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Category: Finance

  • MIL-OSI: Calian Reports Results for the Second Quarter

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    (All amounts in release are in Canadian dollars)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian® Group Ltd. (TSX:CGY), a mission critical solutions company, with a focus on defence, space, healthcare and strategic growth markets, today released its results for the second quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    “Our consolidated second quarter results reflect momentum in some areas, whilst challenging headwinds in others,” said Kevin Ford, Calian CEO. “Our defence solutions in both North America and Europe grew by 13%, highlighting the increasing need for global security and operational readiness. Our ITCS business saw a more challenging environment due to slower customer demand, and one-time investments we have made to re-position our offerings for long-term growth.”

    Q2-25 Highlights:

    • Revenue at $194 million
    • Gross margin at 33.4%
    • Adjusted EBITDA1 of $17 million
    • Operating free cash flow1 of $10 million
    • Very strong signings of $248 million
    • Growth in our defence end market solutions of 13%
    • Since the launch of the NCIB, the Company repurchased 416,812 shares, or 4% of the float, in consideration of $19.7 million
    • Increasing NCIB – plan to repurchase up to 6% of float in FY25
    • Guidance withdrawn due to ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty as well as limited visibility and timing of key opportunities in the ITCS segment
    • Completed the acquisition of Advanced Medical Solutions (“AMS”) after quarter end

    “Given ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainty as well as limited visibility and timing of key opportunities in the ITCS segment,  we have made the decision to withdraw our guidance. Despite this, we remain confident in the future growth of Calian given strong momentum in signings, our backlog of close to $1.4 billion, including AMS, optimism around defence spending and a robust M&A pipeline – underscored by our most recent acquisition of AMS.”

                       
    Financial Highlights Three months ended Six months ended
    (i(in millions of $, except per share & margins) March 31, March 31,
      2025     20242   %   2025     20242   %
    Revenue 193.7     201.3   (4)%   378.7     380.4   — %
    Adjusted EBITDA1 17.4     27.2   (36)%   35.2     48.5   (27)%
    Adjusted EBITDA %1 9.0 %   13.5 % (450)bps   9.3 %   12.7 % (340)bps 
    Adjusted Net Profit1 11.1     19.0   (42)%   21.5     33.0   (35)%
    Adjusted EPS Diluted1 0.93     1.58   (41)%   1.81     2.73   (34)%
    Operating Free Cash Flow1 9.8     21.0   (53)%   22.9     38.2   (40)%
                       
                       

    1 This is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to the section “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to most comparable IFRS measures” at the end of this press release.
    2 Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to align with the current year’s presentation. For more information, please see the selected consolidated financial information section of the management discussion and analysis.

    Access the full report on the Calian Financials web page.

    Register for the conference call on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, 8:30 a.m. Eastern Time.

    Second Quarter Results

    Revenues decreased 4%, from $201 million to $194 million. Acquisitive growth was 4% and was generated by the acquisitions of the nuclear assets from MDA Ltd and Mabway completed last year. Organic growth was down 8% primarily due to reductions in the ITCS segment, partially offset by 51% organic growth in nuclear services, GNSS antenna products and defence solutions.

    Gross margin stood at 33.4% slightly down compared to the same period last year and it represents the 12th quarter above the 30% mark. Adjusted EBITDA1 stood at $17 million, down 36% from $27 million last year, due to revenue slow downs in the current year, combined with a slight decrease in margin percentage, and investments made in selling and marketing efforts to build pipeline for future years. In the United States macro-economic uncertainty resulted in more cautious customer behavior and the Canadian election one month prior to our quarter end did impact the timing of revenues. As a result, adjusted EBITDA1 margin decreased to 9.0%, from 13.5% last year.  

    Net profit decreased to $0.3 million, or $0.02 per diluted share, from $4.9 million, or $0.41 per diluted share last year. This decrease in profitability is primarily due to investments in our selling capacity, amortization and deemed compensation expenses related to acquisitions. Adjusted net profit1 was $11.1 million, or $0.93 per diluted share, down from $19.0 million, or $1.58  per diluted share last year.

    1 This is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to the section “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to most comparable IFRS measures” at the end of the press release.

    Liquidity and Capital Resources

    “In the second quarter we generated $10 million in operating free cash flow1, representing a 56% conversion rate from adjusted EBITDA1,” said Patrick Houston, Calian CFO. “We used our cash and a portion of our credit facility to make capital expenditure investments for $2 million. We also provided a return to shareholders in the form of dividends for $3 million and share buybacks for $4 million. We ended the quarter with a net debt to adjusted EBITDA1 ratio of 0.7x, well-positioned to pursue our growth objectives,” concluded Mr. Houston.

    1 This is a non-GAAP measure. Please refer to the section “Reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to most comparable IFRS measures” at the end of the press release.

    Normal Course Issuer Bid

    In the three-month period ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 93,900 shares for cancellation in consideration of $4.4 million. For the six-month period ended March 31, 2025, the Company repurchased 195,250 shares for cancellation in consideration of $9.3 million. For the remainder of the fiscal year, the Company plans on accelerating its share buybacks by combining daily repurchases with block trades. Its intention is to repurchase up to 6% of the Company’s public float as defined at the time of the NCIB announcement on August 16, 2024.

    Appointed New Regional VP of Defence for Europe, U.K. and NATO

    On January 23, 2025, Calian announced the appointment of Major-General (Ret.) Roch Pelletier to the role of Regional Vice President (RVP) Global Defence & Security. This newly created role addresses the growth of Calian’s defence business, driven by increased global military spending, geopolitical instability and the rising demand for advanced technologies. This appointment will advance Calian’s strategic business development, strengthen relationships with stakeholders, and provide operational support to drive growth and efficiencies within the region.

    Appointed New Board Member

    On April 24, 2025, Calian announced the appointment of Eric Demirian to its Board of Directors. Demirian is currently chair of Descartes and a director of IMAX Corporation. He has held board and audit committee roles at a number of public and private companies including Enghouse. With the recent additions of Josh Blair and Lisa Greatrix in February, the appointment of Demirian brings the total number of board members to 10, of which nine are independent and half are women.

    Completed the Acquisition of Advanced Medical Solutions

    On May 14, 2025, Calian acquired Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), a leading provider of remote and emergency healthcare services in Northern Canada. Headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), AMS is a Canadian-owned company that specializes in the delivery of 24/7/365 operational and medical support across Canada’s northern regions, including the NWT, Yukon, Nunavut and parts of Canada’s northern provinces.  Founded in 1995, the company employs over 300 frontline medical personnel who deliver well-rounded, full-spectrum healthcare services through six distinct divisions.

    Quarterly Dividend

    On May 13, 2025, Calian declared a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share. The dividend is payable June 10, 2025, to shareholders of record as of May 27, 2025. Dividends paid by the Company are considered “eligible dividend” for tax purposes.

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. 

    Media inquiries:
    media@calian.com
    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:
    ir@calian.com

    —————————————————————————–
    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

     
    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
    As at March 31, 2025 and September 30, 2024
    (Canadian dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                   
      March 31,   September 30,
      2025   2024
    ASSETS              
    CURRENT ASSETS              
    Cash and cash equivalents $ 64,150     $ 51,788  
    Accounts receivable   213,476       157,376  
    Work in process   19,537       20,437  
    Inventory   26,805       23,199  
    Prepaid expenses   23,328       23,978  
    Derivative assets   71       32  
    Total current assets   347,367       276,810  
    NON-CURRENT ASSETS              
    Property, plant and equipment   40,835       40,962  
    Right of use assets   41,556       36,383  
    Prepaid expenses   7,018       7,820  
    Deferred tax asset   3,464       3,425  
    Investments   3,875       3,875  
    Acquired intangible assets   116,457       128,253  
    Goodwill   214,640       210,392  
    Total non-current assets   427,845       431,110  
    TOTAL ASSETS $ 775,212     $ 707,920  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    CURRENT LIABILITIES              
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 171,962     $ 124,884  
    Provisions   1,873       3,075  
    Unearned contract revenue   41,447       41,723  
    Lease obligations   6,103       5,645  
    Contingent earn-out   30,978       39,136  
    Derivative liabilities   151       92  
    Total current liabilities   252,514       214,555  
    NON-CURRENT LIABILITIES              
    Debt facility   120,750       89,750  
    Lease obligations   38,714       33,798  
    Unearned contract revenue   17,164       14,503  
    Contingent earn-out   2,692       2,697  
    Deferred tax liabilities   21,557       25,862  
    Total non-current liabilities   200,877       166,610  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES   453,391       381,165  
                   
    SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY              
    Issued capital   226,347       225,747  
    Contributed surplus   5,193       6,019  
    Retained earnings   78,501       91,268  
    Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)   11,780       3,721  
    TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY   321,821       326,755  
    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY $ 775,212     $ 707,920  
    Number of common shares issued and outstanding   11,690,276       11,802,364  
                   
    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF NET PROFIT
    For the three months and six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (Canadian dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                   
      Three months ended   Six months ended
      March 31,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
    Revenue $ 193,667     $ 201,268     $ 378,714     $ 380,447  
    Cost of revenues   129,025       131,231       255,271       252,192  
    Gross profit   64,642       70,037       123,443       128,255  
                   
    Selling, general and administrative   44,477       40,192       82,582       74,337  
    Research and development   2,771       2,695       5,667       5,414  
    Share based compensation   949       1,128       2,040       2,318  
    Profit before under noted items   16,445       26,022       33,154       46,186  
                   
    Restructuring expense   372       1,495       1,064       1,495  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,474       10,113       23,014       19,119  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,373       5,329       4,693       7,309  
    Profit before interest income and income tax expense   2,226       9,085       4,383       18,263  
                   
    Interest expense   2,111       1,734       3,894       3,281  
    Income tax expense (recovery)   (180)       2,426       1,170       4,532  
    NET PROFIT (LOSS) $ 295     $ 4,925     $ (681)     $ 10,450  
                   
    Net profit (loss) per share:              
    Basic $ 0.03     $ 0.42     $ (0.06)     $ 0.88  
    Diluted $ 0.02     $ 0.41     $ (0.06)     $ 0.87  
                                   
    CALIAN GROUP LTD.
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
    For the three months and six months ended March 31, 2025 and 2024
    (Canadian dollars in thousands)
                           
      Three months ended   Six months ended
      March 31,   March 31,
      2025   2024   2025   2024
    CASH FLOWS GENERATED FROM (USED IN) OPERATING ACTIVITIES                      
    Net profit $ 295     $ 4,925     $ (681 )   $ 10,450  
    Items not affecting cash:                      
    Interest expense   1,612       1,426       2,907       2,524  
    Changes in fair value related to contingent earn-out   558       4,088       1,116       4,814  
    Lease obligations interest expense   499       308       987       757  
    Income tax expense (recovery)   (180 )     2,426       1,170       4,532  
    Employee share purchase plan expense   115       134       289       296  
    Share based compensation expense   834       1,010       1,751       2,023  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,474       10,113       23,014       19,119  
    Deemed compensation   1,470       911       3,033       1,515  
        16,677       25,341       33,586       46,030  
    Change in non-cash working capital                      
    Accounts receivable   (55,935 )     (49,996 )     (56,102 )     (61,185 )
    Work in process   668       1,341       900       443  
    Prepaid expenses and other   3,884       (3,483 )     1,146       (3,557 )
    Inventory   2,637       3,570       (3,605 )     980  
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities   48,068       59,181       47,210       74,697  
    Unearned contract revenue   1,092       4,534       2,386       4,740  
        17,091       40,488       25,521       62,148  
    Interest paid   (2,111 )     (1,734 )     (3,894 )     (3,281 )
    Income tax paid   (5,120 )     (2,966 )     (7,385 )     (5,541 )
        9,860       35,788       14,242       53,326  
    CASH FLOWS GENERATED FROM (USED IN) FINANCING ACTIVITIES                      
    Issuance of common shares net of costs   664       945       1,545       1,639  
    Dividends   (3,292 )     (3,319 )     (6,584 )     (6,633 )
    Net draw on debt facility   5,000       (24,750 )     31,000       31,250  
    Payment of lease obligations   (1,664 )     (1,429 )     (3,106 )     (2,600 )
    Repurchase of common shares   (4,384 )     —       (9,310 )     (1,357 )
        (3,676 )     (28,553 )     13,545       22,299  
    CASH FLOWS USED IN INVESTING ACTIVITIES                      
    Business acquisitions   (678 )     (10,840 )     (11,893 )     (58,297 )
    Property, plant and equipment   (2,396 )     (2,796 )     (3,532 )     (5,196 )
        (3,074 )     (13,636 )     (15,425 )     (63,493 )
                           
    NET CASH INFLOW (OUTFLOW) $ 3,110     $ (6,401 )   $ 12,362     $ 12,132  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, BEGINNING OF PERIOD   61,040       52,267       51,788       33,734  
    CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, END OF PERIOD $ 64,150     $ 45,866     $ 64,150     $ 45,866  
                                   
                                   

    Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Measures to Most Comparable IFRS Measures

    These non-GAAP measures are mainly derived from the consolidated financial statements, but do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS; therefore, others using these terms may calculate them differently. The exclusion of certain items from non-GAAP performance measures does not imply that these are necessarily nonrecurring. From time to time, we may exclude additional items if we believe doing so would result in a more transparent and comparable disclosure. Other entities may define the above measures differently than we do. In those cases, it may be difficult to use similarly named non-GAAP measures of other entities to compare performance of those entities to the Company’s performance.

    Management believes that providing certain non-GAAP performance measures, in addition to IFRS measures, provides users of the Company’s financial reports with enhanced understanding of the Company’s results and related trends and increases transparency and clarity into the core results of the business. Adjusted EBITDA excludes items that do not reflect, in our opinion, the Company’s core performance and helps users of our MD&A to better analyze our results, enabling comparability of our results from one period to another.

    Adjusted EBITDA

        Three months ended     Six months ended
        March 31,     March 31,
      2025   20241
      2025   20241
    Net profit $ 295     $ 4,925     $ (681 )   $ 10,450  
    Share based compensation   949       1,128       2,040       2,318  
    Restructuring expense   372       1,495       1,064       1,495  
    Depreciation and amortization   11,474       10,113       23,014       19,119  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,373       5,329       4,693       7,309  
    Interest expense   2,111       1,734       3,894       3,281  
    Income tax   (180 )     2,426       1,170       4,532  
    Adjusted EBITDA $ 17,394     $ 27,150     $ 35,194     $ 48,504  
    Adjusted EBITDA per share – Basic   1.48       2.29       3.00       4.10  
    Adjusted EBITDA per share – Diluted $ 1.46     $ 2.26     $ 2.95     $ 4.02  
                                   

    Adjusted Net Profit and Adjusted EPS

        Three months ended     Six months ended
        March 31,     March 31,
      2025
      20241
      2025   20241
    Net profit $ 295     $ 4,925     $ (681 )   $ 10,450  
    Share based compensation   949       1,128       2,040       2,318  
    Restructuring expense   372       1,495       1,064       1,495  
    Mergers and acquisition costs   2,373       5,329       4,693       7,309  
    Amortization of intangibles   7,066       6,149       14,400       11,384  
    Adjusted net profit   11,055       19,026       21,516       32,956  
    Weighted average number of common shares basic   11,726,127       11,846,338       11,749,796       11,829,456  
    Adjusted EPS Basic   0.94       1.61       1.83       2.79  
    Adjusted EPS Diluted $ 0.93     $ 1.58     $ 1.81     $ 2.73  
                                   

    Operating Free Cash Flow

        Three months ended     Six months ended
        March 31,     March 31,
      2025   20241   2025   20241
    Cash flows generated from operating activities (free cash flow) $ 9,860     $ 35,788     $ 14,242     $ 53,326  
    Adjustments:                      
       M&A costs included in operating activities   345       330       544       980  
       Change in non-cash working capital   (414)       (15,147)       8,065       (16,118)  
    Operating free cash flow $ 9,791     $ 20,971     $ 22,851     $ 38,188  
    Operating free cash flow per share – basic   0.83       1.77       1.94       3.23  
    Operating free cash flow per share – diluted   0.82       1.74       1.92       3.17  
    Operating free cash flow conversion   56 %     77 %     65 %     79 %
                                   

    Net Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

      March 31,   September 30,
      2025
      20241
    Cash $ 64,150     $ 45,866  
    Debt facility   120,750       69,000  
    Net debt (net cash)   56,600       23,134  
    Trailing twelve month adjusted EBITDA   78,846       86,355  
    Net debt to adjusted EBITDA   0.7       0.3  
                   

    Operating free cash flow measures the company’s cash profitability after required capital spending when excluding working capital changes. The Company’s ability to convert adjusted EBITDA to operating free cash flow is critical for the long term success of its strategic growth. These measurements better align the reporting of our results and improve comparability against our peers. We believe that securities analysts, investors and other interested parties frequently use non-GAAP measures in the evaluation of issuers. Management also uses non-GAAP measures in order to facilitate operating performance comparisons from period to period, prepare annual operating budgets and assess our ability to meet our capital expenditure and working capital requirements. Non-GAAP measures should not be considered a substitute for or be considered in isolation from measures prepared in accordance with IFRS. Investors are encouraged to review our financial statements and disclosures in their entirety and are cautioned not to put undue reliance on non-GAAP measures and view them in conjunction with the most comparable IFRS financial measures. The Company has reconciled adjusted profit to the most comparable IFRS financial measure as shown above.

    1 Certain comparative figures have been reclassified to align with the current year’s presentation. For more information, please see the selected quarterly financial information section of the management discussion and analysis.

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritania Shifts to Private Power with 550 Megawatt (MW) Gas Plant, Bids to Start Within Weeks

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Mauritania is accelerating its shift toward a fully privatized power generation model, with bids due in the next two to three weeks for a new independent power plant tied to the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project. The country’s Minister of Petroleum and Energy, Mohamed Ould Khaled, made the announcement at the Invest in African Energy 2025 Forum in Paris on Tuesday.

    “All new power generation projects in Mauritania will be private. State-owned companies will no longer be involved in power generation,” said the Minister. He added that two projects currently being developed as IPPs will be fueled by domestic gas and will contribute a combined 550 MW to the national grid over the next couple of years.

    The power sector reform is part of a wider transformation aimed at enabling Mauritania to harness its significant gas and renewable energy resources to power industrialization, expand electricity access and drive inclusive growth.

    “We want to develop large-scale natural gas and renewable energy resources. We want to expand affordable, clean power access to our people and industries and power inclusive economic growth, especially to unleash our mining potential.” 

    Mauritania currently has 57% energy access and aims to achieve full national coverage by 2030, according to the Minister. Gas from the GTA project – shared with Senegal – will play a central role in this transition, supplying enough fuel for a 250 MW combined-cycle power plant in each country during the project’s first phase, he said.

    The Minister described Mauritania as uniquely positioned for energy leadership on the continent and beyond, citing its combination of gas, solar, wind and strategic proximity to Europe. He also highlighted Mauritania’s position as the African leader in green hydrogen project development, backed by newly modernized regulatory frameworks.

    “Mauritania holds the largest pipeline of green hydrogen projects in Africa, which are designed not only to export molecules, but to catalyze industrialization in Mauritania and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors. We have the potential to produce 12 million tons of green hydrogen production per year, with wind speeds of 10 meters per second and amazing solar.”

    “To support this transformation, we have completely modernized our framework,” the Minister continued. “We have opened up the electricity sector to private investments, introduced a new local content policy, and implemented new PPP and investment codes. Additionally, we have launched Africa’s first green hydrogen code, which provides clarity and long-term stability for investors.”

    Looking ahead, Mauritania’s integrated energy vision includes the expanded development of the BirAllah gas field – another major deepwater discovery – along with subsequent phases of the GTA project to reach 10 million tons of LNG per year, cross-border electricity trade with neighboring countries and further development of its mining sector.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: PussFi Launches $PUSS: Turning Memes into Real-Utility Tokens!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — PussFi has officially launched $PUSS, the first-ever meme-tility token (a meme coin with real-world utility), on Steemit, a decentralized social media platform. Built on the Tron blockchain, $PUSS combines community culture with tangible functionality inside a growing Web3 ecosystem.

    Rewarding Creativity
    Unlike traditional meme coins that rely heavily on hype and speculation, $PUSS aims to serve as the foundation of the PussFi ecosystem, delivering a comprehensive set of utilities for content creators, token holders, and crypto enthusiasts.

    By integrating directly with Steemit, $PUSS looks to empower users to not only engage with decentralized social media but to earn from their content and participation. The project aims to create a digital environment where creativity is rewarded and the meme economy evolves into a sustainable value-driven space.

    What Can $PUSS Be Used For?
    Central to the PussFi ecosystem is the use of $PUSS for key utilities such as account creation through Steemit-ID, a service enabling users in restricted regions to access Steemit.

    The token also facilitates ABB-Curation, a program that enhances Steemit blogging rewards through $PUSS delegation, and PUSSTEEM, a feature allowing token holders to exchange $PUSS for visibility-increasing upvotes on Steemit. Finally, users can also stake their tokens and earn up to 20% APY.

    The PussFi Blockchain
    In order to distinguish itself further from conventional meme coins, PussFi is undergoing a strategic rebranding of $PUSS into a full-fledged utility token. This transformation includes the development of the PussFi Blockchain, a blockchain inspired by Steem but designed for multi-sector decentralization.

    The new network will support a range of industries including content creation, education, healthcare, finance, and social networking, each operating within a modular, tokenized structure that empowers user engagement through smart contracts and community governance.

    Moreover, the PussFi Blockchain will retain the popular Proof-of-Brain (PoB) rewards model pioneered by Steem while introducing modern enhancements such as decentralized identity, token-based learning systems, privacy-first healthcare frameworks, embedded DeFi tools, and censorship-resistant social networking.

    Looking Ahead
    PussFi is developing several new projects designed to expand the token’s relevance and real-world use. These include blockchain-based games that reward players in $PUSS, a native decentralized blogging platform called Steemit.blog, and upcoming listings on centralized exchanges to improve liquidity and access.

    These developments are part of a broader strategy to build a robust Web3 ecosystem centered around long-term user value. PussFi remains focused on building a platform where community, creativity, and technology intersect meaningfully.

    About PussFi
    The team behind $PUSS and PussFi believes that users deserve more than entertainment, they deserve tools, incentives, and ownership in the platforms they support. This philosophy drives every layer of the PussFi vision, from token utility to blockchain architecture.

    PussFi invites early adopters, creators, and blockchain enthusiasts to join a growing movement that is redefining what meme tokens can be. According to the team, with $PUSS, users can expect real-world value, long-term opportunity, and a decentralized future built for everyone.

    For more information and regular updates, visit PussFi’s official website alongside the Telegram, Discord, and X (Twitter) channels.

    Media contact:
    Julian Mercer 
    puss@puss.meme

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by PussFi. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9f5ceef-09b9-416c-b0f8-47930d91c87f

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Advanced Flower Capital Inc. Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    First quarter 2025 GAAP net income of $4.1 million or $0.18 per basic weighted average common share and 
    Distributable Earnings(1) of $4.5 million or $0.21 per basic weighted average common share

    WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq: AFCG) (“Advanced Flower Capital”, “AFC” or the “Company”) today announced its results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    AFC reported generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) net income of $4.1 million or $0.18 per basic weighted average common share and Distributable Earnings of $4.5 million or $0.21 per basic weighted average common share for the first quarter of 2025.

    “Our top priority at AFC is reducing our exposure to underperforming credits, while also remaining disciplined on providing debt capital to accomplished operators,” said Dan Neville, AFC’s Chief Executive Officer. “While cannabis market sentiment continues to hinge on regulatory momentum, we are focused on taking advantage of market dislocations to invest in quality credits with strong risk adjusted returns, which our recent investments demonstrate.”

    Common Stock Dividend

    On April 15, 2025, the Company paid a regular cash dividend of $0.23 per common share for the first quarter of 2025 to shareholders of record as of March 31, 2025.

    Additional Information

    Advanced Flower Capital issued a presentation of its first quarter 2025 results, titled “First Quarter 2025 Earnings Presentation,” which can be viewed at advancedflowercapital.com under the Investor Relations section. The Company also filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2025, with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 14, 2025.

    AFC routinely posts important information for investors on its website, advancedflowercapital.com. The Company intends to use this webpage as a means of disclosing material information, for complying with our disclosure obligations under Regulation FD and to post and update investor presentations and similar materials on a regular basis. AFC encourages investors, analysts, the media and others interested in AFC to monitor the Investors section of its website, in addition to following its press releases, SEC filings, public conference calls, presentations, webcasts and other information posted from time to time on the website. To sign-up for email-notifications, please visit the “Email Alerts” section of the website under the “IR Resources” section.

    Conference Call & Discussion of Financial Results

    Advanced Flower Capital will host a conference call at 10:00 am (Eastern Time) on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, to discuss its quarterly financial results. All interested parties are welcome to participate. The call will be available through a live audio webcast at the Investor Relations section of AFC’s website found here: AFC — Investor Relations. To participate via telephone, please register in advance at this link. Upon registration, all telephone participants will receive a confirmation email detailing how to join the conference call, including the dial-in number along with a unique passcode and registrant ID that can be used to access the call. The complete webcast will be archived for 90 days on the Investor Relations section of AFC’s website.


    1 Distributable Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure. See the “Non-GAAP Metrics” section of this release for a reconciliation of GAAP Net Income to Distributable Earnings.

    About Advanced Flower Capital

    Advanced Flower Capital Inc. (Nasdaq: AFCG) is a leading commercial mortgage real estate investment trust (“REIT”) that provides institutional loans to state law compliant cannabis operators in the U.S. Through the management team’s deep network and significant credit and cannabis expertise, AFC originates, structures, underwrites and manages loans ranging from $10 million to over $100 million, typically secured by quality real estate assets, license value and cash flows. It is based in West Palm Beach, Florida.

    Non-GAAP Metrics

    In addition to using certain financial metrics prepared in accordance with GAAP to evaluate our performance, we also use Distributable Earnings to evaluate our performance excluding the effects of certain transactions and GAAP adjustments we believe are not necessarily indicative of our current loan activity and operations. Distributable Earnings is a measure that is not prepared in accordance with GAAP. Distributable Earnings and the other capitalized terms not defined in this section have the meanings ascribed to such terms in our most-recently filed Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. We use this non-GAAP financial measure both to explain our results to shareholders and the investment community and in the internal evaluation and management of our businesses. Our management believes that this non-GAAP financial measure and the information it provides is useful to investors since this measure permits investors and shareholders to assess the overall performance of our business using the same tools that our management uses to evaluate our past performance and prospects for future performance.

    The determination of Distributable Earnings is substantially similar to the determination of Core Earnings under our Management Agreement, provided that Core Earnings is a component of the calculation of any Incentive Compensation earned under the Management Agreement for the applicable time period, and thus Core Earnings is calculated without giving effect to Incentive Compensation expense, while the calculation of Distributable Earnings accounts for any Incentive Compensation earned for such time period.

    We define Distributable Earnings as, for a specified period, the net income (loss) computed in accordance with GAAP, excluding (i) stock-based compensation expense, (ii) depreciation and amortization, (iii) any unrealized gains, losses or other non-cash items recorded in net income (loss) for the period, regardless of whether such items are included in other comprehensive income or loss, or in net income (loss); provided that Distributable Earnings does not exclude, in the case of investments with a deferred interest feature (such as original issue discount, debt instruments with PIK interest and zero coupon securities), accrued income that we have not yet received in cash, (iv) provision for (reversal of) current expected credit losses, (v) taxable REIT (as defined below) subsidiary (“TRS”) (income) loss, net of any dividends received from TRS and (vi) one-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges, in each case after discussions between our Manager and our independent directors and after approval by a majority of such independent directors.

    We believe providing Distributable Earnings on a supplemental basis to our net income as determined in accordance with GAAP is helpful to shareholders in assessing the overall performance of our business. As a REIT, we are required to distribute at least 90% of our annual REIT taxable income, subject to certain adjustments, and to pay tax at regular corporate rates to the extent that we annually distribute less than 100% of such taxable income. Given these requirements and our belief that dividends are generally one of the principal reasons that shareholders invest in our common stock, we generally intend to attempt to pay dividends to our shareholders in an amount at least equal to such REIT taxable income, if and to the extent authorized by our Board of Directors. Distributable Earnings is one of many factors considered by our Board of Directors in authorizing dividends and, while not a direct measure of net taxable income, over time, the measure can be considered a useful indicator of our dividends.

    Distributable Earnings is a non-GAAP financial measure and should not be considered as a substitute for GAAP net income. We caution readers that our methodology for calculating Distributable Earnings may differ from the methodologies employed by other REITs to calculate the same or similar supplemental performance measures, and as a result, our reported Distributable Earnings may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other REITs.

    The following table provides a reconciliation of GAAP Net income to Distributable Earnings:

      Three months ended
    March 31,
        2025       2024  
           
    Net income (loss) $ 4,067,685     $ (54,116 )
    Adjustments to net income (loss):      
    Stock-based compensation expense   553,749       543,222  
    Depreciation and amortization   —       —  
    Unrealized losses (gains) or other non-cash items   685,478       3,613,693  
    (Reversal of) provision for current expected credit losses   (699,424 )     4,931,674  
    TRS (income) loss, net of dividends   (63,582 )     931,233  
    One-time events pursuant to changes in GAAP and certain non-cash charges   —       —  
    Distributable earnings $ 4,543,906     $ 9,965,706  
    Basic weighted average shares of common stock outstanding   22,097,979       20,393,875  
    Distributable earnings per basic weighted average share $ 0.21     $ 0.49  
                   

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that reflect our current views and projections with respect to, among other things, future events and financial performance. Words such as “believes,” “expects,” “will,” “intends,” “plans,” “guidance,” “estimates,” “projects,” “anticipates,” and “future” or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, including statements about our future growth and strategies for such growth, are subject to the inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions and are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results. Certain factors, including the ability of our manager to locate suitable loan opportunities for us, monitor and actively manage our loan portfolio and implement our investment strategy; the demand for cannabis cultivation and processing facilities and dispensaries; management’s current estimate of expected credit losses and current expected credit loss reserve and other factors could cause actual results and performance to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking statements. More information on these risks and other potential factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in AFC’s filings with the SEC, including in the “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” sections of AFC’s most recently filed periodic reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and subsequent filings. New risks and uncertainties arise over time, and it is not possible to predict those events or how they may affect AFC. We do not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact

    Robyn Tannenbaum
    (561) 510-2293 
    ir@advancedflowercapital.com

    Media Contact 

    Collected Strategies
    Jim Golden / Jack Kelleher 
    AFCG-CS@collectedstrategies.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Gold Reports First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (“Orezone” or “Company”) is pleased to report its operational and financial results for the first quarter of 2025.   All dollar amounts are in USD unless otherwise indicated and abbreviation “M” means million.

    First Quarter 2025 Highlights

    • Gold production of 28,688 oz
    • AISC per oz sold of $1,415
    • Revenue of $82.7M from the sale of 28,943 gold oz at an average realized price of $2,851 per oz
    • Adjusted EBITDA of $44.2M, Adjusted Earnings attributable to Orezone shareholders of $18.7M, and Adjusted Earnings per Share attributable to Orezone shareholders of $0.04
    • Liquidity of $130.9M at March 31, 2025 with cash of $102.0M and undrawn senior debt of $28.9M.
    • Stage 1 of the hard rock expansion reached 45% completion and remains on track for first gold in Q4-2025
    • Advancing work towards a secondary listing on the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) by mid-2025

    Patrick Downey, President and CEO, commented “The first quarter of 2025 marked another consecutive quarter of positive net earnings and free cash flow, driven by our unhedged exposure to rising gold prices. Production and costs were in line with expectations with annual guidance being maintained. Cash reached a record $102 million at March 31, 2025, providing the Company with significant financial flexibility in pursuing its strategy of expanding gold production at our Bomboré Mine.

    Construction of stage 1 of the hard rock expansion made excellent progress in Q1-2025 with project completion hitting 45%. We remain firmly on track for first gold by Q4-2025 which will scale forecasted gold production to over 170,000 oz per year.

    We are also well advanced in our ASX listing application and expect that to be completed later in mid-2025. The recent equity financing was well supported by several key Australian mining funds and by our cornerstone investor, Nioko Resources Corporation, through their pro-rata participation. These financings added over $32 million to the Company’s treasury and have provided us the opportunity to study the merits of fast-tracking stage 2 of the hard rock expansion to increase annual production to over 220,000 oz and to upsize our 2025 discovery-focus drill program. The Company expects to announce a Board-approved final investment decision on stage 2 in the coming months.”

    Highlights for the First Quarter and Significant Subsequent Events

    (All mine site figures on a 100% basis)   Q1-2025 Q1-2024
    Operating Performance      
    Gold production oz 28,688 30,139
    Gold sales oz 28,943 31,229
    Average realized gold price $/oz 2,851 2,066
    Cash costs per gold ounce sold1 $/oz 1,226 1,127
    All-in sustaining costs1 (“AISC”) per gold ounce sold $/oz 1,415 1,324
    Financial Performance      
    Revenue $000’s 82,715 64,685
    Earnings from mine operations $000’s 38,563 26,882
    Net earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone $000’s 15,979 11,697
    Net earnings per common share attributable to shareholders of Orezone      
    Basic $ 0.03 0.03
    Diluted $ 0.03 0.03
    EBITDA1 $000’s 41,182 30,329
    Adjusted EBITDA1 $000’s 44,194 25,928
    Adjusted earnings attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 $000’s 18,690 7,736
    Adjusted earnings per share attributable to shareholders of Orezone1 $ 0.04 0.02
    Cash and Cash Flow Data      
    Operating cash flow before changes in working capital $000’s 39,986 26,485
    Operating cash flow $000’s 27,704 13,637
    Free cash flow1 $000’s 3,682 2,013
    Cash, end of period $000’s 102,016 15,597

    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.

    FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS

    • Safety Performance: Safety milestone of 20 million hours worked without a lost-time injury at the Bomboré Mine was achieved in March 2025 demonstrating the Company’s strong commitment to worker safety. In Q1-2025, 1.4M hours were worked without a lost-time injury and at a low total recordable injury frequency rate of 0.74 per million man hours. Sadly, an incident resulting in the death of one contractor employee occurred on May 8, 2025 at the hard rock expansion construction site. The Company is conducting a thorough investigation on the causes of the accident in order to further improve safety practices and procedures.
    • Improved Liquidity: Available liquidity rose to $130.9M at March 31, 2025 with $102.0M in cash and XOF 17.5 billion ($28.9M) available for drawdown on the Phase II term loan with Coris Bank International (“Coris Bank”). The Company remains well-funded to execute on its 2025 and future growth plans.   
    • Positive EBITDA, Net Earnings, and Earnings Per Share: Reported EBITDA of $41.2M, net earnings attributable to Orezone shareholders of $16.0M, and net earnings per share attributable to Orezone shareholders of $0.03 per share on a basic and diluted basis as earnings benefitted from the record rise in gold prices and unhedged gold sales in the current quarter. These earnings figures were 36%, 37%, and 5% higher, respectively, when compared against Q1-2024.
    • Free Cash Flow Generation: Generated free cash flow of $3.7M with cash flow from operating activities totalling $40.0M after deducting income taxes of $4.1M but before changes in non-cash working capital. Non-cash working capital increased by $12.3M primarily from the build-up of VAT receivables and long-term ore stockpiles. Cash flow used in investing activities totalled $24.0M reflecting a ramp-up in spending on the stage 1 of the Phase II hard rock expansion currently under construction. Strong operating cash flow funded the Company’s large capital programs and resulted in positive free cash flow for the current quarter.  
    • Stage 1 of Phase II Hard Rock Expansion – Tracking on Schedule and Budget: Project completion reached 45% at the end of Q1-2025 with total project costs at $34.3M after $19.0M was incurred in Q1-2025. The expansion continues to track towards first gold in Q4-2025 at a project budget of $90M – $95M. Once in commercial production, stage 1 of the expansion is expected to boost annual gold production of the Bomboré Mine to between 170,000 to 185,000 oz per year.
    • Debt Reduction of Phase I Financing: Principal repayments totalling XOF 3.0 billion ($4.8M) were made on the Company’s senior debt in Q1-2025. As of March 31, 2025, the principal on senior debt stood at XOF 39.5 billion ($65.2M), of which XOF 22.0 billion ($36.3M) related to Phase I.

    CORPORATE

    • Bought Deal Equity Offering: On March 13, 2025, the Company closed on a bought deal offering pursuant to which the Company issued 42,683,000 common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for gross proceeds of C$35.0M. On March 19, 2025, the underwriter exercised its over-allotment option resulting in the Company issuing an additional 6,402,450 common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for gross proceeds of C$5.3M. Gross proceeds from the offering totalled C$40.3M ($28.0M) with net proceeds at C$37.6M ($26.1M) after commission and other transaction costs. The Company intends to use the net proceeds from the offering towards the acceleration of stage 2 of the Phase II hard rock expansion, additional exploration, working capital, and general corporate purposes.
    • Proposed Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) Listing: 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 an ASX listing will improve its market trading liquidity, offer an opportunity to grow the Company’s shareholder base and research coverage, and provide a pathway for future index inclusion. Work with legal advisors and technical consultants on the ASX listing application continued to progress in Q1-2025.

    SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

    • Private placement with Nioko Resources Corporation (“Nioko”): On April 2, 2025, the Company closed a non-brokered private placement with Nioko for 10,719,659 common shares at a price of C$0.82 per share for gross proceeds of C$8.8M ($6.1M) in order to maintain its pro-rata share ownership in the Company.

    2025 GUIDANCE FOR BOMBORÉ MINE

    Bomboré Mine (100% basis) Unit FY2025 Guidance Q1-2025 Actuals
    Gold production Au oz 115,000 – 130,000 28,688
    All-In Sustaining Costs123 $/oz Au sold $1,400 – $1,500 $1,415
    Sustaining Capital12 $M $9 – $10 $3.2
    Growth capital (excluding Phase II Expansion) 12 $M $44 – $51 $7.7
    Growth capital – Stage 1 of Phase II Expansion12 $M $75 – $80 $19.0
    1. Non-IFRS measure. See “Non-IFRS Measures” section below for additional information.
    2. Foreign exchange rates used to forecast cost metrics include XOF/USD of 600 and CAD/USD of 1.35.
    3. Government royalties included in AISC guidance based on an assumed gold price of $2,600 per oz.

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

    No. Growth Capital Description Unit FY2025 Guidance Q1-2025 Actuals
    I Phase II Hardrock Expansion – Stage 1 $M $75 – $80 $19.0
    II Permanent Back-up Diesel Power Plant $M $22 – $24 $4.8
    III TSF Footprint Expansion – Cell 2 $M $11 – $13 $1.3
    IV Resettlement Action Plan (“RAP”) $M $11 – $14 $1.6
      Growth Capital Total $M $119 – $131 $26.7
             
      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.

    OPERATING HIGHLIGHTS

    Bomboré Mine, Burkina Faso (100% basis)   Q1-2025   Q1-2024
    Safety      
    Lost-time injuries frequency rate Per 1M hours 0.00   0.00
    Personnel-hours worked 000’s hours 1,357   1,410
    Mining Physicals      
    Ore tonnes mined tonnes 2,114,543   2,402,533
    Waste tonnes mined tonnes 4,018,182   3,123,099
    Total tonnes mined tonnes 6,132,725   5,525,631
    Strip ratio waste:ore 1.90   1.30
    Processing Physicals      
    Ore tonnes milled tonnes 1,511,303   1,355,619
    Head grade milled Au g/t 0.67   0.78
    Recovery rate % 87.9   89.0
    Gold produced Au oz 28,688   30,139
    Unit Cash Cost      
    Mining cost per tonne $/tonne 2.81   3.48
    Mining cost per ore tonne processed $/tonne 8.06   8.02
    Processing cost $/tonne 7.80   9.24
    Site general and admin (“G&A”) cost $/tonne 3.78   3.79
    Cash cost per ore tonne processed $/tonne 19.64   21.05
    Cash Costs and AISC Details      
    Mining cost (net of stockpile movements) $000’s 12,176   10,867
    Processing cost $000’s 11,782   12,520
    Site G&A cost $000’s 5,718   5,134
    Refining and transport cost $000’s 166   117
    Government royalty cost $000’s 6,602   5,132
    Gold inventory movements $000’s (951 ) 1,416
    Cash costs1on a sales basis $000’s 35,493   35,186
    Sustaining capital $000’s 3,199   4,018
    Sustaining leases $000’s 73   73
    Corporate G&A $000’s 2,182   2,069
    All-In Sustaining Costs1on a sales basis $000’s 40,947   41,346
    Gold sold Au oz 28,943   31,229
    Cash costs per gold ounce sold1 $/oz 1,226   1,127
    All-In Sustaining Costs per gold ounce sold1 $/oz 1,415   1,324

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

    BOMBORÉ PRODUCTION RESULTS

    Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024

    Gold production in Q1-2025 was 28,688 oz, a decrease of 5% from the 30,139 oz produced in Q1-2024. The lower gold production is attributable to a 14% decrease in head grades and 1% decrease in recovery rates partially offset by a 11% increase in plant throughput.

    Plant throughput of 1.51M tonnes in Q1-2025 continues to exceed nameplate design by 16% and was 11% higher than Q1-2024 as plant operating hours in Q1-2024 were reduced from the commissioning of grid power to site, a ball mill reline, and grid power interruptions. Hourly plant throughput was successfully improved starting in July 2024 by increasing the mill power draw and reducing residence time in the CIL circuit with only a minor loss in recovery. This higher hourly throughput has been maintained into 2025.

    The better head grades in Q1-2024 were from the sequencing of higher-grade pits in earlier periods of the mine plan and the preferential stockpiling of lower-grade ore mined.

    BOMBORÉ OPERATING COSTS

    Q1-2025 vs Q1-2024

    AISC per gold oz sold in Q1-2025 was $1,415, a 7% increase from $1,324 per oz sold in Q1-2024. The higher AISC is primarily the result of: (a) lower head grades and (b) greater per oz royalty costs from a 38% increase in the realized gold price ($2,851/oz vs $2,066/oz). This cost increase was partially offset by a reduction in power costs from the switch to lower-cost grid power in February 2024 and from a 11% increase in plant throughput resulting in economies for fixed costs. Grid utilization in Q1-2025 stood at 76%, a drop from 92% recorded in the second half of 2024, as site experienced higher occurrences of power dips from the national grid in Q1-2025, necessitating the use of back-up diesel gensets for longer periods. To avoid uncontrolled plant stoppages, Bomboré transferred power back to the grid only when stable.

    Cash cost per ore tonne processed in Q1-2025 was $19.64 per tonne, a decrease of 7% from $21.05 per tonne in Q1-2024, mainly as a result of a reduction in processing costs ($7.80/tonne vs $9.24/tonne) from the use of lower-cost grid power throughout Q1-2025 compared with only partial use in Q1-2024 as the connection to the national grid was not energized until February 2024.

    Mining cost per tonne has decreased in Q1-2025 when compared to Q1-2024 ($2.81/tonne vs $3.48/tonne) due to the greater proportion of material coming from the Siga pits which commenced mining in July 2024 resulting in less transition material and lower volume of drill-and-blast prior to excavation as softer oxide ore are mined in the upper benches of these new pits, and a shorter haul profile in comparison to ore mined from the A pits in Q1-2024. Mining unit costs in Q1-2025 also benefitted from less grade control drilling at a lower meterage cost as drilling in Q1-2024 was conducted using rented drills prior to the deployment of two new owner drills in the second half of 2024. However, the 19% decrease in unit mining cost was offset by a 46% jump in the strip ratio (1.90 vs 1.30).

    BOMBORÉ GROWTH CAPITAL PROJECTS

    Phase II Hard Rock Expansion

    First gold remains on schedule and costs are trending in line with 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 the Phase II hard rock expansion was officially approved by the Company’s Board in July 2024. Lycopodium Minerals Canada Ltd. 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 which has consistently operated above nameplate design since start-up.

    Progress and milestones achieved in Q1-2025 include:

    • Project completion reached 45%, slightly ahead of schedule.
    • Engineering and drafting progress stood at 85%, ahead of the 73% planned.
    • Procurement is essentially complete with all equipment and materials ordered except for top-ups of remaining bulks such as cabling which will be placed once final quantities are determined. Order deliveries are advancing with CIL tank platework and major SAG mill components already received at site.
    • Concrete volume poured of 2,326 m3 (44% of estimated total) including SAG mill footings and start of jaw crusher wing walls.
    • Mobilization of structural/mechanical/piping (“SMP”) contractor to site including set-up of construction camp.
    • Installation of bottom plates on the 5 CIL tanks with first set of strakes on the first 4 tanks in progress.
    • Operational readiness activities have commenced with safety and recruitment plans under preparation.

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

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company has incurred $34.3M in costs to-date against the project budget, of which $19.0M was incurred in Q1-2025.

    Permanent Back-Up Diesel Power Plant

    The installation of the standby power plant remains on track for final commissioning in October 2025. Layouts and drawings are finalized and purchase orders on all key equipment have been placed. At site, civil works are underway including initial concrete pours for the structural footings of the engine hall.

    The 18 Caterpillar diesel gensets have been packed for shipment and is currently awaiting export clearance prior to organizing transport to site.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company has incurred $4.8M against the project budget.

    RAP Phases II and III

    BV2 resettlement site construction commenced in Q4-2024 and is divided into two distinct communities: BV2 Peuhl and BV2 Mossi. BV2 Peuhl construction and relocation was completed in Q1-2025 allowing for construction activities at BV2 Mossi to commence in the same quarter. Compensation payments to affected residents for loss of land, crops, trees, and private structures commenced in March 2025 with majority of payments expected to be completed in Q2-2025.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company has incurred $1.6M in RAP costs for 2025.

    TSF Footprint Expansion – Cell 2

    Bush clearing and topsoil relocation of the Cell 2 basin was completed while placement and compaction of mining waste material on the eastern embankments of Cell 2 commenced in Q1-2025.

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company has incurred $1.3M in costs for 2025.

    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 three months ended March 31, 2025 which is incorporated by reference herein.

    CONFERENCE CALL AND WEBCAST

    The condensed interim 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 first quarter 2025 results on May 14, 2025:

    Webcast
    Date:    Wednesday, May 14, 2025
    Time:    8:00 am Pacific time (11:00 am Eastern time)
    Please register for the webcast here:  Orezone Q1-2025 Conference Call and Webcast

    Conference Call
    Toll-free in U.S. and Canada: 1-800-715-9871
    International callers: +646-307-1963
    Event ID: 3969133

    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 Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focussed on its staged hard rock expansion 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 / Toll Free: 1 888 673 0663
    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 –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Red Cat Expands Maritime Domain Capabilities with Battle-Tested Unmanned Surface Vessels

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat”), a leading provider of drone technology for military, government, and commercial operations, today announced the expansion of its multi-domain Family of Systems with a new line of Unmanned Surface Vessels (USVs). This strategic move marks Red Cat’s official entry into the rapidly evolving maritime autonomy market and reinforces its position as a provider of comprehensive, interoperable unmanned systems for air, land, and sea operations.

    Meeting the Demands of Modern Conflict

    Red Cat’s entry into the maritime domain builds on existing inroads, including a partnership with Ocean Power Technologies to integrate its aerial drones with autonomous maritime platforms. Red Cat’s own line of kinetic-capable USVs marks a significant step forward. The decision is a direct response to rising geopolitical tensions and a shift in U.S. defense priorities toward re-asserting American maritime dominance globally. Red Cat is well positioned to deliver American-manufactured solutions that address these urgent operational needs of the U.S. and allied naval forces.

    “This is a pivotal moment for Red Cat as we evolve from an aerial-first drone company into a true multi-domain defense provider,” said Jeff Thompson, Red Cat CEO. “This expansion into maritime platforms opens significant opportunities in a fast-growing and urgently needed defense sector. As the U.S. and its allies confront rising maritime threats, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, there’s a clear demand for powerful, proven, and scalable USVs made in America. With these USVs, we’re helping to shape the future of autonomous warfare and strengthening the foundation of U.S. defense manufacturing.”

    Introducing Red Cat’s New Line of USVs

    Red Cat is bringing its line of USVs to market in partnership with a leading global manufacturer of USVs. The system is tested daily in actual combat and designed to operate either autonomously or in manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) configurations. The technology already has 10,000+ hours of operating time in live combat missions. Moving into production will accelerate Red Cat’s roadmap for USVs that integrate seamlessly with its existing family of ISR and unmanned aerial systems, supporting multi-domain and swarming operations.

    “This system has been used day in and day out in the current conflict, accumulating tens of thousands of hours in real combat operations and achieving dozens of successful kinetic engagements against enemy assets, more than any navy since World War II,” Thompson stated. “By partnering with a company that has extensive proven experience and is well beyond the proof-of-concept stage, we gain a substantial competitive advantage as we enter this market.”

    Red Cat is preparing to start production in Q3 of a seven-meter Expeditionary Multi-Role Craft developed to meet the demands of high-speed, long-range, kinetic maritime operations. It is built for larger payloads, extended endurance, and increased firepower. The version has enhanced range, payload capacity, and mission flexibility making it ideal for deep-strike missions, anti-ship warfare, and coastal interdiction in contested zones.

    Leaders in Ship Building and Marine Innovation

    Red Cat has assembled an elite team of master boatbuilders, drawing from industry leaders with centuries of collective experience. Renowned for pioneering advanced jet propulsion systems and crafting superior, American-made hulls, our team brings unmatched expertise to every vessel. Boatbuilding at scale demands profound knowledge and precision—qualities our proven professionals deliver with decades of hands-on experience, ensuring excellence in every detail.

    For more information about Red Cat’s mission and its line of Unmanned Surface Vessels visit www.redcat.red/USV.

    About Red Cat Holdings, Inc.

    Red Cat (Nasdaq: RCAT) is a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations. Through two wholly owned subsidiaries, Teal Drones and FlightWave Aerospace, Red Cat has developed a leading-edge Family of Systems. This includes the flagship Black Widow™, a small unmanned ISR system that was awarded the U.S. Army’s Short Range Reconnaissance (SRR) Program of Record contract. The Family of Systems also includes TRICHON™, a fixed wing VTOL for extended endurance and range, and FANG™, the industry’s first line of NDAA compliant FPV drones optimized for military operations with precision strike capabilities. Learn more at www.redcat.red.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this press release are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are based on Red Cat Holdings, Inc.’s current expectations and are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Further, certain forward-looking statements are based on assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. These and other risks and uncertainties are described more fully in the section titled “Risk Factors” in the Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 27, 2023. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and Red Cat Holdings, Inc. undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

    Contact:

    INVESTORS:

    E-mail: Investors@redcat.red

    NEWS MEDIA:

    Phone: (347) 880-2895
    Email: peter@indicatemedia.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Calian Acquires Advanced Medical Solutions to Expand and Improve Healthcare in Canada’s North

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    OTTAWA, Ontario, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Calian Group Ltd. (TSX: CGY), a trusted provider of mission-critical solutions for defence, space and healthcare announced today it has acquired Advanced Medical Solutions (AMS), a leading provider of remote and emergency healthcare services in Northern Canada. The acquisition is effective immediately.

    About AMS

    Headquartered in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories (NWT), AMS is a Canadian-owned company that specializes in the delivery of 24/7/365 operational and medical support across Canada’s northern regions, including the NWT, Yukon, Nunavut and parts of Canada’s northern provinces. Founded in 1995, the company employs over 300 frontline medical personnel who deliver well-rounded, full-spectrum healthcare services through six distinct divisions and in partnership with over fifteen indigenous populations. In addition, AMS is the exclusive provider of air ambulance, emergency medical evacuation and repatriation flights throughout the NWT for patients and high-risk industrial worksites conducting over 2,000 air and ground missions annually.

    “AMS is a deeply rooted, well-respected and critical provider of healthcare in Canada’s northern communities, with a dedicated team and strong relationships in the communities they serve,” said Kevin Ford, CEO of Calian. “By bringing together two complementary healthcare companies, we will combine our expertise, reach, innovation and passion for delivering high-quality healthcare. Together, we are stronger and better positioned to address Canada’s northern healthcare access challenges while aligning with our country’s strategy and upcoming federal investments in the Arctic region.”

    The Partnership and Strengthening Northern Healthcare

    As the pioneer of northern industrial medicine, AMS brings a strong foundation of industrial customers across mining, energy and emergency services. The acquisition enhances Calian’s ability to deliver integrated healthcare solutions across a broader geography, increase its service offerings and diversify Calian’s customer base. AMS also brings long-standing partnerships with Indigenous communities—an area where Calian remains committed to building deeper engagement, trust and culturally respectful care.

    “This partnership will support the expansion and continuity of care in some of Canada’s most resilient and underserved communities,” said Derek Clark, President, Health, Calian. “We recognize that Canada’s North faces unique challenges, and with this acquisition, we can combine AMS’s paramedical and industrial expertise with Calian’s extensive capabilities in health service delivery and digital health, enabling improved operational performance and a full continuum of care – from first response to ongoing care management.”

    Like Calian, AMS has been built on strong values, community and prioritizing a workplace that fosters growth, development and impact to make a difference in the communities it serves.

    “We are excited to join a Canadian company that shares our commitment to excellence, people and community,” said Sean Ivens, President and CEO, AMS. “Through this transition we will continue to deliver the high-quality care our partners and communities expect, while gaining additional resources and capabilities to innovate and grow for the future of northern healthcare.”

    Next Steps in the Integration

    AMS will operate as Advanced Medical Solutions, a Calian Company, during an initial transition period. The legal entity will transition to Calian Advanced Medical Solutions Ltd. within twelve months. Calian is committed to ensuring continuity of services and strengthening existing community partnerships and supporting AMS employees through a thoughtful integration process.

    “We are committed to working closely with Indigenous partners and communities, healthcare agencies and Northern governments to ensure a respectful transition that benefits all,” added Clark. “This is a long-term investment in the people, services and health system of Canada’s North.”

    The acquisition aligns with Calian’s broader strategic growth priorities and the direction of the Canadian government. In 2022, the government announced a commitment of over $38 billion to modernize NORAD and in 2024 built on this commitment with their plan, Our North, Strong and Free: A Renewed Vision for Canada’s Defence. Calian’s strengthened presence in the North positions the company to support national priorities while expanding opportunities across multiple sectors including space and defence.

    About Calian

    www.calian.com

    We keep the world moving forward. Calian® helps people communicate, innovate, learn and lead safe and healthy lives. Every day, our employees live our values of customer commitment, integrity, innovation, respect and teamwork to engineer reliable solutions that solve complex challenges. That’s Confidence. Engineered. A stable and growing 40-year company, we are headquartered in Ottawa with offices and projects spanning North American, European and international markets. Visit calian.com to learn about innovative healthcare, communications, learning and cybersecurity solutions.

    Product or service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

    Media inquiries:

    media@calian.com

    613-599-8600

    Investor Relations inquiries:

    ir@calian.com

    DISCLAIMER

    Certain information included in this press release is forward-looking and is subject to important risks and uncertainties. The results or events predicted in these statements may differ materially from actual results or events. Such statements are generally accompanied by words such as “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect” or similar statements. Factors which could cause results or events to differ from current expectations include, among other things: the impact of price competition; scarce number of qualified professionals; the impact of rapid technological and market change; loss of business or credit risk with major customers; technical risks on fixed price projects; general industry and market conditions and growth rates; international growth and global economic conditions, and including currency exchange rate fluctuations; and the impact of consolidations in the business services industry. For additional information with respect to certain of these and other factors, please see the Company’s most recent annual report and other reports filed by Calian with the Ontario Securities Commission. Calian disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No assurance can be given that actual results, performance or achievement expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements within this disclosure will occur, or if they do, that any benefits may be derived from them.

    Calian · Head Office · 770 Palladium Drive · Ottawa · Ontario · Canada · K2V 1C8
    Tel: 613.599.8600 · Fax: 613-592-3664 · General info email: info@calian.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK-Angola trade mission strengthens economic ties

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    UK-Angola trade mission strengthens economic ties

    British businesses explore Angola’s crucial sectors, forging partnerships for continued sustainable growth.

    His Majesty’s Ambassador Bharat Joshi welcomed UK Trade Envoy Calvin Bailey MBE MP and a delegation of over 20 UK businesses eager to explore investment opportunities in Angola’s rapidly expanding infrastructure, agriculture and financial services sectors.

    Together they have successfully launched their first trade and investment mission to Angola on 6 to 7 May 2025. This reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to fostering international partnerships that drive sustainable economic growth.

    HM Trade Envoy to Angola, Calvin Bailey MBE MP, Angolan Minister for Planning, Vitor Hugo Guilherme, HM Ambassador to Angola, Bharat Joshi, Angolan Deputy Minister for Industry, Carlos Carvalho and Director for Europe at the Angolan MFA, Ambassador Maria Cuandina de Carvalho

    During the mission, delegates engaged in strategic site visits to landmark projects, such as: the New Luanda International Airport and the Special Economic Zone (ZEE). These visits complemented a high-profile business forum in Luanda. British and Angolan leaders, including H.E. Minister of Planning Victor Hugo Guilherme, H.E. Deputy Minister for Industry Carlos Rodrigues and H.E. Deputy Minister for Public Investment Ivan dos Santos, discussed collaboration opportunities to deliver mutual economic benefits.

    His Majesty’s Ambassador Bharat Joshi highlighted the importance of the mission, stating:

    I am proud to welcome the first Trade Mission of my tenure, led by UK Trade Envoy Calvin Bailey MBE MP.

    UK companies have a fantastic record of creating local wealth and jobs, investing in local skills and markets and supporting development programmes that make a real difference in communities.

    The size of the delegation reflects our excitement about the opportunities in Angola to build sustainable, long-term partnerships that deliver for both our countries.

    Trade and investment remain central to the UK government’s international strategy, unlocking opportunities, generating high-quality jobs and improving livelihoods in both nations.

    UK Trade Envoy Calvin Bailey reinforced this vision, stating:

    Angola is a land of opportunity. This trade mission demonstrates the UK government’s commitment to forging stronger economic partnerships with Angola.

    With £2.5 billion in bilateral trade already flowing between our nations, we’re connecting British expertise with one of Africa’s most dynamic economies through engagements at transformative projects like the Luanda Special Economic Zone and the New Luanda International Airport, creating meaningful opportunities that deliver prosperity for both our nations.

    The mission has already delivered tangible results, with investment discussions underway and promising business relationships established. These efforts mark more than commercial transactions – they signify a deepening of the UK-Angola economic partnership, paving the way for long-term prosperity.

    Delegates visit to the New Dr. António Agostinho Neto in Luanda

    As the UK continues to strengthen its global trade relationships, this mission represents a significant milestone in fostering sustainable growth and opportunities that will benefit businesses and communities across both nations.

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    Published 14 May 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Protection Fund Maintains Strength with $561 Million Average Value in April 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, reports that its Protection Fund held an average value of $561 million throughout April 2025, highlighting the exchange’s ongoing efforts to maintain strong security for its user base. The Protection Fund hit a high of $617M and a low of $496M for the month of April but maintained a strong average overall. The fund remains a key layer of protection against market instability, offering reassurance to users during a period of macroeconomic uncertainty and shifting investor sentiment in crypto markets.

    The fund fluctuated in tandem with broader digital asset movements in April, as Bitcoin traded within a moderate range and altcoins showed mixed performance. Despite a challenging market, the Protection Fund sustained strong fundamentals, showcasing its stability and the resilience of Bitget’s risk mitigation framework.

    “Our Protection Fund continues to reflect the strength of Bitget’s long-term security strategy,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “As conditions in the crypto market evolve, the fund’s performance shows our priority in safeguarding user assets and building a reliable ecosystem that can weather both volatility and growth.”

    Launched in 2022 with an initial allocation of $300 million, the Protection Fund has more than doubled in size, bolstered by Bitget’s steady platform growth and smart financial management. Bitget’s security framework is built on a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that goes well beyond its $516M Protection Fund and 191% Proof of Reserves. With monthly Merkle Tree audits verifying full asset backing and ISO 27001:2022 certification reinforcing best-in-class protocols, the platform integrates SSL encryption and an advanced risk control system that actively monitors suspicious activity. This combination of rigorous standards and real-time protection has kept Bitget breach-free since 2018 and contributed to its AAA security rating and helped reinforce user confidence to set a benchmark for transparency across the industry.

    For more information and monthly updates on the Protection Fund, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d71d7905-324d-44e1-be39-0046857f39ac

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d3a3c692-7be0-41a9-9b0d-edd9ebc3511b

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: DTEX Exposes North Korea’s Cybercrime Syndicate, Urges Rethink of Threat

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN JOSE, Calif., May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DTEX Systems, the trusted leader of insider risk management, has released a groundbreaking report exposing North Korea’s (DPRK) global cybercrime network – revealing a mafia-like operation fuelled by survival, not ideology. The report details a comprehensive blueprint of DPRK’s cyber hierarchy, a covert talent pipeline, and direct ties to the regime’s Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) program.

    For the first time, researchers link DPRK cyber operatives to sanctioned WMD efforts and warn of an escalating AI-enabled threat from Research Center 227, a cyber-physical warfare hub. The findings underscore the urgency of developing a new security paradigm for mitigating this type of threat.

    Going beyond traditional threat models, the report homes in on the underreported human drivers behind DPRK’s operations: in a state defined by scarcity, cybercrime offers operatives access to food, shelter, and healthcare. This survival-based incentive structure underpins the regime’s cyber expansion and complicates attribution efforts.

    “While traditional attribution models like numbered Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) have served the community well, DPRK’s operations present a more complex picture – one that blends cybercrime, espionage, and geopolitical influence,” said Michael Barnhart, DTEX Principal i3 Insider Risk Investigator and lead author of the report.

    “This is less a typical state actor and more akin to a globally dispersed, mafia-style network, where motivations are driven not just by political power, but by a survival mentality rooted in deep economic hardship and familial obligations. Our goal is to expose the human and organizational factors critical to anticipating their next move.”

    World-leading cybersecurity expert Kevin Mandia, founder of Mandiant and now on DTEX’s Advisory Board, said the DPRK threat is bigger than many people realise.

    “Every business leader and security professional needs to recognize the risks of accommodating remote workers. To empower companies to trust their remote resources is paramount – especially with North Korea leveraging the opportunity to fund its weapons program,” Mandia said.

    “The threat of unintentionally hiring North Korean IT workers is larger than most people realize. It’s covert, it’s global, and it’s active right now – which is why industry and government need to work together to come up with solutions to counter the threat.”

    National security expert and former Principal Deputy Director of National Intelligence, the Honorable Sue Gordon (also a member of DTEX’s Advisory Board) said the DPRK operates unlike any other nation state.

    “DPRK’s cyber operations challenge the traditional nation-state playbook – merging cryptocurrency theft, espionage, and nuclear ambition within a self-funded system driven by profit, loyalty, and survival,” Gordon said.

    “Recognizing it as a family-run mafia syndicate unblurs the lines between cybercrime and statecraft. This report pulls back the curtain on their inner workings and psychology, revealing how deeply embedded they already are within our workforce – providing the context needed to anticipate their next move.”

    Key findings from the report include:

    • DPRK Organizational Blueprint: For the first time, an unclassified organizational chart maps the structure, roles, and communication chains within the DPRK’s cyber ecosystem, providing a roadmap for more accurate attribution and proactive defense strategies.
    • Human Motivations Behind DPRK Cyber Operations: The report reveals that DPRK operatives are motivated not by ideology but by survival. In a country with limited resources, participation in cybercrime offers rare access to basic needs, fuelling persistence and loyalty among its workforce.
    • Decades-Long Cyber Talent Pipeline: The report traces North Korea’s investment in a scalable cyber education system that nurtures talent from childhood through college, continuously feeding technically trained operatives into Research Center 227 as well as other threat groups and offensive military units.
    • Early Warning Indicators for Embedded Threats: By connecting the full lifecycle of DPRK’s cyber workforce – from recruitment to deployment – this report offers behavioral and technical markers that can help organizations identify and remove DPRK operatives before significant damage occurs.
    • Evidence of Unit 227’s Coordinated Global Infiltration: The report reveals how DPRK’s elite Research Center 227 is infiltrating critical infrastructure worldwide, moving beyond espionage into sustained, embedded access within commercial and government systems.
    • Identification of Active DPRK Operatives: Two active DPRK IT operatives are identified, with detailed profiles, digital aliases, and a breakdown of their tradecraft, including image manipulation and credential fraud used to gain access to sensitive systems.
    • Direct Links to WMD Programs: The report identifies a North Korean academic institution funnelling resources and personnel to a sanctioned weapons program, with verified evidence that IT workers are being deployed to directly support WMD production.

    DTEX CEO Marshall Heilman emphasized that the speed and sophistication of DPRK-linked infiltration – amplified by AI – requires a unified defense response.

    “This report reflects the ongoing collaboration across the intelligence community, supported by DTEX, to better understand an evolving and increasingly complex threat landscape,” Heilman said.

    “North Korea is blending AI, cybercrime, and kinetic capabilities into a hybrid threat model that challenges conventional defense boundaries. This isn’t a forecast – it’s a call to action. Our goal is not to alarm, but to provide the foresight needed to address the growing sophistication of this global threat.”

    The report represents the culmination of research from a network of intelligence professionals and cybersecurity experts, with supporting investigative findings from DTEX. It provides a structured framework for security practitioners, policymakers, and risk leaders to anticipate DPRK’s next move and proactively defend against these increasingly complex and multifaceted threats.

    About DTEX Systems
    As the trusted leader of insider risk management, DTEX transforms enterprise security by displacing reactive tools with a proactive solution that stops insider risks from becoming data breaches. DTEX InTERCEPT™ consolidates Data Loss Prevention, User Activity Monitoring, and User Behavior Analytics in one lightweight platform to enable organizations to achieve a trusted and protected workforce. Backed by behavioral science, powered by AI, and used by governments and organizations around the world, DTEX is the trusted authority for protecting data and people at scale with privacy by design.

    To learn more about DTEX, please visit dtexsystems.com

    Connect with DTEX: LinkedIn | Twitter | YouTube

    Media Contact
    Mariah Gauthier
    dtex@highwirepr.com

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Trade Minister to meet US Trade Representative at APEC in Korea

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay travels to Korea today for the annual Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Trade Ministers meeting where he will meet with APEC and CPTPP trading partners including a first in person meeting with United Stated Trade Representative Jamieson Greer.

    “These meetings are an opportunity to advocate for New Zealand exporters, discuss our strong and mutually beneficial trade relationships, and restate New Zealand’s opposition to high tariff regimes,” Mr McClay says.

    While in Jeju, Minister McClay will meet with Ministers from: Australia, China, Chile, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Peru, Singapore and the United States where he will talk about the need for certainty for consumers and exporters.  

    APEC’s 21 economies receive over 75 per cent of New Zealand’s exports and represent nearly 60 per cent of global GDP. 

    “Open and fair market access remains a priority for our Government as we look to double the value of exports in 10 years and grow the economy,” Mr McClay says. 

    “This meeting is an opportunity to deepen our connections with these major economic partners and support New Zealand exporters.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ15: Training of artificial intelligence talents

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Rock Chen and a written reply by the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

    Question:

    In September last year, the State President delivered an important speech at the National Conference on Education, following which the 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education (the master plan) was issued, setting out a roadmap for the national education development in the next 10 years. The master plan clearly proposed to establish a mechanism for co-ordinating and promoting the integration of education, technology and talent by leveraging the support of education to technology and talent. The master plan also set out the close collaboration with the development of the innovation and technology (I&T) hub in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and the building of a high-calibre talent hub and platforms for talent attraction and retention, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the innovation system. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) against the background of the master plan’s proposals to establish a mechanism for co-ordinating and promoting the integration of education, technology and talent as well as to closely collaborate with the development of I&T hub in the GBA, how the Government will further deepen the collaboration among the “government, industry, academic and research” sectors to promote the transformation of research and development outcomes of tertiary institutions into a driving force for innovation in the industry, with a view to enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness in the GBA’s I&T ecosystem;

    (2) as there are views that universities of applied sciences (UAS) play an important role in Hong Kong in complementing the master plan’s proposal to leverage the support of education to technology and talent, how the Government will further define the self-positioning of UAS and assist UAS in leveraging their unique advantages, so as to nurture more applied technology talents who suit the needs of the industries in the GBA;

    (3) how the Government plans to assist tertiary institutions and scientific research institutions in increasing their expenditure on research and development (R&D) and intensifying the efforts in nurturing talents in the field of artificial intelligence (AI), so that Hong Kong can contribute to the development of the I&T hub in the GBA in the aspect of AI technology’s R&D and application; and

    (4) whether it has studied how the Government should further strengthen STEAM (i.e. Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools (particularly focusing on AI), including teaching basic AI knowledge, methods of data processing and interdisciplinary knowledge, so as to enhance students’ skills in AI, critical thinking and capacity for innovation, thereby meeting the demand for education, technology and talent arising from the GBA development?

    Reply:

    President,

    Solid promotion of education and technological development can provide and replenish talents and manpower for various trades and industries, boost socio-economic development, and render firm support for building an international hub for high-calibre talents. The 2024-2035 master plan on building China into a leading country in education, issued earlier by the nation, clearly proposes establishing an integrated co-ordinating mechanism for education, technology and talents, and strengthen the supporting role of education for science and talents. To this end, the Government has set up the Committee on Education, Technology and Talents, which is led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, to co-ordinate and drive the integrated development of education, technology and talents, expand connections, formulate policies to attract and cultivate talents, foster the development of technologies, and also promote Hong Kong as an international hub for high-calibre talents.

    The replies of the Education Bureau (EDB) and the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau to the Hon Rock Chen’s questions are as follows:

    (1) With an aim to enhance the innovation and technology (I&T) ecosystem and Hong Kong’s competitiveness on the I&T front in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), the Government has been promoting collaboration among the Government, industry, academic and research sectors through various measures, and adopting a multi-pronged approach to support commercialisation of research and development (R&D) outcomes of tertiary institutions. For example, the $10 billion Research, Academic and Industry Sectors One-plus Scheme under the Innovation and Technology Fund (ITF) funds, on a matching basis, research teams from universities with good potential to become successful start-ups to transform and commercialise their R&D outcomes, while industry sponsorship is a mandatory requirement. Furthermore, the ITF will continue to provide annual funding to the Technology Transfer Office of each of the eight University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities, thereby supporting the development of innovative ideas and R&D outcomes into new products or services. The R&D centres set up by the Government have also been taking forward industry-driven applied R&D work that suits market needs and transferring technologies to the industries through contract researches, licensing arrangements, etc to commercialise their R&D outcomes. Meanwhile, the Government has facilitated the establishment of the Hong Kong New Industrialisation Development Alliance. The Alliance serves as a platform for collaboration among the Government, industry, academia, research and investment sectors, with a view to promoting new industrialisation and co-operation among enterprises and organisations.

    (2) To provide an alternative pathway to success for young people who aspire to pursue careers in professional skills sectors, the Government has been promoting the establishment of universities of applied sciences (UAS), and, in February 2024, promulgated the criteria for qualifying as UAS along with the relevant mechanisms. UAS provide vocational and professional education and training (VPET) programmes with an applied focus blending theory and practice, including applied degree programmes, and closely collaborate with professional skills sectors, incorporating substantial internship and work-based learning opportunities in other degree programmes to nurture students’ applied skills, demonstrating a clear division of labour with traditional academic research universities. The EDB announced in March and November 2024 respectively that Hong Kong Metropolitan University and Saint Francis University had been confirmed as the first two UAS in Hong Kong after undergoing stringent procedures and reviews.

    The Government proactively supports UAS to collaborate with industries and other stakeholders in accordance with the VPET development strategy of fostering industry-institution collaboration and diversified development to respond to the keen manpower needs of different sectors and nurture more professional talent with applied skills. In this connection, the Government has allocated $100 million to support UAS and VPET institutions to establish the Alliance of UAS (the Alliance) in November 2024. The Alliance has been actively engaging supporting organisations and stakeholders and has drawn up the future work plan and strategic direction, which include fostering collaboration and joint promotion efforts among member institutions and over 80 supporting organisations from different sectors, organising international conferences, and strengthening exchanges and co-operation with Mainland and overseas UAS. Amongst others, the Alliance has planned to visit VPET institutions in the GBA within the year to strengthen exchanges and co-operation. The EDB will continue to work closely with the Alliance to support its work.

    (3) Strengthening the nurturing of local I&T talents and fostering the deep integration of technology and industry are key factors in advancing the development of the artificial intelligence (AI) industry. Taking the opportunity of the triennial planning exercise for the UGC-funded universities, the Government set out strategic directions to guide the universities to align their planning with our nation’s and Hong Kong’s strategic development and policy priorities, including nurturing talents for growth, transformation and future challenges.

    With the advent of AI, innovative and breakthrough technology in the new era, the universities are encouraged to introduce appropriate teaching frameworks and new programmes to meet ever-changing societal needs and enhance support for academic staff and students. A number of UGC-funded universities have offered AI-related undergraduate programmes in the 2025-28 triennium in response to the strategic directions, for example, Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Artificial Intelligence and Educational Technology and Bachelor of Education (Honours) (Primary) – Mathematics of the Education University of Hong Kong, Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Engineering in Artificial Intelligence and Data Science of the University of Hong Kong.

    In addition, the Government has been developing the AI ecosystem on different fronts through various measures such as provision of infrastructure and computing power, promoting R&D and talent cultivation. The first-phase facility of Cyberport’s Artificial Intelligence Supercomputing Centre (AISC) commenced operation to meet the strong local demand and enhance Hong Kong’s R&D capabilities in various technological research and application fields. With a view to encouraging the industry to optimise the AISC’s computing resources, the Government launched the Artificial Intelligence Subsidy Scheme to subsidise local institutions, R&D centres and enterprises, etc to leverage the AISC’s computing power to achieve scientific breakthroughs and launch promotional and educational activities. As of April 2025, Cyberport has organised 35 promotional activities (including information seminars at local institutions), attracting over 6 500 participants. The Government is also nurturing local talents and gathering top-notch researchers from all around the world, through the AIR@InnoHK research cluster and its R&D laboratories focusing on AI and robotic technologies. To further promote the R&D and applications of AI in Hong Kong, the 2025-26 Budget announced the establishment of the Hong Kong Artificial Intelligence Research and Development Institute (AIRDI), which will spearhead and support Hong Kong’s innovative R&D and industry applications of AI, facilitating upstream R&D, midstream and downstream transformation of R&D outcomes, and expanding application scenarios. We expect the AIRDI will help pool talents in AI-related fields, promote R&D and extensive application of AI, and facilitate exchanges on AI between Hong Kong and the Mainland (including the GBA) as well as overseas countries and regions.

    The Finance Committee of the Legislative Council approved on May 9 a funding of $3 billion for the implementation of the Frontier Technology Research Support Scheme, with a view to attracting international top-notch talents in frontier technology areas such as AI to conduct research in Hong Kong, thereby expanding Hong Kong’s research capacity. The eligible applicant institutions for the Scheme are local universities funded by the UGC, and funding will be provided to the institutions concerned on a matching basis to encourage them to invest in research, promote cross-sector collaboration and enhance manpower training.

    (4) To align with the national strategy of building a leading country in education, keeping pace with global development trends, and nurturing talents for the advancement of I&T in Hong Kong, the EDB has been stepping up to promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) education in primary and secondary schools, further promoting the digitalisation of education. Through a range of diversified strategies, including ongoing curriculum renewal, strengthening teacher training, providing resource support to schools, and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders, the EDB seeks to integrate digital technology into learning and teaching, enhance students’ creativity and problem-solving skills, and lay a solid foundation of talent for the future development of the country and society. Additionally, the EDB established the Steering Committee on Strategic Development of Digital Education in early 2025, making reference to the latest developments on the Mainland and relevant policies and experiences from other countries, to propose recommendations on the goals, strategies and future directions for the implementation of digital education in Hong Kong.

    Regarding curriculum renewal, the EDB launched the “Module on Artificial Intelligence for Junior Secondary Level” in the 2023/24 school year that covers topics such as AI basics and AI ethics. The EDB also launched the “Enriched Module on Coding Education for Upper Primary Level” to enhance computational thinking and creative thinking. At present, almost all publicly-funded primary and secondary schools have implemented enriched coding education and AI education at the upper primary and the junior secondary levels respectively. On the other hand, the newly introduced Primary Science and the updated Junior Secondary Science will be implemented starting from the 2025/26 and 2027/28 school years respectively. Both curricula emphasise inquiry-based learning and cross-disciplinary learning, with a view to cultivating students’ capabilities in innovation.

    As for teacher training, the EDB focuses on empowering teachers by helping them equipping with AI-related knowledge and teaching strategies. The EDB continuously organises training programmes on the aforementioned AI and coding education modules, covering fundamental AI theories, applied technologies, pedagogical practices, data security, and the use of generative AI in education. These training sessions are conducted in both online and face-to-face modes to broaden participation and coverage among teachers. Furthermore, the EDB promotes the application of AI in learning and teaching through an “AI+Subject” approach and provides relevant teacher training. Examples include the launch of the “AI for Science Education” programme in Junior Secondary Science, the integration of digital technologies (including AI elements) into mathematical modelling activities in Mathematics, and the incorporation of AI into learning and teaching activities in Visual Arts. These efforts aim to enhance teachers’ confidence and competence in utilising AI to assist teaching.

    The EDB also provides various resource support to schools. The EDB updated the “Information Literacy for Hong Kong Students” Learning Framework to strengthen data security and AI ethics education, and collaborated with the Hong Kong Police Force and the Journalism Education Foundation to launch teaching resources on cyber security and media and information literacy, to help students to develop critical thinking skills when using I&T. Moreover, the Quality Education Fund has allocated $500 million for the implementation of the e-Learning Ancillary Facilities Programme, supporting 22 projects related to AI, big data and education technology. These projects cover various subjects and deploy innovative technologies to enhance learning and teaching effectiveness. As at end-March 2025, around 400 schools and 31 000 students have participated in this programme. It is expected that the deliverables of the projects will be successively released starting from mid-2025 for subscriptions and use by all local schools.

    The EDB actively promotes collaboration and exchange by deepening partnerships with local, Mainland, and international stakeholders. The EDB works closely with tertiary institutions and I&T-related organisations to conduct various projects and activities, enabling school leaders and teachers to stay abreast of the latest developments in science and I&T. Examples include the “Exchange cum Training Programme for Hong Kong STEAM Education Leaders”, co-organised with the Teacher Education Centre under the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, and the “Professional Development Programme on Innovation and Technology”, co-organised with Cyberport. In collaboration with Hong Kong Education City, the EDB is organising the “Digital Education Week” from June 30 to July 7 this year. Key events include the “Learning & Teaching Expo”, and the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects & Post-Summit Workshop Series jointly hosted with the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. The events will invite experts to share insights on I&T education (including the use of AI in teaching) to promote the integration of AI in education.

    The EDB will actively align with the competencies and skills required by national and global trends. In close collaboration with stakeholders from various sectors, the EDB aims to strengthen basic education in primary and secondary schools. To dovetail the integrated development of “education, science and technology, and talent” advocated by our country, the EDB is committed to nurturing the next generation of innovators in science and technology.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa Rallies for Gas-Driven Growth at Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    African energy leaders kicked off the Invest in African Energy (IAE) 2025 Forum in Paris with a resounding call for deeper cross-border collaboration, strategic gas monetization and inclusive national development policies, signaling a united front in shaping Africa’s energy future.

    Leading the charge, NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber, lauded the successful execution of the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim (GTA) gas project by Mauritania and Senegal – which loaded its first LNG cargo last month – as a model for regional cooperation.

    “No country has been able to do cross-border projects like Mauritania and Senegal. They showed that it is possible in Africa to come together and do cross-border collaboration,” he said, emphasizing that regionalism and pragmatism must outweigh isolationist tendencies. “Resource nationalism slows down projects.”

    Technip Energies’ Chief Business Officer, Marco Villa, echoed Ayuk’s sentiment on the continent’s energy potential, calling natural gas a “strategic driver” rather than just a tradable commodity.

    “Resources alone are not enough – the real opportunity is transforming this potential into sustainable, prosperous and inclusive growth,” said Villa. “We believe natural gas is more than a commodity – it is a strategic driver for countries and for Africa – in terms of industrialization, energy security and global integration.”

    Villa stressed the importance of both large-scale export infrastructure and domestic gas valorization, positioning gas as a dual solution for global competitiveness and local economic development.

    “While exports are important, local valorization of gas is equally crucial. Africa cannot only be an exporter of gas – gas can be a lever for domestic transportation, power generation, enabling petrochemical industries, modernizing refineries and supporting agribusiness.”

    Petroleum Commissioner at Namibia’s Ministry of Mines and Energy, Maggy Shino, highlighted Namibia’s rapid emergence as a global hydrocarbon hotspot, following massive offshore discoveries from Shell, TotalEnergies, Galp and Rhino Resources in the deepwater Orange Basin.

    “Namibia has emerged as one of the world’s most exciting hydrocarbon frontiers… These discoveries are among the largest of our decade. With more than 80% of our offshore unexplored, Namibia is not only a frontier – it’s a first mover advantage waiting to be seized,” said Shino.

    She also emphasized Namibia’s commitment to fast-tracking development and fostering a responsible investment environment, highlighting the ongoing development of the National Upstream Petroleum Local Content Policy as a key step toward embedding local content from the outset.

    “This policy is more than a regulation for us. It’s a platform to align global expertise with Namibian empowerment. We are actively engaging industry stakeholders to create a framework that balances skill development, supplier integration and the upliftment of Namibian citizens with operational efficiency.”

    Meanwhile, Anibor Kragha, Executive Secretary of the African Refiners & Distributors Association, cautioned against overdependence on petroleum imports and underscored the urgency of building domestic refining capacity and storage resilience.

    “If you’re going to maximize your returns, then you have to run the full value chain and refine… What happens to Africa if we cannot import a single petroleum product for 30 days? How many countries have strategic storage beyond two weeks?” said Kragha. “Africa’s energy boom is not just about oil and gas.”

    The opening keynotes set the tone for a forward-looking IAE 2025 agenda – one centered on transforming Africa’s resource wealth into tangible, inclusive and strategically driven development. The forum continues in Paris through May 14.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 to Spotlight the Impact of Gabon’s Mining Code

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    CAPE TOWN, South Africa, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Gabon strives to expand the mining industry’s GDP contribution to over 30% by the mid-2030s, using policies such as the Mining Code to attract investment and fuel development. By offering competitive incentives such as tax holidays ranging from three to eight years and a modest 3-5% royalty on base metals, the Mining Code offers improved terms for investors, thereby providing positive implications for the country’s mineral sector.

    African Mining Week – Africa’s premier gathering for African mining stakeholders, scheduled for October 1–3, 2025 in Cape Town – will provide an overview of Gabon’s Mining Code. A dedicated panel discussion, titled Navigating Gabon’s Mining Code: A Guide for Investors, will explore how the country is using the Mining Code to catalyze mining development and attract capital.

    Already the world’s third-largest producer of manganese (apo-opa.co/44ES9QA), Gabon is leveraging the code to strengthen the sector though international partnerships and new investments. French mining major Eramet, operator of the high-grade Moanda Minesin Gabon, signed a manganese supply agreement with Australia’s Firebird Metals (apo-opa.co/44yGrXD) to support electric vehicle (EV) battery production in China. Similarly, India’s state-run MOIL (apo-opa.co/4koDe1z) is in talks to develop manganese assets in Gabon, highlighting the country’s growing role in the global manganese, EV and battery storage market.

    Beyond manganese, Gabon is diversifying its mineral production base. Canadian company Millennial Potash Corp (apo-opa.co/43gSiHB) is advancing the Banio Potash Project, where high-grade potash intersections were confirmed in May 2025. Once operational, the project will be Gabon’s first commercial potash facility, supplying a global market driven by demand for fertilizers and pharmaceutical applications.

    Iron ore is another growth frontier where the country is using the Mining Code to secure investment. In partnership with Australia’s Genmin and China’s Sinohydro (apo-opa.co/43e25xN), the country is progressing the Baniaka Iron Ore Project, which targets five million tons of annual output initially, ramping up to 10 million tons in the future. Australia’s Fortescue is also expanding its Belinga iron ore project while South Africa’s Menar (apo-opa.co/3F7k0OO) signed agreements to invest in the sector, illustrating growing investor confidence fostered by Gabon’s Mining Code.

    Amid this growth, African Mining Week will connect investors, government officials and private sector leaders to advance projects. With a focus on legal clarity, resource potential and project-ready opportunities, the event will foster high-level dialogue and promote Gabon as a rising hub for responsible, high-return mining investment in Africa.

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa’s Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Growth Hinges on Investment, Strategic Partnerships

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    PARIS, France, May 14, 2025/APO Group/ —

    Accelerating Africa’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) ambitions will depend on mobilizing risk-tolerant investment, building strong technical and commercial partnerships, and committing to local capacity-building, according to panelists at the Invest in African Energy (IAE) Forum in Paris.

    Speaking during a discussion on monetizing African gas sponsored by Perenco, UTM Offshore Managing Director Julius Rone emphasized that LNG demand remains robust, but the missing piece is financing.  “Investment is required. The market is there. LNG is not going anywhere – global gas demand is increasing every year. Therefore, we need the right investors to enable us to monetize our gas.”

    The $5 billion UTM FLNG project offshore Nigeria is currently in its pre-construction phase. Rone emphasized that indigenous players like UTM Offshore are capable of forming the right partnerships to drive development, with plans to take FID in the coming months, move into the construction phase and expand the company’s FLNG technologies beyond Nigeria into other African markets.

    Competitiveness Starts at the Wellhead

    For international players, the viability of LNG in Africa hinges on low-cost resources and predictable legal frameworks. Golar LNG’s Chief Commercial Officer Federico Petersen noted that while Africa holds a geographic edge over the U.S. in terms of access to global markets, project economics must work from the start.

    “In the U.S., both the liquefaction and transport sides are increasing – if Africa can beat the U.S. at the wellhead, then it can have competitive liquefaction and it is closer to Europe and Asia,” said Petersen.

    He added that technical capability and financial strength are key to delivering projects at scale, along with speed and access to low-cost gas. “The asset needs to be cheap gas. We look at the asset, the contract and the partner… On the contract side, the legal framework and the stability needs to be there, both for upstream operators and for us.”

    Infrastructure-First Approach

    Gas infrastructure must come before LNG exports, according to Denis Chatelan, Head of Business Development at Perenco. The company’s strategy has focused on domestic gas use as a foundation for future liquefaction, citing gas-to-power and gas-to-industry projects in Gabon and Cameroon.

    “We did not start with liquefaction, but to develop the gas resources… We managed to find the right compromise of investment, ROI and infrastructure,” said Chatelan. “At Perenco, we have deployed equity. If you want big rewards, then you have to take some risk. We have taken the risk of infrastructure, which is a very important first step to develop the gas resources of a country.”

    Local Support Critical to Long-Term Success

    Jiří Rus, Sales & Business Development Director at Neuman & Esser, stressed the importance of original equipment manufacturers building in-country operational support to sustain LNG and gas projects.

    “Within our partnerships, we focus on operation. We need to support projects not from Germany, but through local service centers. We have one in Port Harcourt in Nigeria, for example, to support future projects, and now we are doing so in Mozambique,” said Rus.

    Dominique Gadelle, VP of Upstream & LNG at Technip Energies, echoed the importance of anchoring projects in local benefits. “Boosting local economies, power generation… This is a must before going to international exports,” he said. “We can also look at monetizing gas in different ways – fertilizers, for instance. We also need to promote regional cooperation, and we cannot forget local skills, employment and education and training programs.”

    MIL OSI Africa –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Council awards new contract for road repairs

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    After a successful three-week trial of thermal technology in 2024, Highland Council has appointed Thermal Road Repairs for a two-year patching repair contract worth a seven-figure sum. This will provide an additional resource for repairing surface defects such as potholes, cracking and deteriorating surfacing joints.

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said: “After a successful trial last year, I’m delighted that we will be making use of thermal technology moving forward. It offers an efficient way to repair our roads using less material and will allow us to carry out permanent pothole fixes in all seasons.”

    The thermal repair process involves using an infrared heating system to heat existing road material which then becomes malleable and can be reworked with additional material to create a defect-free surface. The use of heat means that the repair is free of cold joints and therefore has no weak points at the edges resulting in a more effective repair that can also be carried out in colder conditions.

    Cllr Gowans continued: “Thermal Road Repairs have a wealth of experience and their technology provides a fast, permanent fix to potholes but with the added benefits of low emissions and minimal waste due to less plant and materials being required. Infrared patching is a low noise and low impact technique with only one vehicle which creates minimal disruption for road users, and it is also a very quick process with approximately one square metre repaired every 5-9 minutes.

    “Investing in our roads is a high priority not only for the Council but also for our communities and I am pleased that this contract will support our local roads teams to improve the condition of our roads faster and more effectively. The contract is part of a £2.1 billion capital investment agreed in our Highland Investment Plan which will help to maintain over 4000 miles of roads and ensure a sustainable approach to investment and contractor procurement. The Highland Investment Plan will provide 20 years of funding for roads and transport, schools, offices and community facilities throughout the Highlands.”

    Works are due to begin in summer 2025.

    14 May 2025

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    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Work on attracting enterprises and investments

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Jeffrey Lam and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 14):

    Question:

    In recent years, the Government has been vigorously promoting the work on attracting enterprises and investments. It is learnt that Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) assisted a total of 539 overseas and Mainland enterprises in setting up or expanding their businesses in Hong Kong last year. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) of the number of overseas and Mainland enterprises which InvestHK has assisted in establishing a presence in Hong Kong or setting up regional headquarters in Hong Kong since January this year; the home countries of such enterprises, as well as the industries to which they belong;

    (2) of the policies and measures currently put in place by the Government in respect of land, taxation, etc. to support overseas and Mainland enterprises in establishing a presence in Hong Kong; and

    (3) given that the Secretary for Labour and Welfare has pointed out at a special meeting of the Finance Committee of this Council held to discuss the Estimates of Expenditure 2025-2026 that Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) would provide comprehensive one-stop support to incoming talents, of the total number of applications received by HKTE since January this year; among such applications, of the areas in which support has been provided?

    Reply:

    President,

    After consulting the Development Bureau (DEVB), the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, as well as the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises (OASES), my consolidated response to the Hon Jeffrey Lam’s question is as follows:

    InvestHK Hong Kong (InvestHK) is responsible for promoting inward direct investment to Hong Kong by attracting Mainland and overseas enterprises to set up or expand in the city. In 2024, InvestHK assisted 539 Mainland and overseas enterprises in establishing and expanding their businesses in Hong Kong, representing an increase of over 40 per cent year on year. On a pro-rata basis, the figure well exceeded the performance indicator as set out in the 2022 Policy Address by the Chief Executive. On the other hand, the number of companies in Hong Kong with overseas or Mainland parent companies in 2024 reached a record high of 9 960. It included 1 410 regional headquarters, an increase of over 5 per cent year on year.

    From January to April this year, InvestHK assisted 223 Mainland and overseas enterprises, representing an increase of 13 per cent as compared with the same period last year. These enterprises are expected to bring in direct investment of over $22.3 billion and create over 4 900 jobs within their first year of operations or expansion. Over one-fourth of these enterprises indicated their setup of international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong. The top five places of origin of those enterprises are the Mainland, the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom and Singapore; and the top five sectors are the financial services and fintech sector, family office, innovation and technology sector, tourism and hospitality sector, and consumer products sector.

    Separately, the current-term Government established OASES, which is directly under the Financial Secretary, to attract high-potential and representative strategic innovation and technology enterprises from around the globe. So far, OASES successfully attracted 84 strategic enterprises, many of which plan to establish their international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong.

    InvestHK and OASES provide Mainland and overseas enterprises with one-stop customised support services, including introducing tax regime and tax concessions of Hong Kong, assisting enterprises in identifying premises for operations, and assisting them in following up on matters relating to talent admission.

    In terms of tax policy, Hong Kong has been practicing a simple, territorial-based and low-tax regime. Hong Kong’s profits tax rates are very competitive internationally, with the first $2 million of profits of corporations taxed at the rate of 8.25 per cent, and the profits above that amount taxed at 16.5 per cent. Besides, tax types in Hong Kong are simple in that there is not any kind of capital gains tax, withholding tax on dividends or interest, estate duty, value-added tax, goods and services tax, nor digital services tax. The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has also been strategically utilising tax measures to facilitate the development of different industries. Tax concessions introduced over recent years have benefitted multiple industries or taxpayers, including the asset and wealth management industry, maritime industry, insurance industry, and taxpayers with intellectual property income.

    In terms of assisting enterprises in identifying suitable premises, given the diverse backgrounds of enterprises, InvestHK and OASES focus on understanding and catering to the different needs of individual enterprises. In respect of land supply, the DEVB has been collaborating with InvestHK and OASES to introduce to Mainland and overseas enterprises interested in setting up in Hong Kong the distribution of existing and future economic land in the territory, including how the Government will adopt an “industry-led” approach in planning strategic projects such as the Northern Metropolis (NM). In particular, as each New Development Area in the NM has its own industry positioning, the next few years will see considerable output in development land and floor space for innovation and technology and other emerging industries, as well as industries with traditional strengths, to move in. As for enterprises interested in setting up in Hong Kong and participating in the construction of buildings for industries, the DEVB will recommend development land for their consideration. It will also support relevant policy bureaux in exploring and adopting various modes of land disposal and land premium arrangements by giving consideration to restricted tender or direct land grant in addition to the traditional practice of open tender. When a project enters the design and construction stages, the DEVB will also provide one-stop services by co-ordinating with relevant departments to expedite approvals.

    Apart from focusing on attracting enterprises and investment, the current-term Government is also dedicated to attracting talents from overseas and the Mainland. Since its establishment on October 30, 2023, the Hong Kong Talent Engage (HKTE) strives to provide comprehensive one-stop support to talents. From January to April 2025, over 45 000 new applications under various talent admission schemes were received, of which over 35 000 applications were approved. The support services provided by the HKTE to incoming talents and their families include the following:

    (a) Themed seminars: To cater for the needs of incoming talents, leaders from various industries and admitted talents were invited to share career information and tips on starting a business. Since its establishment and up to end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised 33 online and offline themed seminars;

    (b) Job fairs: Job fairs help job-seeking talents to match with employers direct, so as to help incoming talents to look for jobs based on their skills, making better use of their professional competencies. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised, co-organised and participated in 17 job fairs in total;

    (c) Enquiry and support matching services: The HKTE’s online platform currently connects with about 90 designated working partners to provide talents with advice and services in respect of job matching, accommodation, education, banking and insurance services, business and corporate services, integrated settlement services as well as networking and community through online matching services. The online platform has processed over 41 000 enquiries, mainly involving matters such as talent schemes, visa and job seeking, and made around 12 000 referrals of support service requests so far;

    (d) Integration activities: Participation in volunteer services allows incoming talents to strengthen their connections with the local community, thereby facilitating their better integration into local society. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised, in collaboration with volunteer groups, three integration activities; and

    (e) Cantonese learning classes: The classes help enhance the Cantonese speaking and listening skills of incoming talents, and assist them in understanding the local culture and customs, thereby expediting their integration into local society. As at end-April 2025, the HKTE has organised 28 Cantonese learning classes.

    The HKSAR Government will continue to make every effort to attract more enterprises and talents from the Mainland and overseas.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 14, 2025
    Issued at HKT 12:21

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: Double Degree in the South of Russia: GUU and KubSAU Launched a Unique Educational Program

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    A delegation from the State University of Management headed by Rector Vladimir Stroyev visited the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin to sign an agreement on network cooperation and the official presentation of the joint program “Finance and Business Management”. The delegation also included Vice-Rectors Dmitry Bryukhanov and Maria Karelina.

    The new educational program will allow you to obtain two qualifications in 4 years – a bachelor of economics and a bachelor of management. It provides for alternating study locations: Krasnodar (first and second years) – Moscow (third year) – Krasnodar (fourth year). It is important to note that there are no analogues of this program in the South of Russia yet.

    During the visit, representatives of the State University of Management, accompanied by the rector of KubSAU Alexander Trubilin, visited the main facilities of the university: the Historical Heritage Center, where guests immersed themselves in the history of the university, modern digital content laboratories, innovative classrooms and the Military Training Center.

    At the end of the tour, the official presentation of the program “Finance and Business Management” took place in the main building. The event was attended by the management of universities, schoolchildren, their parents, teachers and students.

    Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroev spoke about the history of the university, its achievements and famous graduates, and also noted the uniqueness of the joint program.

    “There is no such program anywhere in the South of Russia yet. We are confident that it will open new horizons for our students,” Vladimir Stroyev emphasized.

    Rector of KubSAU Alexander Trubilin spoke in more detail about the advantages of the new educational program.

    “Today we present you a new project – an innovative online educational program “Finance and Business Management”, developed jointly with the State University of Management. The program opens up unique opportunities for students: a whole year of study in Moscow, work on real projects together with Moscow students and teachers, gaining invaluable experience and knowledge from the country’s leading specialists. Upon completion of their studies, graduates will receive a diploma of higher education with two qualifications, which will significantly increase their competitiveness in the labor market,” concluded Alexander Trubilin.

    Also at the presentation, an agreement on network cooperation between KubSAU and GUU was signed.

    Let us recall that in January 2025, the State University of Management and the Kuban State Agrarian University named after I.T. Trubilin signed a cooperation agreement and discussed areas of interaction, including the implementation of a joint program.

    Photos taken from the official website of KubSAU.

    Subscribe to the TG channel “Our GUU” Date of publication: 05/14/2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Deepening international exchanges and co-operation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Deepening international exchanges and co-operation 
    Question:
     
         In the country’s Report on the Work of the Government this year, it was mentioned that Hong Kong must deepen international exchanges and co-operation. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government is also actively attracting overseas companies to Hong Kong and helping Mainland companies go global to align with the overall development strategy of the country. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) how it will promote alignment between Hong Kong’s financial services industry and national policies to leverage Hong Kong’s unique advantages, reinforce its connectivity with both the Mainland and the world, and actively promote international exchanges and co-operation; whether it will consider providing further support to financial services enterprises to expand into new markets and broaden their international networks;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that many Hong Kong enterprises, business associations, non-profit organisations, and international trade organisations possess extensive overseas networks, whether the Government has compiled the relevant statistics; if so, of the details; how the Government will leverage the power and resources of non-governmental organisations to foster citizen diplomacy;
     
    (3) to align with the country’s overall development strategy, will the Government review and optimise the division of responsibilities and functions of different government departments or public organisations responsible for promoting trade (such as the Economic and Trade Offices, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, Invest Hong Kong, and other overseas offices), so as to avoid overlapping structures and enable them to focus more on delivering services under existing policies;
     
    (4) whether the Government will formulate specific policy measures to support and sponsor various enterprises and organisations to participate in industrial and commercial, and financial exhibitions, etc, in overseas countries in order to promote commercial co-operation with Middle East countries and Belt and Road countries, and to promote Hong Kong to such countries; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (5) whether the Government has a comprehensive plan to tell good stories of Hong Kong to the outside world through targeted publicity and promotion strategies, and to better leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages to attract more international financial institutions and investors to establish presence in Hong Kong?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Having consulted the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the consolidated reply to the question raised by the Hon Robert Lee is as follows:
     
         The Outline of the 14th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China and the Long-Range Objectives Through the Year 2035 (14th Five-Year Plan) supports Hong Kong to enhance its status as an international financial centre, strengthen its functions as a global offshore Renminbi (RMB) business hub, an international asset management centre and a risk management centre, as well as deepen and expand the mutual access between the financial markets of the Mainland and Hong Kong.
     
         In this regard, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has been committed to deepening the interface of Hong Kong’s financial services industry with national policies in accordance with the 14th Five-Year Plan. For example, in terms of mutual market access, the Stock Connect has made some breakthroughs over the past few years, including the inclusion of exchange-traded funds and the addition of eligible stocks of foreign companies primarily listed in Hong Kong. This has become the most reliable channel for international investors to access the Mainland securities market. In terms of global offshore RMB business, at present, Hong Kong has the world’s largest offshore pool of RMB funds, currently processing about 80 per cent of global offshore RMB payments. On attracting Mainland enterprises to list in Hong Kong, as driven by a series of listing enhancement measures, there are currently over 1 480 Mainland enterprises listed in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has established listing avenues for new economy with weighted voting rights structures, and specialist technology companies as well as the technology enterprises channel, with a view to accurately addressing the financial service demands of Mainland’s emerging innovation and technology industries and leveraging Hong Kong’s strengths to serve our country’s needs.
     
         We also continue to deepen exchanges and co-operation with the global financial community, actively strengthen and expand our circle of friends with the global community, organise major financial events of global significance such as the Asian Financial Forum, the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit and the Global Financial Leaders’ Investment Summit, in a bid to further enhance the voice and influence of our country and Hong Kong in the international financial community and showcase to the international investors the strengths and opportunities of Hong Kong as an international financial centre.
     
         In addition, the HKSAR Government, regulators and the HKEX are committed to promoting Hong Kong’s financial services industry, securities market and fundraising platform to overseas and Mainland enterprises and investors (including target markets such as the Middle East and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations regions), through organising and participating in different thematic flagship summits, outreach activities, thematic roadshow events, etc, with a view to strengthening Hong Kong’s linkage with overseas and Mainland markets, fostering financial market co-operation, as well as facilitating the local financial services industry to open up new markets.
     
         We will continue to deepen and step up our efforts to seize the national development opportunities, bringing more new opportunities to the industry and continuing to contribute to our country’s development as a financial powerhouse.
     
         On the other hand, the HKSAR Government has been actively promoting the sustainable development of Hong Kong as an international trade centre through diversified measures. The global trade landscape and geopolitics are rapidly changing, with parts of the supply chains shifted to the Global South and Belt and Road (B&R) countries, while Mainland enterprises are also proactively establishing their presence abroad. Hong Kong’s rich experience in international trade and world-class professional services will be of assistance to such Mainland enterprises in re-deploying their global supply chains. According to the 2024 Policy Address, Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) set up in December 2024 a high value-added supply chain services mechanism for attracting Mainland enterprises to establish international or regional headquarters in Hong Kong for managing offshore trading and supply chain, and providing one-stop professional advisory services for enterprises in Hong Kong looking to go global. The mechanism is conducive to Hong Kong’s economic development on the one hand, and facilitates the deepening of its international exchanges and co-operation on the other hand, thus responding to meet Premier Li Qiang’s expectations for Hong Kong, as set out in his work report this year, integrating into the overall national development while making contribution to the country.
     
         Besides, the HKSAR Government will continue to organise a number of outbound missions to B&R markets to assist Hong Kong enterprises and professional services to further explore business opportunities and build long-lasting collaborative relationships with relevant local enterprises and organisations. We will also continue to actively organise various major events to promote Hong Kong’s advantages and facilitate business matching and project participation between Hong Kong and B&R countries. In addition, the HKTDC’s overseas network has already covered the major markets along the B&R, including regions of the Middle East. By leveraging its global network, the HKTDC will continue to launch diversified outreach activities, information platforms, large-scale international exhibitions and conventions, to highlight Hong Kong’s opportunities and role as a two-way business and investment platform, and facilitate the co-operation among enterprises of the Mainland and Hong Kong, investors and professional service providers, as well as the project owners from B&R countries.
     
         For overseas exhibitions activities, the HKSAR Government strives to encourage and provide funding support for non-listed Hong Kong enterprises to upgrade and restructure, enhance competitiveness of enterprises as well as sectors and conduct promotional activities through various funding schemes and measures, including the Dedicated Fund on Branding, Upgrading and Domestic Sales, the SME Export Marketing Fund and the Trade and Industrial Organisation Support Fund. Enterprises/organisations could apply for funding to participate in promotional activities such as exhibitions in markets outside Hong Kong to develop their businesses. The HKTDC has also been actively leading Hong Kong companies to participate in large-scale exhibitions overseas and set up Hong Kong pavilions in selected large-scale exhibitions. In addition, the HKTDC offers preferential participation rates and a range of value-added services, including the arrangement of business matching meetings, for Hong Kong companies to grasp the opportunities to promote their products and services.
     
         Currently, the HKSAR Government has 14 overseas Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices (ETOs). Together with the offices of the HKTDC and InvestHK worldwide, Hong Kong has set up offices in 68 cities around the world, covering 129 countries, including emerging markets. The ETOs, InvestHK’s Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents based in the ETOs and its consultant offices in other locations, as well as the HKTDC’s offices are responsible for different aspects of work, while collaborating from time to time to generate synergy. The trio promote bilateral economic and trade relations between Hong Kong and overseas economies. InvestHK and the HKTDC mainly serve the business community. InvestHK is responsible for promoting inward direct investment to Hong Kong. Through its teams based in Hong Kong, the Dedicated Teams for Attracting Businesses and Talents based in the ETOs, as well as consultant offices in other locations, the department has all along been reaching out to a wide spectrum of companies in different sectors and industries around the world to attract and assist them to set up or expand their businesses in Hong Kong, and offering one-stop customised support services, from the planning to implementation stages. As for the HKTDC, it is responsible for trade promotion as well as facilitating, assisting and developing trade in Hong Kong. Through organising international exhibitions, conferences and business missions, the HKTDC creates business opportunities in the Mainland and international markets for Hong Kong enterprises. The ETOs are committed to maintaining close communication and exchanges with the international community and overseas stakeholders in different sectors (including government officials, think tanks, media organisations, academics, cultural and business groups and other key opinion leaders in countries under their purview), promoting and explaining the HKSAR Government’s important policies and Hong Kong’s unique advantages under “one country, two systems”, with a view to telling the good stories of Hong Kong and promoting economic and trade development between Hong Kong and overseas.
     
         Meanwhile, the ETOs will strengthen ties and co-operation with foreign chambers of commerce in Hong Kong and the local political and business sectors, and take the opportunity of the latter’s overseas visits to collaborate in promoting Hong Kong’s latest developments and major policy measures through different forms of activities, and jointly tell the good stories of Hong Kong from multiple perspectives.
    Issued at HKT 15:33

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEMOLITION OF GRANDSTANDS AT APIA PARK AND CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW SPORTS STADIUM

    Source:

    Share this:

    [PRESS RELEASE 17 April 2025] – Cabinet has approved significant developments concerning the Apia Park Complex. This decision marks a pivotal step in enhancing the sports infrastructure in Samoa, aimed at fostering athletic excellence and providing state-of-the-art facilities for both athletes and spectators.

    1. Cessation of Usage: Effective immediately, the three grandstands located on the Western side of the Grand Stadium at Apia Park will cease to be used. This measure ensures the safety of all users and aligns with the recommendations from the recent inspection report.

    2. Demolition of Grandstands: The approved directive mandates the immediate demolition of these three grandstands. This action is a proactive measure to facilitate the construction of a new and improved sports stadium.

    3. Collaborative Efforts for New Stadium Construction: The Ministry of Sports and Recreation, in collaboration with the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, will initiate discussions with earmarked Development Partners. These discussions aim to seek assistance in building a new sports stadium that meets international standards.

    Cabinet’s decision is informed by an Inspection Report and recommendations provided by the Chinese Team, who are currently overseeing the maintenance and upgrade of the Apia Park Complex. This partnership underscores the commitment of both nations to advance sports development and infrastructure in Samoa.

    The Ministry of Sports and Recreation is dedicated to ensuring a seamless transition during this period of development and will keep the public informed of progress and updates. We appreciate the understanding and support of the community as we embark on this exciting journey to enhance our sporting facilities.

    For further information, please contact:

    Ministry of Sports and Recreation s.tautu@msr.gov.ws +685 33774

    Follow us on our Facebook Page for the latest updates.

    “End of Release”

    SOURCE – Ministry of Sports and Recreation

    Photo by Savali Newspaper

    Share this:

    May 14, 2025

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at HOFEX and ProWine Hong Kong @ HOFEX Opening Ceremony (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by FS at HOFEX and ProWine Hong Kong @ HOFEX Opening Ceremony (English only) 
    Margaret (President and Chief Executive Officer of Informa Markets in Asia, Ms Margaret Ma Connolly), Dane (Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Mr Dane Cheng), Consuls-General, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         Good morning.
     
         It’s a real pleasure to be here with you again at the Opening Ceremony of HOFEX. I would like to extend a warm welcome to industry professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world to Hong Kong, to tap the vast opportunities in the world of food and hospitality.
     
         Just now, Margaret has given us a good glimpse of the exciting events over the next few days. From wine and craft beer to hospitality technology; from culinary competitions to coffee championships, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re here to trade, taste or toast, this is the place to be.
     
         Beyond the captivating events at HOFEX, allow me to highlight a few points why Hong Kong is the right place to be in for food and hospitality business.
     
         First, we are a free port, and proudly the freest economy in the world. Besides, we maintain one of the world’s most efficient customs clearance and logistics networks. Every day, over 1 000 flights connect us to more than 200 destinations. This city simply gives you the best connectivity to the broader market in the Asian region.
     
         For wines, we impose no duty, a policy that has been toasting success for years. Last year, we imported approximately 39 million bottles of wines and consumed some 30 million of them. Recently, we have also lowered duties on liquor. The results are encouraging. In the first four months since its implementation, the volume of liquor imports jumped by over 40 per cent, and the value doubled.
     
         At a time when some economies are raising trade barriers, Hong Kong is not just opening doors. We are opening more bottles, too.
     
         Second, Hong Kong is Asia’s culinary capital. We love good food. You may know I like talking about the 200-plus Michelin-recommended restaurants in the city. But let me tell you more: they cover cuisines from over 30 countries and regions, offering a global menu with local flair. Moreover, we invest in culinary excellence. Institutions like the Chinese Culinary Institute are training the next generation of top chefs. 
     
         Third, Hong Kong is expanding into new markets. Our ties with regions like the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Middle East, Central Asia and Africa are strengthening. They are rich in produce and full of untapped potential. You can find their offerings in our restaurants, too.
     
         Ladies and gentlemen, Hong Kong is buzzing again. In the first four months of this year, visitor numbers grew by 10 per cent to over 16 million, with a noteworthy increase of 17 per cent in international visitors. The Government, along with the Hong Kong Tourism Board and the HKTDC (Hong Kong Trade Development Council), are organising more international events and attracting more high-value visitors. If you are thinking of extending the reach of your products and services, Hong Kong is your showroom.
     
         Come to Hong Kong, and you will find opportunities. Consider setting up a representative office, or a regional office here. Our colleagues from Invest Hong Kong, the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, and the HKTDC are happy to support you every step of your way.
     
         To conclude, I wish you a fruitful and successful HOFEX 2025. For our overseas guests, enjoy your stay in Asia’s world city. There is a lot to discover, and even more to taste.
     
         Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 12:30

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    CategoriesMIL-OSI

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL) to Participate in the Lytham Partners Spring 2025 Investor Conference on May 29, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBL International Limited (NASDAQ: BANL) (the “Company” or “CBL”), the listing vehicle of Banle Group (“Banle” or “the Group”), a leading marine fuel logistic company in the Asia-Pacific region, today announced that Dr. Teck Lim Chia, Chairman and CEO, will participate in a  webcasted fireside chat and Ms. Venus Zhao, our IR and PR Director, will host one-on-one meetings with investors at the Lytham Partners Spring 2025 Investor Conference, taking place virtually on Thursday, May 29, 2025.

    Company Webcast

    The webcast presentation will take place at 12:30 pm on Thursday, May 29, 2025, Eastern Time. The webcast can be accessed by visiting the conference home page at https://lythampartners.com/spring2025/ or directly at https://app.webinar.net/bNM Pk09l74O. The webcast will also be available for replay following the event.

    1×1 Meetings

    Management will be participating in virtual one-on-one meetings throughout the event. To arrange a meeting with management, please contact Lytham Partners at 1×1@lythampartners.com or register for the event at https://lythampartners.com/spring2025invreg/.

    About the Banle Group

    CBL International Limited (Nasdaq: BANL) is the listing vehicle of Banle Group, a reputable marine fuel logistic company based in the Asia Pacific region that was established in 2015. We are committed to providing customers with one-stop solution for vessel refueling, which is referred to as bunkering facilitator in the bunkering industry. We facilitate vessel refueling mainly through local physical suppliers in over 60 major ports covering Belgium, China, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mauritius, Panama, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam, as of 16 April, 2025. The Group actively promotes the use of sustainable fuels and is awarded with the ISCC EU and ISCC Plus certifications.

    For more information about our company, please visit our website at: https://www.banle-intl.com.

    CBL INTERNATIONAL LIMITED
    (Incorporated in Cayman Islands with limited liabilities)
       
    For more information, please contact:
    CBL International Limited
    Email: investors@banle-intl.com
       
    Strategic Financial Relations Limited
    Shelly Cheng Tel: (852) 2864 4857
    Iris Au Yeung Tel: (852) 2114 4913
    Email: sprg_cbl@sprg.com.hk

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Valeura Energy Inc.: First Quarter 2025 Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) reports its unaudited financial and operating results for the three month period ended March 31, 2025.

    The complete quarterly reporting package for the Company, including the unaudited financial statements and associated management’s discussion and analysis (“MD&A”) are being filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and posted to the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com.

    Highlights

    • Oil production of 23,853 bbls/d(1), an increase of 9% compared to Q1 last year;
    • Adjusted opex(2) trending downward, to US$24.1/bbl, a decrease of 8% compared to Q1 last year;
    • Adjusted Cashflow from Operations(2) of US$74.0 million, an increase of 55% compared to Q1 2024, demonstrating the effects of the corporate restructuring and application of tax loss carry-forwards;
    • The Company’s balance sheet remains very strong, with US$239 million cash(3) and no debt; and
    • Adjusted Working Capital(2) of US$254 million.

    (1)   Working interest share production before royalties.
    (2)   Non-IFRS financial measure or non-IFRS ratio – see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios” section below.
    (3)   Includes restricted cash of US$23.4 million.

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “We have demonstrated our ability to generate increasing cash flow. Q1 2025 was the first full quarter benefitting from our corporate re-organisation, which makes it possible to optimise the use of tax loss carry-forwards. As a result, our post-tax Adjusted Cashflow from Operations(1)increased to US$74 million, up 55% compared to the same quarter of last year, on revenue that is essentially unchanged. This creates a uniquely resilient position for our Company, which makes it possible for us to weather volatile markets better than many of our competitors.

    Underlying this is a respectable operational performance which saw us produce at an average rate of 23,854 bbls/d, while recording Adjusted Opex per barrel(1)of US$24/bbl. The long-term downward trend in Adjusted Opex per barrel(1)is a direct reflection of our strategic priorities in action – operating our assets in a worldclass manner with the objective of driving deeper efficiency and maximising cash flow and growth from our assets.

    Our balance sheet echoes this sentiment too. Even after a quarter with a US$39 million out-of-round tax payment and a build in oil inventory, our financial position remained strong, with a March 31stcash balance of US$239 million and no debt. As a result, we are in a prime position to pursue both organic and inorganic growth ambitions and continue to see exiting opportunities come to the foreground.”

    (1)   Non-IFRS financial measure or non-IFRS ratio – see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios” section below.

    Financial and Operating Results Summary

        Three months ended
    Mar 31, 2025
      Three months ended
    Dec 31, 2024
    Delta (%)   Three months ended
    Mar 31, 2024
    Delta (%)
    Oil Production(1) (‘000 bbls) 2,147   2,402 -11 %   1,991 8 %
    Average Daily Oil Production(1) (bbls/d) 23,853   26,109 -9 %   21,882 9 %
    Average Realised Price (US$/bbl) 78.7   76.7 3 %   84.6 -7 %
    Oil Volumes Sold (‘000 bbls) 1,881   2,948 -36 %   1,765 7 %
    Oil Revenue (US$’000) 148,081   226,148 -35 %   149,408 -1 %
    Net Income (US$’000) 14,073   213,983 -93 %   19,418 -28 %
    Adjusted EBITDAX(2) (US$’000) 87,216   132,402 -34 %   88,721 -2 %
    Adjusted Pre-Tax Cashflow from Operations(2) (US$’000) 74,384   133,612 -44 %   72,088 3 %
    Adjusted Cashflow from Operations(2) (US$’000) 73,954   107,134 -31 %   47,855 55 %
    Operating Expenses (US$’000) 38,852   55,607 -30 %   41,788 -7 %
    Adjusted Opex(2) (US$’000) 51,684   54,668 -5 %   52,264 -1 %
    Operating Expenses per bbl (US$/bbl) 18.1   23.2 -22 %   21 -14 %
    Adjusted Opex per bbl(2) (US$/bbl) 24.1   22.8 6 %   26.2 -8 %
    Adjusted Capex(2) (US$’000) 32,899   38,870 -15 %   29,257 12 %
    Weighted average shares outstanding – basic (‘000 shares) 106,532   106,955 0 %   103,229 3 %
                     
        As at
    Mar 31, 2025
      As at
    Dec 31, 2024
    Delta (%)   As at
    Mar 31, 2024
    Delta (%)
    Cash & Cash equivalents(3) (US$’000) 238,871   259,354 -8 %   193,683 23 %
    Adjusted Net Working Capital(2) (US$’000) 253,511   205,735 23 %   141,877 79 %
    Shareholder’s Equity (US$’000) 538,137   528,283 2 %   304,318 77 %
                         

    (1)   Working interest share production before royalties.
    (2)   Non-IFRS financial measure or non-IFRS ratio – see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios” section below.
    (3)   Includes restricted cash of US$23.4 million.

    Financial Update

    The Company’s Q1 2025 financial performance reflects ongoing strong production operations at all four of its fields in the offshore Gulf of Thailand. Valeura’s working interest share production before royalties totalled 2.15 million bbls during Q1 2025, an increase of 8% from Q1 2024. Production was in line with the Company’s expectations considering the Nong Yao field experienced a planned maintenance shutdown.

    Oil sales totalled 1.88 million bbls during Q1 2025, which was less than the volume produced, and therefore contributed to an oil inventory increase to 0.89 million bbls at March 31, 2025. As all of the Company’s oil production is stored in floating offshore vessels before being sold in parcels of approximately 200,000 – 300,000 bbls, at any given time, the Company maintains some quantity of oil held in inventory.

    Price realisations averaged US$78.7/bbl, which was 7% lower than the same period in 2024, reflecting lower global benchmark oil prices. The Company’s oil sales continue to achieve a premium when compared to the Brent crude oil benchmark, averaging US$2.9/bbl in Q1 2025, versus US$1.6/bbl in Q1 of 2024. Valeura generated oil revenue of US$148 million in Q1 2025, essentially unchanged from the oil revenue generated Q1 2024, reflecting the increase in production being offset by reduced sales prices.

    Operating expenses during Q1 2025 reflect a long-term trend of improving production efficiency, influenced by ongoing strong performance of the Nong Yao field, which is both the Company’s largest source of production and also the lowest unit cost field in Valeura’s portfolio. Along with operating expenses, the Company includes the price of leases for its floating offshore infrastructure (being US$8.5 million) to derive an Adjusted Opex(1) of US$51.7 million in Q1 2025, which equates to a per-unit rate of US$24.1/bbl, an improvement of 8% when compared to Q1 2024.

    Valeura generated adjusted cashflow from operations(1) (pre-tax) of US$74.0 million, which was a 55% increase over Q1 2024. The increase is directly related to the more tax-efficient corporate structure as a result of the Company’s corporate re-organisation, which was completed in November 2024. Under the new structure, Valeura may apply its tax loss carry-forwards to taxable income for the Nong Yao, Manora, and Wassana fields.

    While cash tax payments are normally paid in May and August each year, the Company made a final tax payment of US$39.2 million in connection with its corporate restructuring. This payment effectively completed the tax obligations for its Thai III licences under their previous organisation structure, giving rise to the more optimised application of tax loss carry-forwards as noted above. In addition to this out-of-round payment, Valeura made cash outlays in respect of its operating costs and capex of US$32.9 million. As a result, Valeura’s cash position at March 31, 2025 was US$238.9 million, inclusive of restricted cash of US$23.4 million. Valeura’s net working capital surplus was US$253.5 million at March 31, 2025.

    (1)   Non-IFRS financial measure or non-IFRS ratio – see “Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios” section below.

    Operations Update and Outlook

    During Q1 2025, Valeura had ongoing production operations at all of its Gulf of Thailand fields, including Jasmine, Manora, Nong Yao, and Wassana fields. Total working interest share production before royalties averaged 23,853 bbls/d, which was in line with management’s expectations and consistent with achieving the Company’s guidance range for the full year 2025 of 23,000 – 25,500 bbls/d. One drilling rig was under contract throughout the quarter.

    Jasmine/Ban Yen

    Oil production before royalties from the Jasmine/Ban Yen field, in Licence B5/27 (100% operated interest) averaged 8,356 bbls/d during Q1 2025.

    In February 2025, the Company’s contracted drilling rig began a seven-well infill drilling campaign which includes both development and appraisal targets on the Jasmine C, Jasmine D, and Ban Yen A facilities. Drilling operations are progressing safely and on time. The drilling programme is expected to be complete approximately by the end of May 2025.

    Also during Q1 2025, a low-BTU gas generator was delivered to the Jasmine B platform. Installation and commissioning activities in respect of the low-BTU gas generator are underway, with the new equipment planned to be fully operational and online later in Q2 2025. The low-BTU gas generator is a modernisation of the Jasmine B platform’s power generation facility, which will enable a waste gas stream to be used as feedstock for power generation, thereby reducing the Jasmine field’s reliance on diesel. As a result, Valeura anticipates immediate savings in operating expenses and a long-term reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions from the Jasmine field.

    Nong Yao

    At the Nong Yao field, in Licence G11/48 (90% operated working interest), Valeura’s working interest share production before royalties averaged 9,275 bbls/d. As a result of the Company’s development of the Nong Yao C field extension in 2024, Nong Yao has become the Company’s largest source of production, with the Company’s lowest per unit Adjusted Opex.

    Near the end of Q1 2025, Valeura conducted a planned seven-day annual maintenance shutdown of the Nong Yao field. All maintenance work was performed safely, under budget, and ahead of schedule. The Nong Yao field has since resumed normal operations.

    Wassana

    Oil production before royalties from the Wassana field, in Licence G10/48 (100% operated interest), averaged 3,686 bbls/d during Q1 2025. Production operations progressed without incident throughout the quarter. No wells were drilled during the quarter.

    During Q1 2025 Valeura completed the front end engineering and design work for the potential redevelopment of the Wasssana field and more recently has finalised detailed contracting and procurement work to validate cost assumptions for the project.

    As announced separately today, the Company has determined a positive final investment decision and intends to pursue the Wassana field redevelopment project, targeting the start of production from a newly built facility in Q2 2027.

    Manora

    At the Manora field, in Licence G1/48 (70% operated working interest), Valeura’s working interest share of oil production before royalties averaged 2,536 bbls/d.

    During Q1 2025, Valeura completed a five-well infill drilling campaign on the Manora field, comprised of both development and appraisal targets. The drilling programme achieved its objectives and successful appraisal results have identified between three and five potential future drilling targets, which are now being evaluated for inclusion in a future drilling programme.

    Türkiye

    The Company had no active operations in Türkiye during Q1 2025. Valeura continues to hold an interest in a potentially large deep gas play in the Thrace basin in the northwest part of the country. The terms of the subject leases and licences have been extended to June 27, 2026, with further extensions possible for appraisal purposes thereafter.

    Valeura intends to farm out a portion of its interest to a new partner in order to jointly pursue the next phase of appraisal work. The Company continues to see the Thrace basin deep gas play as a source of significant potential value in the longer-term.

    Webcast

    Valeura’s Annual General Meeting of Shareholders is scheduled for today, May 14, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. (Calgary time) in Calgary. Shareholders may attend in person, as further detailed in the Management’s Information Circular which was mailed to shareholders and is available on the Company’s website and on www.sedarplus.ca. A webcast of the live event is available with the link below. In addition to the meeting, Valeura’s management will discuss the Q1 2025 results and will host a question and answer session. Written questions may be submitted through the webcast system or by email to IR@valeuraenergy.com.

    Participants are advised to register for the online event in advance, using the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f0e30b40-c6bc-4673-bd84-b57491e1ba58@a196a1a0-4579-4a0c-b3a3-855f4db8f64b

    An audio only feed of the Meeting is available by phone using the Conference ID and dial-in numbers below:

    Conference ID: 239 311 896 799

    Dial-in numbers:

    Canada: (833) 845-9589,,49176158#
    Singapore: +65 6450 6302,,49176158#
    Thailand: +66 2 026 9035,,49176158#
    Türkiye: 0800 142 034779,,49176158#
    United Kingdom: 0800 640 3933,,49176158#
    United States: (833) 846-5630,,49176158#

    For further information, please contact:

    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com
    +65 6373 6940
       
    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com
    +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
       

    Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Non-IFRS Financial Measures and Ratios

    This news release includes references to financial measures commonly used in the oil and gas industry such as adjusted EBITDAX, net working capital, adjusted net working capital, adjusted cashflow from operations, adjusted opex, adjusted capex, net cash and outstanding debt which are not generally accepted accounting measures under International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS Accounting Standards”) which are not generally accepted accounting measures under IFRS Accounting Standards as issued by International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”) and do not have any standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards and, therefore, may not be comparable with similar definitions that may be used by other public companies. Management believes that adjusted EBITDAX, net working capital, adjusted net working capital, adjusted cashflow from operations, adjusted opex, adjusted capex, net cash and outstanding debt are useful supplemental measures that may assist shareholders and investors in assessing the financial performance and position of the Company. Non-IFRS financial measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures prepared in accordance with IFRS Accounting Standards.

    Adjusted EBITDAX: is a non-IFRS financial measure which does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. This non-IFRS financial measure is included because management uses the information to analyse the financial performance of the Company. Adjusted EBITDAX is a non-IFRS and non-standardised variant of EBITDAX, adjusted to remove non-cash items as well as certain non-recurring costs including severance payments and other one-off items in relation to the Company’s recent acquisitions. Adjusted EBITDAX is calculated by adjusting profit for the year before other items as reported under IFRS Accounting Standards to exclude the effects of other income, exploration, SRB, finance income and expense, depletion, depreciation & amortisation (“DD&A”), other costs, and certain non-cash items (such as impairments, foreign exchange, unrealised risk management contracts, reassessment of contingent consideration and gains or losses arising from the disposal of capital assets). In addition, other unusual or non-recurring items are excluded from Adjusted EBITDAX, as they are not indicative of the underlying financial performance of the Company.

           
        Three months ended  
        Unaudited Unaudited  
        March 31, March 31,  
    US$’000   2025   2024    
    Profit for the period before other items   37,614   27,104    
    Other income   (2,342 ) (1,737 )  
    Exploration   275   2,196    
    SRB   23   –    
    Finance costs   4,990   6,516    
    DD&A   45,462   47,596    
    Reversal of loss on inventory due to decline in resale value associate with the Wassana field(1)   –   6,157    
    Other non-recurring G&A costs (1)(2)   1,194   889    
    Adjusted EBITDAX   87,216   88,721    
                 

    (1)     Items are not shown in the Interim Financial Statements.
    (2)    Represents non-recurring costs associated with share-based compensation, actual severance incurred – See “General and Administrative (“G&A”) Expenses” for more details.

    Adjusted opex and adjusted opex per bbl: are a non-IFRS financial measure and a non-IFRS financial ratio, respectively, which do not have standardised meanings prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. This non-IFRS financial measure and ratio are included because management uses the information to analyse cash generation and financial performance of the Company. Operating cost represents the operating cash expenses incurred by the Company during the period including the leases that are associated with operations, such as bareboat contracts for key operating equipment, such as FSOs, FPSOs, MOPU, and warehouses. Adjusted opex is calculated by effectively adjusting non-cash items from the operating cost and adding lease costs.

    Adjusted opex is divided by production in the period to arrive at adjusted opex per bbl. Valeura calculates adjusted opex per barrel, to provide a more consistent indication of the cost of field operations. Adjusted opex, as opposed to operating expenses, excludes the impacts of non-recurring, non-cash items such as prior period adjustments, and adds back lease costs in relation to FSOs, FPSOs, MOPU, and other facilities.

           
        Three months ended  
        Unaudited Unaudited  
        March 31, March 31,  
    US$’000   2025 2024    
    Operating Costs   38,852 41,788    
    Reversal of inventory write-down to Net Realisable Value (Wassana field)(1)   – 7,126    
    Cost of Goods Sold   38,852 48,914    
    Reversal of accounting related to inventory capitalisation(2) 4,326 (5,245 )  
    Adjusted Opex (excluding Leases)   43,178 43,669    
    Leases(3)   8,506 8,595    
    Adjusted Opex   51,684 52,264    
    Production Volumes during the period (mbbls)   2,147 1,991    
    Adjusted Opex per Barrel (US$/bbl)   24.1 26.2    
               

    (1)    Represent write down inventory to net realisable value.
    (2)   The item is not shown in the Interim Financial Statements. The cost of crude inventory is capitalised from operating costs. As a result, the Company has excluded the effect of crude inventory capitalization.
    (3)   In accordance with IFRS 16 – Leases, the Company recognised cost related to its operating leases – attributed to FSO and FPSO vessels, MOPU used at its Jasmine/Ban Yen, Nong Yao, Manora and Wassana fields, as well as onshore warehouse facilities costs to its balance sheet and finance cost in the profit and loss statement. In order to report a more relevant lifting cost, the Company has included costs associated with these leases in the adjusted operating cost calculation. This will be a recurring adjustment.

    Adjusted cashflow from operations and adjusted cashflow from operations per barrel: are a non-IFRS financial measure and a non-IFRS financial ratio, respectively, which do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. This non-IFRS finance measure and ratio are included because management uses the information to analyse cash generation and financial performance of the Company. Adjusted cashflow from operations is calculated using two methods which generate the same figures: a) by subtracting from oil revenues, adjusted opex, royalties, general and administrative costs which are adjusted for non-recurring charges (generating the adjusted pre-tax cashflow), and accrued PITA taxes and SRB expenses, and b) to enhance and facilitate to the reader a reconciliation of this non-IFRS measure, the Company also presented the adjusted cash flow from operations by calculating from cash generated from (used in) operating activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows, adjusting with non-cash items, adjusted opex, general and administrative costs which are adjusted for non-recurring charges (generating the adjusted pre-tax cashflow), and accrued PITA tax and SRB expenses.

    Adjusted cashflow from operations is divided by production in the period to arrive at adjusted cashflow from operations per bbl. Valeura calculates Adjusted cashflow from operations per barrel, to provide a more consistent indication of cashflow generated from operations by the Company.

           
        Three months ended  
        Unaudited Unaudited  
        March 31, March 31,  
    US$’000    2025   2024    
    Oil revenues   148,081   149,408    
    Adjusted opex   (51,684 ) (52,264 )  
    Royalties   (17,062 ) (18,639 )  
    Recurring G&A costs   (4,951 ) (6,417 )  
    Adjusted pre-tax cashflow from operations   74,384   72,088    
    Income tax / PITA tax   (407 ) (24,233 )  
    SRB   (23 ) –    
    Adjusted cashflow from operations   73,954   47,855    
    Production during the period   2,147   1,991    
    Adjusted cashflow from operations per barrel (US$/bbl)   34.4   24.0    
           
        Three months ended  
        Unaudited Unaudited  
        March 31, March 31,  
    US$’000    2025   2024    
    Cash generated from operating activities   27,175   81,143    
    Change in non-cash working capital   48,330   (6,033 )  
    Non-cash items   55,514   55,659    
    Adjusted opex   (51,684 ) (52,264 )  
    Recurring G&A costs   (4,951 ) (6,417 )  
    Adjusted pre-tax cashflow from operations   74,384   72,088    
    Income tax / PITA tax   (407 ) (24,233 )  
    SRB   (23 ) –    
    Adjusted cashflow from operations   73,954   47,855    
    Production during the period   2,147   1,991    
    Adjusted cashflow from operations per barrel (US$/bbl)   34.4   24.0    
                 

    Outstanding debt and net cash: are non-IFRS financial measures which do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. These non-IRFS financial measures are provided because management uses the information to a) analyse financial strength and b) manage the capital structure of the Company. These non-IFRS measures are used to ensure capital is managed effectively in order to support the Company’s ongoing operations and needs.

           
        Unaudited  
        March 31, December 31,
    US$’000    2025 2024
    Outstanding Debt   – –
    Cash and cash equivalents   215,467 236,543
    Restricted cash (Current)   1,093 1,093
    Restricted cash (Non-current)   22,311 21,718
    Cash balance   238,871 259,354
    Net cash   238,871 259,354
           

    Net working capital and adjusted net working capital: are non-IFRS financial measures which do not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. These non-IFRS financial measures are included because management uses the information to analyse liquidity and financial strength of the Company. Net working capital is calculated by deducting current liabilities from current assets. Adjusted net working capital is calculated by adding back the current leases liabilities and including non-current restricted cash in net working capital.

    The leases are associated with operations, such as bareboat contracts for key operating equipment, such as FSOs, FPSOs, MOPU, and warehouses which are included in the Company’s disclosed adjusted opex (and adjusted opex guidance). Management believes the adjusted net working capital provides a useful data point to the reader to ascertain the business’ next-twelve-months surplus or deficit capital requirement. It is also a data point that management uses for cash management.

           
        Unaudited  
        March 31, December 31,
    US$’000   2025   2024  
    Current assets   343,948   340,911  
    Current liabilities   (142,673 ) (185,640 )
    Net working capital   201,275   155,271  
    Current lease liabilities   29,925   28,746  
    Restricted cash (Non-current)   22,311   21,718  
    Adjusted net working capital   253,511   205,735  
               

    Adjusted capex: is a non-IFRS measure which does not have a standardised meaning prescribed by IFRS Accounting Standards. Adjusted capex is defined as the addition in capital expenditure for drilling, brownfield, and other PP&E. Management uses this non-IFRS measure to analyse the capital spending of the Company and assess investments in its assets.

           
        Three months ended  
        Unaudited Unaudited  
        March 31, March 31,  
    US$’000   2025   2024    
    Drilling   26,624   27,612    
    Brownfield   6,423   3,145    
    Other PPE   (148 ) (1,500 )  
    Adjusted capex(1)   32,899   29,257    
                 

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the ability to optimise use of tax loss carry-forwards; the Company’s ability to weather volatile markets better than many of its competitors; the Company being in a prime position to pursue its growth ambitions; the Company’s expectations about meeting it’s guidance range for the full year 2025; timing to complete the Jasmine field drilling programme; timing for the Jasmine low-BTU gas generator to be fully operational and online and the potential for savings in operating expenses and reduced greenhouse gas emissions thereafter; timing for the Wassana redevelopment project and start of production from a newly built facility; expectations for future drilling on the Manora field; and the potential for further extensions of the Thrace basin leases and licences.

    Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

    Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Leader announces new Cabinet for 2025/26

    Source: City of Oxford

    Published: Wednesday, 14 May 2025

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, has announced her Cabinet for 2025/26.

    Councillor Louise Upton is not on the Cabinet in 2025/26 because she will be serving as the Lord Mayor of Oxford.

    The Cabinet has subsequently been reduced from nine members to eight.

    The Cabinet Members are:

    • Councillor Susan Brown, Leader, and Cabinet Member for Partnership Working and Inclusive Economic Growth
    • Councillor Ed Turner, Deputy Leader (Statutory), and Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
    • Councillor Anna Railton, Deputy Leader, and Cabinet Member for a Zero Carbon Oxford
    • Councillor Lubna Arshad, Cabinet Member for a Safer Oxford
    • Councillor Nigel Chapman, Cabinet Member for Citizen Focused Services and Council Companies
    • Councillor Alex Hollingsworth, Cabinet member for Planning and Culture
    • Councillor Chewe Munkonge, Cabinet Member for a Healthy, Fairer Oxford and Small Business Champion
    • Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities

    The responsibilities of each Cabinet Member are:

    • Councillor Susan Brown
      • Council strategy and policy delivery
      • Democratic Services and Member Support
      • Partnerships and outside bodies including
      • District Councils Network (Labour Vice Chair)
      • Fast Growth Cities (Chair)
      • Local Government General Assembly member
      • Oxford Growth Commission
      • Oxford Strategic Partnership
    • Councillor Ed Turner
      • Deputise for Leader as required
      • Financial and treasury strategy
      • Financial support for local residents and businesses
      • Links with our twin cities
      • Property and asset management and maintenance
    • Councillor Anna Railton
      • Deputise for Leader as required
      • Air Quality
      • Biodiversity delivery including verge and tree planting
      • Carbon reduction, heat decarbonisation and retrofitting
      • Delivery of Zero Carbon Oxford City Council by 2030
      • Delivery of the outcomes of the Oxford Citizens Assembly on Climate Change
      • Parks, Allotments, Cemeteries and Open Spaces
      • Renewable energy and energy planning
      • Sustainability
      • Taxi Licensing
      • Transport liaison with Oxfordshire County Council and Highways England and other providers
    • Councillor Lubna Arshad
      • Community safety and tackling antisocial behaviour
      • Safeguarding Adults and Children
      • Working with Thames Valley Police to tackle anti-social behaviour, child sexual exploitation, county lines, drug dealing, domestic abuse, knife crime, modern slavery, violence against women and girls and crime generally
    • Councillor Nigel Chapman
      • Business Improvement
      • Customer Service
      • Oxford Direct Services as contractor
      • OX Place as a company
      • Service delivery
      • Street scene, public conveniences
      • Tree management
      • Waste and recycling
    • Councillor Alex Hollingsworth
      • Car Parking Policy
      • City Centre Action Plan delivery
      • Culture, cultural partnerships and events (including St Giles Fair, Cowley Road Carnival etc.)
      • Development and Building Control
      • Infrastructure planning
      • Licensing Policy
      • Local Plan and planning policies including biodiversity
      • Spatial Planning and conservation
      • Major projects delivery
      • Museum of Oxford
      • Promotion of a thriving music and night-time economy
      • Tourism
    • Councillor Chewe Munkonge
      • Addressing health inequalities and public health promotion
      • Children and young people policies and school liaison
      • Leisure partnership and contract management
      • Local market promotions
      • Promotion of Oxford Living Wage
      • Small Business Champion
      • Sport and physical activity
    • Councillor Linda Smith
      • Affordable housing delivery
      • Community centres, pavilions and grants
      • Estate regeneration projects
      • Homelessness services including prevention
      • Housing allocations and strategy
      • Regulation of the Private Rented Sector
      • Tenancy management and sustainment
      • Tenant and Resident involvement

    The new Cabinet will be announced at the Annual Council Meeting tomorrow (15 May).

    “The Cabinet will continue our work focused on our key priorities: tackling inequality and the high cost of living in Oxford, delivering more affordable homes, making Oxford a great place to live and preparing our city for climate change. In order to achieve this, we will continue to provide stable and prudent council finances and good quality services.

    “We want to make sure that Oxford’s strong and growing economy is delivering for all of Oxford’s citizens. As a cabinet we are committed to continuing to work with Oxford’s diverse communities and businesses to support their needs. Oxford is a great place to live, work and do business and we want everyone to feel proud of their neighbourhood. That is what we are striving to achieve.”

    Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tender of 2-Year Exchange Fund Notes to be held on May 23

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Tender of 2-Year Exchange Fund Notes to be held on May 23 
    A total of HK$1,200 million 2-year Notes will be on offer, of which HK$5 million will be made available for offer to members of the public who wish to submit non-competitive tender bids through Hong Kong Securities Clearing Company Limited (HKSCC). If the Notes reserved for non-competitive tender are under-subscribed, the non-subscribed amount will be added to the portion of notes for competitive tender (initially set at HK$1,195 million). The Notes will mature on 26 May 2027 and will carry interest at the rate of 2.16 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrears.
     
    Members of the public who wish to submit non-competitive tender applications for Notes that are open to HKSCC may do so through Stock Exchange Participants/Brokers, or for those who hold Investor Accounts of the Central Clearing and Settlement System (CCASS) at the HKSCC, directly through HKSCC, for submission to the HKMA for processing. Competitive tender applications for the Notes must be submitted through any of the Eligible Market Makers appointed by the HKMA, with the current published list available on the HKMA’s website at www.hkma.gov.hk 
    The tender results will be published on the HKMA’s website, the Refinitiv screen (HKMAOOE), and Bloomberg. Applicants who submitted non-competitive tender bids through HKSCC may also obtain the tender results from Stock Exchange Participants/Brokers, or for applicants who hold Investor Accounts at HKSCC’s CCASS from the CCASS terminal for CCASS Broker/Custodian/Participants and CCASS Phone System.—————————————————————— 

    Issue Number9.30am to 10.30am (up to HK$5 million for non-competitive tender) Deadline for
    submission of non-competitive tender bids by retail investors through HKSCC May 26, 2026
    November 26, 2026
    May 26, 2027Price/Yield Table of the new EFN at tender for reference* only:
     

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    The information provided here is for reference only. Although extreme care has been taken to ensure that the information provided is accurate and up-to-date, the HKMA does not warrant that all, or any part of, the information provided is accurate in all respects. You are encouraged to conduct your own enquiries to verify any particular piece of information provided on it. The HKMA shall not be liable for any loss or damage suffered as a result of any use or reliance on any of the information provided here.
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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: GateToken (GT) Burns 1,542,910.7518074 Tokens in Q1 2025, Steadily Reinforcing Long-Term Value

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — According to the official announcement, the on-chain burn of GateToken (GT) for the first quarter of 2025 has been successfully completed. A total of 1,542,910.7518074 GT has been transferred to the burn address, with its value exceeding $33.84 million.

    View transaction details on-chain: https://etherscan.io/tx/0x07d08231fb04140708621348b3e030978c4feedceb4113f214cf085732ce9ec4 

    As the utility token and gas fee token on GateChain, GT plays a fundamental role in powering the network’s core transfer infrastructure. Since the GateChain mainnet launch in 2019, GT has implemented a sustained deflationary mechanism. The total token supply has been significantly reduced from its initial 300 million, with an overall reduction of approximately 59.54%. Even amid multiple market cycles, the platform has consistently executed a prudent and transparent burn strategy, demonstrating its long-term commitment to GT’s deflationary model and providing a solid foundation for sustained value appreciation.

    Key Information of This Burn:

    • Tokens burned this round: 1,542,910.7518074 GT
    • Value of this burn: Approximately $33.8452 million
    • Total cumulative tokens burned: 178,632,323 GT
    • Total cumulative burn value: Approximately $3.92 billion (based on the current price)

    Looking forward, GateChain will continue to enhance its core infrastructure, including data availability (DA), to ensure network efficiency and security. At the same time, it will further expand its Web3 ecosystem to cover wallets, trading, asset management, NFTs, memes, and beyond, enhancing the overall user experience.

    As more applications and chains integrate with GateChain, GT is expected to serve an even greater role in powering the ecosystem. Additionally, GT holders are entitled to exclusive benefits such as token launch airdrops, new token staking, and GT staking rewards. Gate remains firmly committed to the long-term deflationary plan for GT. Under a compliant and structured framework, it will steadily advance the token burn process, continually enhancing GT’s scarcity and long-term value. Through this approach, the platform aims to drive the crypto industry toward a more regulated, secure, and efficient future, delivering a richer suite of blockchain services for global users and building a thriving Web3 ecosystem together.

    Media Contact:
    Elaine Wang at elaine.w@gate.io

    Disclaimer:
    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate.io may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, please read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.io/user-agreement.

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by Gate. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector–including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining–complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/65652e6f-56b4-447b-a0ef-c6666ec3e9da

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI: Valeura Energy Inc.: Final Investment Decision on Wassana Field Redevelopment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Valeura Energy Inc. (TSX:VLE, OTCQX:VLERF) (“Valeura” or the “Company”) has taken final investment decision (“FID”) on redevelopment of the Wassana field, in Licence G10/48 (100% Valeura interest), offshore Gulf of Thailand, which is expected to create significant value for shareholders. The Company is pleased to provide details of the redevelopment project, updated reserves and resources estimates and values, and a revision to its 2025 guidance.

    Highlights

    • Optimum Redevelopment Design: Redevelopment of the Wassana field through a new-build central processing platform (“CPP”) to optimise full block potential;
    • Production Growth: First oil expected in Q2 2027, with peak field production of 10,000 bbls/d – more than 2.7 times current output from the field;
    • Significant Reserves Increase: Wassana proved plus probable (2P) reserves increased to 20.5 million bbls, representing an increment of approximately 18 million bbls compared to the continuing production with existing infrastructure only(1);
    • Field Life Extension: Extends the end-of-field life (“EOFL”) to 2043, an increase of 16 years;
    • Efficient and Fully Funded Capital Allocation: US$120 million estimated investment in facilities over the next two years, with US$40 million in 2025, and the remainder in 2026, fully funded from the Company’s balance sheet;
    • Highly accretive: Wassana 2P net present value (NPV10) before tax increases to US$218 million (vs. US$127 million pre-FID)(2), equating to a net asset value (“NAV”)(3) addition of C$1.23 per share; and
    • Strong and Resilient Economics: An estimated 40% internal rate of return (“IRR”) at US$60/bbl Brent oil prices, and upside at higher price points, with a payback of 18 months.

    (1)   Management estimate of reserves recoverable in a no-further-action case, with assumed decommissioning of the Mobile Offshore Production Unit (“MOPU”) at the end of 2027.
    (2)   NSAI 2024 Report, as more fully described in the Company’s February 13, 2025 press release.
    (3)   Incremental 2P NPV10after tax, using US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435, and 106.65 million common shares outstanding, as at December 31, 2024.

    Dr. Sean Guest, President and CEO commented:

    “Our final investment decision to pursue the Wassana redevelopment project is a milestone for Valeura. Since assuming operatorship, we have identified substantially more reserves than were initially estimated at the Wassana field. Beyond the significant increase in reserves and extension of field life, this project is expected to significantly increase production from the field to 10,000 bbls/d in the second half of 2027, at anticipated unit Adjusted Opex reflecting a reduction of approximately 2/3rdsversus current rates.

    Additionally, this development concept is creating opportunities for further growth through a ‘hub and spoke’ model whereby we can potentially tie-in the satellite oil accumulations already discovered both north and south of the main Wassana field. This approach has been highly successful in both our Jasmine and Nong Yao fields.

    This project is very robust and resilient from an economic standpoint. Even in a lower oil price environment of US$60 per barrel, the development delivers returns of approximately 40% IRR. This economic strength provides downside protection while maintaining upside potential as oil prices strengthen, creating a favourable risk-reward profile for our shareholders.

    Our financial position allows us to fully fund this development through existing cash reserves, without compromising our balance sheet strength. The project’s solid economics across various price scenarios demonstrates our disciplined approach to capital allocation and our commitment to creating sustainable value for our shareholders.

    I am very pleased that Valeura has grown into a business that has the capacity to take on this magnitude of project. At the same time, we continue to uphold our principle of generating healthy cash flow which provides the financial wherewithal to continue our ambition to add further value through growth.”

    Wassana Field Redevelopment

    Current production from the Wassana field is via a MOPU facility that is constrained by an end-of-life expected at end 2027. Given this limited life, it is only possible to recover approximately 2.5 mmbbls of oil with the current production facility. The facility is also limited in the number of future development wells that could be drilled and has insufficient oil and fluid processing capacity to recover the expected reserves and resources of oil in the G10/48 licence. Further, the MOPU’s age and processing system also carry the highest unit Adjusted Opex of all Valeura’s Gulf of Thailand assets.

    The Company has reviewed a number of different redevelopment concepts for the Wassana field and has selected a new CPP with 24 production well slots as the optimal development concept to yield both the highest financial returns and the maximum total recoverable oil from the G10/48 licence. The new CPP will replace the existing MOPU production infrastructure and is expected to allow for a more holistic commercialisation of the field’s oil reserves, both by enabling more aerially extensive drilling reach and also by way of a longer facility design life, resulting in more years of cash flow generation. Given the increased reserves and contingent resource identified in the G10/48 licence, the new facility is required to have a production life well into the 2040s. The CPP, which mirrors the specifications of the Company’s Nong Yao A facility, has been designed to also accommodate future growth opportunities through the eventual tie-in of additional oil accumulations both to the north and to the south of the Wassana field.

    The Company has selected Thai Nippon Steel Engineering & Construction Corporation Ltd (“Thai Nippon Steel”) for Engineering, Procurement, Construction, and Commissioning (“EPCC”) of the facility. Thai Nippon Steel is a very capable EPCC contractor with four decades experience in developing facilities of this type in Thailand.

    The contracting strategy selected by the Company ensures that more than 80% of the US$120 million facility capex is under fixed price commitments, with key long-lead items secured.

    Capital Investment & Development Timeline

    Total capex for the CPP and all of the export pipelines and facilities is estimated at US$120 million, of which approximately US$40 million is planned to be spent in 2025 with the remainder in 2026. The current plan is for the CPP to be fully installed and ready to commence development drilling at approximately the end of 2026. The initial drilling campaign comprises 16 horizontal development wells and one water injection well. Based on rig rates that the Company contracted in 2024, the estimated cost of each development well is approximately US$4.8 million. However, Valeura has observed a downward trend in jack-up drilling rig rates and materials in recent months, and therefore anticipates that drilling capex for the Wassana redevelopment may be lower if this trend continues. First oil from the new facility is planned for Q2 2027.

    Production Profile & Operating Efficiencies

    Once the initial development wells are completed, management estimates that the Wassana field will produce oil at rates of 10,000 bbls/d in the second half of 2027. The target plateau rate for the CPP is then above 7,500 bbls/d after the existing MOPU is decommissioned in late 2027. Once the CPP is operational, Valeura estimates that its operating characteristics will be approximately consistent with the performance of the Nong Yao A facility, which bears Adjusted Opex per bbl (a non-IFRS measure, more fully described in the Company’s May 14, 2025 Management’s Discussion and Analysis) in the range of US$12 – 16/bbl. This is anticipated to reduce the Company’s overall Adjusted Opex per bbl, thereby making the development value accretive and the portfolio more resilient.

    Expansion Potential & Economic Resilience

    The updated EOFL for the Wassana field is 2043 (see below) and the CPP will be constructed to include two risers to allow for satellite field tiebacks. Accumulations of oil have already been identified to the north of Wassana at the Nirami field, which may form the basis for one satellite development, and the Company is reprocessing 3D seismic south of the Wassana field in the vicinity of the Mayura oil discovery to support further appraisal drilling in this area. Development of these satellites would extend both the plateau production from the CPP and also the ultimate field life. The CPP concept facilitates the development of satellite fields with minimal wellhead platform infrastructure, resulting in the potential for cost-efficient tieback operations; the Company envisages such incremental production bearing even lower Adjusted Opex than the cost of the production tied directly to the CPP.

    Valeura has thoroughly evaluated the economics of the CPP redevelopment project, and believes the project presents a compelling investment proposition. All of the Company’s investments are scrutinised based on oil price sensitivities, and in this instance, even at Brent crude oil benchmark prices of US$60/bbl, management estimates that Wassana will generate an IRR in excess of 40% and a payback of 18 months, underscoring the resilience and strong economics of the redevelopment.

    Wassana Reserves and Resources Update

    Valeura has commissioned Netherland, Sewell & Associates, Inc. (“NSAI”) to assess the reserves and contingent resources for its Wassana field in light of the decision to pursue the Wassana redevelopment. For clarity, NSAI’s evaluation only addresses the G10/48 licence, the Company’s other assets were not re-evaluated. NSAI’s evaluation is presented in a report dated May 14, 2025 (the “NSAI Wassana FID Report”) and is based on an effective date of December 31, 2024 so as to be consistent with previous NSAI evaluations of the Company’s reserves and resources.

    The NSAI Wassana FID Report includes those oil accumulations on the Wassana field that have already been encountered and derisked through the Company’s drilling programme in 2023, in addition to known accumulations which are being accessed through the existing Wassana infrastructure. All reserves on the G10/48 licence are deemed to be heavy oil reserves.

    Wassana Heavy Oil Reserves Gross (Before Royalties) Reserves, Working Interest Share
    (mbbls)
    Proved Producing Developed 1,851
    Non-Producing Developed 198
    Undeveloped 13,364
    Total Proved (1P) 15,413
    Total Probable (P2) 5,136
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 20,549
    Total Possible (P3) 2,148
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 22,697
       

    Valeura notes that NSAI’s previous assessment of Wassana reserves, the NSAI 2024 Report, as more fully described in the Company’s February 13, 2025 press release, was based on the most conservative redevelopment concept that delivered relatively low reserves. With FID of the CPP-based redevelopment concept, NSAI is now able to use the planned CPP facility, increased number of wells, and their associated production profiles and cost to estimate the reserves indicated above, which in all instances, are higher than those in the NSAI 2024 Report.

    Net present values of future net revenue from oil reserves are based on forecast Brent crude oil reference prices of US$75.58, US$78.51, US$79.89, US$81.82, and US$83.46 per bbl for the years ending December 31, 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029, respectively, with 2% escalation thereafter. NSAI assumes cost inflation of 2% per annum. Price realisation forecasts are based on the Brent crude oil reference prices above, and adjusted for oil quality, and market differentials.

    The estimated 2P NPV10 after income taxes from the Wassana field is US$218.2 million.

    Wassana Future Net Revenue Before Tax NPV10
    (US$ million)
    After Tax NPV10
    (US$ million)
    Proved Producing Developed (30.0) (30.0)
    Non-Producing Developed 13.7 13.7
    Undeveloped 273.5 200.9
    Total Proved (1P) 257.2 184.6
    Total Probable (P2) 97.3 33.7
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 354.5 218.2
    Total Possible (P3) 97.5 48.3
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 452.0 266.5
         

    The NSAI 2024 Report indicated a 2P NPV10 of US$126.6 million after income taxes, which implies that the redevelopment project adds US$91.6 million in incremental value. Expressed in Canadian dollars (using an US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435), the incremental 2P NPV10 is C$131.4 million after income taxes, which, on a per share basis equates to a value add of C$1.23/share. These estimates are based on the same assumptions set out in the Company’s February 13, 2025 press release, which assumed a US$/C$ exchange rate of 1.435 and 106.65 million common shares outstanding, as at December 31, 2024. As a result, the Company estimates a current NAV of C$14.84/share, based on the sum of the 2P NPV10 and the Company’s cash as of December 31, 2024, which was US$259.4 million.

    With this update, the Company’s 2P reserves as of year-end 2024 are increased to 57.6 mmbbls which yields a reserve life index (“RLI”) of 6.5 years. The Wassana field illustrates the potential for Gulf of Thailand fields to continue adding reserves and extending economic field life. The Company has increased its reserves life every year since assuming operatorship.

      Gross (Before Royalties) Reserves, Working Interest Share (mbbls)
    Reserves by Field Jasmine (Light/ Medium)(1) Manora (Light/ Medium)(1) Nong Yao (Light/ Medium)(1) Wassana (Heavy)(2) Total
    Proved Producing Developed 5,268 1,370 6,541 1,851 15,030
    Non-Producing Developed 703 433 153 198 1,487
    Undeveloped 4,713 705 3,742 13,364 22,524
    Total Proved (1P) 10,684 2,509 10,436 15,413 39,042
    Total Probable (P2) 6,108 848 6,500 5,136 18,592
    Total Proved + Probable (2P) 16,792 3,357 16,936 20,549 57,634
    Total Possible (P3) 3,647 718 4,297 2,148 10,810
    Total Proved + Probable + Possible (3P) 20,440 4,075 21,233 22,697 68,445
               

    (1) NSAI 2024 Report
    (2) NSAI Wassana FID Report

    NSAI also assessed contingent resources for the G10/48 licence. Best estimate (2C) contingent resources are reduced from 12.7 mmbbls to 6.2 mmbbls on an unrisked basis. This reduction is largely due to a significant portion of the contingent resource moving into reserves with the approval of the new project. The majority of the remaining contingent resources are associated with the Nirami Field to the north with some also associated with the Mayura discovery to the south.

    Contingent Resources NSAI Wassana FID Report
    Unrisked (mmbbls) Risked (mmbbls)
    Low Estimate (1C) 6.5 3.6
    Best Estimate (2C) 6.2 2.6
    High Estimate (3C) 9.3 3.4
         

    Guidance Update

    In light of anticipated 2025 spending of US$40 million on the Wassana redevelopment project, the Company’s guidance for Adjusted Capex (a non-IFRS measure, more fully described in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated May 14, 2025) has been revised to US$165 – 185 million for the full year 2025. The Company is also providing guidance on Free Cash Flow (a non-IFRS measure, being Adjusted Cash Flow from Operations less Adjusted Capex, both as more fully described in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated May 14, 2025). Under Valeura’s Updated 2025 Guidance, and based on benchmark Brent oil prices ranging from US$65 – 85/bbl, Free Cashflow Guidance is US$80 – 195 million.

    The Company’s guidance assumptions for average production, Adjusted Opex (a non-IFRS measure, more fully described in the Company’s Management’s Discussion and Analysis dated May 14, 2025), and Exploration expense are re-affirmed. In addition to spending on the Wassana redevelopment project in 2025, the Company’s Updated 2025 Guidance is based on the unchanged assumption of having one drilling rig on contract for the full year and conducting certain brownfield developments as previously disclosed. Adjusted Opex includes the cost of leasing certain vessels as part of its ongoing operations, including the Nong Yao C MOPU, the Jasmine field’s Floating Production Storage and Offloading vessel, as well as Floating Storage and Offloading vessels at the Manora and Wassana fields, and a warehouse. Such leases are expected to total approximately US$33 million, unchanged from the Original 2025 Guidance.

      Original 2025
    Guidance
    Updated 2025
    Guidance
    Average Daily Oil Production(1) 23.0 – 25.5 mbbls/d 23.0 – 25.5 mbbls/d
    Adjusted Opex US$215 – 245 million US$215 – 245 million
    Adjusted Capex US$125 – 150 million US$165 – 185 million
    Exploration expense Approximately US$11 million Approximately US$11 million
    Free Cash Flow US$112 – 227 million(2) US$80 – 195 million
         

    (1)   Working interest share production, before royalties.
    (2)   Illustrative Free Cash Fow guidance based on the Company’s Original 2025 Guidance assumptions.

    Also unchanged is the Company’s intention to fund its 2025 guidance spending through cash on hand plus cash flow generated from ongoing operations.    The Company continues to expect that these sources will continue to strengthen the Company’s balance sheet, concurrent with the Wassana redevelopment, thereby providing capacity for other growth projects, including inorganic opportunities.

    Webcast

    Valeura intends to comment on the Wassana redevelopment project as part of a management update presentation and Q&A session following its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders which is scheduled for today, May 14, 2025, at 4:00 P.M. in Calgary. Shareholders may attend in person, as further detailed in the Management’s Information Circular which was mailed to shareholders and is available on the Company’s website and on www.sedarplus.ca. A webcast of the live event is available with the link below. Shareholders who are unable to attend in person may submit written questions through the webcast system or by email to IR@valeuraenergy.com.

    Participants are advised to register for the online event in advance, using the following link: https://events.teams.microsoft.com/event/f0e30b40-c6bc-4673-bd84-b57491e1ba58@a196a1a0-4579-4a0c-b3a3-855f4db8f64b

    An audio only feed of the Meeting is available by phone using the Conference ID and dial-in numbers below:

    Conference ID: 239 311 896 799

    Dial-in numbers:

    Canada: (833) 845-9589,,49176158#
    Singapore: +65 6450 6302,,49176158#
    Thailand: +66 2 026 9035,,49176158#
    Türkiye: 0800 142 034779,,49176158#
    United Kingdom: 0800 640 3933,,49176158#
    United States: (833) 846-5630,,49176158#

    For further information, please contact:

    Valeura Energy Inc. (General Corporate Enquiries)                +65 6373 6940
    Sean Guest, President and CEO
    Yacine Ben-Meriem, CFO
    Contact@valeuraenergy.com

    Valeura Energy Inc. (Investor and Media Enquiries)                +1 403 975 6752 / +44 7392 940495
    Robin James Martin, Vice President, Communications and Investor Relations
    IR@valeuraenergy.com

    Contact details for the Company’s advisors, covering research analysts and joint brokers, including Auctus Advisors LLP, Canaccord Genuity Ltd (UK), Cormark Securities Inc., Research Capital Corporation, and Stifel Nicolaus Europe Limited, are listed on the Company’s website at www.valeuraenergy.com/investor-information/analysts/.

    About the Company

    Valeura Energy Inc. is a Canadian public company engaged in the exploration, development and production of petroleum and natural gas in Thailand and in Türkiye. The Company is pursuing a growth-oriented strategy and intends to re-invest into its producing asset portfolio and to deploy resources toward further organic and inorganic growth in Southeast Asia. Valeura aspires toward value accretive growth for stakeholders while adhering to high standards of environmental, social and governance responsibility.

    Additional information relating to Valeura is also available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

    Oil and Gas Advisories

    Reserves and contingent resources disclosed in this news release are based on an independent evaluation conducted by the incumbent independent petroleum engineering firm, NSAI with an effective date of December 31, 2024 and a preparation date of May 14, 2025 post-FID and February 13, 2025 pre-FID. The NSAI estimates of reserves and resources were prepared using guidelines outlined in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook and in accordance with National Instrument 51-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Oil and Gas Activities. The reserves and contingent resources estimates disclosed in this news release are estimates only and there is no guarantee that the estimated reserves and contingent resources will be recovered.

    This news release contains a number of oil and gas metrics, including “NAV”, “RLI”, “EOFL”, and “IRR” which do not have standardised meanings or standard methods of calculation and therefore such measures may not be comparable to similar measures used by other companies. Such metrics are commonly used in the oil and gas industry and have been included herein to provide readers with additional measures to evaluate the Company’s performance; however, such measures are not reliable indicators of the future performance of the Company and future performance may not compare to the performance in previous periods.

    “NAV” is calculated by adding the estimated future net revenues based on a 10% discount rate to net cash, (which is comprised of cash less debt) as of December 31, 2024. NAV is expressed on a per share basis by dividing the total by basic common shares outstanding. NAV per share is not predictive and may not be reflective of current or future market prices for Valeura.

    “RLI” is calculated by dividing reserves by management’s estimated total production before royalties for 2025.

    “EOFL” is calculated by NSAI as the date at which the monthly net revenue generated by the field is equal to or less than the asset’s operating cost.

    “IRR” is used by management as a measure of the profitability of a potential investment. It is calculated as the discount rate that would result in a net present value of zero.

    Reserves

    Reserves are estimated remaining quantities of commercially recoverable oil, natural gas, and related substances anticipated to be recoverable from known accumulations, as of a given date, based on the analysis of drilling, geological, geophysical, and engineering data, the use of established technology, and specified economic conditions, which are generally accepted as being reasonable. Reserves are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub-classified based on development and production status.

    Proved reserves are those reserves that can be estimated with a high degree of certainty to be recoverable. It is likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the estimated proved reserves.

    Developed reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from existing wells and installed facilities or, if facilities have not been installed, that would involve a low expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) to put the reserves on production.

    Developed producing reserves are those reserves that are expected to be recovered from completion intervals open at the time of the estimate. These reserves may be currently producing or, if shut in, they must have previously been on production, and the date of resumption of production must be known with reasonable certainty.

    Developed non-producing reserves are those reserves that either have not been on production, or have previously been on production, but are shut in, and the date of resumption of production is unknown.

    Undeveloped reserves are those reserves expected to be recovered from known accumulations where a significant expenditure (e.g., when compared to the cost of drilling a well) is required to render them capable of production. They must fully meet the requirements of the reserves classification (proved, probable, possible) to which they are assigned.

    Probable reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than proved reserves. It is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the sum of the estimated proved plus probable reserves.

    Possible reserves are those additional reserves that are less certain to be recovered than probable reserves. It is unlikely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves. There is a 10% probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the sum of the estimated proved plus probable plus possible reserves.

    The estimated future net revenues disclosed in this news release do not necessarily represent the fair market value of the reserves associated therewith.

    The estimates of reserves and future net revenue for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves and future net revenue for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation.

    Contingent Resources

    Contingent resources are those quantities of petroleum estimated, as of a given date, to be potentially recoverable from known accumulations using established technology or technology under development, but which are not currently considered to be commercially recoverable due to one or more contingencies. Contingencies are conditions that must be satisfied for a portion of contingent resources to be classified as reserves that are: (a) specific to the project being evaluated; and (b) expected to be resolved within a reasonable timeframe.

    Contingent resources are further categorised according to the level of certainty associated with the estimates and may be sub‐classified based on a project maturity and/or characterised by their economic status. There are three classifications of contingent resources: low estimate, best estimate and high estimate. Best estimate is a classification of estimated resources described in the Canadian Oil and Gas Evaluation Handbook as the best estimate of the quantity that will be actually recovered; it is equally likely that the actual remaining quantities recovered will be greater or less than the best estimate. If probabilistic methods are used, there should be at least a 50 percent probability that the quantities actually recovered will equal or exceed the best estimate.

    The project maturity subclasses include development pending, development on hold, development unclarified and development not viable. The contingent resources disclosed in this news release are classified as either development on hold, development unclarified, or development not viable.

    Development on hold is defined as a contingent resource where there is a reasonable chance of development, but there are major non-technical contingencies to be resolved that are usually beyond the control of the operator.

    Development unclarified is defined as a contingent resource that requires further appraisal to clarify the potential for development and has been assigned a lower chance of development until commercial considerations can be clearly defined. Chance of development is the likelihood that an accumulation will be commercially developed.

    Conversion of the development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is dependent upon (1) the expected timetable for development; (2) the economics of the project; (3) the marketability of the oil and gas production; (4) the availability of infrastructure and technology; (5) the political, regulatory, and environmental conditions; (6) the project maturity and definition; (7) the availability of capital; and, ultimately, (8) the decision of joint venture partners to undertake development.

    The major positive factor relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release is the successful discovery of resources encountered in appraisal and development wells within the existing fields. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of the contingent development unclarified resources referred to in this news release are: (1) the outstanding requirement for a definitive development plan; (2) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; (3) limited field economic life to develop the resources; and (4) the outstanding requirement for a final investment decision and commitment of all joint venture partners.

    Development not viable is defined as a contingent resource where no further data acquisition or evaluation is currently planned and hence there is a low chance of development, there is usually less than a reasonable chance of economics of development being positive in the foreseeable future. The major negative factors relevant to the estimate of development not viable referred to in this news release are: (1) current economic conditions do not support the resource development; and (2) availability of technical knowledge and technology within the industry to economically support resource development.

    If these contingencies are successfully addressed, some portion of these contingent resources may be reclassified as reserves.

    Of the best estimate 2C contingent resources estimated in the NSAI Wassana FID Report, on a risked basis: 100% of the estimated volumes are heavy oil; less than 1% are categorised as Development Not Viable, with the remainder categorised as Development Unclarified. There are no Development On Hold resources within the 2C category.

    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Heavy Crude Oil
    (Development On Hold)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls) Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable 1,715.7 1,617.1 1,544.2 1,455.4 90%
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90%
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 90%
    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Heavy Crude Oil
    (Development Unclarified)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls) Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable 4,294.9 4,047.9 1,937.8 1,826.4 10-60%
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable 6,072.4 5,723.3 2,583.4 2,434.9 10-60%
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable 9,221.9 8,691.6 3,378.2 3,183.9 10-60%
    Resources Project
    Maturity Subclass
    Heavy Crude Oil
    (Development Not Viable)
    Chance of Development (%)
    Unrisked Risked
    Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls) Gross (mbbls) Net (mbbls)
    Contingent Low Estimate (1C) Development Not Viable 493.2 464.9 74.0 69.7 15%
    Contingent Best Estimate (2C) Development Not Viable 85.8 80.9 12.9 12.1 15%
    Contingent High Estimate (3C) Development Not Viable 58.5 55.1 8.8 8.3 15%

       
    The NSAI estimates have been risked, using the chance of development, to account for the possibility that the contingencies are not successfully addressed. Due to the early stage of development for the development unclarified resources, NSAI did not perform an economic analysis of these resources; as such, the economic status of these resources is undetermined and there is uncertainty that any portion of the contingent resources disclosed in this new release will be commercially viable to produce.

    Glossary

    bbl                barrels of oil
    mbbl            thousand barrels of oil
    mmbbl         million barrels of oil

    Advisory and Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    Certain information included in this news release constitutes forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking information is for the purpose of explaining management’s current expectations and plans relating to the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes, such as making investment decisions. Forward-looking information typically contains statements with words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “estimate”, “propose”, “project”, “target” or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

    Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to: the description of the Wassana redevelopment; timing for first oil from the Wassana redevelopment; anticipated production rates from the Wassana field and extension of its economic field life; anticipated capital spending and the timing thereof; sources of funding for the project; anticipated rates of return; the EPCC contractor for the Wassana redevelopment; the Wassana redevelopment development timeline; projections for Wassana’s future unit operating costs and Adjusted Opex, and for the cost of production from potential future satellite developments; the opportunities for further growth and cash flow generation; anticipated future rates for drilling rig rates (and trends) and drilling-related materials; and the Company’s updated guidance estimates for 2025.

    In addition, statements related to “reserves” and “resources” are deemed to be forward-looking information as they involve the implied assessment, based on certain estimates and assumptions, that the resources can be discovered and profitably produced in the future.

    Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and assumptions regarding, among other things: political stability of the areas in which the Company is operating; continued safety of operations and ability to proceed in a timely manner; continued operations of and approvals forthcoming from governments and regulators in a manner consistent with past conduct; ability to achieve extensions to licences in Thailand and Türkiye to support attractive development and resource recovery; future drilling activity on the required/expected timelines; the prospectivity of the Company’s lands; the continued favourable pricing and operating netbacks across its business; future production rates and associated operating netbacks and cash flow; decline rates; future sources of funding; future economic conditions; the impact of inflation of future costs; future currency exchange rates; interest rates; the ability to meet drilling deadlines and fulfil commitments under licences and leases; future commodity prices; the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine; the impact of conflicts in the Middle East; royalty rates and taxes; management’s estimate of cumulative tax losses being correct; future capital and other expenditures; the success obtained in drilling new wells and working over existing wellbores; the performance of wells and facilities; the availability of the required capital to funds its exploration, development and other operations, and the ability of the Company to meet its commitments and financial obligations; the ability of the Company to secure adequate processing, transportation, fractionation and storage capacity on acceptable terms; the capacity and reliability of facilities; the application of regulatory requirements respecting abandonment and reclamation; the recoverability of the Company’s reserves and contingent resources; future growth; the sufficiency of budgeted capital expenditures in carrying out planned activities; the impact of increasing competition; the availability and identification of mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to successfully negotiate and complete any mergers and acquisition opportunities; the ability to efficiently integrate assets and employees acquired through acquisitions; global energy policies going forward; international trade policies; future debt levels; and the Company’s continued ability to obtain and retain qualified staff and equipment in a timely and cost efficient manner. In addition, the Company’s work programmes and budgets are in part based upon expected agreement among joint venture partners and associated exploration, development and marketing plans and anticipated costs and sales prices, which are subject to change based on, among other things, the actual results of drilling and related activity, availability of drilling, offshore storage and offloading facilities and other specialised oilfield equipment and service providers, changes in partners’ plans and unexpected delays and changes in market conditions. Although the Company believes the expectations and assumptions reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, they may prove to be incorrect.

    Forward-looking information involves significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Exploration, appraisal, and development of oil and natural gas reserves and resources are speculative activities and involve a degree of risk. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company including, but not limited to: the ability of management to execute its business plan or realise anticipated benefits from acquisitions; the risk of disruptions from public health emergencies and/or pandemics; competition for specialised equipment and human resources; the Company’s ability to manage growth; the Company’s ability to manage the costs related to inflation; disruption in supply chains; the risk of currency fluctuations; changes in interest rates, oil and gas prices and netbacks; the risk that the Company’s tax advisors’ and/or auditors’ assessment of the Company’s cumulative tax losses varies significantly from management’s expectations of the same; potential changes in joint venture partner strategies and participation in work programmes; uncertainty regarding the contemplated timelines and costs for work programme execution; the risks of disruption to operations and access to worksites; potential changes in laws and regulations, including international treaties and trade policies; the uncertainty regarding government and other approvals; counterparty risk; the risk that financing may not be available; risks associated with weather delays and natural disasters; and the risk associated with international activity. See the most recent annual information form and management’s discussion and analysis of the Company for a detailed discussion of the risk factors.

    Certain forward-looking information in this news release may also constitute “financial outlook” within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Financial outlook involves statements about Valeura’s prospective financial performance or position and is based on and subject to the assumptions and risk factors described above in respect of forward-looking information generally as well as any other specific assumptions and risk factors in relation to such financial outlook noted in this news release. Such assumptions are based on management’s assessment of the relevant information currently available, and any financial outlook included in this news release is made as of the date hereof and provided for the purpose of helping readers understand Valeura’s current expectations and plans for the future. Readers are cautioned that reliance on any financial outlook may not be appropriate for other purposes or in other circumstances and that the risk factors described above or other factors may cause actual results to differ materially from any financial outlook.

    The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and the Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless required by applicable securities laws. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

    This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in any jurisdiction, including where such offer would be unlawful. This news release is not for distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Ireland, the Republic of South Africa or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which its publication or distribution would be unlawful.

    Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.

    This information is provided by Reach, the non-regulatory press release distribution service of RNS, part of the London Stock Exchange. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

    The MIL Network –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 million medical devices for emergency care manufactured by a capital company

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    11 million medical products used in first aid and emergency care were manufactured by a resident of the special economic zone (SEZ) Technopolis Moscow. The company’s products are used in ambulances, disaster medicine, military and tactical medicine. This was reported by the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Investment and Industrial Policy Anatoly Garbuzov.

    “Moscow is actively developing the production of medical devices – more than 300 companies working in this area operate in the capital. Thanks to the city’s support, enterprises are increasing their capacity and creating new developments. Thus, a resident of the SEZ has produced 11 million products for emergency medicine. One of the key products was a cardiopulmonary resuscitation device that performs indirect cardiac massage without human intervention. This is our own patented development, successfully replacing foreign analogues. Today, the demand for the domestic device is three times higher than the planned production volumes,” noted Anatoly Garbuzov.

    Medplant became a resident of the Technopolis Moscow SEZ in 2018. During this time, it has developed and started producing more than 45 products, 14 of which are included in the ambulance equipment, and nine have no analogues in Russia. The production area has grown from 1,200 to 3,500 square meters, and the volume of manufactured products has exceeded seven billion rubles. In 2023, the company opened a workshop for assembling microelectronics, which is used in high-tech products, including the ARKA cardiopulmonary resuscitation apparatus.

    The company’s product line also includes portable electric aspirators, immobilization belts, pulse oximeters, carbon dioxide monitors, innovative stretchers and spinal shields. The company’s developments have 10 trademarks and 23 patents. In April 2025, the company celebrated its 25th anniversary.

    According to the company’s Deputy General Director Konstantin Nevsky, its first product was the now legendary orange ambulance suitcase. Over 25 years, more than 150 thousand such suitcases have been produced. Before placing production at the Pechatniki site, the company had about 500 contracts, today – over 4700, and the products are supplied not only to cities in Russia, but also to Belarus and Kazakhstan. The number of employees has grown from 15 to 122 people. The development became possible thanks to the support of the city and the status of a resident of the SEZ. The special economic zone provides comfortable conditions, tax preferences and customer-oriented services – from assistance in recruiting personnel to promoting products. This allows the company to direct more resources to modernization and expansion of production.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153801073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Russia: The city will put five premises in historic buildings in the center of the capital up for auction

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Five premises with a total area of about a thousand square meters will be put up for city auction in the Central Administrative District. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.

    “Investments in almost any type of business in the central districts of Moscow have a good return on investment. This is facilitated by intensive pedestrian and automobile traffic, which ensures a stable flow of customers. At the city auction, investors will be able to purchase five premises in the center of the capital with a total area of about a thousand square meters. They are located in the Meshchansky and Basmanny districts, as well as in Zamoskvorechye,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.

    In Meshchansky District, two premises are available for purchase, combined into one lot, with a total area of 671.5 square meters. They are located at the address: Bolshoy Sukharevsky Lane, house 23, building 2. The building is a recognized cultural heritage site “Residential building of the Obukhov merchants, 1801, 1876”. The new owners will have to comply with the requirements for the preservation of the architectural monument.

    In Zamoskvorechye, investors can buy a space of 168.2 square metersBolshaya Serpukhovskaya street (house 32, building 1).

    In the Basmanny district, the city will put up two lots for auction. One premises with an area of over 100 square meters is located in a residential building of the workers’ housing and construction cooperative society “United Workers’ Construction” (Basmanny blind alley, house 10/12), which was built in 1931 according to the design of the architect Vladimir Kildishev.

    The second lot with a total area of 12.7 square meters will be put up for sale in the city estate of A.I. Alabov (Bolshoy Spasoglinischevsky Lane, Building 9/1, Building 16). Both buildings have the status of a cultural heritage site of regional significance.

    “The city regularly puts up for open auctions real estate objects of free use, which can be used for various commercial purposes: to open a restaurant, a pharmacy, a dark store, as well as a hotel, an office, or to adapt it for other types of business,” added Dmitry Ryabov, General Director of the City Property Management Center.

    Detailed information about the objects, lot documentation and auction rules are available atMoscow investment portal. To participate in the auction, you will need to register on the electronic trading platform and have an enhanced qualified electronic signature. The organizer of the auction is Moscow City Department of Competition Policy.

    The development of electronic services for entrepreneurs is being implemented within the framework of the national project “Data Economy”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/153816073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

    May 14, 2025
  • MIL-OSI Security: 15 migrant smugglers arrested in multi-stage operation

    Source: Europol

    The German investigation began with a routine immigration check in September 2024. Due to irregularities in a driver’s documentation, he was suspected of attempted illegal entry and taken in for questioning. Investigators then found evidence that the driver may have already smuggled and dropped off three non-EU nationals on the same day.Subsequent investigations gave reason to believe the person was…

    MIL Security OSI –

    May 14, 2025
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