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The Pentagon is gearing up for a $1 billion shopping spree for critical minerals like cobalt, antimony, tantalum, and scandium, the building blocks behind everything from fighter jets to your smartphone. The Financial Times reports that the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) is moving quickly to reduce U.S. dependence on China, which still dominates the global supply of these essential materials. A Clear Signal from Washington According to the report, the initiative stems from directives under the Trump administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA), a sweeping $7.5 billion package aimed at bolstering America’s mineral independence. Of that, $2 billion is earmarked for expanding the national stockpile by 2027, while $5 billion will go toward strengthening supply chain infrastructure. “They’re definitely looking for more, and they’re doing it in a deliberate and expansive way,” a former U.S. defense official told the FT. The Pentagon’s procurement list reads like a who’s who of industrial metals: $500 million in cobalt, $245 million in antimony from U.S. Antimony, $100 million in tantalum, and $45 million in scandium from suppliers including Rio Tinto and Illinois-based APL Engineered Materials. China’s Grip on Global Supply The timing isn’t accidental. Just last week,Beijing tightened export restrictions on rare earthsand related technologies, a move that prompted President Trump to cancel a planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and announce a 100% tariff on Chinese imports. “There is no way that China should be allowed to hold the world captive,” Trump posted on Truth Social. China currently mines over half of the world’s rare earths and controls more than 90% of global processing capacity, giving it unprecedented leverage over sectors ranging from defense to electric vehicles and consumer electronics. That’s exactly the kind of dependency Washington is now trying to unwind. A Worthy Endeavor for National Security Analysts say the Pentagon’s stockpiling strategy could serve as a strategic buffer against supply disruptions and geopolitical risks, particularly if trade tensions escalate further. “These moves show the government is conscious of how critical this stuff is and wants to support whatever domestic capacity they have,” one industry executive told the FT. And it’s not just about rare earths. The U.S. is even considering seabed mining projects in the Pacific, where polymetallic nodules contain high concentrations of nickel, cobalt, copper, and manganese. For domestic producers, this could unlock new investment opportunities. Market Ripples Already Showing Prices for key minerals like germaniumand antimony trioxide have surged over the past year, while rare earth shortages are beginning to pressure automakers and electronics manufacturers. Still, not everyone is convinced the DLA’s targets are realistic. Analysts at Argus Media and Fastmarkets warned that the volumes being sought exceed U.S. annual production levels, potentially tightening already constrained non-China supply. According to Jefferies, the Pentagon’s scandium purchase, roughly six tonnes of oxide, came in above market expectations, underscoring the urgency behind the initiative. And if you needed more proof the U.S. is finally waking up to its critical minerals problem, justcheck out one of our recent hot stock tips up 300%. There’s still time to get in early with that one. Make sure to sign up for our newsletter to hear about all our hot stock tips first.

China is tightening its control over rare earth exports, a move aimed at the heart of U.S. tech and defense manufacturers. The latest regulations require foreign companies to obtain government approval for exporting products containing even small amounts of rare earth elements, covering everything from neodymium magnets in EV motors to materials used in aerospace alloys. Beijing frames these measures as a national security safeguard. However, trade experts note the timing, ahead of a high-profile meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and U.S. leadership, signals a strategic effort to tighten control over key components essential to American electronics and defense. This development echoes a trend Wall Street Endeavor has been tracking for years: reliance on foreign supply chains carries real risks. As we previously noted in our coverage of the DoD’s fluorspar solicitation, domestic suppliers like Ares Strategic Mining are stepping up to fill critical gaps. That $250 million Defense Logistics Agency contract is a clear a sign that the U.S. is finally taking the critical minerals challenge seriously. The U.S. has domestic reserves of several rare earths but lacks processing capacity, making homegrown production vital for national security. With $1 billion going toward stockpiling, the Defense Department is making it clear: domestic supply chains matter more than ever. By contrast, China dominates both extraction and refinement, controlling roughly 61% of production and over 90% of processing worldwide. With these export restrictions, American manufacturers are facing the reality that relying on foreign sources for materials such as neodymium, yttrium, and europium is becoming increasingly untenable. For investors, this is a tectonic shift. This strongly validates the move for domestic critical mineral independence. As foreign access constricts, companies building U.S. extraction and processing are stepping into a national security priority, a space worth watching.

Earlier this month, Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ: AMD) shares soared after announcing a major deal with OpenAI, briefly adding nearly $100 billion to its market value. The agreement, which could lead to billions in future revenue, has been hailed by analysts as a defining moment for AMD’s competitive position against Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) in the race to dominate AI chip production. Benchmark analyst Cody Acree called the announcement “a ringing endorsement” of AMD’s progress, boosting the firm’s price target to $270. But while investors piled in, others warned that the rally, along with recent double-digit jumps in giants like Oracle (NYSE: ORCL),is showing signs of excess. Oracle’s own AI-related surge last month added $255 billion to its market value in a single session, fueled by a $300 billion cloud partnership with OpenAI over five years. Familiar Signs of Euphoria These extraordinary moves have drawn comparisons to the late 1990s, when technology stocks inflated far beyond fundamentals before the dot-com bubble burst. “If any one of these deals falls through it has this domino effect downstream that I think is concerning,” said Brian Mulberry of Zacks Investment Management, which oversees roughly $12 billion in assets. “It reminds me of what happened with telecom back in the mid-nineties.” Adding to the unease is the concentration of today’s market leadership. The top technology names now make up roughly 35% of the S&P 500, compared with less than 15% before the dot-com collapse. “The market is pricing these deals as if everyone who transacts with OpenAI will be a winner,” said Michael O’Rourke, chief market strategist at Jonestrading. “OpenAI is a negative cash flow company and has nothing to lose by signing these deals. Investors should be more discerning.” “More Explosive Than 1999” Hedge fund billionaire Paul Tudor Jones told CNBC this week that the setup “reminds him of the dot-com bubble,” saying all the ingredients for a speculative blow-off are in place. “History rhymes a lot,” he said. “I would think some version of it is going to happen again.” Analysts are also pointing to what they describe as circular capital structures in these AI-linked partnerships, where companies use each other’s products and money to drive growth narratives. Mulberry noted that such feedback loops can amplify valuations without corresponding increases in real productivity or profit. Ted Mortonson, a technology strategist at Baird, called the price action “part of the exuberance bundle.” He added that seeing large companies gaining so much market value rapidly is “not good and normal.” Between Innovation and Inflation To be fair, the enthusiasm isn’t entirely misplaced. AMD’s deal with OpenAI does mark a significant milestone in the GPU market, signaling a genuine competitive challenge to Nvidia’s dominance. The AI revolution is real, and companies at the center of it are poised for substantial long-term gains. Yet, as with every period of technological transformation, the question remains: how much of today’s valuation reflects tomorrow’s potential, and how much is simply momentum chasing momentum?

Retail traders are running the show in the market. Citigroup’s proprietary basket of 46 stocks most favored by the retail crowd, which includes high-beta names like SoFi Technologies and Riot Platforms, has delivered a staggering 30% return since the start of September. This performance easily eclipses the S&P 500 Index’s more modest 4.3% gain over the same period. The sheer volume of this buying is notable. Retail trading volume has recently spiked to an all-time high, defying typical weak seasonal patterns generally seen in October. Data confirms the accelerating liquidity injection. Weekly purchases by retail investors accelerated to $7 billion, up from a $5.3 billion average in the months prior, according to JPMorgan data. Interactive Brokers strategist Steve Sosnick notes that for retail traders, “every dip is perceived as a buying opportunity, and uptrends are something to be chased,” reflecting a FOMO-driven, momentum-focused approach. Institutions Size Up the Risk The buying spree is overwhelmingly concentrated in the growth segment. Renewed optimism around AI is fueling much of the activity, with AI-linked names remaining the epicenter of retail enthusiasm. Leaders of the Magnificent Seven, specifically Tesla, Nvidia, and Meta Platforms, continue to see sizable inflows. Simultaneously, the risk-on sentiment is visible across the capital structure. Retail gamma supply, a measure of options-selling activity, recently jumped to an all-time high of $93 billion, led by technology and communications stocks, according to JPMorgan Chase & Co. This concentrated bet is drawing scrutiny from quantitative strategists. 22V Research analyzed similar retail favorite baskets and highlighted overextended momentum. They note the advance is heavily weighted toward technology shares, and a small group of quantum computing stocks, specifically Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and IonQ, are accounting for the majority of the recent outperformance. Dennis DeBusschere, chief market strategist at 22V Research, issued a clear warning about this setup. Due to their concentrated contribution, “any correction in these quantum names would disproportionately impact the broader index.” He concludes that even minor shifts in the cost of capital (interest rates) or a rise in market volatility could be the catalyst for a sharp, immediate drawdown in these retail-heavy positions.

It’s rare to see a stock soar 200% in a single day, but that’s exactly what Trilogy Metals delivered this week. Shares of Trilogy Metals (NYSE: TMQ) surged more than 200% this week afterthe U.S. government took a 10% ownership stake in the Canadian exploration company. The investment, valued at $35.6 million, is part of a strategic effort to bolster domestic access to key materials used in clean energy, defense, and high-tech manufacturing. The White House confirmed the deal as part of its plan to unlock critical mineral resources in Alaska’s Ambler mining district, an area long known for its rich copper and polymetallic deposits. The investment follows a decision by President Trump to reverse a previous ban on the Ambler Road project, which had stalled under the prior administration. In a statement, Trilogy Metals called the federal partnership a sign of “renewed commitment to responsible resource development in Alaska.” The company emphasized that the Ambler district “hosts some of the world’s richest known copper-dominant polymetallic deposits,” including vital minerals such as copper, cobalt, zinc, and lead. The Ambler Road project, a 211-mile industrial corridor through Alaskan wilderness, has drawn sharp criticism from environmental groups concerned about impacts on ecosystems and local communities. However, the administration has highlighted the project as a key component of securing domestic critical mineral supply chains. Industry analysts say the U.S. stake in Trilogy Metals underscores Washington’s determination to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled mineral supply chains, a vulnerability that has come under growing scrutiny. China currently refines around 90% of the world’s rare earth elements, giving it outsized influence over global markets for materials essential to EVs, semiconductors, and renewable infrastructure. Deals that prioritize national security and domestic resource independence are now officially in-play. And this isn’t just about securing copper; it’s about securing the future tech stack – EVs, defense, and high-end manufacturing. For investors, the broader U.S. critical minerals space is worth watching as the government moves to strengthen domestic supply chains.

Pharmaceutical stocks reacted unevenly worldwide after President Trump announced a sweeping new policy targeting foreign-made branded and patented drugs. The 100% tariff, set to take effect on October 1, 2025, will apply to companies not actively building manufacturing facilities in the U.S. “Starting October 1st, 2025, we will be imposing a 100% Tariff on any branded or patented Pharmaceutical Product, unless a Company IS BUILDING their Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant in America,” Trump announced on his social media site, Truth Social, on Thursday. The measure forms part of a broader tariff package, which also includes new duties on large trucks and home goods. Mixed Reaction Across Regions In Asia, pharma stocks led broader market declines. Japan’s Nikkei Stock Average closed 0.9% lower, dragged down by steep falls in Sumitomo Pharma (-3.45%), Chugai Pharmaceutical (-4.8%), and Daiichi Sankyo (-2.0%). South Korea’s Samsung Biologics dropped 2.15%, while China’s Alibaba Health and JD Health both fell over 4%. India also saw losses, with Sun Pharmaceutical Industries sliding 2.9% and Natco Pharma down 3.6%. Meanwhile, European markets told a more nuanced story. Large-cap players with significant U.S. investment plans—such as AstraZeneca, GSK, Novartis, Roche, and Sanofi—opened lower but recovered, with some finishing the day in positive territory. Smaller firms, however, fared worse: Genmab and Zealand Pharma slipped nearly 2%, while Novo Nordisk shed 1.5%. U.S. big pharma stocks, by contrast, gained slightly in premarket trading, signaling investor confidence that many industry giants will avoid direct impact. Analyst See Limited Risk for Big Pharma Economists and analysts noted that the tariff may be less disruptive than headlines suggest. Neil Shearing, group chief economist at Capital Economics, wrote: “The exemptions for generic drugs and companies constructing U.S. plants will lower the effective tariff rate, as many global firms already have production in the U.S. or plans underway.” Analysts at Vontobel echoed this view, highlighting that Novartis and Roche should sidestep the worst of the tariffs thanks to ongoing U.S. facility construction. By contrast, companies like Galderma and other smaller players with limited American operations may face more pronounced pressure. Chinese biotechs also face uncertainty. While direct exposure remains low—China represented just 4% of U.S. drug imports in 2024—Jefferies analysts warned that investor sentiment could dampen expansion plans. Still, they noted that most Chinese companies partner with U.S. firms, providing a degree of tariff protection. Broader Market Implications While regional stock declines reflect near-term volatility, economists expect the long-term impact on major pharmaceutical groups to remain limited. Barclays pointed out that India’s largely domestic orientation, and the exemption of generics, should help soften potential blows to its sector. The new measures, however, add to global uncertainty in both pharmaceuticals and other industries targeted by Trump’s tariff expansion. Heavy trucks, for example, will face a new 25% import duty starting October 1. Bottom Line for Investors For investors, the initial selloff underscores regional vulnerabilities but also highlights resilience among larger pharmaceutical players with entrenched U.S. operations. The policy may intensify consolidation pressures in the industry, pushing smaller biotechs to seek partnerships or accelerate U.S. investment to remain competitive.

Gold futures have reached record levels, topping $3,700 an ounce as of September 22, with some forecasts predicting even higher prices. Goldman Sachs recently projected that if just 1% of money privately invested in U.S. Treasuries shifted into gold, the precious metal could hit $5,000 an ounce. By mid-2026, the bank sees gold potentially reaching $4,000 an ounce. The anticipation of two more Federal Reserve rate cuts this year has intensified demand for gold, which many investors view as a safe haven amid economic uncertainty and geopolitical tension. Yet, opinions on gold’s place in a portfolio remain divided. Seven financial experts weigh in whether now is a good time to invest. “Physical gold, secured in a vault, provides a form of financial insurance that is increasingly valuable and sought after in today’s unpredictable environment.” — Jonathan Rose, CEO, Genesis Gold Group Rose emphasizes that gold is mainly portfolio insurance, not a growth asset. “The substantial price appreciation we’re witnessing now reflects fundamental economic realities rather than speculative excess. When I analyze the driving factors — persistent inflation concerns, significant geopolitical tensions, and unprecedented sovereign debt levels — gold’s strong performance appears both logical and sustainable.” “I’ve worked with numerous investors who find tremendous peace of mind knowing that a portion of their wealth exists outside the conventional financial system.” “Buying gold is merely betting that the price will go up.” — Alex Michalka, Vice President of Investments, Wealthfront Gold does not produce cash flow and is taxed at higher rates, says Michalka. “At Wealthfront, we don’t include gold in our recommended portfolios for a few reasons. First, unlike stocks or bonds, gold doesn’t have any cash flows associated with it, and thus isn’t an investment in the same way. Buying gold is merely betting that the price will go up.” He recommends that investors treat it as one part of a diversified portfolio: “For clients who choose to invest in gold, we recommend treating it as just one part of a well-diversified strategy — and as always, avoiding putting all your eggs in one basket.” “For many investors, investing via an ETF is more efficient, less expensive and offers more liquidity.” — Robert Minter, Director of ETF Investment Strategy, Aberdeen Investments ETFs offer a practical way to invest in gold without the complications of physical bullion. Minter notes, “Investing in gold is as easy as investing in a stock when you invest via ETFs, however investing via physically buying gold from a Costco — or other retailer — comes with some complications.” ETFs reduce trading and storage costs and provide secure, audited holdings. He also points out that “the majority of the price appreciation of gold over the last four years has been as a result of central bank demand rising rather than investor demand.” “We think portfolios with balanced allocations including a modest exposure to commodities are well positioned through the rest of 2025.” — Justin Cardwell, Director of Research, Alternative Options Cardwell sees gold as part of a broader commodity strategy. “Looking ahead, we think portfolios with balanced allocations including a modest exposure to commodities are well positioned through the rest of 2025. While tariffs and slowing economic data have raised concerns about inflation and growth, a pro-business policy environment and a dovish Federal Reserve could keep both stocks and commodities supported.” Gold serves as an anchor asset during volatility: “Gold fits neatly into that mix as an anchor asset when volatility rises. One of the bigger structural drivers for gold ownership is the persistent pressure on the U.S. dollar. With the national debt climbing by trillions and everyday prices of beef, coffee and metals doubling in the past one to two years, inflation risks aren’t theoretical.” “It can play a role if you think of it as insurance, not an engine of growth.” — Eric Croak, CFP, Croak Capital Croak stresses gold is not a wealth-building asset. “Gold does not generate cash flow. It does not have a yield. It does not pay interest. It does not pay a dividend. Sure, the price might spike during market panics. But that is sentiment-driven, and does not reflect a business creating value.” He recommends limiting allocation to 3–5% of a diversified portfolio: “If you have a healthy, fully diversified portfolio, 3% to 5% max seems reasonable for the person who is really concerned about inflation, currency debasement and/or geopolitical risks. That’s your ticket.” “We suggest that most investors put none of their portfolio into gold in bullion form.” — Thomas Winmill, Portfolio Manager, Midas Funds Winmill highlights the costs of physical gold, including storage and insurance. He encourages looking at gold mining companies for inflation protection and potential returns: “Investing in certain gold mining companies, in contrast, not only offers an inflation hedging ability through company ownership of gold deposits, but also excellent potential for current returns.” He emphasizes that commodity investing is speculative, influenced by unpredictable macroeconomic and political factors. “Gold will always have value — it will never go to zero.” — Brett Elliott, Director of Marketing, American Precious Metals Exchange Elliott underscores gold’s long-term stability. “Whether gold is worth it or not depends on your goals, but if we look at recent returns alone, that should tell us something about it. Year to date we’re currently seeing a 38% return on investment, making it one of the best performing asset classes in the world.” He advises investors to choose the gold vehicle that suits their strategy—physical bullion, ETFs, or digital gold—and to be mindful of market timing.

Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) will invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply the AI start-up with data center chips, marking one of the most significant collaborations in the AI sector. OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, specializes in developing advanced artificial intelligence technologies for businesses and consumers. Strategic Partnership Could Shift Investor Landscape The partnership, announced Monday, involves two linked transactions: OpenAI will pay Nvidia in cash for chips, while Nvidia will acquire non-controlling shares in the company. The first $10 billion of Nvidia’s investment will be triggered when OpenAI finalizes purchases of Nvidia chips, which are expected to begin arriving as soon as late 2026. The AI firm, most recently valued at $500 billion, has already received $6.6 billion from Nvidia and pledged nearly half of its profits to Microsoft following a $13 billion investment in 2023. OpenAI is currently navigating its transition to a for-profit entity, a process that has drawn considerable attention and legal scrutiny. A letter of intent outlines a strategic partnership to deploy at least 10GW of Nvidia chips for OpenAI’s AI infrastructure. “Everything starts with compute,” said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. “Compute infrastructure will be the basis for the economy of the future, and we will utilize what we’re building with Nvidia to both create new AI breakthroughs and empower people and businesses with them at scale.” Altman has previously highlighted that OpenAI’s growth is limited by available computing power, often measured in graphics processing units (GPUs) that drive AI performance. Details of the partnership are expected to be finalized in the coming weeks, with the first phase of chip deployment targeted for the second half of 2026. Nvidia’s investment follows a $5 billion commitment to struggling chipmaker Intel, reflecting the company’s dominant position in the AI chip market. With a $4 trillion market capitalization, Nvidia is widely recognized as a leader in artificial intelligence, and this deal further solidifies its influence in shaping the AI ecosystem.

Not long ago, a maintenance technician in a mine spent their day elbow-deep in grease, oil, and machinery. Breakdowns meant getting hands-on and figuring out the problem on the spot. It was a job that demanded practical skill and a good sense of mechanical intuition. Fast forward to today, and the role looks a little different. Predictive maintenance, AI-driven analytics, and cloud-based monitoring are now at the center of keeping operations running smoothly. Companies like Anglo American report downtime reductions of up to 75% thanks to predictive systems that anticipate issues before they become breakdowns. The Digital Adoption Maintenance still accounts for roughly half of a mine’s operating expenditure, making these digital upgrades more than just a convenience—they’re a financial necessity. AI and connected operations help optimize spare parts inventory, reduce downtime, extend equipment lifespan, and improve safety by reducing manual inspections in hazardous areas. Remote operations centers (ROCs) allow firms such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue to monitor equipment from thousands of miles away. Using AI and intelligent algorithms, teams can proactively manage machinery performance. But while technology does much of the heavy lifting, skilled technicians are still essential. Interpreting sensor data, running diagnostics, and working alongside automated systems requires both digital literacy and operational know-how. In fact, a 2022 McKinsey survey found that 86% of mining executives reported difficulties recruiting and retaining skilled employees—a challenge driven in part by the rapid digital transformation reshaping maintenance roles. The Workforce Gap An ageing workforce, retirements, and younger candidates wanting to gravitate from blue-collar sectors are exacerbating the skills shortage. According to a recent report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 72% of today’s miners across the world are over 35 years old, highlighting the urgent need for upskilling and attracting fresh talent. Initiatives like Rio Tinto’s early talent programs, the Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy’s Student Ambassador Programme, and Rockwell’s university partnerships are helping to bridge the gap, pairing digital natives with experienced staff to transfer knowledge both ways. The maintenance technician of tomorrow will need deep knowledge of heavy assets and the ability to work alongside AI systems. Asking the right questions of technology will become just as important as traditional troubleshooting – and that is a skill in itself.

The recent surge in shares of Hims & Hers Health (NYSE: HIMS) has outpaced both peers and broader market benchmarks. For comparison, Teladoc Health is down nearly 9%, Amwell has slid more than 14%, and the S&P 500 has gained just under 21%. That kind of outperformance raises an obvious question: is the momentum sustainable? What Is Hims & Hers? Hims & Hers Health is a digital health and wellness platform built on a straightforward idea: cut out the middleman. By connecting patients directly with licensed providers online and shipping treatments straight to their doors, the company removes much of the hassle and cost of traditional healthcare systems. This direct-to-consumer approach has proven highly effective, especially among younger customers who tend to prefer more private, telehealth services. Growth Is Hitting Its Stride Second-quarter results gave bulls plenty to cheer about. Revenues and earnings exceeded expectations, driven by a sharp increase in subscribers and higher monthly revenue per user. The company also delivered operating margin expansion, a sign that its digital-first model is scaling efficiently. Hims & Hers is guiding for full-year 2025 revenue of $2.3–$2.4 billion, a massive 56–63% jump from 2024. That outlook suggests management is confident in the durability of subscriber growth, engagement, and conversion. Expanding Beyond the U.S. A big part of the HIMS story is international growth. The company’s acquisition of ZAVA, a European digital health platform, accelerates its entry into the U.K., Germany, France, and Ireland. With 1.3 million active ZAVA customers and millions of completed consultations, Hims & Hers is positioning itself to capture share in large, underserved markets while leveraging its existing digital infrastructure. Betting on AI and Personalized Care Hims & Hers is also putting serious capital behind technology. Its $870 million convertible note offering will fuel acquisitions, global rollouts, and AI-driven personalization. The recent hiring of Mo Elshenawy as CTO—an executive with deep expertise in AI and large-scale systems—signals that management sees digital innovation as central to its competitive edge. This focus could allow HIMS to deliver standardized, yet personalized care at scale—an approach investors should be watching closely.

U.S. junior critical mineral miner, ARES STRATEGIC MINING (CSE: ARS | FRA: N8I1 | OTC: ARSMF), is about to have its long-awaited Cinderella moment. For 5 years now, ARES has owned the only permitted fluorspar mine in the U.S. out of Delta, Utah. They’ve been drilling, fund-raising and constructing facilities, all the while hoping someone would notice. Following the recent outpouring of $11M in State support and funding, ARES is now just inches away from announcing first revenues. Fluorspar product packaged for delivery Insatiable demand for an unsung hero Never heard of Fluorspar? Most haven’t. And yet this unsung hero is essential to hi-tech manufacturing, including semiconductors and very likely, the device you’re reading this article on. In fact, its applications are often within an arms reach, at all times. Fluorspar ore in hand at the Lost Sheep Mine Billion-dollar U.S. industries have an insatiable demand for fluorspar, and yet, it is currently 100% imported, from China and other volatile regions. It’s little wonder a U.S. government who seeks mineral security like never before, has backed ARES to go all the way! A rare event ARES is attracting significant attention from individual and institutional investors, as the company is about to extract initial ore from its Lost Sheep Mine. As of September 2025, the share price is an attractive $0.19, an appealing entry point if you’re new to the stock market, or looking to add to your portfolio. Credit: The company’s two processing facilities are on schedule to be completed by the end of 2025. Offtake agreements are secured for the first 5-years of product, with more interest continuing to build. And the kicker? Plans are approved to extract a second critical mineral found at the same site: Gallium. Two for the price of one Gallium, another designated U.S. critical mineral becoming a household name, is used extensively in semiconductors, fiber optics, and military applications. ARES’ geologists survey for Fluorspar and Gallium ARES is actively collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s affiliated Ames National Laboratory to develop methods of extracting gallium as a byproduct of fluorspar processing. This positions the company to deliver two critical minerals from a single U.S. operation. Reasons to invest now It’s not every day that investors see a rare, low-risk chance to put your money into a homegrown company on the cusp of explosive growth. Although it’s taken them over 5 years, to their credit, ARES has hung on through various funding routes and trials. For some long-term shareholders, 5 years has felt like an eternity and they’ve sold up. For many others, they are holding firm, determined to see this Cinderella at the ball. For penny stock traders, or astute investors who recognize the value of getting in at exactly the right time, this one is for you. As of today’s publication date: Current Snapshot Market Cap: $35.79M Share Price: $0.1910 Shares Outstanding: 186.16M Total Assets: $38.87M Forecasted Production 54K tons acidspar/ year, 300K tons over 5 years 6K tons metspar/ year, 30K tons over 5 years Forecasted Revenue $29M in year 1, $145M over 5 years (All figures in USD, information taken from ARES Investor Deck – Sept 2025) Wall Street Endeavor has a disclosure policy. Please note this article is for informational purposes and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own due diligence before investing.