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Ionic Rare Earths progresses to triple B rating with Digbee's guidance; plans to leverage outcomes

IONIC RARE EARTHS LIMITED

Ionic Rare Earths managing director Tim Harrison and Digbee Limited founder and CEO Jamie discussed the progress Ionic has made in enhancing its environmental, social, and governance (ESG) systems and performance. The company achieved a progression from a double B score to a triple B score following feedback incorporation. This improvement has significantly influenced the company's stakeholder engagement strategies across various segments, notably in Uganda's local communities, potential financiers, and off-takers. Harrison highlighted the company's plans to leverage the assessment outcomes for attracting strategic partners and positioning the project within emerging supply chains, emphasizing the importance of ESG strategies in its operations. Strauss pointed out the rapid evolution of the sustainability landscape, noting Ionic Rare Earths' efforts in transparency and continuous improvement as differentiators. The Makuutu project's advancement, particularly towards production from a demonstration plant, underscores the growing necessity for sustainable financing. Strauss underscored the increasing emphasis on sustainability in critical mineral funds and private equity investments, stressing the importance of sustainability in securing financing and maintaining social licenses to operate. Contact Details Jonathan Jackson +61 413 713 744 jonathan@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:29 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Andrada Mining CEO discusses phased approach to becoming a mid-tier producer

Andrada Mining Ltd

Andrada Mining Ltd (AIM:ATM, OTC:AFTTF) CEO Anthony Viljoen discusses the company's expansion plans and the promising potential of its flagship Uis mine in Namibia with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion. In a production and strategic process update, Andrada noted it has made significant progress in developing what is believed to be one of the world's most preeminent polymetallic deposits, with lithium being a key focus alongside tin and tantalum. The company has adopted a phased approach to expansion, emphasizing conservative planning and rapid execution. Viljoen said tin revenues and throughput at the plant doubled last year, as integrating ore sorting technology showed positive results. Andrada has also commenced tantalum production and established a pilot plant for lithium, achieving on-spec lithium concentrate, a feat unique among AIM-listed lithium companies. This development marks a transition from a junior small-cap to a mid-tier mining producer. Viljoen mentioned non-binding offers for partnership interests in the lithium project, underscoring lithium's versatility and potential across various industries, including batteries and ceramics. The company is considering partnerships with major players in the lithium market to accelerate long-term development and expose the company to downstream opportunities. Looking ahead, Andrada aims to unlock the scale potential of its deposits, leveraging revenues and profits for expansion with financing partners. Key milestones for 2024 include finalizing strategic partnerships, ramping up tantalum supply, expanding lithium resources, and engaging in further metallurgical test work and partnerships, particularly following the EU-Namibia roundtable participation. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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H&T Group reports strong year amid increased pawnbroking demand

H&T Group PLC

H&T Group PLC (AIM:HAT), the UK's largest pawnbroker, has attrributed strong full-year results to increased demand for pawnbroking services amid economic conditions and limited borrowing options. In an interview with Proactive's Stephen Gunnion, CEO Chris Gillespie highlighted that their typical customer borrows a small sum, usually £200 or less, with a noticeable rise in business owners using pawnbroking services for working capital or investment. January 2024 marked a record month for lending demand, Gillespie told Proactive. The company recently acquired Maxcroft Securities to enhance its service for business customers, leveraging Maxcroft's specialization in loans secured against personal assets for business purposes. The acquisition aims to build on the already existing portion of H&T's lending book dedicated to business loans, spread across 280 shops. Financially, H&T Group experienced a 42% increase in post-tax profits and a 28% growth in its pledge book. Despite facing challenges in retail, especially over the Christmas period, the company managed to grow its core business and increased the dividend by 13%. It addressed the retail challenge by adapting to customer preferences for lower-priced, pre-owned items, which typically offer higher margins. Additionally, H&T Group ended the period with a strong balance sheet, with a net asset value of £177 million, up 8%, and around £30 million in net debt, indicating modest gearing. The company anticipates continued robust demand for its pawnbroking services and sees positive momentum in its foreign currency and holiday money business going into 2024. Growth strategies include organic expansion and potential acquisitions, though opportunities similar to Max Croft are rare. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:24 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals discusses successful £3.5M capital raise as it advances HEMO-CAR-T program

HemoGenyx Pharmaceuticals

Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals PLC (LSE:HEMO, OTC:HOPHF) Dr Vladislav Sandler joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion after the pre-clinical stage biopharmaceutical group raised £3.5 million, which will be utilized to progress its lead product candidate, Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cells (HEMO-CAR-T), into human trials following the lifting of a clinical hold. The HEMO-CAR-T therapy is focused on treating relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukaemia. Despite the challenging market conditions, particularly for biotech firms, Sandler said HemoGenyx successfully secured the necessary funds. He highlighted the company's efficiency and ability to progress with minimal funds, contrasting the struggles faced by other micro-cap companies in raising capital. Looking forward, Sandler said the company plans to advance its clinical trials and continue development on its CBR platform and CDX bispecific antibody, albeit at a potentially slower pace due to funding limitations. As a development-stage company, HemoGenyx anticipates further funding needs but remains committed to efficient and fast-paced progress, seeking various funding sources. Sandler expresses long-term aspirations for HemoGenyx to save lives and generate significant returns for investors. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Challenger Energy secures second Uruguay licence following Chevron farm-out deal for the first

Challenger Energy Group PLC

Challenger Energy Group PLC (AIM:CEG, OTC:BSHPF) CEO Eytan Uliel joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with news that the company has formalised a second offshore licence agreement in Uruguay, following a farm-out deal with Chevron for its first licence —AREA OFF-1 — signalling rapid advancements in the region. Uliel said the latest development is a part of the junior explorer's plan and execution over the last 12-18 months, showcasing its strategic growth and commitment to its objectives in Uruguay. The deal with Chevron for OFF-1 involves Challenger Energy retaining a 40% interest in the licence, with Chevron taking a 60% stake and assuming operatorship. This partnership is significant as it represents a new country entry for Chevron and endorses the technical and prospective value of the block as identified by Challenger Energy. Financially, the agreement includes an upfront payment of $12.5 million to Challenger Energy and provisions for Chevron to cover the costs of an accelerated 3D seismic campaign and partially fund exploration drilling, if it proceeds. Challenger Energy views Uruguay as a frontier exploration hotspot, paralleled by the recent significant oil and gas discoveries off the coast of Namibia. The geological similarities between Uruguay and Namibia have spurred industry interest, transforming Uruguay into a sought-after location for offshore exploration. This interest is evidenced by the licensing of all other offshore blocks in Uruguay to major industry players such as Shell, Apache, and YPF. Looking ahead, Challenger Energy aims to replicate the successful farm-out strategy employed with Chevron for its second offshore licence, AREA OFF-3. The company plans to accelerate technical assessments and engage potential partners, leveraging existing seismic data to attract interest and investment in its projects. The ambition is to see initial exploration drilling in the coming two to three years, further advancing Uruguay's offshore potential. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 12:04 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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SIGMA Cine Lenses Chosen as Benchmark for Giant Screen Cinema Association’s Camera Assessment Test

SIGMA CORPORATION OF AMERICA

SIGMA Corporation of America, a leading camera and lens manufacturer for both photography and cinema applications, is proud to announce that its SIGMA 65mm T1.5 FF Cine Prime was selected as the benchmark cine lens for the Giant Screen Cinema Association’s (GSCA) Camera Assessment Test (CAT). Results of the CAT were unveiled today during the Filmmakers Symposium portion of the GSCA Film Expo, held March 11-13 at the AMC Citywalk IMAX Theater & Universal City Hilton. A team of cinematography professionals — led by renowned cinematographer James Neihouse, ASC and Michael Daut, co-chair of the GSCA Innovations Committee — conducted an extensive test to showcase the strengths of six higher-than-6K-resolution cameras. The objective was to provide filmmakers with invaluable information on how each camera performs in challenging shooting situations. This groundbreaking test involved a wide range of cameras, lenses, shooting scenarios, and locations. “The evaluation required lenses that provided sharp, clean, crisp images while being as ‘neutral’ as possible,” said James Neihouse, ASC. “We chose the SIGMA 65mm T1.5 FF Cine Prime lens for its exceptional corner to corner sharpness and ability to cover a full frame (Vista Vision) size sensor. In Giant Screen documentaries, we like an image that is as close to reality as possible, which is why we liked this SIGMA lens. Other lenses were considered but rejected for bringing their own ‘look’ to the images.” “We are honored that the GSCA selected the SIGMA 65mm T1.5 FF Cine Prime as the benchmark lens to assess these leading Cine cameras in the most demanding real-world situations,” reports Mark Amir-Hamzeh, President of SIGMA America. “ and this demonstrates SIGMA’s dedication to crafting exceptionally high-performing lenses for filmmaking.” Six cameras went through rigorous testing which examined sensor size and resolution, sensor space, compression, dynamic range, log space, RAW capture, lens mount, recording media, usability, reliability, flexibility, and support. The six selected cameras were ARRI Alexa 35, Canon R5C, Kinefinity MAVO Edge 8K, RED V Raptor XL, SONY A1 and SONY Venice 2. About Giant Screen Cinema Association (GSCA) GSCA is the essential organization that supports, grows, fortifies, and sustains the international network of premium giant screen theaters and content creators to provide immersive, transformational, educational, cinematic experiences. GSCA’s membership includes more than 200 organizations in over 20 countries and includes museums, science centers, and other institutions with giant screen theaters; production and postproduction professionals; content distributors; manufacturers; service providers; and other related businesses from around the world. GSCA is a member-driven organization with a full-time staff that works to meet the association’s needs and promote its members’ interests. About SIGMA Corporation of America SIGMA Corporation of America, founded in 1984, is the US subsidiary of SIGMA Corporation, a family-owned manufacturer of lenses, cameras, and photo accessories. Headquartered in Ronkonkoma, NY, SIGMA America expanded its US operations in 2018 with the opening of SIGMA Burbank, a multifunctional showroom, event space and repairs/distribution facility located in the heart of the Los Angeles entertainment industry. Craftsmanship. Precision. Dedication. Since 1961, SIGMA has been devoted to the pursuit of advancing photographic technology. Unique to the industry, the family-owned business produces its high-quality, award-winning still photo and cinema camera lenses, DSLR and mirrorless cameras, flashes, filters, and accessories from its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Aizu, Japan. ### For information about SIGMA America, please visit sigmaphoto.com and SIGMA Blog for helpful information about our products. Follow SIGMA America on social media! SIGMA Photo: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram SIGMA Cine: Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Contact Details Jack Howard +1 631-201-7381 sigma.pr@sigmaphoto.com SDDPR Stacey Doss stacey@sddpr.com Company Website https://www.sigmaphoto.com/

March 12, 2024 09:00 AM Pacific Daylight Time

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GDA Capital Acquires Omni3, Expands into Singapore with New Gaming Lead

PlatoData

Singapore, March 12, 2024 - ( PlatoGaming via 500NewsWire) -- GDA Capital, a global leader in digital asset and blockchain technology investments and capital markets advisory, is excited to announce the acquisition of Omni3, a digital asset and disruptive technology advisory firm based in Singapore. This strategic move marks a significant milestone for GDA Capital as it extends its global footprint into the vibrant Asian market, with a dedicated commitment to establishing a full-time presence in Singapore. Nicholas Seah, the esteemed founder of Omni3, will be joining the GDA Capital team as the Gaming Lead, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table. Nicholas’s impressive track record includes a notable tenure at Temasek, the Singaporean sovereign fund with $400B+ in AUM, and Blockchain Founders Fund, a leading venture capital firm in the blockchain space. His deep understanding of the Asian markets and extensive network will be instrumental in steering GDA Capital's strategic direction and growth in the region. The acquisition of Omni3 underscores GDA Capital's commitment to investing in high-potential markets and sectors, particularly in the gaming and blockchain industries. Nicholas Seah's leadership role as the Gaming Lead highlights the company's focus on innovative technologies and its ambition to become a dominant player in the digital asset space globally. "We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas and the Omni3 team to GDA Capital. This acquisition is a pivotal step towards our expansion in Asia and strengthens our capabilities in the capital markets advisory domain," said Michael Gord, CEO of GDA Capital. "Nicholas's extensive experience and remarkable track record in both the financial and blockchain sectors will be invaluable as we embark on this exciting new chapter in Singapore." As part of the acquisition, GDA Capital is making a significant investment in establishing a robust full-time presence in Singapore, emphasizing its commitment to becoming a key player in the region's thriving digital economy. The new office in Singapore will serve as a central hub for GDA Capital's operations in Asia, focusing on capital markets advisory, blockchain technology, and the burgeoning gaming sector under Nicholas’s leadership. Nicholas commented, "Joining GDA Capital is a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the company's growth and to drive the blockchain and gaming industries forward in Asia and beyond. I am excited to lead our expansion in Singapore, leveraging my experience and network to build a strong foundation for GDA Capital in this dynamic market." The acquisition of Omni3 and the establishment of a Singapore office are just the beginning of GDA Capital's ambitious plans for the region. With a strategic focus on innovation, technology, and market expansion, GDA Capital is well-positioned to capitalize on the rapidly growing demand for digital asset and blockchain solutions in Asia and around the world. About GDA Capital GDA Capital is a leading global digital asset and blockchain technology investment firm. With a diverse portfolio of investments across various sectors, GDA Capital is committed to driving innovation and providing strategic advisory services to businesses worldwide. About Omni3 Omni3 is a capital markets advisory firm based in Singapore, specializing in providing strategic guidance and solutions to businesses in the digital asset and blockchain sectors. Founded by Nicholas Seah, the firm has established itself as a trusted advisor in the Asian market. Contact Details Bryan Feinberg +1 551-574-2169

March 12, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Life DeFi Partners with Alvara Protocol to Integrate ERC 7621 Basket Token Standard

PlatoData

Seychelles, March 12, 2024 - ( PlatoGaming via 500NewsWire) -- In a significant stride towards enhancing DeFi accessibility and functionality, Life DeFi is thrilled to announce a partnership with Alvara Protocol. This collaboration marks the integration of the innovative ERC 7621 standard into Life DeFi’s mobile and Chrome extension wallets, setting a new standard in the DeFi ecosystem. Alvara Protocol introduces a novel approach to managing and investing in digital assets. By allowing users to create, manage, and trade baskets of tokens, it simplifies the investment process, offering a diversified approach directly within Life DeFi’s platforms. Streamlining DeFi Investments Through this partnership, Life DeFi users will gain the ability to access and interact with ERC 7621 token baskets, empowering them to diversify their portfolios with ease and efficiency. This feature is designed to lower the entry barriers for novice users while providing sophisticated tools for seasoned investors. Empowering Users with Advanced Features Alvara empowers you to create and mint ERC 7621 Basket Tokens (BTS) effortlessly. Custom Token Baskets: Users can create personalized baskets of tokens based on their investment preferences and risk appetite. Seamless Trading: Directly trade entire baskets of tokens in a single transaction, enhancing liquidity and reducing transaction costs. Portfolio Diversification: Easily diversify investments to manage risk without the need to manage each asset individually. User-Friendly Interface: Create, manage and even sell your BTS tokens all on one seamless platform. The integration of the ERC 7621 into Life DeFi’s mobile and Chrome extension wallets will allow users to store BTS tokens in their Life DeFi wallets. Life DeFi’s platforms offer an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, making it simpler for users to leverage the benefits of the ERC 7621 standard. A Commitment to Innovation and Accessibility Both Life DeFi and Alvara Protocol are committed to driving innovation and accessibility in the DeFi space. This partnership reflects our shared vision of making DeFi more approachable and efficient for everyone. About Life DeFi Life DeFi is a leading decentralized finance platform offering a suite of services designed to make DeFi accessible and user-friendly. With a focus on innovation and security, Life DeFi provides a comprehensive ecosystem for managing digital assets, including a mobile app and Chrome extension wallet. About Alvara Protocol Alvara Protocol is at the forefront of DeFi innovation, developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance the digital asset ecosystem. The new ERC 7621 token standard, developed by Alvara, represents a significant advancement in token creation and management and investment strategies. For more information about Life DeFi and the integration of the ERC 7621, please visit [Life DeFi's website] and alvaraprotocol.io. Contact Details Amplifi PR - Bryan Feinberg, CEO +1 551-574-2169

March 12, 2024 12:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time

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Walkabout Resources nears commissioning of Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine

Walkabout Resources Ltd

Walkabout Resources Ltd (ASX:WKT) CEO Andrew Cunningham joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with an update on the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine in Tanzania, saying the project is on track for commissioning despite a tight schedule and challenges such as shipping delays. The arrival of backup generators in Dar es Salaam marks the completion of necessary equipment deliveries, allowing for the transition to the commissioning and production phases. The logistical hurdles faced were compounded by COVID-related container shortages and increased port traffic at Dar es Salaam, managed by DP World. To mitigate these issues, Walkabout Resources staggered shipments and prepared contingency plans, including sourcing critical spares from South Africa. Cunningham detailed the company's preparations for potential further delays, including securing grid power and the imminent arrival of additional first falls. Stage commissioning of the plant has commenced, with dry and wet commissioning of various circuits underway, facilitating a conservative ramp-up to full production over the next few months. The significance of the Lindi Jumbo Graphite Mine extends beyond the company, representing the first critical metal asset to reach full production in Tanzania and marking the first significant foreign direct investment in the country's mining sector in a decade. The project is closely watched, as it opens amidst predictions of a severe graphite shortfall, with Walkabout Resources positioned ahead of competitors. Cunningham's interview highlights the strategic and operational steps taken to navigate challenges and the broader implications for Tanzania's mining industry. Contact Details Proactive Investors Jonathan Jackson +61 413 713 744 jonathan@proactiveinvestors.com

March 12, 2024 11:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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