News Hub | News Direct

All Industries


Article thumbnail News Release

Atlas Lithium (NASDAQ: ATLX) Positions Itself To Meet Soaring Global Lithium Demand With Strategic Investments From Global Partners

Benzinga

By Mangeet Kaur Bouns The growth of electrification and government mandates for electric vehicles (EVs) have created much excitement around beneficiary industries in recent times, with demand for the metals that will be needed for batteries to power these automobiles and initiatives – such as lithium – rising. Although the initial excitement may have cooled, forecasts still point to a robust demand for lithium by 2030. As the world transitions toward greener and more sustainable energy sources, the demand for lithium is projected to rebound, driven by its critical role in various high-tech and green energy applications. Atlas Lithium Corporation (NASDAQ: ATLX), with its extensive project portfolio and strategic investments, has positioned itself to capitalize on this rising demand, particularly through its operations in Brazil's prolific Lithium Valley. The Critical Role Of Lithium In Modern Life Lithium is indispensable in modern technology. From EVs to smartphones, laptops and renewable energy storage systems, lithium-ion batteries are at the core of the green energy revolution. These batteries not only power our daily devices but also play a vital role in reducing carbon emissions by supporting the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Central to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, EVs rely heavily on lithium-ion batteries. These batteries provide the necessary energy storage for EVs, making them key in the shift toward sustainable transportation. Additionally, lithium batteries are crucial for storing energy generated from renewable sources like wind and solar, ensuring a reliable and stable power supply even when the sun isn’t shining or the wind isn’t blowing. Market forecasts highlight the burgeoning demand for lithium. Fastmarkets projects a 487% increase in lithium demand in the U.S. by 2030, reaching almost 412,000 tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent. Similarly, Future Market Insights expects the lithium-ion battery material market to expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 23.9% from 2024 to 2034 to reach $371 billion. This growth is expected to be supported by government incentives like the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in the U.S., which boosts the economics of battery production through substantial credits. Atlas Lithium’s Extensive Project Portfolio Atlas Lithium is well-positioned to capitalize on this growing demand. With a market capitalization of close to $230 million, this U.S.-based mineral exploration and development company focuses on lithium and other battery minerals. Its lithium exploration properties span an impressive 539 square kilometers, which the company says is the largest in Brazil. The company’s primary asset is the Minas Gerais Lithium Project (MGLP) in Brazil, which houses the world’s fifth-largest lithium reserves. The MGLP covers approximately 468 square kilometers and comprises 85 mineral rights. This project is situated in the Jequitinhonha Valley, known as Brazil’s Lithium Valley, a region rich in hard-rock lithium deposits, particularly pegmatites, which allow for cost-effective extraction compared to lithium from brines. In addition to lithium, Atlas Lithium’s portfolio includes early-stage projects and properties with other critical minerals such as rare earths, nickel, cobalt, titanium and graphite. These minerals are essential for the battery supply chain and various high-tech applications, further enhancing the company's strategic positioning in the market. Securing Funding Through Strategic Partnerships Atlas Lithium has secured substantial funding and strategic partnerships to advance its projects. The company’s high-quality spodumene has attracted interest from global investors and partners. Atlas Lithium has secured offtake agreements with Chengxin Lithium Group and Yahua Industrial Group, which supply lithium hydroxide to major EV manufacturers like BYD Company (OTC: BYDDY) and Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA). These agreements commit a total of $50 million investments, ensuring funding for the first production phase in 2024. In March this year, Atlas Lithium strengthened its financial position through a strategic investment and offtake agreement with Mitsui & Co., Ltd. (OTC: MITSF). Mitsui invested $30 million in Atlas Lithium's common shares and agreed to purchase 15,000 tons of lithium concentrate from phase 1 and 60,000 tons annually for five years from phase 2 of the company’s soon-to-be-producing Neves Project. Chairperson and CEO Marc Fogassa highlighted the company's progress, stating that Atlas is on track to become the second high-grade lithium concentrate producer in Minas Gerais. Using advanced Dense Media Separation (DMS) technology, Atlas aims to produce up to 150,000 metric tons per year of battery-grade spodumene in phase 1, with plans to double this capacity by mid-2025. Progress Toward Production And Environmental Sustainability Atlas Lithium is making strides toward commissioning its modular DMS lithium processing plant, which is expected to be operational by the fourth quarter of 2024. The company says the innovative plant design is environment-friendly, featuring a compact, pre-assembled modular structure that reduces the overall physical footprint and environmental impact. The company’s technical team, with extensive experience from previous lithium projects in Australia, South Africa and Brazil, is spearheading this accelerated development. The plant, significantly lighter and more compact than traditional DMS facilities, is poised to streamline the path to production and revenue generation. Earlier this month, the company’s modular DMS lithium processing plant entered the final stages of fabrication and trial assembly in preparation for its anticipated shipment to the Neves project site in Brazil’s Lithium Valley. Meeting Global Lithium Demand Despite some challenges, such as recently declined lithium prices and market volatility, the long-term outlook for lithium remains strong. Experts predict that prices will stabilize and eventually rise as the market adjusts to the growing demand driven by EV adoption and global decarbonization efforts. Atlas Lithium’s comprehensive project portfolio and strategic advancements position it as a key player in meeting this demand. The company's extensive mineral rights, efficient processing technologies and solid financial backing ensure its future capability to supply high-quality, low-cost lithium concentrate to the global market. As the world transitions toward greener energy sources, aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2050, Atlas Lithium’s pivotal role in the green energy revolution could become increasingly apparent. Featured photo by Kumpan Electric on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

May 30, 2024 08:25 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Comcast Expands into Chanhassen with Major Fiber Network

Comcast Twin Cities

Comcast announced today it will continue to significantly expand its next-generation Xfinity network into Chanhassen, Minnesota. The media and technology company will invest millions to install new fiber-rich highways that will provide multi-gig speeds and unmatched reliability to more than 10,500 homes and businesses with a planned completion by the end of 2025. The Chanhassen expansion adds to Comcast’s more than $525 million technology and infrastructure investments across Minnesota over the last three years. Comcast’s planned expansion follows February’s announcement of expanding its smart, fast, reliable fiber-rich network to seven cities in Minnesota, including Cologne and Nowthen, and parts of Corcoran, Grant, Hugo, Rogers and Stillwater Township by the end of 2024. In June 2023, Comcast completed an expansion to more than 2,300 homes and businesses in the City of Wayzata, where area businesses now enjoy Comcast Business’s suite of products, including broadband speeds of up to 100 Gbps, and Xfinity products for residents with Internet speeds faster than a gig over standard connections in the home. “We are pleased to welcome Comcast to our community. Access to high-quality cable and internet services is essential for our residents and businesses, and having more options ensures that everyone can find a plan that best meets their needs. We look forward to the benefits that increased competition and improved infrastructure will bring," said Chanhassen Mayor Elise Ryan. Residential customers will be able to take advantage of Xfinity’s full suite of products, including Internet, video, mobile, voice and managed home solutions. For local businesses, Comcast Business will offer a suite of connectivity, communications, networking, cybersecurity, wireless, and managed solutions to help organizations of different sizes prepare for what’s next. Comcast Business has been consistently recognized by industry analysts and associations as a leader and innovator, and one of the fastest-growing providers of Ethernet services. “Reliable high-speed Internet is essential in today’s digital economy, which is why Comcast continues its commitment to connect more Twin Cities families and businesses to the moments that matter most,” said Kalyn Hove, Comcast Midwest Regional Senior Vice President. “We are expanding our fiber highways in Chanhassen, strategically investing in areas undergoing significant growth. By establishing the best broadband infrastructure today, we are securing the economic prosperity of these communities for tomorrow.” Comcast’s commitment to new communities goes beyond the build—addressing digital opportunities in communities through Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to help tens of millions of people connect to the Internet and build futures of unlimited possibilities. Over the past three years, Comcast has invested more than $5 million in cash and in kind donations in the Twin Cities to help shrink the digital divide. The focus includes helping people build digital skills in the workforce, expanding WiFi connected Lift Zones and funding connectivity and internet adoption programs. The funding also supports ongoing efforts to build awareness about affordable connectivity services like Internet Essentials, which offers eligible households high-speed internet for $9.95/month or Internet Essentials Plus for $29.95/month. Affordable computers are also available through Internet Essentials. Since its inception in 2011, the program has connected more than 480,000 students, parents, veterans and seniors in Minnesota. For more construction details and updates, visit https://midwest.comcast.com/network-expansion/. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. Contact Details Jill Hornbacher +1 651-425-1695 Jill_Hornbacher@comcast.com Company Website https://midwest.comcast.com

May 30, 2024 07:00 AM Central Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Just in Time for Father’s Day

SR Portables

Sunpower Renewables Pty. Ltd., just launching in the United States, just in time for Father’s Day. This Australian renewable energy solutions company has developed modern, efficient, and smart solar energy products that allow customers to achieve energy independence while being cost effective, long lasting, and environmentally friendly. These ‘Australian Made’ products, with cutting-edge technology, are designed for industrial, commercial, residential, and off-grid applications. “We are so excited to have our solar powered generators available in the United States, these items are created to empower every consumer to generate, store and use solar energy anytime, anywhere,” said Rahul Kale, founder of Sunpower Renewables. “These state-of-the-art, simple-to-use, and light-weight portable solutions have proven to be more sustainable & viable, both commercially and technically, than traditional solar and renewable alternatives.” SR Portables renewable energy generation and storage devices, ranging from hand-held to grid connected products, allow users to generate and store energy (from the grid, solar or external generators) and then intelligently release it to appliances based on user-programmed preferences to reduce the total electricity costs for the user. “From camping and powering homes to defense and humanitarian aid, these solar powered generators are your one-stop-shop for replacing portable diesel generators and home inverters,” said Kale. Sunpower Renewables are an all-in-one solution, fully integrating all the different components of the solar plant with additional features like an in-built Inverter, MPPT charge controller, a pure sine wave UPS, a reversible net meter and an in-built Li-Ion battery pack for energy storage. Integrating all these components into a single, compact, portable, plug and play product, which offers energy storage is a game changer for the renewable energy industry. Available on AMAZON, starting at $289. ### About Sunpower Renewables Pty. Ltd., Our core team of world-renowned energy experts recognized glaring gaps in the restrictive use of renewable energy across the globe. What began as a journey to implement existing options within the renewable energy ecosystem became the genesis for a revolutionary, new-age, sustainable concept. Inspired by the Latin phrase ‘avia pervia’ we set upon simplifying solar energy to make it easily available and usable to everyone. Our main objective was to provide energy independence to customers through accessible & easy-to-use renewable energy solutions with efficient energy storage for continuous power supply even during peak consumption. Contact Details absolute R relations Colleen Mathis colleen@absoluteRrelations.com Company Website https://srportables.com/

May 30, 2024 07:29 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Immunic Inc. CEO Daniel Vitt Highlights Advances in MS Treatment on World MS Day

Immunic Inc

Immunic Inc CEO Daniel Vitt joined Steve Darling from Proactive to discuss the ongoing challenges and recent developments in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). This interview took place in conjunction with World MS Day, a day dedicated to raising global awareness about this debilitating disease. Vitt emphasized the significant unmet medical need for effective treatments, noting that MS affects approximately 2.8 million people worldwide. The disease often leads to progressive physical disability, with many patients eventually requiring wheelchairs for mobility. Vitt explained that early diagnosis is crucial for MS, as it allows for more timely and effective intervention, which can significantly slow the progression of the disease. He highlighted Immunic’s innovative approach to MS treatment, which targets both inflammation and neuroprotection. This strategy is designed to address the complex nature of MS, which involves both inflammatory and neurodegenerative processes. Immunic’s lead drug candidate, vidofludimus calcium, is currently in clinical development for both relapsing and progressive forms of MS. Vidofludimus calcium works by activating a protein called Nurr1, which provides direct neuroprotective effects in addition to its anti-inflammatory benefits via DHODH inhibition. This dual mechanism of action makes it a promising candidate for comprehensive MS treatment. The drug is currently undergoing a phase 3 clinical trials for relapsing MS, with results expected in 2026. Additionally, a phase 2 clinical trial for progressive MS is underway, with results anticipated in April 2025. These trials aim to further validate the safety and efficacy of vidofludimus calcium in addressing the diverse and challenging aspects of MS. Vitt expressed optimism about the potential of vidofludimus calcium to transform MS treatment. He cited the drug’s safety profile and its demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials as key factors contributing to this potential. If successful, vidofludimus calcium could become a critical tool in the fight against MS, offering hope to millions of patients worldwide. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

May 30, 2024 07:03 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

CURE ALZHEIMER’S FUND PRESENTS THE JEFFREY L. MORBY PRIZE FOR EXCEPTIONAL RESEARCH

Alzheimer’s Disease Research Foundation

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease, has announced the recipients of the inaugural Jeffrey L. Morby Prize. Senior author David M. Holtzman, M.D., and first author Xiaoying Chen, Ph.D., both of Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, were selected by their peers for their paper “Microglia-Mediated T Cell Infiltration Drives Neurodegeneration in Tauopathy,” published in Nature in March 2023. The Morby Prize is named in honor of the late Co-Founder of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, Jeffrey L. Morby, who inspired the nonprofit’s mission 20 years ago to fund research as a path to ending Alzheimer’s disease. Mr. Morby passed away in September 2023. Established this year, the Morby prize will be awarded annually to the senior and first authors of a recent scientific publication that transforms the fundamental understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and opens new paths to translate scientific results into effective ways to prevent, diagnose or treat the disease. This year’s award included $200,000 for the senior author’s lab for Alzheimer’s disease-related research. “Recognizing researchers for a paper selected by peer scientists for breakthrough thinking and benefit to the Alzheimer’s community befits Jeff’s wonderful legacy of empowering scientists to achieve rigorous and innovative science,” said Meg Smith, CEO of Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. “The many extraordinary CureAlz-funded projects that resulted in published papers in 2022 and 2023 made the competition for this award fierce, and the endorsement of this paper by their peers speaks to the importance of the work of Drs. Holtzman and Chen and their co-authors. Their compelling data challenge the old paradigm that the adaptive immune system has little role in neurodegenerative disease, and by doing so opens new avenues to explore for effective intervention in Alzheimer’s disease.” Added Dr. Holtzman: ”Both Xiaoying Chen and I and our many outstanding co-authors are very honored to receive recognition for the work in our recently published paper. There remain many unanswered questions about the exact role of the adaptive immune response in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease. I think this work along with work from others in the field is pushing us to understand how important adaptive immunity is in Alzheimer’s disease and other tauopathies, as well as whether targeting it will ultimately be therapeutically beneficial to people.” About The Holtzman Lab David M. Holtzman, Ph.D. is a neurologist and neuroscientist who has focused much of his efforts over the past 30 years on trying to better understand mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration, particularly as they are relevant to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Xiaoying Chen, Ph.D., was a postdoc research associate in the Holtzman Lab and is first author of the winning paper. The Holtzman Lab at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis has published extensively on the neurobiology of apoE as it relates to the innate immune system and how apoE and other factors such as neuronal activity and sleep influence Aβ and tau metabolism, their accumulation, and their effects in the brain. For more information, visit HoltzmanLab.Wustl.edu. About Cure Alzheimer's Fund Cure Alzheimer’s Fund is a nonprofit dedicated to funding the most promising research to prevent, slow or reverse Alzheimer’s disease. Since its founding in 2004, Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has provided 848 grants to more than 300 of the world’s leading researchers and contributed $202 million to research. Its funded initiatives have been responsible for many key breakthroughs in understanding the causes and pathology of Alzheimer’s disease. Cure Alzheimer’s Fund has received a 4-star rating for more than 12 consecutive years from Charity Navigator. Our Board of Directors, Trustees and a core group of other donors direct their donations to CureAlz overhead expenses so that 100% of general donations go to our research program. For more information, visit CureAlz.org. To learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s on women and women working toward a cure, visit WomenandAlzheimers.org. Contact Details Barbara Chambers +1 978-417-9890 BChambers@CureAlz.org Company Website https://curealz.org

May 30, 2024 06:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Article thumbnail News Release

Wishpond Q1 results include revenue growth and 39% increase in adjusted EBITDA

Wishpond Technologies Ltd.

Wishpond Technologies CEO Ali Tajskandar and CFO David Pais joined Steve Darling from Proactive to announce the company's consolidated financial statements for Q1 2024, representing the three months ended March 31, 2024. Wishpond achieved quarterly revenue of $6,050,263 in Q1 2024, an 8% increase from $5,623,817 in the same period of 2023. This revenue growth was primarily driven by organic growth, increased sales and marketing activities, and new product introductions. The company reported a gross profit of $4,128,922 in Q1 2024, a 12% increase from Q1 2023. Wishpond's gross margin percentage for Q1 2024 was 68%. The company achieved positive Adjusted EBITDA of $290,304 in Q1 2024, a 39% increase from Q1 2023. Wishpond has over $2 million in cash on hand, with the reduction in net cash due to earnout payments for businesses acquired in 2022, investments in the business, and changes in working capital. The company also announced the beta launch of its proprietary AI-powered sales platform, SalesCloser AI. The beta program has already seen several hundred businesses sign up. The platform can work 24/7 to engage leads, close deals, and service customers in ten different languages. SalesCloser can be adapted for use across various industries, including software/SaaS, professional services, financial services, education, travel and hospitality, insurance, and more. Wishpond expects to achieve record revenue and Adjusted EBITDA in 2024, driven by the increasing traction of its new Propel IQ bundled product, an expanded sales team, and new sales from the recently launched SalesCloser AI virtual agent. The company continues to have an active pipeline of sales opportunities and robust demand for its products. Contact Details Proactive Canada +1 604-688-8158 na-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

May 29, 2024 07:06 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

The $Bobby Token launches at Consensus 2024, and announces Kennedy Campaign Community Activator, Kyle Kemper, as Advisor.

Plato AI

Austin, Texas, May 29, 2024 - (PlatoAI) -- The $Bobby Politifi Meme Token, trading on Uniswap under the ticker $BOBBY, has announced its highly anticipated relaunch at Consensus 2024 (29-31 May, 2024, Texas, USA). The official launch event will take place on May 29, 2024, marking a new chapter for the token that has rapidly evolved from a meme coin into a powerful movement supporting Kennedy’s beliefs and his fight for crypto’s future. $Bobby is more than just a token; it is a movement that resonates with the ideals of independence in the face of a captured, secretive, and centralized government — a cause championed by independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. AT CONSENSUS… The $Bobby token has sponsored Kyle Kemper’s Kennedy24 bus, which will be parked in front of the Consensus event venue. The team, with Kyle at the fore, will be handing out Kennedy24 and $Bobby merchandise to the event’s crypto-enthusiast attendees, and are planning a few other surprises. THE JOURNEY SO FAR… The $Bobby Token originally launched at ETH Denver under the name RFKJ, and hit an ATH earlier this year with a $35m market cap. Based on community feedback, it has been rebranded and is relaunching using the name ‘Bobby’ by which Kennedy is affectionately called by his friends, family and supporters. This strategic move underscores the project's commitment to listening to its community and evolving to better meet its needs and aspirations. In a market crowded with political meme coins, the $Bobby Token stands out by having real substance behind it. They have already donated almost $100,000 to Kennedy-aligned causes, they churn out some of the most viral Kennedy content online, and are becoming a leading figure in pro-Kennedy social media circles - with over 1M views on their socials last month alone. Kennedy has frequently articulated his support for cryptocurrencies, highlighting their potential to combat inflation and provide independence from government and monopolistic banking systems. "Cryptocurrency takes control away from the government and from the monopolistic banking system, which uses money printing to shift wealth upward to the oligarchy of billionaires while impoverishing regular Americans," Kennedy recently remarked. And he asserted in a recent tweet that "Cryptocurrency is the off-ramp for our addiction to the Federal Reserve. It’s the best hedge against inflation.” KYLE KEMPER JOINS AS ADVISOR Kyle Kemper, a renowned figure in the cryptocurrency space, has joined the $Bobby Token team as an advisor. With over a decade of experience in cryptocurrency, Kemper is poised to bring his extensive knowledge, creativity, and passionate advocacy to the $Bobby Token. His involvement is expected to drive community development and global awareness through innovative crypto solutions. Kemper was recently interviewed on The Tucker Carlson network, where he speaks, among other things, about fighting for freedom and how a more involved population by integrating society in decision making can be enabled through blockchain. "I am excited to join the $Bobby team as an advisor," said Kyle Kemper. "I believe that this token has the potential to drive community development, raise global awareness, create engaging memetic content, and make a significant impact through donations to causes in need. The vision behind $Bobby aligns perfectly with my own beliefs about the power of decentralization to effect positive change…and it’s fun!” About $Bobby Politifi Meme Token $Bobby Politifi Meme Token is a cryptocurrency designed to harness the power of community, memes, and blockchain technology to drive independence. Trading on Uniswap under the ticker symbol BOBBY, the token focuses on community development, global awareness, and impactful donations. Originally launched at ETH Denver as RFKJ, the token has been rebranded and relaunched at Consensus Texas 2024 to better align with its community and be more fun. The $Bobby Token is more than just a cryptocurrency; it is a movement. By leveraging the power of memes and the blockchain, $Bobby aims to foster a vibrant community, amplify important causes, and provide substantial support through impactful donations. The token's relaunch marks a new chapter in its journey, with Kyle Kemper's advisory role set to enhance its strategic direction and outreach. For press inquiries and to book a 1-2-1 interview with Kyle Kemper either in person during Consensus or not, please contact: Contact Details Claire +44 7943 774236 claire@weareblueparrot.com

May 29, 2024 05:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Image
Article thumbnail News Release

Don’t Get Scammed: NICB Insights on How to Avoid Fraud After a Natural Disaster

YourUpdateTV

A video accompanying this announcement is available at: https://youtu.be/dJPZJMemFCA With hurricane, tornado, and wildfire seasons in full swing in many parts of the country, property damage and loss will be unavoidable in affected areas. The National Insurance Crime Bureau is warning those living in areas that could suffer from a natural disaster to not only be prepared for the disaster but to be aware of the potential for fraudulent contractors and vendors taking advantage of victims in its aftermath. Last year was a historic year for billion-dollar weather and climate disasters in the U.S., with 28 separate events costing at least $1 billion. In the 1980s, the average time between billion-dollar disasters was 82 days. In 2023, it was just 12 days, with these disasters totaling more than $93 billion in catastrophe losses. Upwards of 10 percent or $9.3 billion is lost to post-disaster fraud, which not only impacts individuals, but also impacts insurance premiums throughout the industry. Oftentimes, these deceitful actors target neighborhoods affected by disasters and make an unsolicited stop at your home. They will take your money - often overcharging - and do shoddy or no work at all, promising that your insurance company will pay for it all. On Tuesday, May 21, a nationwide media tour was conducted featuring NICB President & CEO David J. Glawe discussing how to avoid home repair fraud after a natural disaster and many other consumer friendly topics. Questions and Topics Mr. Glawe discussed Included: · Why is contractor fraud becoming more prevalent, and who is committing these acts? · What is NICB doing to help stop contractor fraud from occurring? · What steps can and should homeowners take prior to a natural disaster and how can preparation help reduce chances of becoming a victim of fraud? · What signs should disaster victims be on the lookout for that may indicate a dishonest contractor and what steps can people take to avoid being scammed? · What resources are available to help homeowners and other disaster victims avoid potential fraudulent actors or report fraud when they encounter it? NICB recommends following these tips before hiring a contractor: Be Proactive · Assess Damages: If you think you have catastrophe-related damage, reach out to your insurance company, and ask for clarification on your coverage. · Recruit a Professional: Seek out a licensed, insured, and well-reviewed contractor before any potential fraudulent contractors come knocking on your door. Research and Verify Before Signing Anything · Research and Verify: Before hiring a contractor, research their credentials, reputation, and track record. Check for licenses, certifications, and reviews from previous clients. Verify their insurance coverage and inquire about any past complaints or legal issues. · Get Multiple Quotes: Obtain bids from multiple contractors for comparison. Be wary of significantly low bids, as they may indicate substandard work or hidden costs. Aim for a balance between affordability and quality. · Beware of Red Flags: Be alert to red flags such as high-pressure sales tactics, vague or evasive answers, or reluctance to provide written estimates or contracts. Trust your instincts and proceed with caution if something seems off. Stay Involved and Take Account · Written Contracts: Always insist on a written contract detailing the scope of work, materials, timeline, and a payment schedule that does not include large upfront payments. Review the contract carefully, ensuring that all terms and conditions are clearly outlined and agreed upon by both parties. · Stay Involved: Stay actively involved in the project by regularly communicating with the contractor and monitoring progress, while keeping records of all work communications. · Seek Legal Advice if Necessary: If you suspect contractor fraud or encounter significant problems during the project, seek legal advice promptly. A legal professional can help you understand your rights, explore options for resolution, and take appropriate action to protect your interests. Report Fraud Anyone with information concerning insurance fraud or vehicle theft can report it by calling toll-free 800.TEL.NICB (800.835.6422). To learn more, visit NICB.org About the National Insurance Crime Bureau: Headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., the National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) is the nation's leading not-for-profit organization exclusively dedicated to combatting and preventing insurance crime through Intelligence, Analytics, and Operations; Education and Crime Prevention; and Strategy, Policy, and Advocacy. NICB is supported by more than 1,200 property and casualty insurance companies and self-insured organizations. Contact Details YourUpdateTV +1 212-736-2727 yourupdatetv@gmail.com

May 29, 2024 04:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
Article thumbnail News Release

Globe Metals & Mining advances Kanyika Niobium Project with optimised capital strategy

GLOBE METALS & MINING LIMITED

Globe Metals & Mining Ltd (ASX: GBE) CEO Paul Smith sits down with Proactive’s Jonathan Jackson to discuss the significant advancement in the Kanyika Niobium Project's capital cost and funding strategy. The project, situated in central Malawi and backed by a large-scale mining licence, has undergone an optimisation study highlighting key financial metrics and an enhanced development approach. Project execution is set to start by late 2024, with construction slated for early 2025. The initiative aims to produce a pyrochlore mineral concentrate with niobium and tantalum for advanced processing. The optimisation study, completed on February 5, revealed a pre-tax NPV of US$1.004 billion and an IRR of 47.08%. The unit cost of niobium pentoxide has decreased by 15% to US$18.90 per kilogram, raising the gross profit margin to 71%. The project is expected to operate for 27 years, with a two-phase development strategy reducing initial capital expenditure from US$70 million to US$46 million, thereby lowering project risk. The total capital funding requirement for Phase 1 is US$46 million, including a 25% contingency. Globe Metals & Mining has established a funding strategy to support the project, minimising shareholder dilution. This includes US$8 million from strategic equity funders, US$15 million in project debt, US$9 million via convertible instruments, and US$14 million from offtake pre-financing. Smith expressed optimism about the project's reception by the Government of Malawi, shareholders and funding institutions. Phase 1 development is mostly on schedule, with minor delays due to the refinery relocation to Malawi. The environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) and associated incentives are nearing finalisation. Metallurgical test work for the Chlorination Refinery is progressing as planned, with pilot-scale refinery operations to produce marketing samples for offtake agreement discussions. Subsequent updates to the feasibility study will incorporate the construction of the chlorination refinery in Malawi. Contact Details Proactive Investors Proactive Australia Pty Ltd +61 431 597 771 writers.australia@proactiveinvestors.com

May 29, 2024 03:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Video
1 ... 164165166167168 ... 3752