Markets

Patriot Battery Metals (PMET) will host a live investor webinar on July 21st/22nd to discuss the maiden Mineral Resource Estimate for caesium at its Shaakichiuwaanaan Property. CEO Ken Brinsden will elaborate on the findings at the Rigel and Vega zones and update on the Definitive Feasibility Study focused on lithium at the CV5 deposit. The webinar will include a live Q&A. A recording will be available afterwards.

In a CCTV News interview, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang lauded China’s technological innovation and vitality, emphasizing Nvidia’s 30-year commitment to the market. Huang highlighted companies like DeepSeek, utilizing the H20 chip for AI innovation, and Xiaomi’s advancements in electric vehicles. While avoiding direct answers regarding advanced chip supply under potential limitations, he noted that constraints can foster innovation, referencing Alibaba and DeepSeek’s achievements. He acknowledged China’s impressive development speed in the EV sector.

China’s Ministry of State Security warns of increasing cybersecurity threats from hidden “backdoors” in foreign-made technology. These backdoors, either intentionally embedded or unwittingly created, can grant unauthorized access for espionage, potentially turning everyday devices into tools for remote surveillance and data theft. The Ministry urges vigilance, advocating for domestically developed technology and robust security protocols to mitigate these risks and protect national security.

NVIDIA’s Jensen Huang praised China’s AI advancements, highlighting his long-standing collaboration with Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun. Their partnership spans smartphones, AI, and autonomous driving. Huang admires China’s innovative engineers and vast consumer base. During a recent meeting, Lei Jun showcased Xiaomi’s SU7 Ultra electric vehicle, prompting Huang to commend its technology and design, expressing his desire to purchase one despite its unavailability in the US. Their decade-long collaboration started when NVIDIA was less established.

Barton Gold (BGDFF) plans to reinstate its Central Gawler Mill for A$26M (±30%), targeting a late 2026 production start. This refurbishment offers cost advantages over building a new mill, with processing costs estimated at A$44.50/tonne. The company aims to complete feasibility studies by end of 2025. While financing isn’t secured, existing infrastructure provides more options. A key benefit is the option to defer capital expenditure by initially reprocessing tailings.

Patriot Battery Metals has identified a major caesium discovery at its Shaakichiuwaanaan Project. The “Caesium Zone MRE” reveals the world’s largest pollucite-hosted caesium pegmatite deposit, including the Rigel and Vega zones. The project is now factored into the CV13 Pegmatite open-pit resource, with indicated resources of 108.0 Mt at 1.40% Li2O and 0.11% Cs2O. Patriot is evaluating caesium recovery, driven by increasing demand in terrestrial solar panels. A lithium feasibility study for the CV5 Pegmatite is expected in CYQ3-2025.

While Chinese brands promote homegrown screen technologies, Corning’s Gorilla Glass remains a key player, with innovations like Gorilla Glass Ceramic and continued collaboration with Apple on Ceramic Shield. Corning’s success extends far beyond smartphone screens. Their core business lies in Optical Communications (32% of sales), particularly optical fiber, fueled by the AI boom. While Specialty Materials (including Gorilla Glass) constitutes 14% of sales, Corning’s diversified operations, including Display Technologies, ensure overall growth and market leadership. The focus shift by phone manufacturers is part of a wider business picture.

On July 18th, a yacht collided with the USS Midway museum in San Diego. Surveillance footage shows the yacht hitting the aircraft carrier in daylight. The yacht fled but was intercepted, and the captain was arrested for suspected DUI. The impact was minimal, and the USS Midway sustained no significant damage. The incident has sparked disbelief and humor online, with users questioning the potential sentencing. The USS Midway, commissioned in 1945, became a museum in 2004.

Mediterranean fast-casual chain CAVA has opened its first Michigan location in Canton, marking its entry into the 28th state. This opening reflects CAVA’s national expansion strategy, aiming for 1,000 locations by 2032. The brand offers customizable Mediterranean bowls, pitas, and dips, and emphasizes community engagement through initiatives like Community Day, benefiting local food banks. CAVA’s growth focuses on healthy, flavorful food catering to diverse consumers and broader health trends.

On July 18, a Delta Boeing 767-400ER (DL446) experienced an engine fire shortly after taking off from LAX, prompting a safe emergency landing. All 226 passengers and 9 crew disembarked normally. The incident is under investigation. This follows a similar event on July 12, where a WestJet Boeing 737 MAX 8 at Vancouver International Airport had an engine fire after arriving from Tampa. Passengers were safely evacuated, and no injuries were reported. That fire is also under investigation.