Category: Americas

MIL-OSI USA: New Bridge Ready to Serve NASA, America’s Space Interests

Source: NASA

The high-rise bridge that serves as the primary access point for employees and visitors to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida is fully operational. In the late hours of March 18, 2025, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) opened the westbound portion of the NASA Causeway Bridge, which spans the Indian River Lagoon and connects NASA Kennedy and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to the mainland.
This new bridge span (right side of photo) sits alongside its twin on the eastbound side, which has accommodated traffic in both directions since FDOT opened it on June 9, 2023. The new structure replaces the old two-lane drawbridge which operated at that location for nearly 60 years.
“The old drawbridge served us well, witnessing decades of spaceflights since the Apollo era and supporting Kennedy’s transition to a multi-user spaceport,” said Kennedy’s Acting Director Kelvin Manning. “The new bridge will see NASA send American astronauts back to the Moon and on to Mars, and it will support the continued rapid growth of America’s commercial space industry here at Earth’s premier spaceport.”
At 4,025 feet long, the new NASA Causeway Bridge is about 35% longer than its predecessor, featuring a 65-foot waterway clearance and a channel wide enough to handle larger vessels carrying cargo necessary for Kennedy to continue launching humanity’s future.
The bridge sits on over 1,000 concrete pilings which total more than 22 miles in length. Nearly 270 concrete I-beams, each weighing hundreds of thousands of pounds, support the bridge, along with over 40,000 cubic yards of concrete and over 8.7 million pounds of steel. All 110 spans of the old drawbridge were demolished during the construction, with much of the material recycled for future projects.
A $90 million federal infrastructure grant secured in July 2019 by Space Florida via the U.S. Department of Transportation funded nearly 50% of the drawbridge replacement as well the widening of nearby Space Commerce Way. NASA and the state of Florida provided the remaining funding for the upgrades.
Photo credit: NASA/Glenn Benson

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Newsom announces appointments 3.19.25

Source: US State of California 2

Mar 19, 2025

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:

Emily Warren, of Orinda, has been appointed Deputy Secretary for Innovative Mobility Solutions at the California State Transportation Agency. Warren has been an Advisory Venture Parter at Fontinalis Partners, LLC since 2019. She was Head of Public Policy at EverCharge from 2023 to 2024. Warren was Head of Public Policy at Embark Trucks from 2022 to 2023. Warren was Senior Manager of Public Policy at Amazon from 2021 to 2022. She was Senior Policy Advisor at NelsonNygaard Consulting Associates from 2020 to 2021. Warren was Senior Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Lime from 2018 to 2019. She held several roles at Lyft from 2012 to 2019, including Senior Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Transportation Policy, Director of Community Relations, Director of Community Engagement, and Community Manager. Warren was a Municipal Financial Consultant at Public Financial Management from 2011 to 2012. She was Assistant Director of External Affairs for the University of Pennsylvania from 2009 to 2010. Warren is a member of the National Center of Sustainable Transportation Leadership Council and the University of California, Los Angeles Institute of Transportation Studies Advisory Board. She earned a Master of Public Administration degree in Public Finance from the University of Pennsylvania, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Critical Gender Studies from the University of California, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $176,004. Warren is a Democrat.

Eva Spiegel, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director of Communications at the California Department of Motor Vehicles. Spiegel was Senior Communications Specialist at Kearns & West from 2021 to 2025. She was Founder and Principal of Spiegel Communications from 2019 to 2021. Spiegel was Director of Communications for the League of California Cities from 2007 to 2019. She was Director of Broadcast Operations and Special Projects at the American Communications Foundation from 1995 to 2006. Spiegel earned a Master of Arts degree in Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts from California State University, San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science for the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $150,000. Spiegel is a Democrat.

Suzy Shuster, of Beverly Hills, has been appointed to the California Film Commission. Shuster has been Co-Host and Executive Producer of Women’s Sports Now on RokuChannel since 2025, Co-Host of the What the Football Podcast since 2023, and Guest Host on The Rich Eisen Show since 2014. Shuster was a Host/Reporter for University of Southern California Trojans Pregame Show on ESPN 710 from 2003 to 2009. Shuster was a reporter for ABC Sports from 2003 to 2006. She was a Reporter for the NBA on TNT from 2004 to 2006. Shuster was a Reporter/Host of Fox Sports Net and Fox Sports West from 2000 to 2002. She was a Producer for Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel from 1988 to 1999. Shuster was a Producer for ESPN’s SportsCenter from 1997 to 1999. She is a member of the Board of Hillel at Columbia. Shuster earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Art History from Columbia University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Shuster is a Democrat.

Thomas “Tom” Huntington, of San Francisco, has been appointed to the State Park and Recreation Commission. Huntington has been a Consultant in Non-Profit Organization and Foundation Management since 2013. He was the Western Regional Development Director for the Environmental Defense Fund from 1985 to 2013. Huntington was a River Protection Campaign Coordinator and the Executive Director for the Friends of the River Foundation from 1977 to 1984. He was the Regional Manager and River Guide at OARS Inc. Adventure Travel from 1974 to 1984. Huntington earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and Teaching from the University of Oregon. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Huntington is a Democrat.

Press Releases, Recent News

Recent news

Mar 19, 2025

News Sacramento, California – Governor Gavin Newsom today issued a proclamation declaring March 2025, as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.The text of the proclamation and a copy can be found below: PROCLAMATIONCalifornia is proud to join states around the…

Mar 19, 2025

News What you need to know: In the first two months of 2025, California National Guard’s Counter Drug Task Force has seized 1,045 pounds of illicit fentanyl with a street valuation of $6.8 million. SACRAMENTO – Continuing an enhanced focus in 2025 to combat the…

Mar 19, 2025

News What you need to know: 51 projects — including 46 independent features — will generate nearly $580 million in economic activity and employ over 6,490 cast and crew thanks to California’s Film & Television Tax Credit Program. HOLLYWOOD — Governor Newsom today…

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI: Orezone Gold Reports Record Revenue and Net Income for 2024

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, March 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone” or “Company”) is pleased to report its operational and financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024, and its 2025 guidance. All dollar amounts are in USD unless otherwise indicated and abbreviation “M” means million.

Highlights

Q4-2024 gold production of 36,502 oz, a 37% increase from the previous quarter.
2024 gold production of 118,746 oz, exceeding the mid-point of guidance.
AISC per oz sold of $1,273 for Q4-2024 and $1,447 for 2024.
Record revenue of $283.5M from the sale of 118,697 gold oz at an average realized price of $2,384 per oz in 2024. Gold sales remain unhedged to rising gold prices.
2024 Adjusted EBITDA of $117.2M, Net Income attributable to Orezone shareholders of $55.7M and Earnings per Share attributable to Orezone shareholders of $0.14 and $0.13 on a basic and diluted basis, respectively.
Liquidity of $103.2M at year-end with cash of $74.0M and undrawn debt of $29.2M available to finance 2025 growth plans.
Stage 1 of hard rock expansion progress continues with first gold on track for Q4-2025.
Advancing work towards a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange in mid-2025.

Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented “Strong Q4-2024 gold production of 36,502 oz helped deliver another record year for revenue of $283.5 million and net income of $64.1 million while meeting annual production guidance for a second consecutive year. Importantly, Orezone commenced construction of its hard rock expansion in the second half of 2024, a main step towards sustained production growth and setting the foundation for a transformational 2025 where we expect to pour first gold on this brownfield expansion in Q4-2025. First stage of the hard rock expansion is expected to increase the Company’s annual gold production to 170,000 – 185,000 oz in 2026.

With continued strong gold prices and the closing of recent financings, the Company is well-placed to make further strategic investments in its Bomboré Mine by undertaking additional discovery-focused exploration on high potential targets and evaluating an accelerated start to the second stage of the hard rock expansion which would further increase annual gold production to 220,000 – 250,000 oz.

The accomplishments achieved in 2024 is a testament to the strength of our team underpinned by the support of our community and government partners, and new and existing shareholders. We remain steadfast in our goal of creating lasting value for all stakeholders.”

Highlights for Fourth Quarter and Year Ended December 31, 2024 and Significant Subsequent Events

(All mine site figures on a 100% basis)		Q4-2024	Q4-2023	FY2024	FY2023
Operating Performance
Gold production	oz	36,502	33,916	118,746	141,425
Gold sales	oz	34,833	33,782	118,697	139,696
Average realized gold price	$/oz	2,632	1,986	2,384	1,940
Cash costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,077	1,083	1,233	972
All-in sustaining costs¹ (“AISC”) per gold ounce sold	$/oz	1,273	1,246	1,447	1,127
Financial Performance
Revenue	$000s	91,837	67,580	283,517	271,491
Earnings from mine operations	$000s	45,321	16,108	117,710	97,150
Net income attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$000s	30,091	4,012	55,711	43,146
Net income per common share attributable to shareholders of Orezone
Basic	$	0.06	0.01	0.14	0.12
Diluted	$	0.06	0.01	0.13	0.12
EBITDA¹	$000s	48,139	15,308	128,307	108,418
Adjusted EBITDA¹	$000s	45,058	26,702	117,233	120,036
Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$000s	27,550	14,267	45,977	53,665
Adjusted earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Orezone¹	$	0.06	0.04	0.11	0.15
Cash and Cash Flow Data
Operating cash flow before changes in working capital	$000s	52,520	28,167	98,444	123,029
Operating cash flow	$000s	28,020	13,891	57,697	79,950
Free cash flow¹	$000s	12,543	682	11,725	36,172
Cash, end of period	$000s	74,021	19,483	74,021	19,483

¹ Cash costs, AISC, EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted earnings, Adjusted earnings per share, and Free cash flow are non-IFRS measures. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.

Full Year 2024 Highlights

Outstanding Safety Performance: 5.4M hours worked without a lost-time injury and a low total recordable injury frequency rate of 0.75.
Strong Liquidity: Available liquidity of $103.2M at year-end with $74.0M in cash and XOF 17.5 billion ($29.2M) available to be drawn on the Phase II debt facility with Coris Bank International (“Coris Bank”). The Company is well-funded to carry out its 2025 growth plans including the completion of stage 1 of the Phase II hard rock expansion and a minimum 20,000 m diamond drilling exploration program.
Gold Production Guidance Achieved: Gold production of 118,746 oz which exceeded the mid-point of guidance, marking the second consecutive year that the Bomboré Mine has met production guidance since the start up of operations.
AISC Per Oz Within Updated Guidance: AISC per oz of $1,447 was within the updated guidance range with operating costs impacted by higher-than-anticipated government royalties and power costs. Relative to original guidance, government royalties were $31 per oz higher due to a better realized gold price and power costs were $57 per oz higher from lower-than-normal grid availability due to regional power issues in the H1-2024. These two cost overrun contributors were both out of the Company’s control and if their cost impacts were removed, original AISC guidance of $1,300 per oz to $1,375 per oz would have been met.
Record Annual Revenue: Revenue of $283.5M from the sale of 118,697 gold oz at a realized gold price of $2,384 per oz. The Company’s gold sales remain unhedged to rising gold prices.
Record EBITDA, Net Income, and Earnings Per Share: Reported record EBITDA of $128.3M and net income attributable to Orezone shareholders of $55.7M, primarily driven by a 23% increase in the realized gold price from the prior year. Net income per share attributable to Orezone shareholders was a record $0.14 per share on a basic basis and $0.13 per share on a diluted basis.
Continued Free Cash Flow Generation: Generated free cash flow of $11.7M with cash flow from operating activities totalling $98.4M after deducting taxes paid of $26.2M but before changes in non-cash working capital. Non-cash working capital increased by $40.7M primarily from the build-up of VAT receivables and long-term ore stockpiles. Cash flow used in investing activities totalled $46.0M as capital expenditures remained elevated as the Company executes on its growth initiatives including the Phase II hard rock expansion.
Phase II Hard Rock Expansion on Track for First Gold in 2025: The Company’s Board approved a positive construction decision on stage 1 of the Phase II hard rock expansion on July 10, 2024 after the Company had secured $105M in binding debt and equity commitments described below for the construction. Under stage 1, a 2.5M tonnes per annum (“tpa”) process plant will be built to recover gold from hard rock mineral reserves which is expected to increase future production levels by 50% to over 170,000 oz per annum. First gold for stage 1 of the Phase II expansion remains on track for Q4-2025 with commercial production expected shortly thereafter in early 2026.
Phase I Debt Reduced, Bridge Loan Repaid, and Phase II Expansion Financing Secured: Principal repayments totalling XOF 24.0 billion ($39.3M) were made on the Company’s senior borrowings with Coris Bank, including the extinguishment of the XOF 12.0 billion ($19.8M) bridge loan. On August 8, 2024, the Company completed a non-brokered private placement for net proceeds of C$64.8M ($47.3M) with a new cornerstone investor, Nioko Resources Corporation (“Nioko”), a leading West African investment group. On December 19, 2024, the Company successfully upsized its senior debt facility with Coris Bank through a new term loan for XOF 35.0 billion ($58.3M) (“Phase II Term Loan”) to be drawn in multiple tranches as construction progresses. The Company made its first drawdown of XOF 17.5 billion ($27.9M) on the Phase II Term Loan in December 2024.
Multi-year Exploration Drill Program Initiated: In August 2024, the Company initiated a multi-year discovery focused drill program with an initial 30,000 m of drilling designed to test the broader size and scale of the Bomboré mineralized system. Initial results from drilling at the North Zone intercepted mineralization 240 m below the current reserve pit limit, including 1.67 g/t gold over 46.00 m, demonstrating the continuity and robustness of the mineralized system at depth, both in terms of grade and overall width (see October 10, 2024 news release).

Q4-2024 Highlights

Gold Production: Quarterly gold production of 36,502 oz increased 37% from Q3-2024 as a result of record plant throughput and improved head grades. Mining extended to Siga East and Siga South pits for a full quarter which contributed a greater blend of soft oxide ore at higher grades to the mill feed.
AISC Per Oz: AISC per oz sold was $1,273 per oz, a 23% decrease from Q3-2024, driven mainly by improved gold production as a result of higher grades and better plant throughput.
EBITDA, Net Income, and Earnings Per Share: Reported EBITDA of $48.1M and net income attributable to Orezone shareholders of $30.1M. Net income per share attributable to Orezone shareholders was $0.06 per share on both a basic and diluted basis.
Free Cash Flow: Generated free cash flow of $12.5M with cash flow from operating activities totalling $52.5M after deducting taxes paid of $6.3M but before changes in non-cash working capital. Cash flow used in investing activities totalled $15.5M as expenditures for the Phase II hard rock expansion began to ramp up.

Events Subsequent to 2024 Year-End

Bought Deal Offering: On March 13, 2025, the Company closed on a public offering of common shares on a bought deal basis with Canaccord Genuity Corp. (“Canaccord”) pursuant to which the Company agreed to sell 42,683,000 common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$35,000,060. Net proceeds from the offering will be used to conduct early works for stage 2 of the Phase II hard rock expansion and for additional exploration. Under stage 2, processing capacity of the hard rock plant will double from the 2.5Mtpa design in stage 1 to 5.0Mtpa after completion of stage 2.
Over-allotment Exercise: Canaccord has exercised its over-allotment in full on the bought deal offering and has agreed to purchase an additional 6,402,450 common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$5,250,009. The purchase of shares from the over-allotment closed on March 19, 2025.
Private Placement with Nioko: The Company has announced that Nioko intends to acquire, on a non-brokered private placement basis, for 10,719,659 additional common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of C$8,790,121 to maintain its 19.9% share ownership (before the over-allotment exercise). Closing of this private placement is subject to approval of the TSX and is anticipated to occur in late March 2025.
Intention to List on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”): The Company intends to pursue a secondary listing on the ASX by mid-2025, subject to market conditions and the satisfaction of ASX listing requirements as announced in its February 23, 2025 press release. The Company believes a dual listing on the ASX will increase trading liquidity and allow it to access a deeper pool of investors, including specialist mining focused funds.

2024 Performance and 2025 Guidance

2024 Performance Compared Against Guidance

Bomboré Mine (100% basis)	Unit	Original FY2024 Guidance	Revised FY2024 Guidance⁴	FY2024 Actuals
Gold production	Au oz	110,000 – 125,000	Unchanged	118,746
All-In Sustaining Costs¹²³	$/oz Au sold	$1,300 – $1,375	$1,400 – $1,475	$1,447
Sustaining capital¹²	$M	$14 – $15	Unchanged	$16.0
Growth capital – non Phase II Expansion¹²	$M	$16 – $17	Unchanged	$17.6
Growth capital – Phase II Expansion early works¹²	$M	No guidance provided	$3.6	$3.6
Growth capital – Phase II Expansion¹²	$M	No guidance provided	$15.0 – $18.0	$15.3

Non-IFRS measures. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.
Foreign exchange rates used to forecast cost metrics include XOF/USD of 600 and CAD/USD of 1.30.
Government royalties of $160/oz included in original AISC guidance based on an assumed gold price of $2,000 per oz. Government royalties of $200/oz were estimated in the revised AISC guidance from a better gold price realized.
Revised guidance details presented in Q3-2024 MD&A.

2025 Guidance

Bomboré Mine (100% basis)	Unit	FY2025 Guidance
Gold production	Au oz	115,000 – 130,000
All-In Sustaining Costs¹²³	$/oz Au sold	$1,400 – $1,500
Sustaining capital¹²	$M	$9 – $10
Growth capital (excluding Phase II Expansion)¹²	$M	$44 – $51
Growth capital – Stage 1 of Phase II Expansion¹²	$M	$75 – $80

Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.
Foreign exchange rates used to forecast cost metrics include XOF/USD of 600 and CAD/USD of 1.35.
Government royalties included in AISC guidance based on an assumed gold price of $2,600 per oz.

Gold production in 2025 is forecasted to range between 115,000 to 130,000 oz, with the highest production expected in the fourth quarter from the scheduled start-up of the Phase II hard rock plant. Projected gold production from hard rock reserves is between 5,000 to 10,000 oz with actual production dependent on the timing and ramp-up of the new hard rock circuit. Gold production from the existing Phase I oxide plant is guided between 110,000 to 120,000 oz, similar to that achieved in 2024.

Mining will be concentrated within three main pits delivering most of the direct feed ore with the H pit in the North Zone, and the Siga East and Siga South pits in the South Zone. The 2025 mine plan calls for 22.4M tonnes to be mined by the mining contractor at a strip ratio of approximately 1.8. The mining contractor placed new excavators, dump trucks, and support equipment into service in November 2024 and is organizing to mobilize additional equipment to site later this year in preparation for the start-up of hard rock mining.

AISC in 2025 is expected to range between $1,400 to $1,500 per oz sold. AISC per oz is expected to be comparable to 2024 with a small decrease in head grades, an increased strip ratio, and greater government royalties from a higher assumed gold price offset by lower sustaining capital, higher grid utilization, and higher plant throughput from fewer power interruptions and enhanced maintenance practices.

Sustaining capital is budgeted to fall within the range of $9M to $10M with expenditures directed towards the completion of tailings storage facility (“TSF”) stage 4 lift, extension of the main haul road and perimeter fencing at the southern end of the mining permit, and other capital improvements to the process plant, camp, and mine support equipment and facilities.

Growth capital is expected to range between $119M to $131M on four major growth projects:

No.	Growth Capital Description	Unit	FY2025 Guidance
I.	Phase II Hard Rock Expansion – Stage 1	$M	$75 – $80
II.	Permanent Back-up Diesel Power Plant	$M	$22 – $24
III.	TSF Footprint Expansion – Cell 2	$M	$11 – $13
IV.	Resettlement Action Plan (“RAP”)	$M	$11 – $14
	Growth Capital Total	$M	$119 – $131

	Phase II Hard Rock Expansion – Stage 2	$M	No guidance provided

The Company has reserved guidance on 2025 expenditures for stage 2 of the Phase II hard rock expansion until the Company’s Board of Directors has issued a final investment decision to proceed with stage 2 expected later this year. Stage 2 would increase annual gold production to 220,000 – 250,000 oz.

I. Phase II Hard Rock Expansion – Stage 1

A new 2.5Mtpa hard rock plant to process fresh and lower transition ore is currently under construction and once completed, will operate in tandem with the existing Phase I oxide plant. The current flowsheet for stage 1 of this brownfield expansion consists of a primary jaw crusher, an 18-hour crushed ore stockpile, a single stage 9MW SAG mill, hydrocyclones, and a carbon-in-leach (“CIL”) circuit consisting of five 15.8 m diameter leach tanks. Loaded carbon will be treated in the shared gold recovery circuit, producing gold doré bars from the existing gold room. Tailings from the CIL circuit will be pumped into the expanded tailings facility.

The Company completed a comprehensive review of the construction progress and costing as part of its annual budgeting exercise for 2025. From this review, schedule to first gold remains in Q4-2025 with a project budget of $90M – $95M with $75M – $80M forecasted in 2025.

II. Permanent Back-Up Diesel Power Plant

A new diesel power plant will be installed to provide continuous power to both the Phase I oxide plant and Phase II hard rock plant when the national grid is unavailable or unable to provide stable power.

Following a competitive tender, the Company awarded the engineering, supply, installation, and commissioning of this new power plant to Africa Power Services (“APS”). APS will supply 18 Caterpillar diesel gensets with 1.8MW rated capacity each that will function as back-up units to the grid to meet the 18MW to 20MW load demand of both processing circuits. This new power plant is scheduled for final commissioning in October 2025 and will replace the APS genset rentals that are currently providing power on a back-up basis.

III. TSF Footprint Expansion – Cell 2

The TSF starter dam over the Cell 1 footprint was completed prior to the start of processing operations in 2022. Lifts of the Cell 1 embankment walls have been completed each year to add storage to hold the volume of tailings expected to be generated by the mine for the upcoming year. The stage 4 lift is currently in progress and is slated for completion in June 2025 with costs captured under sustaining capital.

To optimize costs of future tailings lifts and to meet the higher annual storage requirements from the Phase II hard rock expansion, work to expand the TSF footprint southwards into Cell 2 will begin in 2025 and continue into 2026, and include the HDPE lining of the Cell 2 basin and installation of underdrainage to improve water recovery and dam stability. Cell 2 will cover the ultimate TSF footprint and is designed to ensure that future annual lifts will provide sufficient storage of tailings generated each year by the combined oxide and expanded stage 2 (5Mtpa) hard rock operations.

IV. Resettlement Action Plan – Phases II, III, and IV

RAP Phases II and III commenced in 2023 and will see the construction of three new resettlement communities (MV3, MV2, and BV2) to help relocate households occupying areas within the southern half of the Bomboré mining permit. Both MV3 and MV2 were successfully completed in 2024 followed by the start of BV2 construction in late 2024.

RAP Phase IV was presented as part of the Environment Social Impact Assessment (“ESIA”) submitted by the Company in 2024 to expand the current mining permit by an additional 5.56 km².

Construction costs of $8.0M to $10.0M are forecasted in 2025 to complete the remaining construction of BV2 by October 2025 and for the anticipated start of RAP Phase IV construction in Q4-2025. RAP costs of $3.0M to $4.0M are estimated for compensation, consultants, relocation allowances, and livelihood restoration programs.

Revenue Protection Program for 2025

The Company has implemented a low-cost revenue protection program for approximately half of its forecasted gold production in 2025 by purchasing 60,000 oz of put options with a strike price of $2,300 per oz at a cost of $0.8M. These options were acquired in November 2024 from a leading Canadian chartered bank and are structured as a monthly program of 5,000 oz options with option expiries at each month-end.

The purchase of put options allows the Company to secure margin on its gold sales should gold prices fall significantly while retaining full upside to rising gold prices. The Company invested in these put options due to the large capital programs planned for 2025.

Bomboré Gold Mine, Burkina Faso (100% Basis)

Operating Highlights		Q4-2024		Q4-2023		FY2024	FY2023
Safety
Lost-time injuries frequency rate	per 1M hrs	0.00		0.00		0.00	0.00
Personnel-hours worked	000s hours	1,326		1,301		5,366	4,394
Mining Physicals
Ore tonnes mined	tonnes	2,063,262		2,883,006		7,889,973	9,247,175
Waste tonnes mined	tonnes	2,655,783		3,048,669		11,921,398	11,237,079
Total tonnes mined	tonnes	4,719,045		5,931,675		19,811,370	20,484,254
Strip ratio	waste:ore	1.29		1.06		1.51	1.22
Processing Physicals
Ore tonnes milled	tonnes	1,652,844		1,449,769		5,928,599	5,749,163
Head grade milled	Au g/t	0.77		0.82		0.71	0.85
Recovery rate	%	89.1		88.9		88.2	90.4
Gold produced	Au oz	36,502		33,916		118,746	141,425
Unit Cash Cost
Mining cost per tonne	$/tonne	3.50		3.05		3.49	3.01
Mining cost per ore tonne processed	$/tonne	7.37		6.31		8.44	6.77
Processing cost	$/tonne	7.00		10.84		8.27	10.14
Site general and admin (“G&A”) cost	$/tonne	4.07		4.85		3.90	3.95
Cash cost per ore¹tonne processed	$/tonne	18.44		22.00		20.61	20.86
Cash Costs and AISC Details
Mining cost (net of stockpile movements)	$000s	12,174		9,146		50,008	38,932
Processing cost	$000s	11,563		15,719		49,049	58,285
Site G&A cost	$000s	6,719		7,036		23,124	22,707
Refining and transport cost	$000s	193		141		497	519
Government royalty cost	$000s	7,512		5,163		22,739	17,508
Gold inventory movements	$000s	(647	)	(606	)	892	(2,190	)
Cash costs on a sales basis	$000s	37,514		36,599		146,309	135,761
Sustaining capital	$000s	4,245		3,558		15,997	14,002
Sustaining leases	$000s	73		73		292	301
Corporate G&A cost	$000s	2,511		1,874		9,154	7,325
All-In Sustaining Costs¹on a sales basis	$000s	44,343		42,104		171,752	157,389
Gold sold	Au oz	34,833		33,782		118,697	139,696
Cash costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,077		1,083		1,233	972
All-In Sustaining Costs per gold ounce sold¹	$/oz	1,273		1,246		1,447	1,127

¹ Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional details.

Bomboré Production Results

Q4-2024 vs Q4-2023

Gold production in Q4-2024 was 36,502 oz, an increase of 8% from the 33,916 oz produced in Q4-2023. The higher gold production is attributable to a 14% increase in plant throughput offset by a 6% decrease in head grades.

The better head grades in Q4-2023 were from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan and greater ore release from more tonnes mined allowing for the stockpiling of lower-grade ore. More tonnes were mined in Q4-2023 as a second mining contractor was utilized to assist with mining volumes.

Plant throughput of 1.65M tonnes in Q4-2024 hit a new quarterly record as processing operations benefitted from higher hourly throughput, greater blend of soft oxide ore, and less maintenance. Improvements to hourly plant throughput were successfully instituted in July 2024 by increasing the mill power and reducing residence time in the CIL circuit with only a minor effect to recovery rates. Mining at the new Siga East and Siga South pits for a full quarter in Q4-2024 resulted in the release of more tonnes of softer oxide ore while completion of all scheduled major plant maintenance in earlier quarters of the year combined with high grid availability resulted in less plant downtime.

2024 vs 2023

Gold production in 2024 was 118,746 oz, a decline of 16% from the 141,425 oz produced in 2023. The lower gold production is attributable to a 16% decrease in head grades and a 2% decrease in plant recoveries, partially offset by a 3% increase in plant throughput.

Head grades in 2023 were higher from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan and the processing of high-grade stockpiles accumulated during the Phase I construction, with such stockpiles being fully depleted by June 2023.

Plant recoveries were lower in 2024 as a direct result of lower head grades, a greater blend of transition ore, and less residence in the CIL circuit.

Plant throughput was higher in 2024 from the operating procedures followed in the H2-2024 to maximize hourly plant throughput.

Bomboré Operating Costs

Q4-2024 vs Q4-2023

AISC per gold oz sold in Q4-2024 was $1,273, a 2% increase from $1,246 per oz sold in Q4-2023. The higher AISC is the result of: (a) lower head grades; (b) greater per oz royalty costs from a 33% increase in the realized gold price ($2,632/oz vs $1,986/oz) coupled with higher royalty rates that took effect in October 2023; and (c) increased mining costs attributable to deeper pits, drill-and-blast associated with harder transition ore, and higher strip ratio. This cost increase was partially offset by a reduction in power costs from the switch to lower-cost grid power in February 2024 (92% grid utilization in Q4-2024) and from a 14% jump in plant throughput resulting in economies for fixed costs.

Cash cost per ore tonne processed in Q4-2024 was $18.44 per tonne, a decrease of 16% from $22.00 per tonne in Q4-2023, as a result of the use of lower-cost grid power and a 14% increase in plant throughput positively impacting unit cost for processing ($7.00/tonne vs $10.84/tonne) and site G&A ($4.07/tonne vs $4.85/tonne), partially offset by a 17% increase in mining costs per ore tonne processed ($7.37/tonne vs $6.31/tonne) attributable to higher strip ratio and unit mining cost.

Mining cost per tonne has increased in Q4-2024 when compared to Q4-2023 ($3.50/tonne vs $3.05/tonne) as lower benches in the pits in the Northern Zone are mined resulting in longer hauls and more transition material that requires some drill-and-blast prior to excavation and greater rehandle prior to feeding into the dump pocket on the ROM pad combined with more grade control drilling for the new Siga pits.

Processing costs per ore tonne decreased in Q4-2024 when compared to Q4-2023 ($7.00/tonne vs $10.84/tonne) mainly from the continuing cost benefit of utilizing grid power which has lowered power cost from $5.57/tonne in Q4-2023 to $2.39/tonne in Q4-2024, a drop of $3.18/tonne. Grid performance remained reliable and steady in Q4-2024 with 92% utilization, consistent with utilization in Q3-2024, and a significant improvement from Q2-2024 when grid utilization was 34% as issues with the supply system in Ghana and Côte D’Ivoire temporarily reduced power export into Burkina Faso.

2024 vs 2023

AISC per gold oz sold in 2024 was $1,447, a 28% increase from $1,127 per oz sold in 2023. The higher AISC is primarily the result of a 16% decline in head grades, higher government royalties from a better realized gold price and higher royalty rates, higher strip ratio and unit cost for mining, and moderate increases in sustaining capital and corporate G&A, partially offset by a reduction in processing costs from the switch to grid power as the primary power source in February 2024.

Bomboré Growth Capital Projects

Grid Power Connection

The powerline to connect Bomboré to Burkina Faso’s national energy grid was successfully energized in February 2024. As of December 31, 2024, the Company has incurred costs of $19.9M, of which $0.2M was incurred in Q4-2024 and $1.6M in 2024. The Company plans to make minor upgrades to the grid connection in 2025 by installing equipment and software that will reduce the quantity of reactive power and hence, surcharges imposed by SONABEL, the state-owned electricity company of Burkina Faso.

RAP Phases II and III

Construction of MV3 and MV2 resettlement sites and the relocation of families to their new homes at these sites were completed in 2024. Construction on the BV2 resettlement site commenced in Q4-2024. Compensation payments to affected residents for loss of land, crops, trees, and private structures were also made in the year.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company has incurred project-to-date costs of $26.5M for RAP Phases II and III, of which $4.3M was incurred in Q4-2024 and $16.0M in 2024.

Phase II Hard Rock Expansion

First gold remains on schedule and costs are trending in line with the most recent control budget. The concentrated scope of this expansion when compared to a greenfield project significantly reduces schedule and budget risks with start-up to benefit from the well-established mining, processing, and maintenance teams already on site.

Construction of stage 1 of Phase II hard rock expansion was officially approved by the Company’s Board in early July 2024. To maintain first gold by Q4-2025, the Company undertook early work activities in H1-2024 which included front-end engineering and design, geotechnical investigations, additional office and camp accommodations, 18MW SAG mill order placement (subsequently cancelled), and bulk earthworks on the new plant layout.

Lycopodium Minerals Canada (“Lycopodium”) was awarded the engineering and procurement contract and was chosen for their successful track record of designing and constructing numerous gold plants in West Africa, including the Company’s oxide plant that is currently in operations and exceeding nameplate design.

Progress and milestones achieved on the expansion in 2024 include:

Engineering and drafting progress stood at 52% and ahead of plan. All bulk quantities, including concrete, structural steel, and platework, remain in line with budget.
Procurement was at 82% of total supply value with all long lead equipment ordered, including a 9MW SAG mill.
Early mobilization of concrete contractor with first concrete pour completed in November, three months ahead of schedule.
Tender of the structural, mechanical, and piping (“SMP”) contract with contract awarded shortly after year-end.

All major site installation contracts (concrete, SMP, electrical and instrumentation, and mill installation) have been awarded to the same contractors that successfully delivered on the Phase I oxide construction.

As of December 31, 2024, the Company has incurred $15.3M in costs for the Phase II hard rock expansion exclusive of the $3.6M spent on early work activities in 2024.

NON-IFRS MEASURES

The Company has included certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that is not defined under IFRS, including “cash costs”, “AISC”, “EBITDA”, “adjusted EBITDA”, “adjusted earnings”, “adjusted earnings per share”, and “free cash flow”. Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore, they may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. The Company uses such measures to provide additional information and they should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. For a complete description of how the Company calculates such measures and reconciliation of certain measures to IFRS terms, refer to “Non-IFRS Measures” in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 which is incorporated by reference herein.

CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

The consolidated financial statements and Management’s Discussion and Analysis are available at www.orezone.com and on the Company’s profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Orezone will host a conference call and audio webcast to discuss its fourth quarter and full year 2024 results on March 20, 2025:

Webcast
Date: Thursday, March 20, 2025
Time: 8:00 am Pacific time (11:00 am Eastern time)
Please register for the webcast here: Orezone 2024 Year-End Results and 2025 Guidance

Conference Call
Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871
International callers: +646-307-1963
Event ID: 9731374

QUALIFIED PERSONS

The scientific and technical information in this news release was reviewed and approved by Mr. Rob Henderson, P. Eng, Vice-President of Technical Services and Mr. Dale Tweed, P. Eng., Vice-President of Engineering, both of whom are Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

ABOUT OREZONE GOLD CORPORATION

Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Company completed construction of its oxide only process plant in August 2022 and achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022. The Company is expanding operations and gold production by constructing stage 1 of a Phase II hard rock plant that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.  

The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

Patrick Downey
President and Chief Executive Officer

Kevin MacKenzie
Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

Tel: 1 778 945 8977
info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945-8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

The Toronto Stock Exchange neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain information that constitutes “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian Securities laws and “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable U.S. securities laws (together, “forward-looking statements”). Forward-looking statements are frequently characterized by words such as “plan”, “expect”, “project”, “intend”, “believe”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “potential”, “possible” and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions “may”, “will”, “could”, or “should” occur, and include, amongst other statements, the Phase II hard rock expansion will increase annual gold production and is expected to pour first gold in Q4-2025.

All forward-looking statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements including, but not limited to, terrorist or other violent attacks, the failure of parties to contracts to honour contractual commitments, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, the possibility of project cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses, accidents and equipment breakdowns, political risk, unanticipated changes in key management personnel, the spread of diseases, epidemics and pandemics diseases, market or business conditions, the failure of exploration programs, including drilling programs, to deliver anticipated results and the failure of ongoing and uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, and other factors described in the Company’s most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis filed on SEDAR+ on www.sedarplus.ca. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company’s ability to carry on current and future operations, including: development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company’s ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; foreign exchange rates; taxation levels; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this press release are based upon what management of the Company believes are reasonable assumptions, the Company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.

The MIL Network –

March 20, 2025

MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Aberdeen among knowledge exchange award winners The University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.

Source: University of Aberdeen

Winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange AwardsThe University of Aberdeen were among the winners at the 10th Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards on 19 March.
The University, along with partners Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd, picked up the Powerful Partnership award for their work developing AI-powered diagnostics using Epitogen® technology to detect autoimmune and infectious diseases.
The internationally recognised collaboration was praised by organisers for yielding “world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.”
Read more about this collaborative project
The event held at the Edinburgh Futures Institute brought together Scotland’s rich ecosystem of talent to celebrate transformational collaborations between businesses, communities, universities, colleges, and research institutes which are solving industry challenges, improving productivity, advancing research and supporting Scotland’s ambition to be one of the most innovative small nations in the world.
Developments in renewable energy, mental health, medicine and food and drink scooped awards across 10 categories.
Business Minister Richard Lochhead said: “It was good to see the full breadth of academic and business-led innovation on show at Interface’s annual awards.
“It demonstrated why our expertise in so many sectors is revered around the world, from renewable energy and health technology, to food and drink.
“Scotland has been at the forefront of many of the world’s most impactful innovations, from the MRI Scanner and penicillin to televisions and telephones. Yet, by combining research and business, so many new and exciting Scottish breakthroughs are just on the horizon and that is something we should all champion.”
Amelia Whitelaw, Director of Interface, which organises the Awards, said: “The Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards celebrate successful partnerships where knowledge is shared to create new solutions. The nominees and winners we are celebrating exemplify how collaboration drives valuable advancements. These partnerships have led to the development of new technologies, products, and services that contribute to economic progress and societal benefit. Their innovations are not only transforming Scotland but also have the potential to make a global impact.”
The in full:
Innovation of the Year – sponsored by HGF Ltd
SolarSub Ltd, in collaboration with the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland (NMIS) at the University of Strathclyde, for refining the design of a solar panel cooling system, optimising it for manufacturing and scalability. Additionally, in partnership with Heriot-Watt University, the technology underwent rigorous field trials to evaluate its performance under extreme heat conditions, ensuring its robustness and efficacy.
Innovator of the Future – sponsored by Highlands and Islands Enterprise
Joint winners: Dr Dayi Zhang and Matthew Gibson
Dr Dayi Zhang, Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Inspectahire Instrument Co. Ltd for developing a portable, non-invasive ultrasonic device that revolutionises whisky cask monitoring. Designed for Scotland’s iconic whisky industry, the device enhances safety, reduces costs, and minimises carbon emissions, aligning with net zero goals. This innovation preserves cultural heritage while driving environmental progress and local economic growth.
Matthew Gibson, KTP Associate working with the University of Strathclyde and Ailsa Reliability Solutions Ltd, is creating the next generation of data-driven condition monitoring solutions for the oil and gas sector. This project is developing the Vision© reliability platform and has demonstrated reduced machine downtime and energy waste, in pursuit of net zero and sustainable engineering processes.
Inward Investment Impact – sponsored by International Social Enterprise Observatory

Canon Medical Research Europe and the University of Edinburgh for bringing new AI Innovation and thinking to the heart of the business. The relationship contributed to increased inward investment and headcount in Canon Edinburgh as well as new collaborative research funding opportunities in the research and translation of Causal AI.
Knowledge Exchange Champion – sponsored by Knowledge Exchange UK
Winner: Professor John Bachtler
Professor John Bachtler has transformed Scotland’s regional policy knowledge exchange through 40 years of leadership at the European Policies Research Centre at the University of Strathclyde. He advanced policy innovation via networks such as EoRPA and IQ-Net, linking Scotland with European policy frameworks. His strategic insights, mentoring, and impactful KE collaborations strengthened regional development policy, inspired future leaders, and enhanced Scotland’s European policy influence.
Highly Commended: Dr Andrea Rodriguez and Dr Bryan McCann
Dr Andrea Rodriguez, the University of Dundee, for sustaining engagement and impact on non-academic audiences by co-designing an international knowledge exchange programme on youth homelessness. Helping Young People Feel at Home took a multi-agency approach, involving critical thinking and dialogue with young people in Scotland and Brazil to improve service provision and professional practices.
Dr Bryan McCann, Glasgow Caledonian University, has championed knowledge exchange throughout his academic career, establishing several strategic partnerships within the physical activity and mental health sectors. These partnerships have facilitated innovative and high-quality student placements, generated income for impactful knowledge exchange programmes, and contributed to health and wellbeing across Scotland.
Knowledge Exchange Heroes – team and individual – sponsored by Azets Ltd
Individual
Susan Armstrong, KE Lead at Glasgow Caledonian University, has been instrumental in transforming the knowledge exchange landscape at the university through her strategic and collaborative approach. Her efforts, dedication, and unwavering support have significantly advanced the university’s KE initiatives, benefiting both the academic community and industry partners.
Team
The Scottish Centre for Food Development and Innovation (SCFDI) at Queen Margaret University has for 10 years championed KE in the food and drink sector in Scotland. They have developed progressive models for industry/academia KE career pathways, supported an impressive SME client portfolio and attracted increasing attention from global food companies and retailers.
Making a Social Difference
Scottish Action for Mental Health (SAMH) and Glasgow Caledonian University are collaborating to review, redesign and deliver SAMH’s Psychological Wellbeing services. Through partnership SAMH and GCU have developed the Time for You service, supporting mental health of thousands of members of the public via immediate access to free mental health support, delivered by GCU Trainee Psychologists.
Making an Environmental Difference
Renewable Parts Ltd and the University of Strathclyde’s collaboration applies circular economy principles within the wind turbine decommissioning process, promoting the refurbishment and remanufacturing of high-integrity, high-value parts within the wind energy sector, instead of being recycled and returned to raw materials or, worse still, landfill. This circularity approach will have a significant impact on the UK economy and net-zero targets.
Multiparty Collaboration
Winner:
Medical Device Manufacturing Centre (MDMC) – Heriot-Watt University, the University of Edinburgh, the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, Robert Gordon University and over 170 medical device companies, to develop and commercialise innovative medical devices.
Highly Commended:
The Underwater Intervention for Offshore Renewable Energies (UNITE) project, a partnership between The National Robotarium, Heriot-Watt University, Imperial College London, Frontier Robotics and Fugro, is developing advanced AI and autonomous systems for undertaking remote inspections of offshore wind farms to offer a safe, efficient and sustainable solution for global energy providers.
Place-based Impact sponsored by Business Gateway
Winner:
Digital Dairy Chain – Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC), the University of Strathclyde, the University of the West of Scotland, First Milk, Lactalis, NMR, SmartSTEMs, Kendal Nutricare, CENSIS and Cows & Co, is transforming the dairy sector across the South and West of Scotland and Cumbria. This partnership is driving innovation, enhancing productivity, and stimulating job creation, contributing to sustained economic growth in the region.
Highly Commended:
Control of Sheep Scab – Moredun Research Institute, Lewis and Harris Sheep Producers Association, The Old Mill Veterinary Practice, Scottish Government, The Crofters of Lewis & Harris, Lewis Crofters, Neil Fell Mobile Dipping Ltd, Zoetis Animal Health Ltd and Bimeda Ltd has developed a community-led approach to prevent and control sheep scab. This project demonstrates how a coordinated, collaborative effort can effectively prevent disease, improve sheep welfare and productivity, and rekindle a strong sense of community.
Powerful Partnership sponsored by Skillfluence
Vertebrate Antibodies-EpitogenX Ltd and the University of Aberdeen have developed transformative AI-powered diagnostics leveraging the innovative Epitogen® recombinant technology for diagnosing autoimmune and infectious diseases. This long-term collaboration has yielded world-first solutions, fostering global recognition, creating skilled talent, and driving economic and health advancements.
Join the conversation on X at #SKEAwards and LinkedIn at @Interface.

MIL OSI United Kingdom –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Poland: Electricity grid to get further upgrades with EIB loan payment of over €400 million to Orlen Group
Source: European Investment Bank
- EIB set for loan of 1.7 billion Polish zlotys (€405 million) for Orlen to finance investment programme of its electricity supplier Energa Operator and improve and expand Poland’s electricity network
- Loan to make Polish power grid more reliable and green, bolstering customer service, climate action and energy independence
- Loan marks third and final tranche of 3.5-billion-zloty EIB loan to Orlen for upgrades to Poland’s power infrastructure
The European Investment Bank (EIB) signed 1.7 billion Polish zlotys (€405 million) to electricity supplier Energa to improve and expand Poland’s electricity network. This is the third and final tranche of a 3.5- billion-zloty loan to Orlen for upgrades to power distribution grid in northern and central Poland.

With the latest EIB loan tranche, Orlen subsidiary Energa Operator will upgrade over 4,600 kilometres of existing grid infrastructure, build a further 2,300 km of power lines in Poland to accommodate around 25,000 new customers. Energa Operator will also be able to modernize its electricity network’s metering systems.

“Our support to Orlen is a strategic investment in the sustainable and long-term growth of the Polish economy,” said EIB Vice-President Teresa Czerwinska. “This underlines our strong commitment to a genuine and fair green transition, development of modern energy infrastructure and energy security for Poland and the European Union.”

The operation advances EU goals to expand clean power such as wind and solar, become climate neutral by mid-century and reduce reliance on energy imports, outlined in RePowerEU initiative of the European Commission. It also strengthens a Polish aim of accelerating the shift to a net-zero-emissions power grid.

“This record-high financing from the European Investment Bank is a strong vote of confidence in our growth strategy. We have an ambitious yet well-structured plan that will not only create value for our shareholders but also contribute to the broader economy. The EIB funding will be directed toward investments in our electricity distribution network, such as building new power lines and connecting new customers, including prosumers with their own renewable energy sources. These projects will be carried out by Energa Operator, which, thanks to the financing secured by ORLEN, is well-positioned to reinforce its leadership in Poland’s energy transition,” said Magdalena Bartoś, Vice President of the Management Board and Chief Financial Officer at ORLEN.

The EIB loan supports Energa Operator long-term plans to expand the Polish national grid by 11,000 kilometres of new power lines and 7,000 kilometres of underground cables, while upgrading nearly 10,000 kilometres of existing infrastructure by the end of 2035. These investments will enable the connection of 350,000 new customers and integration of 9 GW of renewable energy sources, increasing the installed capacity of the national grid by more that 16 percent, and add energy storage facilities to further stabilise the power system.

Background information

EIB

The European Investment Bank (ElB) is the long-term lending institution of the European Union, owned by its Member States. Built around eight core priorities, we finance investments that contribute to EU policy objectives by bolstering climate action and the environment, digitalisation and technological innovation, security and defence, cohesion, agriculture and bioeconomy, social infrastructure, high-impact investments outside the European Union, and the capital markets union. The EIB Group, which also includes the European Investment Fund (EIF), signed nearly €89 billion in new financing for over 900 high -impact projects in 2024, boosting Europe’s competitiveness and security.

In 2024, the EIB Group financing in Poland grew to €5.7 billion. This bolstered sustainable development of cities and regions, energy transition and included the group’s largest security defence project last year.

High-quality, up-to-date photos of our headquarters for media use are available here.

ORLEN Group is an integrated multi-utility energy company listed in the prestigious global Fortune Global 500. It was the first company in the region to declare achieving total emission neutrality in 2050. Thanks to the recent acquisitions and mergers, it became one of the 150 largest companies in the world. The company operates on 10 home markets: Poland, Czech Republic, Germany, Lithuania, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria, Canada, Norway and Pakistan. Retail sales are carried out using the largest network of 3,500 fuel stations in the region. The ORLEN Group’s offer reaches over 100 countries on 6 continents.

By the end of this decade, ORLEN will have invested over PLN 320 billion to implement strategic projects, of which approximately 40% will be allocated to green investments, including wind energy at sea and on land, photovoltaics, biogas and biomethane, biofuels, electromobility, green hydrogen and synthetic fuels.
MIL OSI Europe News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Edinburgh Greens bring vote on Council rejecting Trump
Source: Scottish Greens

20 Mar 2025 External Affairs

Donald Trump is not welcome in Scotland.

More in External Affairs

Edinburgh City Council has been urged to reject Donald Trump’s upcoming state visit, with a motion from the city’s Green councillors calling for members and officers to boycott any visit and ensure that no council budgets are used in hosting it.

The motion, which will be debated today, condemns the US President’s “emerging fascist state” and calls for the Council to ensure that none of its resources are used to support a Trump visit in any way.

Scottish Green councillor Alex Staniforth said:

“Edinburgh is a welcoming and diverse city that stands with the communities being attacked by Donald Trump and the far right government that he leads.

“Donald Trump has shown a total contempt for human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Our Council does not have the power to stop him from visiting Edinburgh, but we can ensure that he is not given the warm welcome he craves.

“There are millions of people across the US and beyond who are frightened for their friends and family who are having their rights eroded or removed by this White House. Those are the people we are standing with.

“We hope that all parties will join us in condemning the planned state visit and rejecting Donald Trump and the politics he represents.”

Scottish Green Co-Leader Lorna Slater said:

“Donald Trump is no friend of Edinburgh. He is a racist, misogynist with a contempt for human rights and democracy.

“I hope that the Council will unite around this call by Edinburgh’s Green councillors and send a loud and clear message that Donald Trump is not welcome here.”

Motion By Councillor Alex Staniforth – Edinburgh Does Not Welcome Donald Trump

“Council:
1. Notes that Donald Trump attempted to overturn the democratic result of the US election on 6th January 2021.
2. Notes that since returning to the presidency Trump has used the power of the executive to prosecute crimes to influence Eric Adams, the mayor of New York; sacked federal workers simply for not being cis white men; pardoned those involved in the attempted Jan 6th coup; removed protections for trans people; cut USAID despite not having approval from Congress; held talks over Ukraine with Putin without inviting a representative from Ukraine; raised tariffs on Mexico and Canada and threatened the sovereignty of Canada and Greenland.
3. Notes that there is every sign that Trump’s administration is an emerging fascist state with his special advisor Elon Musk performing Nazi salutes at his inauguration.
4. Therefore resolves that Edinburgh Council – its officers and members – will not, in any official capacity, be involved in a Donald Trump or JD Vance visit to Edinburgh and will not use its resources to support such a visit in any way.”
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Energy Transfer lawsuit verdict

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

© Stephanie Keith / Greenpeace

The jury has officially reached a verdict in our trial against Big Oil company Energy Transfer’s meritless lawsuit.

This verdict is not the end of this case. Although a jury of nine people in North Dakota has decided that Greenpeace entities are liable for over $660 million in damages, this isn’t over.

We’re going to appeal. And we’re prepared to fight this all the way to victory.

We absolutely believe in our legal defense. We believe the law is fully on our side. We believe in what we did at Standing Rock, and that ultimately we will prevail against this meritless lawsuit.

Before we discuss next steps, let’s acknowledge that this is a dark moment in United States history. And let’s talk about what “victory” actually means.

We’ve fought Energy Transfer’s lawsuits for more than seven years. Every step of the way, we’ve emphasized that these types of lawsuits — intended to silence and shut down critics — are part of a growing national attack on our First Amendment rights.

The truth is, “victory” doesn’t just mean defeating this specific lawsuit. It means that no other organization or individual has to defend themselves against this type of attack.

This lawsuit was designed to scare and divide our movement. Instead, the opposite has happened — in the last year alone, more than 350,000 individuals around the world and more than 430 organizations representing millions of people have spoken out against it.

Thankfully, we’ve never been lonely in this fight. It’s entirely thanks to Greenpeace supporters that we’ve had the resources to fight back for more than seven years without ever slowing down our work campaigning for a green and peaceful future.

Greenpeace USA was founded on nonviolent direct action and peaceful protest over 50 years ago, and we’ve exercised our right to peacefully expose environmental harm ever since. Energy Transfer chose to target three Greenpeace entities because of what our history represents.

We are simply a community of people who share a set of values, and our community is part of a larger global movement. No courtroom or judgement can stop that movement.

As we’ve long said: we will not be silenced, and our movement will endure.

On Thursday, March 20th, you can join us on Zoom where we’ll be discussing this verdict and sharing more about the next steps — RSVP here.

For now, we’ll leave you with this quote from Standing Rock Grassroots member Waniya Locke, published last month in The New York Times:

“When you look back at history, they always try to wipe us out.”

Beyond just attempting to diminish every American’s free speech rights, this lawsuit attempts to erase Indigenous leadership. It’s an attack on Indigenous sovereignty, and a racist attempt to rewrite the actual history of the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

More than seven years later, we remain deeply proud of what we did to support that Indigenous-led resistance. We own everything we did, because what we did was simply living our values.

With your support, we will continue living those values for many years to come.

Energy Transfer is trying to silence our movement.

Donate to the Warrior Defense Fund to help us fight back.

Give now

MIL OSI NGO –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI NGOs: Jury delivers verdict finding Greenpeace entities liable for more than $660 million in Energy Transfer SLAPP trial

Source: Greenpeace Statement –

Free speech and right to protest on the line in the United States

Mandan, North Dakota — A Morton County jury of nine reached a verdict in Energy Transfer’s meritless lawsuit against Greenpeace entities in the US (Greenpeace Inc, Greenpeace Fund), and Greenpeace International, finding the entities liable for more than US$660 million, today. Big Oil Bullies around the world will continue to try to silence free speech and peaceful protest, but the fight against Energy Transfer’s meritless SLAPP lawsuit is not over.

“This case should alarm everyone, no matter their political inclinations,” said Sushma Raman, Interim Executive Director Greenpeace Inc, Greenpeace Fund. “It’s part of a renewed push by corporations to weaponize our courts to silence dissent. We should all be concerned about the future of the First Amendment, and lawsuits like this aimed at destroying our rights to peaceful protest and free speech. These rights are critical for any work toward ensuring justice – and that’s why we will continue fighting back together, in solidarity. While Big Oil bullies can try to stop a single group, they can’t stop a movement.”

“We are witnessing a disastrous return to the reckless behaviour that fuelled the climate crisis, deepened environmental racism, and put fossil fuel profits over public health and a liveable planet. The previous Trump administration spent four years dismantling protections for clean air, water, and Indigenous sovereignty, and now along with its allies wants to finish the job by silencing protest. We will not back down. We will not be silenced,” said Mads Christensen, Greenpeace International Executive Director.

In this case, Energy Transfer has maintained their entirely false claims that Greenpeace organized the #NoDAPL resistance at Standing Rock, an allegation rooted in racism in its erasure of the Indigenous leadership in North Dakota.

“What we saw over these three weeks was Energy Transfer’s blatant disregard for the voices of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe,” said Deepa Padmanabha, Senior Legal Advisor, Greenpeace USA. “And while they also tried to distort the truth about Greenpeace’s role in the protests, we instead reaffirmed our unwavering commitment to non-violence in every action we take. To be clear, Greenpeace’s story is not the story of Standing Rock. Our story is how an organization like Greenpeace USA can support critical fights to protect communities most impacted by the climate crisis, as well as continued attacks on Indigenous sovereignty.”

This lawsuit is one of the largest Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) cases ever filed. These are meritless lawsuits meant to silence or bankrupt opponents – which is why most U.S. states and several countries have put legal protections in place to protect advocates. But in North Dakota – and 15 other states – no anti-SLAPP statutes exist.

Greenpeace entities will continue fighting back against this case, including by appealing to the North Dakota Supreme Court.

In February 2024, Greenpeace International initiated the first test of the European Union’s anti-SLAPP Directive by filing a lawsuit in Dutch court against ET. GPI seeks to recover damages and costs it has suffered as a result of ET’s back-to-back, meritless lawsuits demanding hundreds of millions of dollars against GPI and the Greenpeace organisations in the US.“Energy Transfer hasn’t heard the last of us in this fight. We’re just getting started with our anti-SLAPP lawsuit against Energy Transfer’s attacks on free speech and peaceful protest,” said Kristin Casper, Greenpeace International General Counsel. “We will see Energy Transfer in court this July in the Netherlands.”

CONTACT: Madison Carter, Greenpeace USA Senior Communications Specialist, [email protected]

MIL OSI NGO –

March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: ‘Declare your city genocide free’ – lessons from NZ’s nuclear-free movement

COMMENTARY: By Eugene Doyle

Today I attended a demonstration outside both Aotearoa New Zealand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Israeli Embassy in Wellington.

The day before, the Israelis had blown apart 174 children in Gaza in a surprise attack that announced the next phase of the genocide.

About 174 Wellingtonians turned up to a quickly-called protest: they are the best of us — the best of Wellington.

In 2023, the City made me an Absolutely Positively Wellingtonian for service across a number of fronts (water infrastructure, conservation, coastal resilience, community organising) but nothing I have done compares with the importance of standing up for the victims of US-Israeli violence.

What more can we do? And then it crossed my mind: “Declare Wellington Genocide Free”. And if Wellington could, why not other cities?

Wellington started nuclear-free drive
The nuclear-free campaign, led by Wellington back in the 1980s, is a template worth reviving.

Wellington became the first city in New Zealand — and the first capital in the world — to declare itself nuclear free in 1982. It followed the excellent example of Missoula, Montana, USA, the first city in the world to do so, in 1978.

These were tumultuous times. I vividly remember heading into Wellington harbour on a small yacht, part of a peace flotilla made up of kayakers, yachties and wind surfers that tried to stop the USS Texas from berthing. It won that battle that day but we won the war.

This was the decade which saw the French government’s terrorist bomb attack on a Greenpeace ship in Auckland harbour to intimidate the anti-nuclear movement.

Also, 2025 is the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the Rainbow Warrior and the death of Fernando Pereira. Little Island Press will be reissuing a new edition of my friend David Robie’s book Eyes of Fire later this year. It tells the incredible story of the final voyage of the Rainbow Warrior.

“Eyes of Fire: the Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior” . . . a new book on nuclear-free activism on its way. Image: Little Island Press

Standing up to bullies
Labour under David Lange successfully campaigned and won the 1984 elections on a nuclear-free platform which promised to ban nuclear ships from our waters.

This was a time when we had a government that had the backbone to act independently of the US. Yes, we had a grumpy relationship with the Yanks for a while and we were booted out of ANZUS — surely a cause for celebration in contrast to today when our government is little more than a finger puppet for Team Genocide.

In response to bullying from Australia and the US, David Lange said at the time: “It is the price we are prepared to pay.”

With Wellington in the lead, nuclear-free had moved over the course of a decade from a fringe peace movement to the mainstream and eventually to become government policy.

The New Zealand Nuclear Free Zone, Disarmament, and Arms Control Act 1987 was passed and remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy.

New Zealand took a stand that showed strong opposition to out-of-control militarism, the risks of nuclear war, and strong support for the international movement to step back from nuclear weapons.

It was a powerful statement of our independence as a nation and a rejection of foreign dominance. It also reduced the risk of contamination in case of a nuclear accident aboard a vessel (remember this was the same decade as the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine).

The nuclear-free campaign and Palestine
Each of those points have similarities with the Palestinian cause today and should act as inspiration for cities to mobilise and build national solidarity with the Palestinians.

To my knowledge, no city has ever successfully expelled an Israeli Embassy but Wellington could take a powerful first step by doing this, and declare the capital genocide-free. We need to wake our country — and the Western world — out of the moral torpor it finds itself in; yawning its way through the monstrous crimes being perpetrated by our “friends and allies”.

Shun Israel until it stops genocide
No city should suffer the moral stain of hosting an embassy representing the racist, genocidal state of Israel.

Wellington should lead the country to support South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), end all trade with Israel, and end all intelligence and military cooperation with Israel for the duration of its genocidal onslaught. Other cities should follow suit.

Declare your city Nuclear and Genocide Free.

Eugene Doyle is a writer based in Wellington. He has written extensively on the Middle East, as well as peace and security issues in the Asia Pacific region. He hosts the public policy platform solidarity.co.nz and is a frequent contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt Briefs Members of the Media, Mar. 19, 2025

Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

The White House

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElUUgflrQjE

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – March 19, 2025 – 2:00 PM

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing, at the Department of State, on March 19, 2025.
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_r5pkQMqqc

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Department of State Press Briefing – March 19, 2025

Source: United States of America – Department of State (video statements)

Spokesperson Tammy Bruce leads the Department Press Briefing at the Department of State, on March 19, 2025.

Transcript: https://www.state.gov/briefings/department-press-briefing-march-19-2025/
———-
Under the leadership of the President and Secretary of State, the U.S. Department of State leads America’s foreign policy through diplomacy, advocacy, and assistance by advancing the interests of the American people, their safety and economic prosperity. On behalf of the American people we promote and demonstrate democratic values and advance a free, peaceful, and prosperous world.

The Secretary of State, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate, is the President’s chief foreign affairs adviser. The Secretary carries out the President’s foreign policies through the State Department, which includes the Foreign Service, Civil Service and U.S. Agency for International Development.

Get updates from the U.S. Department of State at www.state.gov and on social media!
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/statedept
X: https://x.com/StateDept
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/statedept
Flickr: https://flickr.com/photos/statephotos/

Subscribe to the State Department Blog: https://www.state.gov/blogs
Watch on-demand State Department videos: https://video.state.gov/
Subscribe to The Week at State e-newsletter: http://ow.ly/diiN30ro7Cw

State Department website: https://www.state.gov/
Careers website: https://careers.state.gov/
White House website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/
Terms of Use: https://state.gov/tou

#StateDepartment #DepartmentofState #Diplomacy

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkiickmfuag

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Zeroing In On The Win

Source: United States Department of Defense (video statements)

—————
Competitors from all components of the @usarmy and @ArmyROTC cadets participated in the 2025 U.S. Army Small Arms Championships hosted by the @USArmyMarksmanshipUnit at Fort Benning, Ga.

For more on the Department of Defense, visit: http://www.defense.gov
—————
Keep up with the Department of Defense on social media!

Like the DoD on Facebook: http://facebook.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on Instagram: http://instagram.com/DeptofDefense
Follow the DoD on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/DeptofDefense

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RtV_kZMydS8

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Old school gas chambers hit DIFFERENT!

Source: US Army (video statements)

by Defense Media Activity

About the U.S. Army:

The Army Mission – our purpose – remains constant: To deploy, fight and win our nation’s wars by providing ready, prompt & sustained land dominance by Army forces across the full spectrum of conflict as part of the joint force.

Interested in joining the U.S. Army?
Visit: spr.ly/6001igl5L

Connect with the U.S. Army online:
Web: https://www.army.mil
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USarmy/
X: https://www.twitter.com/USArmy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/usarmy/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/us-army
#USArmy #Soldiers #Military #Shorts #BeAllYouCanBe

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1BNQS8u0F_E

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: Fisheries Subsidies: Colombia’s acceptance

Source: World Trade Organization – WTO (video statements)

Colombia deposited its instrument of acceptance of the Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies on 19 March. Ambassador Mauricio Alberto Bustamante García presented Colombia’s instrument of acceptance to Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

More:
https://www.wto.org/english/news_e/news25_e/fish_19mar25_e.htm

Download this video from the WTO website:
https://www.wto.org/english/res_e/webcas_e/webcas_e.htm

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlCjRW5w8ro

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Video: ‘I want my daughter to have the same opportunities as my sons – that’s not unreasonable,’ – Cryst…

Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

David Beckham shot to fame in the 1990s playing football for Manchester United and England and boosted the game’s profile in the USA playing for LA Galaxy. Off the pitch he was at the centre of Cool Britiannia-era glamour, marrying Posh Spice pop star-turned-fashion designer Victoria.

He’s a global brand, and he has used that fame and influence, among other things, as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, where his 7 Fund – named after the number he wore on the pitch – works in schools around the world to combat bullying, violence, child marriage and missed education.

Beckham, who turns 50 this year, was at the Forum’s Annual Meeting in Davos to receive a Crystal Award, which the Forum bestows on people in arts and entertainment who have gone beyond the day job to help improve the state of the world.

At a time when overseas development is under pressure like never before, and with a rise in online misogyny, we spoke to David Beckham about his work with UNICEF and his role as a father.

Catch up on all the action from the Annual Meeting 2025 at wef.ch/wef25 (http://wef.ch/wef25) and across social media using the hashtag #WEF25.

Related podcasts:

What just happened in Davos, and how is the world different now? https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/davos-2025-what-just-happened/ Global Risks Report: the big issues facing the world at Davos 2025 https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/global-risks-report-2025/ The 90-year-old using sports to change the lives of refugees https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos/episodes/refugees-unhcr-sport-claude-marshall/

Check out all our podcasts on wef.ch/podcasts (http://wef.ch/podcasts) :

YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts) – https://www.youtube.com/@wef/podcasts

Radio Davos (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/radio-davos) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1504682164) : https://pod.link/1504682164

Meet the Leader (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/meet-the-leader) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1534915560) : https://pod.link/1534915560

Agenda Dialogues (https://www.weforum.org/podcasts/agenda-dialogues) – subscribe (https://pod.link/1574956552) : https://pod.link/1574956552

Join the World Economic Forum Podcast Club (https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub) : https://www.facebook.com/groups/wefpodcastclub

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_8-9D633OY

MIL OSI Video –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Equinor presents 2024 Annual report

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Equinor ASA (OSE: EQNR, NYSE: EQNR) publishes annual report for 2024, including financial and sustainability reporting.

“2024 was marked by continued unpredictability in energy markets, with growing energy demand, political uncertainty and uneven progress in the energy transition. Our focus is on producing the energy the world needs today, and at the same time developing the energy systems needed for the future,” says Anders Opedal, President and CEO of Equinor ASA.

Safety

“A systematic approach to safety over time is paying off with the best safety results to date in 2024. However, the year was marked by the fatal search and rescue (SAR) helicopter accident where we lost a dear colleague. We believe close collaboration with suppliers and shared learning in the industry is important for our continued safety improvement effort”, says Opedal.

The twelve-month average Serious Incident Frequency (SIF) for 2024 was 0.3, down from 0.4 in 2023.

Strong operational and financial performance

Equinor delivered adjusted operating income* of USD 29.8 billion, and adjusted net income* of USD 9.18. Net operating income was reported at USD 30.9 billion and net income at USD 8.83 billion.

“Our operational performance was strong, built on the dedicated efforts from employees across the company. Our role as a major supplier of energy to Europe is important and I am proud of the work we have done to provide energy security”, says Opedal.

Strong operational performance across the portfolio contributed to an equity production of liquids and gas of 2,067 mboe per day in 2024, on par with the year before. Equity production of renewable power increased by 51% to 2,935 GWh.

Strong financial result contributed to a return on average capital employed (RoACE)* at 21% for 2024. Capital discipline remained firm with organic capital expenditures* ending at USD 12.1 billion for the year. Equinor maintained a strong balance sheet with net debt to capital employed adjusted* of 11.9% at the end of 2024.

The strong financial results of 2024 also led to strong contributions to society through taxes. In 2024, Equinor paid USD 20.6 billion in corporate income taxes of which USD 19.7 billion was paid in Norway, where Equinor has the largest share of its operations and earnings.

Firm strategy and progressing industrial development

“We have a consistent growth strategy, and our strategic direction remains firm. By adapting to market situation and opportunities, we are positioned for stronger free cash flow and growth, and set to create shareholder value for decades to come”, Opedal continues.

Through progressing projects and portfolio shaping transactions Equinor spent 2024 high-grading the portfolio and positioning for stronger growth and cash flow.

On the Norwegian continental shelf, the development of the portfolio continued with 39 new licences and approvals of the PDOs of Eirin, Irpa, Verdande and Andvare projects. The Johan Castberg FPSO arrived at the field and started preparations for startup.

The international upstream portfolio was focused with the exits from our long-standing positions in Nigeria and Azerbaijan and deepened in core areas with the acquisitions of US Onshore gas assets close to premium markets. In the UK an agreement was signed to establish an incorporated joint venture with Shell UK Ltd., which will become the largest independent oil and gas company on the UK continental shelf.

Through 2024 Equinor high-graded the renewables portfolio to ensure profitable growth, in a market challenged by cost inflation and regulatory delays. In the UK the world’s largest offshore wind farm, Dogger Bank, continued to progress towards commercial start-up. Production was commenced at the Mendubim solar plants in Brazil.

The long-term view on the importance of offshore wind remains firm. Through an acquisition of a 10% stake in Ørsted, Equinor got exposure to a premium portfolio of offshore wind projects and assets in operation.

Value chains for carbon transport and storage progressed notably. In Norway, Northern Lights, the first commercial CO2 transport and storage infrastructure was completed and is expected to receive and store CO2 in 2025. In the UK, execution started for two of UK’s first carbon capture and storage infrastructure projects where Equinor is a partner.

Progress on the Energy transition plan

In 2024, Equinor achieved a year-on-year reduction of 5% in operated scope 1+2 greenhouse gas emissions, bringing the total down to 11.0 million tonnes CO2 equivalents. This is a 34% reduction from 2015, which is the reference year for Equinor’s ambition to reduce group-wide operated emissions by 50% on a net basis by 2030. Throughout 2024, actions were taken for further emission reductions with the partial electrification of the Sleipner field center, the Gudrun platform, as well as the Troll B and C fields.

The average upstream CO2 intensity of Equinor’s operated portfolio was 6.2 kg of CO2 per boe in 2024 (100% basis), an improvement from 6.7kg of CO2/boe in 2023 and well below the industry average. The scope 3 GHG emissions from use of our products were 251 million tonnes in 2024, on par with the level in 2023.

Equinor improved in the net carbon intensity of energy produced (including scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) in 2024, which is now 2% below the 2019 baseline. The reduction was mainly driven by increased renewable energy production and lower scope 1+2 emissions.

Equinor ambition is to to be a leading company in the energy transition. The updated Energy Transition Plan, published on March 20 2025, outlines the approach to deliver on Equinor’s strategy of creating value in the transition, while adjusting to changing external context and market realities.

***

The previously announced decision of the French Energy Regulatory Commission (CRE), includes a requirement for Equinor to publish the following summary language:

“Les sociétés Danske Commodities A/S et Equinor ASA ont été condamnées, par une décision n° 08-40-23 de la Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) du 20 janvier 2025, au titre de la méconnaissance de l’article 5 du règlement REMIT qui prohibe les manipulations de marché, au paiement de sanctions pécuniaires, dont les montants s’élèvent à huit millions d’euros (8.000.000 €) pour la société Danske Commodities A/S et quatre millions d’euros (4.000.000 €) pour la société Equinor ASA, pour des manipulations commises sur le marché de gros en 2019 et en 2020, en ce qui concerne les capacités de transport de gaz naturel entre la France et l’Espagne.

Danske Commodities A/S and Equinor ASA were ordered by decision no. 08-40-23 of Commission de régulation de l’énergie (CRE) of 20 January 2025 to pay – for infringement of Article 5 of REMIT Regulation prohibiting market manipulations – financial penalties in the amount of eight million euros (€8,000,000) as regards Danske Commodities A/S and four million euros (€4,000,000) as regards Equinor ASA, for manipulations committed on the wholesale market in 2019 and 2020, with regard to natural gas transmission capacity between France and Spain.”

The full decision is included in the attached appendix “Full decision text”. Equinor does not agree with the decision from CRE and will appeal the case to the Higher Administrative Court in France.

* * *

Our annual report and the subsidiary reports published separately can be downloaded from equinor.com/reports.

* * *

In accordance with Section 203.01 of the New York Stock Exchange Listed Company Manual, Equinor ASA announces that on 20 March 2025 it filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission its 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F that includes audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2024.

The Equinor 2024 Annual Report on Form 20-F may be downloaded from Equinor’s website at www.equinor.com. References to this document or other documents on Equinor’s website are included as an aid to their location and are not incorporated by reference into this document. All SEC filings made available electronically by Equinor may be obtained from the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov.

Shareholders may also request a hard copy of the annual report free of charge at www.equinor.com.

* * *

(*) These are non-GAAP figures. See Use and reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures in the annual report for more details.

Further information:

Investor relations
Bård Glad Pedersen, senior vice president Investor Relations,
+47 51 99 00 00

Press
Rikke Høistad Sjøberg, media spokesperson financial communication,
+47 901 01 451(mobile)

* * *

Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect current views with respect to future events, are based on the management’s current expectations and assumptions, and are, by their nature, subject to significant risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future. There are a number of factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those discussed under “Risk Factors” in the 2024 Annual report and elsewhere in Equinor’s publications. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which such statement is made, and, except as required by applicable law, Equinor undertakes no obligation to update any of these statements, whether to make them conform to actual results, changes in expectations or otherwise.

* * *

This information is subject to disclosure obligations pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation, ref. section 3-1 in the Norwegian Securities Trading Act, and section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

Attachments

The MIL Network –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 20 March 2025 News release Three cities honoured for public health achievements at 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit
Source: World Health Organisation

Today, during the annual Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit in Paris, three cities were recognized for their achievements in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries: Córdoba, Argentina; Fortaleza, Brazil; and Greater Manchester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The Summit, co-hosted by Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization (WHO), Vital Strategies, and the City of Paris, convened mayors and officials from 61 cities in the Partnership for Healthy Cities network to address pressing public health issues and share effective strategies for saving lives and building healthier communities at the local level.

“Noncommunicable diseases, including heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, and injuries are responsible for more than 80% of all deaths globally, but the good news is, they are preventable,” said Michael R. Bloomberg, founder of Bloomberg L.P. and Bloomberg Philanthropies, WHO Global Ambassador for Noncommunicable Diseases and Injuries, and 108th mayor of New York City. “Cities are leading the way in implementing policies that are protecting public health and saving lives. This year’s winning cities are proving that progress is possible with strong leadership and political will, and we look forward to seeing the results of their efforts.”

The recipients of the 2025 Partnership for Healthy Cities Awards were chosen because they have made demonstrable progress in preventing noncommunicable diseases and injuries, setting an example that can be replicated in other jurisdictions.

All three winning cities are part of the Partnership’s Policy Accelerator, which provides training and support for drafting policies and establishing the political strategies needed to develop and enact them. These cities are working with the Partnership to improve public health in the following ways:
- Córdoba, Argentina, passed a new policy committing the city to promoting healthy school food environments by eliminating sugary and artificially sweetened beverages and ultra-processed products from all schools by 2026. The program has benefited 26 schools to date, reaching 15 000 of the city’s 138 000 primary school children.
- Fortaleza, Brazil, established the city’s first legal framework for air quality surveillance. The 2023 decree guarantees the local monitoring of air pollutants to estimate their impact on residents’ health, along with the installation of low-cost sensors to improve data collection. Reliable data will help inform city policies that can significantly reduce air pollution.
- Greater Manchester, United Kingdom, expanded the number of outdoor smoke-free areas as part of efforts to reduce smoking, including opening its first smoke-free park, covering 6.5 acres of public space. Greater Manchester also conducted a series of community consultations and workshops with residents to help with decision-making; launched a smoke-free toolkit and communication guidance for National Health Service (NHS) hospitals and sites; and is scaling this initiative by developing a broader smoke-free spaces toolkit for other organizations and groups that want to create smoke-free spaces.
“Cities are at the forefront of the fight against noncommunicable diseases and injuries. The progress made in Córdoba, Fortaleza, and Greater Manchester is not only improving health today but also setting a model for others to follow,” said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “WHO is committed to working with cities to build healthier, safer and more resilient communities for all.”

“Local leadership has emerged as a powerful force for addressing the complex challenges presented by noncommunicable diseases and injuries,” said Dr Mary-Ann Etiebet, President and CEO, Vital Strategies. “We applaud the work of city leaders around the globe in their efforts to create healthier, safer environments for their populations. Their efforts are having a significant impact on people’s lives and well-being, while also demonstrating to national governments that there is significant support for these policy solutions.”

Launched in 2017, the Partnership for Healthy Cities is a global network of 74 cities working to prevent noncommunicable diseases and injuries. Supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies, in partnership with the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies, this initiative empowers cities worldwide to implement high-impact policy or programmatic interventions to reduce noncommunicable diseases and injuries in their communities. Through this network, city leaders are enacting transformative measures to improve the health of 300 million people across the globe.

The mayors participating in the Partnership for Healthy Cities Summit include:
- Mayor Carlos Fernando Galán, Bogotá, Colombia
- Municipal Commissioner Palitha Nanayakkara, Colombo, Sri Lanka
- Intendant Daniel Passerini, Córdoba, Argentina
- Honorable Administrator Mohammad Azaz, Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Municipal President Verónica Delgadillo, Guadalajara, Mexico
- Mayor Juhana Vartiainen, Helsinki, Finland
- Mayor Erias Lukwago, Kampala, Uganda
- Mayor Chilando Chitangala, Lusaka, Zambia
- Intendant Mauricio Zunino, Montevideo, Uruguay
- Mayor Anne Hidalgo, Paris, France
- Mayor Pabel Muñoz López, Quito, Ecuador
- Governor Claudio Benjamín Orrego Larraín, Santiago, Chile.
About Bloomberg Philanthropies

Bloomberg Philanthropies invests in 700 cities and 150 countries around the world to ensure better, longer lives for the greatest number of people. The organization focuses on creating lasting change in five key areas: the arts, education, environment, government innovation, and public health. Bloomberg Philanthropies encompasses all of Michael R. Bloomberg’s giving, including his foundation, corporate, and personal philanthropy as well as Bloomberg Associates, a philanthropic consultancy that advises cities around the world. In 2024, Bloomberg Philanthropies distributed US$ 3.7 billion. For more information, please visit bloomberg.org, sign up for ournewsletter, or follow us onInstagram,LinkedIn,YouTube,Threads,Facebook, and X.

About the World Health Organization
Dedicated to the well-being of all people and guided by science, the World Health Organization leads and champions global efforts to give everyone, everywhere an equal chance at a safe and healthy life. We are the UN agency for health that connects nations, partners and people on the front lines in 150+ locations – leading the world’s response to health emergencies, preventing disease, addressing the root causes of health issues and expanding access to medicines and health care. Our mission is to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable. For more information, visit www.who.int and follow WHO on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube.

About Vital Strategies

Vital Strategies believes every person should be protected by an equitable and effective public health system. We partner with governments, communities and organizations around the world to reimagine public health so that health is supported in all the places we live, work and play. The result is millions of people living longer, healthier lives. To find out more, please visit www.vitalstrategies.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

Media Contacts

Veronica Lewin, Bloomberg Philanthropies, veronical@bloomberg.org

Erin Pallotta, Allison Worldwide, bloomberghealth@allisonworldwide.com

Jaimie Guerra, World Health Organization, guerraja@who.int

Christina Honeysett, Vital Strategies, choneysett@vitalstrategies.org

MIL OSI United Nations News –
March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Nuclear free Pacific – back to the future, Earthwise talks to David Robie

Report by Dr David Robie – Café Pacific. –

Pacific Media Watch

Earthwise presenters Lois and Martin Griffiths of Plains FM96.9 radio talk to Dr David Robie, editor of Asia Pacific Report, about heightened global fears of nuclear war as tensions have mounted since US President Donald Trump has returned to power.

Dr Robie reminds us that New Zealanders once actively opposed nuclear testing in the Pacific.

That spirit, that active opposition to nuclear testing, and to nuclear war must be revived.

This is very timely as the Rainbow Warrior 3 is currently visiting the Marshall Islands this month to mark 40 years since the original RW took part in the relocation of Rongelap Islanders who suffered from US nuclear tests in the 1950s.

After that humanitarian mission, the Rainbow Warrior was subsequently bombed by French secret agents in Auckland Harbour on 10 July 1985 shortly before it was due to sail to Moruroa Atoll to protest against nuclear testing.

A new edition of Dr Robie’s book Eyes of Fire The Last Voyage of the Rainbow Warrior will be released this July. The Eyes of Fire microsite is here.

Lois opens up by saying: “I fear that we live in disturbing times. I fear the possibility of nuclear war, I always have.

“I remember the Cuban missiles crisis, a scary time. I remember campaigns for nuclear disarmament. Hopes that the United Nations could lead to a world of peace and justice.

“Yet today one hears from our media, for world leaders . . . ‘No, no no. There will always be tyrants who want to destroy us and our democratic allies . . . more and bigger, deadlier weapons are needed to protect us . . .”

Listen to the programme . . .

[embedded content]
Nuclear free Pacific . . . back to the future. Video/audio: Plains FM96.9

Broadcast: Plains Radio FM96.9

Interviewee: Dr David Robie, deputy chair of the Asia Pacific Media Network (APMN) and a semiretired professor of Pacific journalism. He founded the Pacific Media Centre.
Interviewers: Lois and Martin Griffiths, Earthwise programme

Date: 14 March 2025 (27min), broadcast March 17.

Youtube: Café Pacific: https://www.youtube.com/@cafepacific2023

https://plainsfm.org.nz/

Café Pacific: https://davidrobie.nz/

This article was first published on Café Pacific.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: GlobalData Country Risk Index shows slight drop in Q4 2024

Source: GlobalData

The global economy stands at a crossroads, balancing trade policy uncertainty and geopolitical tensions against easing price pressures. The latter is supporting a revival in domestic demand and providing central banks with room for potential rate cuts. Against this backdrop, GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company, reports a slight drop in the GlobalData Country Risk Index (GCRI) from 55.6 in Q3 2024 to 55.0 in Q4 2024.

GlobalData’s latest, “Global Risk Report Quarterly Update – Q4 2024,” highlights that the Americas and the Middle East and Africa (MEA) face high risk scores due to economic instability and geopolitical conflicts. The Asia-Pacific region, while risky, has a lower score than the Americas and MEA, buoyed by strong growth in emerging economies. In contrast, Europe is the least risky region, benefiting from a solid economic recovery and improved investment sentiment.

Annapurna Pillutla, Economic Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Global economic growth is projected to reach 3.1% in 2024, slightly down from 3.3% in 2023, reflecting both resilience and ongoing challenges. While the US economy continues to expand steadily, China’s real estate turmoil and potential US tariff hikes present key risks. Inflation remains above central bank targets in some regions, adding to the economic uncertainty. Growth in 2025 is expected to follow a similar trajectory, constrained by geopolitical tensions and policy unpredictability.”

The Trump administration’s proposed tariffs are likely to disrupt the global supply chains and raise business costs. By 2025, these measures could reduce production efficiency and alter trade patterns as companies face higher prices for imported goods and raw materials.

Europe – Steady recovery amid persistent challenges

Europe continues to be the world’s least-risk region, with its risk score improving slightly from 41.4 in Q3 2024 to 41.0 in Q4 2024. The region’s economic recovery is marked by a gradual decline in inflation, improved labor markets, and supportive policy rate cuts by the ECB. However, geopolitical tensions, particularly involving Russia and Ukraine, along with political shifts to the far right, an aging population and labor shortages, present ongoing challenges. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Switzerland, Denmark, and Ireland were identified as the least risky countries, while Ukraine, Turkiye, and Belarus, faced the highest risks.

Asia-Pacific – Resilience amidst geopolitical challenges

The Asia-Pacific region’s risk score decreased from 54.0 in Q3 2024 to 53.4 in Q4 2024, indicating ongoing economic recovery. Projected to account for more than half of global growth in 2025, the region benefits from strong domestic demand and increased exports. However, risks persist due to geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea and economic slowdown in China. China’s stimulus measures may offset some impact of US tariffs, while easing inflation and resilient consumption in other emerging economies improve the outlook. Strong growth prospects in Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia further enhance regional stability.

In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, the highest-risk countries included Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh. Conversely, the countries with the lowest risk were Singapore, Taiwan (Province of China), and Hong Kong (China SAR).

Americas – Risk decline amid economic gains and political shifts

Americas’ risk score decreased slightly from 57.0 in Q3 2024 to 56.6 in Q4 2024, reflecting benefits from policy rate cuts and strong consumer spending, particularly in the US. However, high US debt and fiscal challenges in Latin America persist, alongside political instability marked by protests and governance issues. Donald Trump’s return to the presidency adds to the region’s volatility, potentially affecting economic strategies and stability.

In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Canada, the US, and Costa Rica were the least risky, while Haiti, Venezuela, and Argentina remained the highest-risk nations.

MEA – Persistent risks amid geopolitical tensions

The MEA regions risk score slightly decreased from 66.3 in Q3 2024 to 65.4 in Q4 2024, driven by growth in the non-oil sector. However, ongoing geopolitical conflicts, particularly in the Middle East, and humanitarian crises continue to pose significant challenges. Africa faces rising debt and natural disasters, exacerbating food insecurity and displacement. In the Q4 2024 GCRI update, Yemen, Syria, and Burundi were among the highest-risk nations globally, highlighting the region’s persistent instability.

Pillutla concludes: “Geopolitical tensions, trade disruptions, and market volatility present significant challenges for both policymakers and investors. To effectively manage these risks, a sophisticated approach is necessary, emphasizing adaptation and diversification.”

About GlobalData

4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis, and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology, and professional services sectors.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Jacobs Highlight Importance of Protecting Medi-Cal

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)

WATCH: Padilla pushes back against Republican threats to cut MedicaidSAN DIEGO, CA — Today, U.S. Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.) and Representative Sara Jacobs (D-Calif.-51) joined health care providers and community leaders in San Diego to highlight the dangerous impacts of President Trump and Republicans’ proposals to dismantle Medicaid, emphasizing the importance of California’s Medi-Cal program. Padilla and Jacobs heard from health care leaders, families, and pediatricians on how massive federal cuts to Medicaid’s budget would strain services and raise health care costs for millions of Californians.
The lawmakers underscored the harmful impacts of Trump and Republicans’ partisan plan to cut $880 billion across the federal government, which would mean hundreds of billions of dollars in cuts to Medicaid, in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans — leaving millions of seniors, children, veterans, and people with disabilities without health care. Last year, nearly 80 million Americans relied on Medicaid, making it the largest public health insurance program in the United States. That includes nearly 15 million people enrolled in Medi-Cal, which covers almost 40 percent of the state, including half of all kids in California. One in five California workers rely on Medi-Cal to access care every single day.
“Republicans are laying the groundwork to cut hundreds of billions of dollars from Medicaid in order to pay for President Trump’s tax cuts for billionaires,” said Senator Padilla. “They’ve put Medicaid on the chopping block, threatening access to health care for almost 15 million Californians — including 5 million children — enrolled in Medi-Cal. California leads the nation in innovative approaches to health care and expanding access to care for our most vulnerable communities, and any cut to Medi-Cal will have a ripple effect on our entire health care system, especially for our kids. Families are more than just line items on President Trump’s expense sheet; they rely on Medi-Cal to survive, and I will never back down from protecting their access to lifesaving care.”
“Medicaid is a lifeline for 1 in 6 people in San Diego County. Yet, Republicans in Congress are pushing to cut at least $880 billion from Medicaid – sacrificing people’s lives and our economic security in the process – all to pay for big tax cuts for corporations and the 1%. That’s why Senator Padilla and I went to Rady Children’s Hospital today to hear the heartbreaking truth of how Medicaid cuts will impact their patients, their ability to deliver essential care, and their operations. We won’t give up and we will keep fighting to protect Medicaid,” said Representative Jacobs.
Padilla and Jacobs visited Rady Children’s Hospital and spoke alongside the hospital’s Co-President and CEO, Dr. Patrick Frias, Executive Vice President of Operations for San Ysidro Health Veronica Dela Rosa, health care providers, and impacted families. Over half of Rady Children’s Health’s patients are covered by Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal recipients represent 65 percent of San Ysidro’s patient population.
Senator Padilla joined his colleagues in sending a letter last month urging the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to refrain from making cuts to Medicaid and Medicare to pay for tax cuts for billionaires after Elon Musk and DOGE officials gained access to key payment and contracting systems at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. In the House, Representative Jacobs joined her colleagues in sending a similar letter to Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, urging him to reject the devastating proposed cuts to Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security, and to reverse course on any legislation that deprives Americans of their health care.
Video of Senator Padilla’s opening remarks is available here, and his closing remarks are available here. Footage of his remarks can be downloaded here.
Additional photos from the event are available here.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Padilla, Schiff Invite EPA Head Zeldin to South Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Alex Padilla (D-Calif.)
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Adam Schiff (both D-Calif.), along with Representatives Scott Peters (D-Calif.-50) and Juan Vargas (D-Calif.-52), invited Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin to visit San Diego’s South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBITWP) to see firsthand the ongoing environmental and public health consequences of the cross-border Tijuana River sewage crisis on local communities.
Administrator Zeldin recently expressed concern about the flow of sewage flowing across the border, posting about a briefing he received on the crisis and pushing Mexico to “honor its commitments to control this pollution and sewage.” The lawmakers wrote to ensure new EPA leadership fully understands the scope of this environmental catastrophe and their role in addressing the environmental and public health harms it causes.
“As you know, decades of underinvestment in cross-border wastewater infrastructure have led to the flow of untreated sewage into San Diego,” wrote the lawmakers. “EPA served as an important advocate for this issue in the last Trump Administration and we hope the agency will continue to do so once again.”
“Researchers have recently discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized, unveiling additional potential risks to the air quality in our communities. EPA, working with the International Boundary and Water Commission, will play a critical role in addressing these issues and helping the region recover from decades of pollution and environmental degradation,” continued the lawmakers.
Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged stormwater have flowed across the United States-Mexico border into the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities, forcing long-lasting beach closures and causing harmful impacts on public health, the environment, and water quality. U.S. military personnel, border patrol agents, and the local economy have also suffered harmful impacts from airborne and waterborne transboundary sewage flows. In 2023, sewage flowed across the border at the highest volume in a quarter century, exceeding 44 billion gallons.
The SBIWTP project broke ground in October 2024, and over the next five years, the SBIWTP will double in capacity, reducing transboundary flows by 90 percent. Importantly, Mexico’s rehabilitated San Antonio de los Buenos wastewater treatment plant is expected to be fully operational by Spring 2025, further reducing flows to California communities.
Senator Padilla has prioritized addressing the Tijuana River pollution crisis since he first came to the Senate. In response to a request from Padilla and the San Diego Congressional delegation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) opened an investigation into the public health impacts of air pollution caused by the ongoing Tijuana River transboundary pollution crisis. Senator Padilla and the delegation also recently secured a $200 million authorization for the Tijuana River Valley Watershed and San Diego County through the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 to help address the ongoing transboundary sewage crisis through stormwater conveyance, environmental and ecosystem restoration, and water quality protection projects. They also delivered over $103 million in additional funding for the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) in the bipartisan FY 2024 appropriations package. Padilla previously successfully secured language in the FY 2023 appropriations package to allow the EPA to unlock $300 million previously secured in the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement to the IBWC for water infrastructure projects. Last year, Padilla and Representatives Peters and Vargas announced bicameral legislation to help combat the Tijuana River sewage pollution crisis.
Full text of the letter is available here and below:
Dear Administrator Zeldin,
We would like to invite you to visit the South Bay International Wastewater Treatment Plant (SBIWTP) in the Tijuana River Valley and appreciate your interest in addressing the cross-border sewage crisis.
As you know, decades of underinvestment in cross-border wastewater infrastructure have led to the flow of untreated sewage into San Diego. Since 2018, more than 100 billion gallons of toxic sewage, trash, and unmanaged stormwater have flowed across the United States-Mexico border into the Tijuana River Valley and neighboring communities, forcing long-lasting beach closures and negatively impacting the local economy, environment, and health of U.S. military and Homeland Security personnel. EPA served as an important advocate for this issue in the last Trump Administration and we hope the agency will continue to do so once again.
While this wastewater pollution crisis is not new, it has intensified over the past two years. Researchers have recently discovered that toxins and bacteria from the Tijuana River can be aerosolized, unveiling additional potential risks to the air quality in our communities. EPA, working with the International Boundary and Water Commission, will play a critical role in addressing these issues and helping the region recover from decades of pollution and environmental degradation.
We look forward to working with you on this important issue, and we hope to host you at SBIWTP so you can see first-hand the challenges confronting our region. Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI: Enerflex Ltd. Announces Leadership Transition
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

MARC ROSSITER STEPS DOWN AS PRESIDENT, CEO, AND DIRECTOR

PREET DHINDSA NAMED INTERIM CEO

REAFFIRMS 2025 OUTLOOK AND CONCURRENTLY ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF DIRECT SHAREHOLDER RETURNS

CALGARY, Alberta, March 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enerflex Ltd. (TSX: EFX) (NYSE: EFXT) (“Enerflex” or the “Company”) today announced that Marc Rossiter has stepped down as President, CEO, and Director, effective immediately.

Preet Dhindsa, Enerflex’s current Senior Vice President and CFO, will serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Dhindsa joined Enerflex in October 2023 and is a seasoned executive with more than 25 years of experience, primarily in the energy and financial services industries.

Joe Ladouceur, Vice President Treasury, Tax & Insurance, will serve as Interim CFO.

The Board is undertaking a comprehensive search to identify the Company’s next CEO and has retained a leading executive search firm to assist with this process.

Kevin Reinhart, Chair of the Board of Directors, stated, “As we look to the future and position Enerflex to create shareholder value over the long-term, the Board decided that now is the right time to undertake a leadership transition. We thank Marc for his more than 25 years of dedicated service and commitment to Enerflex, including the last six years as CEO, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

Mr. Rossiter said, “Leading Enerflex has been a true privilege, and I’m incredibly proud of all that we’ve accomplished together to propel the business forward over the past six years. Thanks to the dedication of a talented team, Enerflex is well-positioned to build on its positive momentum and I believe the Company has a bright future.”

Mr. Reinhart added, “Preet has been instrumental in Enerflex’s efforts to “Simplify, Optimize, and Grow” and we are fortunate to have him serve as Interim Chief Executive Officer. With the support and collaboration of a deep bench of executive talent, we are confident in Preet’s ability to lead Enerflex in this interim period as we complete our search for a permanent CEO.

Enerflex’s near-term priorities remain unchanged and include: (1) enhancing the profitability of core operations; (2) leveraging the Company’s leading position in core operating countries to capitalize on expected increases in natural gas and produced water volumes; and (3) maximizing free cash flow to further strengthen Enerflex’s financial position, provide direct shareholder returns, and invest in selective customer supported growth opportunities.”

Mr. Dhindsa commented, “I am excited to continue working closely with the Board, management, and our colleagues across the Company. Our focus remains on generating sustainable free cash flow, further improving balance sheet health, and positioning the Company for long-term growth and value creation. With the Company operating within its target leverage range, Enerflex is positioned to increase direct shareholder returns, as reflected by (1) the previously announced 50% increase of the Company’s quarterly dividend and (2) today’s concurrent announcement of the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid.”

OUTLOOK

All amounts presented are in U.S. Dollars (“USD”) unless otherwise stated.

Enerflex is reaffirming its outlook for 2025, which reflects:
1. Steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions, although Enerflex continues to closely monitor geopolitical tensions across North America, including the potential impact of tariffs. Based on currently available information, the direct impact of tariffs on Enerflex’s business is expected to be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management.
2. Approximately 65% of the Company’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization is generated by the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of its After-Market Services business.
3. The expectation that Engineered Systems’ gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near-term revenue is expected to remain steady.
4. A disciplined capital program in 2025, with total capital expenditures of $110 million to $130 million. Growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million will focus on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East.
About Preet Dhindsa

Since joining Enerflex, Preet has spearheaded several corporate initiatives including improving balance sheet health and enhancing the global finance function. Prior to joining Enerflex, Preet served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at ENMAX Corporation, a regulated utility with energy generation and retail lines of business. Prior thereto, Preet was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Global Banking & Markets (GBM), at Scotiabank, leading international finance teams. Preet began his career as a professional accountant with KPMG and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics & Statistics from Western University and a Graduate Diploma in Accounting from Wilfrid Laurier University. Preet is a Chartered Professional Accountant and Chartered Director.

About Joe Ladouceur

Prior to joining Enerflex, Joe served as President and CEO of Platinum Energy Services Ltd. until he successfully managed its sale in 2022. With over 30 years of experience in the finance and energy industries, Joe has held numerous executive leadership roles with Canadian E&P, energy services, and equipment fabrication companies. He began his career with Royal Bank of Canada and RBC Dominion Securities, where he was involved in corporate banking and global energy projects. Joe holds an Honors Business Administration degree with a major in finance from the Ivey Business School in London, Ontario, a Master of Business Administration from KU Leuven in Belgium, and an Honorary Fellowship from St. Mary’s University in Calgary.

ADVISORY REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and “forward-looking statements” (and together with “forward-looking information”, “FLI”) within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the US Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are FLI. The use of any of the words “anticipate”, “believe”, “could”, “estimate”, “expect”, “future”, “intend”, “may”, “plan”, “potential”, “predict”, “should”, “will” and similar expressions, (including negatives thereof) are intended to identify FLI.

In particular, this news release includes (without limitation) forward-looking information and statements pertaining to:
- the Company’s near-term priorities and its positioning for long-term growth and value creation;
- the CEO transition and the CEO search, including with respect to the time it will take to complete the CEO search and the impact the CEO search and the CEO transition may have on the Company and its operations;
- the Company’s intention to implement a normal course issuer bid, the terms and conditions of such bid, the anticipated receipt of all required regulatory approvals, and the timing associated therewith;
- disclosures under the heading “Outlook” including:
  - expectations for steady demand across the Company’s business lines and geographic regions;
  - the potential impact of tariffs and the expectation that such impact will be mitigated by the Company’s diversified operations and proactive risk management;
  - the highly contracted Energy Infrastructure product line and the recurring nature of After-Market Services will, together, account for approximately 65% of Enerflex’s gross margin before depreciation and amortization;
  - the expectation that Engineered Systems gross margin before depreciation and amortization will be more consistent with the historical long-term average for this business line and that near term revenue will remain steady;
  - total capital expenditures in 2025 being $110 million to $130 million with growth capital spending of $40 million to $60 million focused on customer supported opportunities in the US and Middle East; and
- the ability of Enerflex to continue to pay a sustainable quarterly cash dividend.
FLI reflects management’s current beliefs and assumptions with respect to such things as the impact of general economic conditions; commodity prices; the markets in which Enerflex’s products and services are used; general industry conditions, forecasts, and trends; changes to, and introduction of new, governmental regulations, laws, and income taxes; increased competition; availability of qualified personnel; political unrest and geopolitical conditions; and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of Enerflex. More specifically, Enerflex’s expectations in respect of its FLI are based on a number of assumptions, estimates and projections developed based on past experience and anticipated trends, including but not limited to:
- Enerflex has the financial capacity, regulatory compliance, and board approval necessary to pursue a normal course issuer bid and that market conditions will support such a buyback program within the anticipated timeframe;
- any tariffs imposed will have a manageable impact on our operations and cost structure and increased domestic energy production will offset any negative effects of such tariffs;
- market dynamics, including increased energy demand, infrastructure development, and production activity, will drive growth in natural gas and produced water volumes across Enerflex’s core operating countries;
- market conditions, customer activity, and industry fundamentals will support stable demand across our business lines and geographic regions throughout 2025;
- the high level of contractual commitments within the Energy Infrastructure product line and the predictable, recurring revenue from After-Market Services will continue;
- existing customer contracts within the Energy Infrastructure product line will remain in effect and with no material cancellations or renegotiations over their remaining terms;
- Enerflex will maintain sufficient cash flow, profitability, and financial flexibility to support the ongoing payment of a sustainable quarterly cash dividend, subject to market conditions, operational performance, and board approval.
As a result of the foregoing, actual results, performance, or achievements of Enerflex could differ and such differences could be material from those expressed in, or implied by, the FLI. The principal risks, uncertainties and other factors affecting Enerflex and its business are identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in: (i) Enerflex’s Annual Information Form for the year ended December 31, 2024, dated February 27, 2025; and (ii) Enerflex’s Annual Report dated February 26, 2025, copies of which are available under the electronic profile of the Company on SEDAR+ and EDGAR at www.sedarplus.ca and www.sec.gov/edgar, respectively.

The FLI included in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and are based on the information available to the Company at such time and, other than as required by law, Enerflex disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any FLI, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. This news release and its contents should not be construed, under any circumstances, as investment, tax, or legal advice.

The outlook provided in this news release is based on assumptions about future events, including economic conditions and proposed courses of action, based on Management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available. The outlook is based on the same assumptions and risk factors set forth above and is based on the Company’s historical results of operations. The outlook set forth in this news release was approved by Management and the Board of Directors. Management believes that the prospective financial information set forth in this news release has been prepared on a reasonable basis, reflecting Management’s best estimates and judgments, and represents the Company’s expected course of action in developing and executing its business strategy relating to its business operations. The prospective financial information set forth in this news release should not be relied on as necessarily indicative of future results. Actual results may vary, and such variance may be material.

ABOUT ENERFLEX

Enerflex is a premier integrated global provider of energy infrastructure and energy transition solutions, deploying natural gas, low-carbon, and treated water solutions – from individual, modularized products and services to integrated custom solutions. With over 4,600 engineers, manufacturers, technicians, and innovators, Enerflex is bound together by a shared vision: Transforming Energy for a Sustainable Future. The Company remains committed to the future of natural gas and the critical role it plays, while focused on sustainability offerings to support the energy transition and growing decarbonization efforts.

Enerflex’s common shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFX” and on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “EFXT”. For more information about Enerflex, visit www.enerflex.com.

For investor and media enquiries, contact:

Preet S. Dhindsa
Interim Chief Executive Officer
E-mail: PDhindsa@enerflex.com

Jeff Fetterly
Vice President, Corporate Development and Capital Markets
E-mail: JFetterly@enerflex.com

The MIL Network –
March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Canada: Statement from the Deputy Clerk of the Privy Council and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister

Source: Government of Canada News

Ottawa, March 19, 2025 – Today, Canada’s Deputy Clerk to the Privy Council, and National Security and Intelligence Advisor to the Prime Minister, Nathalie G. Drouin, issued the following statement:

“Today, I convened a meeting of G7 National Security Advisors (NSAs) and Ukraine to discuss the ongoing peace talks, and how G7 NSAs can support Ukraine now and moving forward, in discussions to end Russia’s unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine.

“I welcomed the progress of the United States (U.S.) to advance a ceasefire, including recent discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. We discussed how a ceasefire must be respected, and robust and credible security arrangements are needed to ensure that Ukraine can deter and defend against any renewed acts of aggression. The importance of economic and humanitarian support was also highlighted as important to promote the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.

“I reaffirmed Canada’s unwavering support for Ukraine and that Russia must be held to account for their acts of aggression against Ukraine. I underscored that as part of Canada’s G7 presidency, Ukraine remains a priority as the G7 works together to achieve a durable peace and to ensure that Ukraine remains democratic, free, strong, and prosperous.

“I look forward to remaining in close and regular contact with the G7 NSAs and Ukraine on this pressing issue.

MIL OSI Canada News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China, US museum leaders gather in Chicago for more cooperation

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Museum leaders from China, the United States and Canada gathered Wednesday at the Field Museum in downtown Chicago to seek more exchanges and cooperation.

Under the theme of “Now/Next: Make an Impact Together,” leaders from more than 20 museums in China, the United States and Canada exchanged views on topics such as “Museum Collaboration during the New Globalization Era: Opportunities and Challenges,” “Exhibiting Asian Art and Culture in the East and West,” “Research and Exhibiting the Art and Archaeology Collections: Collaborations between Museums and Academia” and “AI, the New Digital Age: Reshaping the Future of Museums” at the Pritzker China-U.S. Museum Leadership Forum.

The Pritzker Art Collaborative and the Chinese Museums Association, the U.S. and Chinese sponsors of the forum, signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) at the forum, aiming to further promote exchanges among the museums in the two countries.

In his welcome and opening speech, David Pritzker, director and chief curator of the Pritzker Art Collaborative, said the aim of hosting the forum is to build trust and collaboration, as “the best way to build trust is to have shared experience.”

The Pritzker Art collaborative was originally created to collaborate with the Dunhuang Academy. “During that time we became very close with a number of museums around China and also with the Chinese Museums Association,” Pritzker said.

By signing the MOU, “we would like to organize more events to bring museum directors in the U.S. and in China together to speak, to share, to get to know one another,” Pritzker said. “The Pritzker Art collaborative can be a bridge to try to make it happen.”

“Museums are windows for the learning of civilizations,” said Chinese Consul General Wang Baodong in Chicago in his opening remarks. “The forum is a highlight of the China-U.S. cultural dialogue.”

“We firmly believe that the improvement and development of China-U.S. relations are the common wishes of the people of the two countries,” wang said.

A program has been funded jointly by the China Museums Association and the Tencent Foundation to bring Chinese museum professionals to the United States for fellowships from six months to one year.

Douglas Dillon, chairman of the Department of Asian Art of The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, expressed the hope that U.S. museum professionals may go to China in the future to get a better understanding of Chinese museums.

“Chinese museums are developing very fast, in the way they display and the method they restore relics. There are lots that we can learn,” Dillon said.

MIL OSI China News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: From Sydney Harbour to the Oscars: How the Galaxy S25 Series Launched Around the World

Source: Samsung

To introduce the Galaxy S25 series to the world, Samsung Electronics launched a series of bold and immersive marketing campaigns across key markets — each designed to showcase the flagship lineup’s AI-powered next-generation capabilities. From an interactive watercraft experience in Australia and a metro station rebrand in Chile to a laser show in Malaysia and an esports tournament in India, these activations brought the Galaxy S25 experience directly to consumers through dynamic and engaging events.

Samsung Newsroom explores some of the standout campaigns that marked the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series worldwide.

[Australia] Elevating Morning Commutes With the Galaxy Go Fleet

In Australia, Samsung launched the Galaxy Go Fleet — a fleet of custom-branded watercraft that transformed daily commutes across Sydney Harbour and the Brisbane River into an interactive Galaxy S25 experience. Passengers on board had the opportunity to test key Galaxy AI features, including Now Brief and Audio Eraser, and experienced firsthand how the Galaxy S25 series helps them start and navigate their day with ease.

[Peru] Introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samsung Perú (@samsungpe)

Samsung Peru became the first tech company in Peru to rebrand a metro train by introducing the Galaxy AI Train on Lima Metro’s Line 1, a key transportation route serving over 500,000 passengers daily. In celebration of the Galaxy S25 series launch, passengers received exclusive metro cards and promotional goods — further enriching their unique transportation experience.

[Chile] Transforming Tobalaba Metro Station and Illuminating Santiago’s Night Sky

Samsung Chile made its mark in Santiago with two high-profile activations to celebrate the launch of the Galaxy S25 series. Tobalaba Metro Station, one of the city’s busiest transit hubs, was officially renamed “Galaxy AI” — immersing daily commuters in the Galaxy S25 experience.

The celebrations continued with a spectacular drone light show where over 300 drones illuminated Santiago’s night sky with stunning visual arrangements alluding to Galaxy AI and the Galaxy S25 series. The synchronized performance mesmerized spectators, turning the city skyline into a dazzling tribute to Samsung’s latest mobile innovations.

[United States] Bringing Stunt Action to the Oscars With Galaxy AI

In the U.S., Samsung celebrated the Galaxy S25 Ultra during the 2025 Oscars with two high-energy ads featuring stunt performers — developed in collaboration with Disney Advertising, ArtClass Content, Empire Stunts, Kimmelot, Maximum Effort, More Media and Really Original. The campaign highlighted the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s advanced AI-powered video-editing capabilities such as Audio Eraser, a feature that removes unwanted background noise. By demonstrating how Galaxy AI enhances both professional filmmaking and everyday content creation, the initiative put stunt professionals in the spotlight — recognizing their contributions to the industry while showcasing Samsung’s state-of-the-art mobile technology.

[United Kingdom] Celebrating Everyday Moments With a Personal Touch

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Samsung UK (@samsunguk)

Samsung U.K. embraced a more personal approach by highlighting how the Galaxy S25 Ultra enhances daily life. Through engaging social media content created in collaboration with Anaïs Gallagher and Molly Moorish-Gallagher, Samsung demonstrated the Auto Trim feature, which allows users to effortlessly edit their favorite video clips and even generate highlight reels. Additionally, the campaign illustrated how the Galaxy S25 Ultra, through the Now Brief feature, integrates itself into users’ bedtime routines by providing personalized updates and content — thereby helping them wind down more easily after a busy evening.

[Malaysia] Lighting Up Kuala Lumpur With Fireworks and Laser Beams

Samsung Malaysia celebrated the arrival of the Galaxy S25 series with spectacular fireworks and a laser show over the Merdeka 118 tower. In addition, Samsung hosted the Edit & Win contest — inviting participants to creatively edit a fireworks image using Galaxy AI’s many tools for a chance to win a Galaxy S25 Ultra.

[Brazil] Capturing São Paulo From the Sky With the Galaxy S25 Ultra

In Brazil, Samsung launched a unique experience at Sampa Sky, São Paulo’s highest observation deck accessible to the public. Suspended 150 meters above ground level, visitors had the opportunity to capture breathtaking views of the city skyline with unparalleled clarity and detail using the Galaxy S25 Ultra’s 200MP main camera and AI-enhanced 100x space zoom. The campaign also showcased Galaxy AI’s advanced editing tools, demonstrating how users can seamlessly refine and enhance their shots.

[Italy] Pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to the Limit in the Dolomites

Samsung Italy hosted the Galaxy Wintercamp in the Dolomites where nine athletes and creators spent three days pushing the Galaxy S25 Ultra to its limits in extreme alpine conditions. Participants used Now Brief to optimize their planning and employed the device’s 200MP camera and AI-enhanced photography tools to capture breathtaking ski descents, tricks and ice performances.

[India] Taking Center Stage at the #PlayGalaxy Cup

In India, Samsung hosted the third edition of the #PlayGalaxy Cup — one of the biggest esports events in the country. The tournament saw India’s top gamers compete against one another using the Galaxy S25 Ultra, allowing them to experience the device’s advanced display, next-level processing power and AI-driven gaming enhancements firsthand. Streamed live, the competition demonstrated how the Galaxy S25 series is designed to meet the demands of high-intensity gameplay while delivering a smooth, immersive experience.

[Thailand] Bringing Star Power to the Launch in Bangkok

Samsung Thailand celebrated the Galaxy S25 series launch with the Galaxy S25 | Here AI am Music Fest, a high-energy event featuring celebrities, influencers and fan activities. Attendees enjoyed interactive games with #TeamGalaxy stars and tested the latest Galaxy AI features. The night culminated in a blue carpet walk and an AI-powered concert where Galaxy AI helped curate the show with a blend of music, technology and entertainment.

MIL OSI Economics –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Ahead of Expected Executive Order Abolishing Department of Education, Senator Murray, Seattle School Board President, Parents, Advocates Raise Alarm Over Trump Dismantling Ed, Spell Out Harms to WA Students

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

WA STATE FACT SHEET on how Department of Education supports WA students and schools

ICYMI: Murray, Top Appropriators Demand Detailed Answers on Trump Admin’s Sweeping Mass Firings at Department of Education

***PHOTOS, B-ROLL HERE***

***WATCH HERE***

Washington, D.C. — Today, as reporting indicates President Trump will sign an Executive Order aimed at eliminating the Department of Education tomorrow, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee and a senior member and former Chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, held a roundtable discussion with Seattle School Board President Gina Topp and parents and educators laying out how President Trump’s moves to dismantle the Department of Education are a serious threat to students, educators, and public schools throughout Washington state.

Last week, the Department of Education announced that it was firing more than 1,300 workers as part of Trump and Elon Musk’s indiscriminate mass layoffs across the federal workforce. This and other administration actions to date will cut the Department’s workforce in half and effectively gut the agency. While outright abolishing the Department would require an act of Congress, President Trump has said repeatedly that he intends to do everything possible to achieve that goal and is expected to issue an executive order tomorrow that seeks to eliminate the Department and move its functions to other agencies. On Monday, Senator Murray led a letter demanding detailed answers from the Department about the mass firings it has conducted and how it is carrying out requirements of federal law and its critical responsibilities despite the sweeping reductions in force.

“Trump and Musk are taking a wrecking ball to the U.S. Department of Education and firing half its staff—we’re talking about the people who make sure federal funds get to our kids and schools, help students fill out the FAFSA and get Pell Grants and financial aid, protect students from predatory for-profit colleges, enforce our civil rights laws, and so much more. What’s the end goal here? Destroying public education in America—and robbing our students and families of critical funding while Trump and Musk enrich themselves,” said Senator Murray. “The effects of Trump and Musk’s slash and burn campaign will be felt across our state—by students and families who suffer from the loss of Department staff working to ensure their rights under federal law, school districts who have to lay off teachers, students who can’t get the help they need to get financial aid, and families who get ripped off because the watchdogs were fired. This issue is personal for me, and for every single family. We cannot relent in this fight—and we should never underestimate the power of our own voices.”

The Department of Education provides critical funding and support to students, teachers, and schools in Washington state, including providing $301 million annually in IDEA funding for 152,000 students with disabilities—15 percent of Washington’s student population—and $307 million annually in Title I funding for schools enrolling 511,000 from low-income backgrounds—reflecting 46 percent of Washington’s student population, among so much else. Another central responsibility of the Department is to identify, investigate, and resolve school violations of civil rights laws. A record number of civil rights complaints (22,687) were filed in Fiscal Year 2024; 35 percent of cases were based on disability discrimination. Trump’s plans for the Department of Education are extremely unpopular; 58 percent of voters across the political spectrum oppose eliminating the Department.

“Seattle Public Schools, like districts across the country, depends on federal funding to ensure every student has access to a high-quality education. These funds aren’t extras—they provide essential support for students from low-income families, English learners, and students with disabilities, breaking down barriers that stand in the way of opportunity. Cutting these programs doesn’t just hurt students today—it weakens our entire community and our future. Any cuts to these programs would undercut our collective future,” said Gina Topp, Seattle Public Schools Board President.

“ED enforces civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in the educational environment. These three main laws are Title IX, which prohibits sex discrimination; Title VI, which prohibits racial discrimination; and Section 504, which prohibits disability discrimination. These laws help students in Washington State and across the county every single day…I help represent the Office for Civil Rights when offices are sued for how they’ve handled a discrimination complaint or when the office is sued over a new regulation or piece of guidance that OCR has published. I work with incredible, dedicated, hard-working public servants. Many of them have spent decades, or for some their entire careers, working for ED. The level of experience and knowledge that they bring to their work is simply irreplaceable,” said Rebecca Yates, an attorney for the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights, participating in the discussion in her personal capacity. “Last Tuesday night, like hundreds of ED employees across the country, I received an email informing me that my entire division was being abolished, and my position was being eliminated. I’m upset about losing my job, but I’m devastated about what’s happening to the Department of Education, and deeply concerned about the future of the Department—and the future of public education in this country.”

“Because my children received appropriate early intervention, IEP services, and accommodations, my oldest son was able to graduate from college and secure his first job. That success would not have been possible without federally funded programs that helped level the playing field for students like him. I once believed I could provide all the necessary support on my own—I even earned a PhD in my effort to do so—but I quickly learned that specialized services, trained professionals, and a strong federal commitment to disability education are essential,” said Lanya McKittrick, PhD, a special education researcher and family support professional, and the parent of four kids with special needs. “As a family support professional working with parents of children with low-incidence disabilities, I see the impact of these programs every day. Families are already struggling with devastating budget cuts that have stripped away services. If we allow this to continue, we risk undoing over 30 years of progress in disability rights and education.”

“I am deeply concerned about the administration’s recent staffing cuts and plans to dismantle the Education Department,” said Heather Schwindt, an advocate for kids with special needs and parent of two kids with disabilities, one of whom relies on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan to succeed in school. “This decision will set back public education and harm students with disabilities. A primary concern is the potential loss of funding for essential services and programs supporting students with disabilities. These services, mandated by federal laws such as the IDEA and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, are crucial for ensuring that students with disabilities receive a free and appropriate public education. Reduced staffing, larger special education caseloads, and reduced capacity for delivering specialized services will result in a reduction of federal funding for Special Education… 60 years ago, children with disabilities were often denied the right to attend school. We’ve made progress with Section 504, IDEA, and the Department of Education and there is more progress to be made. The Department of Education is vital with the investments it makes in providing research to practice models, providing data on student outcomes nationally, and helping our state and others continue to push to do better for all children.”

A senior member and former chair of the HELP Committee, Senator Murray has championed students and families at every stage of her career—fighting to help ensure every child in America can get a high-quality public education. Among other things, Senator Murray negotiated the bipartisan Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), landmark legislation that she got signed into law, replacing the broken No Child Left Behind Act. As a longtime appropriator, she has successfully fought to boost funding to support students and invest in our nation’s K-12 schools, and she has secured significant increases to the Pell Grant so that it goes further for students pursuing a higher education. Senator Murray also successfully negotiated the FAFSA Simplification Act, bipartisan legislation to reform the financial aid application process, simplify the FAFSA form for students and parents, and significantly expand eligibility for federal aid.

On Monday, Senator Murray led a letter demanding detailed answers from the Department of Education about the mass firings and other detrimental actions which risk major reductions in support for and oversight of federal investments in our nation’s K-12 schools and institutions of higher education and threaten vital support for students with disabilities, access to Pell Grants and other financial aid, oversight of student loan servicers, scrutiny of for-profit colleges, and more. The letter follows an earlier March 6 letter Senator Murray sent alongside colleagues demanding answers about the chaotic, harmful actions taken by ED since January—which the Department has yet to respond to. During Secretary Linda McMahon’s confirmation hearing, Senator Murray pressed McMahon on whether she will ensure approved funding gets out to serve students as the law requires and whether she would protect students’ data from DOGE. She also asked McMahon to name a single requirement of ESSA—and McMahon couldn’t name any. Ahead of McMahon’s confirmation, Senator Murray spoke out on the Senate floor against her nomination and sounded the alarm over President Trump and Elon Musk’s plans to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education.

A fact sheet outlining how the Department of Education supports students in Washington state is HERE.

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: More young people are caring for a loved one with dementia. It takes a unique toll

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Katya Numbers, Postdoctoral Research Fellow & Lecturer, Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, UNSW Sydney

Miljan Zivkovic/Shutterstock

Dementia is a growing health problem, affecting more than 55 million people around the world.

In Australia, an estimated 433,300 people are living with dementia. This figure is projected to rise to 812,500 by 2054.

Dementia refers to brain disorders that are not a normal part of ageing. These disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, cause a decline in cognitive function and changes in mood, memory, thinking and behaviour. Ultimately they affect a person’s ability to carry out everyday tasks.

In Australia, around 75% of people with dementia live at home.

While dementia care at home has traditionally been associated with older spouses or middle-aged children, it seems an increasing number of young adults in their 20s and 30s, and even teenagers, are stepping into this role to care for grandparents, parents or other loved ones.

In Australia, 3 million people (11.9% of the population) are carers. This includes 391,300 under 25 – a sharp rise from 235,300 in 2018.

How many young carers are specifically caring for a loved one with dementia is unclear, and something we need more data on. Young dementia carers remain largely invisible, with minimal recognition or support.

Unique challenges and the burden of responsibility

Unlike older carers, who may have more financial stability and free time, young carers often must balance caregiving with university, early-career pressures, and personal development, including maintaining social relationships, pursuing hobbies, and prioritising mental welling.

In Australia, where 51% of men and 43% of women aged 20–24 still live with their parents, many young carers will have limited experience in managing a household independently.

They’re often thrust into complex responsibilities such as cooking, housework, managing the family budget, coordinating medical appointments and administering medications.

Beyond that, they may need to provide physical care such as lifting or helping their loved one move around, and personal care such as dressing, washing, and helping with toileting.

Young carers often must balance caregiving with other responsibilities.
Iris Wang/Unsplash

All this can leave young carers feeling unprepared, overwhelmed and isolated.

While general support groups exist for dementia carers and young carers more broadly, few cater specifically to young adults caring for someone with dementia.

This lack of targeted support is likely to heighten feelings of isolation, as the young person’s friends struggle to relate to the emotional and practical burdens young carers face.

The demanding nature of caregiving, combined with the difficulty of sharing these experiences with peers, means young dementia carers can become disconnected socially.

The psychological toll

These challenges take a profound psychological toll on young carers.

Research shows young carers are 35% more likely to report mental health issues than their non-caregiving peers. These can include depression, anxiety and burnout.

Again, we don’t have data on mental health outcomes among young dementia carers specifically. But in Australia, 75% of dementia carers reported being affected physically or emotionally by their caring role. Some 41% felt weary or lacked energy, and 31% felt worried or depressed.

Also, there are negative stereotypes about ageing – that people turn forgetful, frail, and need constant care. For young carers whose loved ones have dementia, these stereotypes can be reinforced by their experience. This could shape young carers’ perceptions of their own future health and wellbeing and increase anxiety about ageing.

Caregiving may also affect physical health. Research suggests carers often sacrifice healthy habits such as exercise and a balanced diet. What’s more, carers report symptoms including poor sleep, fatigue, headaches and back pain due to the physical demands of caregiving.

Caring for a parent – a role reversal

This emotional burden is particularly acute for those caring for a parent. These young carers are likely to experience the progressive loss of parental support, while simultaneously assuming the demanding role of caregiver.

A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with young-onset dementia, a form of dementia diagnosed before age 65. These young carers face the shock of a diagnosis that defies typical expectations of ageing.

The burden may be compounded by fears of genetic inheritance. Young onset dementia often has a hereditary component.

This means young carers may have a higher risk of developing the condition themselves – a concern spousal carers don’t have. This fear can fuel health anxiety, alter life planning, and create a pervasive sense of vulnerability.

A significant portion of young dementia carers support parents with young-onset dementia.
VisualProduction/Shutterstock

How we can better support young dementia carers

Despite their growing numbers, young dementia carers remain largely overlooked in research, policy and support services. This is partly due to the challenges in engaging this demographic in research, as these young people juggle busy lives balancing caregiving with education and work.

Many young carers also don’t self-identify as carers, hindering their access to support and resources. This could be because of the stigmatising label, or a feeling they’re not doing enough to qualify as a carer. It could even be because of cultural norms which can frame caregiving as a family obligation, rather than a distinct role.

Nonetheless, young dementia carers require targeted support beyond generic caregiving resources.

This support might include specialised peer networks, educational programs, and practical skills training. Tailored programs and resources should ideally be co-designed with young dementia carers to ensure they meet their unique needs and preferences.

With dementia cases in Australia and elsewhere projected to increase, the demand for informal carers – including young adults – will continue to grow.

Without intervention, these young carers risk burnout, social isolation, and long-term health consequences. We must ensure flexible, age-appropriate support for this often invisible group. Investing in young dementia carers is not just a moral imperative – it’s a crucial step toward a sustainable, compassionate care system for the future.

Dementia Australia offers a national helpline, information sessions, and a peer-to-peer connection platform for carers.

The Young Carers Network, run by Carers Australia, offers mental health resources, financial guidance, and respite care information, plus bursaries young carers can apply for to reduce financial pressure.

Katya is a co-founder of Y-Care of Dementia, a support network for Australians in their 20s and 30s who are caring for someone living with dementia.

Serena Sabatini does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. More young people are caring for a loved one with dementia. It takes a unique toll – https://theconversation.com/more-young-people-are-caring-for-a-loved-one-with-dementia-it-takes-a-unique-toll-249361

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism at his own peril

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By David Smith, Associate Professor in American Politics and Foreign Policy, US Studies Centre, University of Sydney

US President Donald Trump has exploited American nationalism as effectively as anyone in living memory. What sets him apart is his use of national humiliation as a political emotion. Any presidential candidate can talk their country up, but Trump knows how to talk his country down.

Trump’s consistent message has been that American problems – trade deficits, job losses, illegal immigration, crime and even drug addiction – are the result of deliberate acts by other countries. The really humiliating part is that American politicians let it happen.

Many Americans have welcomed Trump’s message that their country’s problems can be solved by reestablishing international dominance. They see this nationalist approach as an overdue corrective to the “globalist” foreign policies of the post-second world war era.

But people in other countries also have feelings of national pride and aspire to be free from foreign domination. This should be obvious, but so far Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism in other countries even as he harnesses it in his own. This makes his foreign policy job a lot harder.

How Canadians have rallied against Trump

Take the example of Canada.

When Trump was elected to his second term in November 2024, it seemed certain there would soon be a Canadian prime minister who was more aligned with him than Justin Trudeau. Trudeau’s unpopularity had dragged the Liberal Party down, and the populist Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre looked set to win the this year’s election.

As he prepared for a trade war with Canada, Trump could have concentrated his fire on his enemies in the doomed Liberal government. Instead, he spent months insulting Canada’s national identity. He repeatedly said Canada should be the “51st state of the US”, calling Trudeau “governor”.

Trump says ‘Canada was meant to be our 51st state’ in a Fox News interview.

Americans can dismiss Trump’s talk of annexing Canada as a joke, but Canadians can’t. Regardless of whether Trump would ever follow through with attempting an annexation, his language is an attack on Canadian sovereignty. No one with any sense of national pride would tolerate it.

An Angus Reid poll found the number of people saying they had a “deep emotional attachment” to Canada rose from 49% to 59% from December 2024 to February 2025. That emotional attachment is visible in everything from “buy Canadian” campaigns to Canadians booing the US national anthem at hockey games.

The Liberals, under new leader Mark Carney, are also experiencing a remarkable bounce-back in the polls.

Another Angus Reid poll shows that voting intention for the Liberals has surged from 16% in December to 42% now. They are now leading the Conservatives, who have 37% support. Some are now anticipating a snap election could be called in days.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, who has sometimes been likened to Trump, has also led a ferocious pro-Canadian resistance to American tariffs, getting his own re-election boost.

Trump’s defenders often claim his chaotic bluster is simply a negotiating tactic, a way of spooking others into accepting terms more favourable to him. If so, this tactic is backfiring in Canada.

Trade wars require sacrifices. Citizens must pay more for the sake of protecting their countries’ industries. Canadians seem a lot more willing to make that sacrifice than Americans, who are mostly confused that their friendly neighbour has suddenly been recast as an enemy.

The importance of national identity

Other countries have shown they will not cave easily, either, as Trump puts their national identity at stake.

Demanding to buy another country’s territory, as Trump keeps doing with Greenland, a self-governing territory under Danish control, may be even more insulting than threatening to take it, as he keeps doing with Panama. Each time Greenlanders, Danes and Panamanians refuse Trump, his credibility erodes further.

Trump talks about the territory of other countries in terms of “real estate”, even suggesting the United States should “redevelop” Gaza after evicting the Palestinians.

But sovereign land is not real estate. In a world of nation-states defined by territory, even sparsely inhabited territory has “sacred value”. This is particularly true for peoples seeking statehood on their land.

“Sacred values” are things people see as non-negotiable because they are linked to their sense of identity and moral order in the world. Researchers warn that offering money in exchange for sacred values is deeply offensive, and likely to harm, rather than help, negotiations.

There is a reason why governments hardly ever sell their territory to other countries anymore. Empires may have done in this in the past, but not nations. They view their lands, and the people who live on them, as inalienable from the nation.

Trump clearly doesn’t understand this concept. He has shown no empathy for Ukraine, a country whose territory actually has been invaded. He accused Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskyy of wanting to prolong the war so he could “keep the gravy train going”, as if harvesting US aid dollars was the real reason Ukrainians were fighting for their country’s existence.

Trump’s contempt for Ukraine, Canada, Greenland, Gaza, Denmark and Panama has reverberations far beyond these places. It signals that his brand of American nationalism has no place for anyone else’s national aspirations or sovereignty.

This will not promote the deal-making Trump wants because no one trusts an unstable, imperial power to stick to its agreements. It would be painful for many countries to reduce their dependence on the United States, but it would be more painful to give away their national dignity.

David Smith does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. Trump is ignoring the power of nationalism at his own peril – https://theconversation.com/trump-is-ignoring-the-power-of-nationalism-at-his-own-peril-252299

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

March 20, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Governor Stein Signs First Bill into Law, Delivering Resources to Support Western North Carolina’s Recovery

Source: US State of North Carolina

Headline: Governor Stein Signs First Bill into Law, Delivering Resources to Support Western North Carolina’s Recovery

Governor Stein Signs First Bill into Law, Delivering Resources to Support Western North Carolina’s Recovery
lsaito
Wed, 03/19/2025 – 21:05

Raleigh, NC

Today, Governor Josh Stein signed the Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 Part 1 – his first bill signed into law. Governor Stein was joined by leaders in the North Carolina General Assembly, members of his Western North Carolina Advisory Committee, law enforcement officials, and agricultural leaders.

“This funding is a promising step forward in the long road to recovery for western North Carolina. I want to thank the General Assembly for working together to pass this critical aid package to help our neighbors rebuilding after Helene,” said Governor Josh Stein. “But we are nowhere near done — I will keep pushing to ensure western North Carolina is not forgotten.”

“This legislation will bring much-needed relief to western North Carolina while finally bringing long-awaited relief to hurricane victims in the eastern part of our state,” said Speaker Destin Hall. “This is the fourth bill we’ve passed for Helene recovery-and it won’t be the last.”

“Since Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina, the General Assembly has come together to address the real-time needs of our citizens,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger. “This bill will make a world of difference for the people of western North Carolina and I’m proud to see it become law. I look forward to continuing our efforts to support western North Carolina as it recovers and rebuilds.”

The Disaster Recovery Act of 2025 – Part 1 includes $524 million in total aid for western North Carolina. The bill provides $200 million for North Carolina farmers who have experienced crop losses due to Hurricane Helene, $120 million for a CDBG-DR Home Reconstruction and Repair program, and $55 million for local government infrastructure grants to help small business. It also includes $100 million to repair the over 8,000 private roads and bridges that were damaged by the storm, as well as $20 million for debris cleanup. The bill provides $9 million for a school extension learning recovery program to help the students in western North Carolina who lost weeks of class time in the wake of Helene. The bill also extends the statewide declaration of emergency for Hurricane Helene until June 30th. In addition to supporting needs in the west, the bill provides $217 million to get people back into their homes in eastern North Carolina.

Exactly one week ahead of the 6-month anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the Stein administration continues to approach recovery and rebuilding with urgency, focus, transparency, and accountability. Governor Stein recently visited Ferguson Farm in Haywood County and spoke with North Carolinians in Yancey County who lost their livelihoods and homes after Hurricane Helene. Governor Stein continues to advocate for $19 billion in federal funds to restore infrastructure, support home repair and renovation, and reduce impacts from future natural disasters and for an extension of FEMA’s 100% reimbursement.

Mar 19, 2025

MIL OSI USA News –

March 20, 2025