor, a compact nuclear power system designed to deliver about 10 megawatts of power. Using a ceramic core and solid fuel, the patent-pending design is intended for deployment in remote or space-limited locations.

While current reactors use nuclear fission to create heat and generate electricity, nuclear fusion, a separate but similar process that is still in development, is also gaining traction.

The US Department of Energy’s (DOE) Milestone-Based Fusion Development Program was authorized in 2020 and officially launched in September 2022, with eight participants announced in May 2023.

In a webinar, Colleen Nehl of the DOE’s Office of Fusion Energy Sciences, said the eight companies were “making great progress’ and spoke about new opportunities for additional teams to secure program funding.

AI and the coming energy crunch

AI’s voracious appetite for power is forcing tech giants to rethink their energy sourcing strategies. High-performance computing demands not only massive amounts of electricity, but also near-perfect uptime.

As AI models scale and data centers proliferate, the nuclear sector’s ability to deliver constant, emissions-free electricity positions it as a foundational technology for sustainable tech growth.

This has led companies like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) and Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) to make landmark investments in nuclear fusion. In 2023, the former announced an agreement to purchase fusion energy from Helion Energy, while the latter signed a 200 megawatt fusion offtake deal with Commonwealth Fusion Systems in June.

Nuclear power can help technology companies sustainably expand their AI capabilities.

In 2024, Microsoft entered a power-purchase deal with Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG) to revive the Three Mile Island nuclear facility, aimed at supporting its burgeoning AI infrastructure.

Additionally, Amazon Web Services (AWS) (NASDAQ:AMZN) committed over US$500 million toward the development of SMRs, including a project with Dominion Energy near its North Anna site, to meet its growing clean-energy demands.

In May, US President DonaldTrump issued an executive order directing the DOE to create a readily available fuel bank with at least 20 metric tons of high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) for authorized advanced nuclear reactor projects, explicitly citing AI and other critical infrastructure as priorities.

HALEU is a specific type of nuclear fuel containing between 5 and 20 percent of the fissile uranium-235 isotope.

Speaking about nuclear energy in a July interview on New York radio station 77 WABC, Lee Zeldin, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, told host John Catsimatidis, “As it relates to the Trump administration, while we’re here, we want to do everything in our power to fast-track the process.”

Expedited review timelines from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission for TerraPower’s construction permit for the Kemmerer power station, and the Tennessee Valley Authority’s BWRX-300 reactor at Clinch River came in response to Trump’s executive order.

Managing the nuclear waste challenge

Despite its advantages, nuclear power faces the persistent challenge of disposing of spent nuclear fuel.

Nuclear power’s waste profile varies significantly depending on the technology used.

Traditional fission reactors split heavy atoms such as uranium-235, generating smaller fission products that remain highly radioactive for thousands of years.

This process also produces spent fuel, which must be securely stored and managed over the long term.

By contrast, fusion — the reaction that powers the sun — fuses light atoms like hydrogen isotopes into heavier ones, releasing helium, a non-radioactive gas. The main radioactive byproducts come from reactor components that become activated by high-energy neutrons.

Known as activation waste, these materials typically decay to safe levels within decades to centuries rather than millennia. While fusion waste is less hazardous and easier to handle, it still requires proper management, recycling or disposal.

To be safely disposed of, nuclear waste needs to be isolated from the environment for an extremely long time because many of the radioactive isotopes it contains have very long half-lives. A half-life is the time it takes for half of the radioactive material to decay. For example, plutonium-239 has a half-life of over 24,000 years.

Long-term isolation in a stable, deep geological repository is necessary to prevent this harmful radiation from contaminating the environment and endangering human health.

While the US has implemented some temporary storage solutions, the American Nuclear Society (ANS) and other organizations are advocating for a new program to establish long-term solutions.

The ANS joined seven other organizations to send a letter to US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright on July 8, asking to meet with him to discuss the issue. At the time of this writing, no meeting had been set. The Nuclear Waste Technical Review Board will convene on August 27 to review information on the DOE’s activities to manage spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste and to receive program updates from the DOE’s Office of Nuclear Energy.

Meanwhile, companies and institutions are discovering innovative solutions.

Deep Isolation is advancing directional borehole drilling, while workers at the DOE’s Savannah River site have developed a new carrier system to speed the processing of spent fuel.

Where is investment flowing?

As nuclear capabilities are built out, capital has been moving into every stage of the value chain.

Waste disposal innovators like Deep Isolation recently closed a reverse merger and an oversubscribed US$33 million private placement financing, a development that signals a potential market for nuclear waste storage solutions.

Meanwhile, the industry is addressing a shortage of domestic reactor fuel with a wave of innovation and new investment from the government and private sector. This is especially true for HALEU, a specialized fuel needed for many advanced reactor designs. The DOE is leading efforts to expand HALEU production, releasing plans to downblend highly enriched uranium (HEU) at the Savannah River site into HALEU.

At the decommissioned Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, the DOE signed a lease with General Matter for a new uranium enrichment facility, while Global Laser Enrichment advanced its separate laser-based enrichment project by completing both its full license application and a safety analysis report for US Nuclear Regulatory Commission review.

The DOE also extended its US$110 million contract with Centrus Energy (NYSE:LEU) for HALEU production and launched its Fuel Line Pilot Program to fast track nuclear fuel fabrication for new test reactors in July.

Other next-generation fuel technologies are also progressing.

TRISO fuel, designed with multiple ceramic layers that prevent melting, remains a focus area. BWX Technologies’ successful testing of a new furnace for additively manufacturing TRISO fuel marked a key milestone in the company’s efforts to build an entirely new industrial supply chain, while Shine Technologies’ fuel recycling venture with Standard Nuclear signals a market for firms focused on recycling spent nuclear fuel to extract more energy.

Beyond advanced reactors, fuel improvements are also advancing. Lightbridge (NASDAQ:LTBR) will soon begin testing its enriched uranium-zirconium alloy fuel at Idaho National Laboratory.

Meanwhile, the High Burnup Experiments in Reactivity-Initiated Accident project completed its first test, aimed at understanding light water reactor fuel performance under extreme conditions.

Looking ahead

The future of nuclear power appears promising.

“Demand has gone from 1 or 2 percent compound annual (growth) to now about 4 percent and possibly even higher. And that doesn’t even include the COP28 goals of tripling nuclear by 2050,” he continued.

Building on burgeoning momentum, the DOE has officially selected 10 companies for its reactor pilot program, with a target of having at least three designs reach criticality outside of laboratories by July 4, 2026.

Given the promising outlook, investors have a compelling opportunity to capitalize on the industry’s future.

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

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(TheNewswire)

TORONTO, ON, August 13, 2025 TheNewswire – Silver Crown Royalties Inc. ( Cboe: SCRI,OTC:SLCRF; OTCQX: SLCRF; FRA: QS0) ( ‘Silver Crown’ or the ‘Company’ ) is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated August 7, 2025, it has closed the acquisition of a royalty on 90% of the cash equivalent of silver produced each quarter from the past producing Scotia Mine (the ‘Silver Royalty’ ) with EDM Resources Inc. ( TSX-V: EDM; FSE: P3Z) ( ‘EDM’ ). The Silver Royalty provides for minimum of the cash equivalent of 7,000 ounces per year for 10 years starting at commercial production on the Scotia Mine. SCRi paid $250,000 in cash at closing and issued 60,000 units (‘ Units ‘) to EDM per Unit at a deemed value of C$10.00, with each Unit consisting of a common share in the capital of SCRi (‘ Common Share ‘) and one warrant exercisable into an additional Common Share at a price of C$13.00 for a period of 36 months following the date hereof. SCRi must pay EDM an additional C$250,000 cash payment following the date hereof as deferred consideration for the Silver Royalty.

ABOUT EDM RESOURCES INC.

EDM Resources Inc. (‘EDM’) ( TSX-V: EDM; FSE: P3Z) is a Canadian exploration and mining company that has full ownership of the Scotia Mine and related facilities near Halifax, Nova Scotia. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, EDM also holds several prospective exploration licenses near its Scotia Mine and in the surrounding regions of Nova Scotia .

ABOUT Silver Crown Royalties INC.

Founded by seasoned industry professionals, Silver Crown Royalties ( Cboe: SCRI | OTCQX: SLCRF | FRA: QS0) is a publicly traded silver royalty company dedicated to generating free cash flow. Silver Crown (SCRi) currently holds five silver royalties. Its business model offers investors exposure to precious metals, providing a natural hedge against currency devaluation while mitigating the adverse effects of production-related cost inflation. SCRi strives to minimize the economic burden on mining projects while simultaneously maximizing shareholder returns. For further information, please contact:

Silver Crown Royalties Inc.

Peter Bures, Chairman and CEO

Telephone: (416) 481-1744

Email: pbures@silvercrownroyalties.com

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This release contains certain ‘forward looking statements’ and certain ‘forward-looking information’ as defined under applicable Canadian and U.S. securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘should’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘continue’, ‘plans’ or similar terminology. The forward-looking information contained herein is provided for the purpose of assisting readers in understanding management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to, SCRi must pay EDM an additional C$250,000 cash payment following the date hereof as deferred consideration for the Silver Royalty . Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual actions, events or results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, including but not limited to: the impact of general business and economic conditions; the absence of control over mining operations from which SCRi will purchase gold and other metals or from which it will receive royalty payments and risks related to those mining operations, including risks related to international operations, government and environmental regulation, delays in mine construction and operations, actual results of mining and current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations and changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; accidents, equipment breakdowns, title matters, labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions in operations; SCRi’s ability to enter into definitive agreements and close proposed royalty transactions; the inherent uncertainties related to the valuations ascribed by SCRi to its royalty interests; problems inherent to the marketability of gold and other metals; the inherent uncertainty of production and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses; industry conditions, including fluctuations in the price of the primary commodities mined at such operations, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates and fluctuations in interest rates; government entities interpreting existing tax legislation or enacting new tax legislation in a way which adversely affects SCRi; stock market volatility; regulatory restrictions; liability, competition, the potential impact of epidemics, pandemics or other public health crises on SCRi’s business, operations and financial condition, loss of key employees. SCRi has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements or information. SCRi undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available.

This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to buy, securities of the Company in Canada, the United States or any other jurisdiction. Any such offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy the securities described herein will be made only pursuant to subscription documentation between the Company and prospective purchasers. Any such offering will be made in reliance upon exemptions from the prospectus and registration requirements under applicable securities laws, pursuant to a subscription agreement to be entered into by the Company and prospective investors. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

CBOE CANADA DOES NOT ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

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

Osisko Metals Chief Executive Officer Robert Wares commented: ‘ Drill results at Gaspé Copper continue to exceed expectations. These new data expand the deposit further south and at depth with drill holes 30-1092 and 30-872, located respectively 230 metres and 440 metres south of the 2024 Mineral Resource Estimate (‘MRE’) model. Additional holes are planned in this resource expansion target area in the coming months over a surface of 450 metres by 550 metres, which we believe will add significant new tonnage to the MRE update, planned for Q1 2026.

New analytical results are presented below (see Table 1), including 20 mineralized intercepts from 7 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 30-1096
    • 730.7 metres averaging 0.29% Cu (infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1085
    • 219.0 metres averaging 0.41% Cu (infill)
    • 754.5 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1092
    • 331.5 metres averaging 0.37% Cu (expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1095
    • 309.5 metres averaging 0.26% Cu (infill)
  • Drill hole 30-1098
    • 115.0 metres averaging 0.29% Cu (infill)
    • 124.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu (expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-1099
    • 614.7 metres averaging 0.23% Cu (infill and expansion)
  • Drill hole 30-0872
    • 92.1 metres averaging 0.24% Cu (expansion)
    • 47.2 metres averaging 1.14% Cu (expansion)

Table 1: Infill and Expansion Drilling Results

DDH No. From (m) To (m) Length (m) Cu % Ag g/t Mo % CuEq* Type**
30-0872 167.6 259.7 92.1 0.24 3.05 0.25 Expansion
And 342.0 389.2 47.2 1.14 11.84 1.22 Expansion
30-1085 3.0 222.0 219.0 0.41 2.79 0.44 Infill
And 355.5 1110 754.5 0.24 1.63 0.019 0.32 Both
(including) 355.5 763.3 407.8 0.21 1.49 0.020 0.30 Infill
(including) 763.3 1110.0 346.7 0.27 1.79 0.019 0.36 Expansion
30-1092 15.0 346.5 331.5 0.37 3.21 0.39 Expansion
30-1095 15.0 43.0 28.0 0.22 1.75 0.23 Infill
And 57.0 366.5 309.5 0.26 2.11 0.007 0.30 Infill
And 425.9 482.0 56.1 0.23 1.70 0.24 Expansion
And 524.7 550.5 21.9 0.42 2.04 0.43 Expansion
30-1096 27.0 78.0 51.0 0.21 1.40 0.22 Infill
And 129.0 177.0 48.0 0.17 1.20 0.18 Infill
And 331.5 1062.2 730.7 0.29 1.60 0.032 0.42 Both
(including) 331.5 727.5 396.0 0.21 1.45 0.032 0.34 Infill
(including) 727.5 1062.2 334.7 0.39 1.79 0.032 0.52 Expansion
30-1098 36.0 141.0 104.5 0.20 2.25 0.21 Infill
And 255.0 288.0 33.0 0.21 1.18 0.22 Infill
And 330.0 445.5 115.0 0.29 2.18 0.017 0.36 Infill
And 606.0 730.5 124.5 0.20 1.57 0.014 0.26 Expansion
And 753.0 813.0 60.0 0.35 2.88 0.006 0.39 Expansion
30-1099 31.5 66.0 34.5 0.22 1.08 0.23 Infill
And 105.3 720.0 614.7 0.23 1.59 0.016 0.30 Both
(including) 105.3 578.0 472.7 0.23 1.61 0.017 0.30 Infill
(including) 578.0 720.0 142.0 0.23 1.52 0.015 0.30 Expansion
And 862.2 1000.5 138.0 0.13 1.01 0.028 0.24 Expansion

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

Discussion

Drill hole 30-0872 was an old Noranda hole from the 1990s from which core was recovered and analyzed. The hole is located 440 metres south of the southern limit of 2024 MRE model and returned 92.1 metres averaging 0.24% Cu and 3.05 g/t Ag followed by a higher grade second intercept of 47.2 metres averaging 1.14% Cu and 11.8 g/t Ag (at the level of the C Zone skarn horizon), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 390 metres. The first intercept starts at a depth of 168 metres and the overlying stratigraphy (Indian Cove hornfels) is unmineralized, but this waste material may be included as necessary strip in the next Whittle pit shell.

Drill hole 30-1085, located on top of Copper Mountain near the central part of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 219.0 metres averaging 0.41% Cu and 2.79 g/t Ag (infill), followed by a second intercept (starting 130 metres deeper) of 754.5 metres averaging 0.24% Cu, 1.63 g/t Ag and 0.019% Mo (both infill and expansion at depth).This hole extends mineralization near the centre of the deposit to a vertical depth of 1110 metres.

Drill hole 30-1092 is located 230 metres south of the southern limit of 2024 MRE model and returned 331.5 metres averaging 0.37% Cu and 3.21 g/t Ag (from surface down to the P4 stratigraphic level below the C Zone). This hole is located approximately 15 metres west of previously-reported hole 30-1067, which had failed to drill through a pillar of the B Zone.

Drill hole 30-1095, located in the south-central part of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 309.5 metres averaging 0.26% Cu and 2.11 g/t Ag (infill). This was followed by 56.1 metres averaging 0.23% Cu and 1.70 g/t Ag and then by another 21.9 metres averaging 0.42% Cu and 2.04 g/t Ag (both expansion), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 550 metres.

Drill hole 30-1096, located in the central part of the 2024 MRE model, intersected two short (51 and 48 metre-long) mineralized zones, followed by 730.7 metres averaging 0.29% Cu, 1.60 g/t Ag, and 0.032% Mo (0.42% CuEq). The latter includes an expansion lower intercept, below the base of the 2024 MRE model, of 334.7 metres averaging 0.39% Cu, 1.79 g/t Ag, and 0.032% Mo (0.52% CuEq). This hole extends mineralization to a vertical depth of 1062 metres.

Drill hole 30-1098, located near the western margin of the 2024 MRE model, intersected 104.5 metres averaging 0.20% Cu and 2.25 g/t Ag (infill), followed by 115.0 metres averaging 0.29% Cu and 2.18 g/t Ag (infill). This was followed by 124.0 metres averaging 0.20% Cu and 1.57 g/t Ag and then by another 60.0 metres averaging 0.35% Cu and 2.88 g/t Ag (both expansion), extending mineralization to a vertical depth of 813 metres.

Drill hole 30-1099, located near the central part of the 2024 MRE model, adjacent to the Copper Mountain pit, intersected a short (34-metre-long) mineralized zone followed by 614.7 metres averaging 0.23% Cu, 1.59 g/t Ag, and 0.016% Mo (both infill and expansion), followed by a third intersection of 138 metres that averaged 0.13% Cu, 1.01 g/t Ag, and 0.028% Mo (expansion), extending mineralization in the porphyry core of the deposit to a vertical depth of 1000 metres.

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. At least five retrograde vein/stockwork mineralizing events have been recognized at Copper Mountain, which overprint earlier prograde 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-replacement mineralization, that is mostly stratigraphically controlled, dominates in the area of 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.

All 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
30-0872 0.00 -90.00 594.3 316531.1 5425181.2 706.3
30-1085 0.00 -90.00 1110.0 316020.0 5426400.0 742.5
30-1092 0.00 -90.00 741.0 316342.0 5425425.0 609.0
30-1095 0.00 -90.00 696.0 316409.1 5425733.0 572.8
30-1096 0.00 -90.00 1069.0 316198.0 5426305.0 753.3
30-1098 0.00 -90.00 861.0 316034.0 5425948.0 600.5
30-1099 0.00 -90.00 1041.0 315700.0 5426462.0 603.7

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 20 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.

Option Grant

The Company announces that, effective August 12, 2025, it has granted to an employee of the Company an aggregate of 125,000 stock options (‘Options’) pursuant to the Osisko Metals omnibus equity incentive plan.

The Options have an exercise price of $0.44 per share and a five-year term from the date of grant, and vest annually in equal thirds beginning on the first anniversary of the date of grant.

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 kilometers 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 Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture 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:
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Elon Musk on Monday threatened Apple with legal action over alleged antitrust violations related to rankings of the Grok AI chatbot app, which is owned by his artificial intelligence startup xAI.

“Apple is behaving in a manner that makes it impossible for any AI company besides OpenAI to reach #1 in the App Store, which is an unequivocal antitrust violation. xAI will take immediate legal action,” Musk wrote in a post on his social media platform X.

Apple declined to comment on Musk’s threat.

“Why do you refuse to put either X or Grok in your ‘Must Have’ section when X is the #1 news app in the world and Grok is #5 among all apps? Are you playing politics?” Musk said in another post.

Apple last year partnered with OpenAI to integrate its ChatGPT chatbot into iPhone, iPad, Mac laptop and desktop products. Musk at the time said: “If Apple integrates OpenAI at the OS level, then Apple devices will be banned at my companies. That is an unacceptable security violation.”

Prior to his legal threats against Apple, Musk had celebrated Grok surpassing Google as the fifth top free app on the App Store. When contacted by CNBC, xAI did not immediately respond to a request for further information on a potential lawsuit.

CNBC confirmed that ChatGPT was ranked No. 1 in the top free apps section of the American iOS store, and was the only AI chatbot in Apple’s “Must-Have Apps” section. The App Store also featured a link to download OpenAI’s new flagship AI model, ChatGPT-5 at the top of its “Apps” section.

OpenAI on Thursday announced GPT-5, its latest and most advanced large-scale AI model, following xAI’s release of its newest chatbot, Grok 4, last month.

Musk has an ongoing feud with ChatGPT maker OpenAI, which he co-founded in 2015. The billionaire stepped down from its board in 2018, four years after saying that AI was “potentially more dangerous than nukes.”

He is now suing the Microsoft-backed startup, and its CEO Sam Altman, alleging they abandoned OpenAI’s founding mission to develop artificial intelligence “for the benefit of humanity broadly.”

Robert Keele, who headed the legal department at xAI, announced last week that he had left the company to spend more time with his family. In his announcement, Keele also acknowledged “daylight between our worldviews,” referring to Musk.

In response to Musk’s antitrust threats against Apple, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said in an X post: “This is a remarkable claim given what I have heard alleged that Elon does to manipulate X to benefit himself and his own companies and harm his competitors and people he doesn’t like.”

This is not the first time Apple has been challenged on antitrust grounds. In a landmark case, the Department of Justice last year sued the company over charges of running an iPhone ecosystem monopoly.

In June, a panel of judges also denied an emergency application from Apple to halt the changes to its App Store resulting from a ruling that the company could no longer charge a commission on payment links inside its apps, nor tell developers how the links should look.

— CNBC’s Kif Leswing and Lora Kolodny contributed to this article.

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