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BenevolentAI advances novel ulcerative colitis treatment through Phase 1a trial

BenevolentAI

BenevolentAI (OTC:BAIVF) chief scientific officer Dr Anne Phelan joins Proactive's Stephen Gunnion with positive safety data from the Phase 1a, first-in-human, clinical study of BEN-8744 in healthy volunteers. Phelan explained that BEN-8744 is a potent, selective PD10 inhibitor, uniquely designed to be peripherally restricted to mitigate CNS-mediated side effects associated with previous PD10 inhibitors. This design aims to ensure safety and tolerability, a primary goal in this phase of clinical research. She said the study successfully met its objectives, proving the hypothesis that peripheral restriction could eliminate adverse side effects, although it was not positioned to assess therapeutic value directly. Phelan further detailed the study's methodology, highlighting its role in estimating the pharmacologically relevant exposure and understanding the drug's exposure profile, which is critical for determining the efficacious dose for future patient trials. The interview also shed light on BenevolentAI's innovative platform that integrates diverse data types, including genomics and transcriptomics, through advanced AI and machine learning models. This platform identified PDE10 inhibition as a novel approach for treating ulcerative colitis, despite the lack of direct literature linking PDE10 to the condition, demonstrating the company's proprietary method in target discovery. Looking ahead, Phelan mentioned ongoing Biomarker Qualification studies and extended toxicology studies to pave the way for phase 1b and phase 2 studies, with an emphasis on ensuring longer dosing durations are safe for patients. This step is pivotal for moving BEN-8744 towards clinical efficacy trials, underlining BenevolentAI's commitment to advancing drug development through AI-enabled insights. Contact Details Proactive North America +1 604-688-8158 NA-editorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 28, 2024 08:12 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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Caledonia Mining tackles 2023 challenges with optimism for 2024 as it maintains dividend

Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC

Caledonia Mining Corporation PLC (AIM:CMCL, NYSE-A:CMCL) chief executive Mark Learmonth tells Proactive's Stephen Gunnion the company faced a challenging 2023, primarily due to poor production in the first half of the year at its core asset, the Blanket Mine in Zimbabwe, and an underperformance in a small-scale oxide project. However, the latter half of the year saw substantial improvement in Blanket's production. The company also encountered increased costs, notably in labour and electricity, along with one-off administrative expenses, which have been addressed. To mitigate labour costs, Caledonia initiated more efficient timing systems for workforce management, particularly for their new, larger, and lighter shaft operations. For electricity, the company plans to reduce consumption and has already made strides by substituting diesel usage with a solar project. Due to improving cash flows, Learmonth said Caledonia maintained its quarterly dividend at 14 cents. The underground exploration program at Blanket resumed last January, showing promising drill results that led to extending the mine’s life considerably, from 2034 to 2041. Learmonth said this extension will be further supported by an upcoming new resource statement. Moreover, Caledonia is progressing with an updated feasibility study on the Bilboes sulphide project, aiming to publish it in the coming months. Contact Details Proactive UK Proactive UK +44 20 7989 0813 UKEditorial@proactiveinvestors.com

March 28, 2024 08:09 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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From Faster Medical Service To Global Crisis Relief – The Potential Of eVTOLs To Usher In A New Future

Benzinga

By Faith Ashmore, Benzinga As Countries Battle To Curb Global Emissions, Air Travel Is Under Scrutiny The impact of aviation emissions on climate change is significant, as airplanes burn fossil fuels that release CO2 emissions and other warming non-CO2 effects such as nitrogen oxides (NOx). Unfortunately, emissions from aviation have been growing at an alarming rate. Between 1990 and 2019, aviation emissions more than doubled, surpassing the growth rate of any other mode of transportation. If left unchecked, aviation emissions could double again by 2050 compared to 2019 levels and consume more than 10% of the remaining carbon budget needed to limit global warming to below 1.5°C. In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), electric Vertical Take-Off and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft have received attention from the press, the public and investors as a potential solution to help curb global emissions. Companies like New Horizon Aircraft (NASDAQ: HOVR) (“Horizon Aircraft”) are currently developing prototypes that may revolutionize the way we approach air travel. Horizon Aircraft is working on its prototype eVTOL, the Cavorite X7, a unique aircraft designed for longer-range regional passenger, cargo, and special missions. Horizon Aircraft currently has a 50%-scale prototype that has successfully demonstrated hover flight and the company believes it will complete a successful transition flight before the end of Q1 of 2024. Brewing Crises Demand Better Solutions Helicopters have historically been the quickest mode of transportation for hospital transfers in emergencies but eVTOLs are looking like they may be a better alternative. Horizon Aircraft boasts that its product will be able to take off and land like a helicopter and fly almost twice as fast with lower operating costs. Their prototype aircraft is expected to fly at speeds up to 450 km and carry 700 kg of useful load over 800 km. These new aircraft could transport an injured person to the hospital in half the time or deliver critical, lifesaving medication between hospitals quickly and more efficiently than a helicopter. In the last few years, there has also been an uptick in climate-related disasters. In the wake of a hurricane or severe storm that knocks out power, aircraft like the Cavorite X7 could land in any suitable small space and provide aid directly to people in need. Notably, with a hybrid electric power system, this aircraft can recharge itself without the need for a functional electrical grid. Global Congestion Grows As People Migrate To Major Cities With population growth and urbanization on the rise, traffic congestion is becoming a pressing concern for citizens and city planners alike. A recent study conducted in the U.S., France, Germany and the U.K. revealed that road congestion results in up to $200 billion in lost productivity annually. eVTOL aircraft could offer a unique solution to increase efficiency in the air network that transports people and cargo. This increased efficiency may offer significant reductions in air transportation pollution. This transition to better technology is being recognized by the larger investment community; Horizon Aircraft recently published a global study that showed an overwhelming majority (96%) of professional investors understand the increasing global demand for improved transportation systems, coupled with the imperative to reduce the environmental footprint resulting from increased road congestion. The study’s findings included that investors also believe the advancements in technology that demonstrate the safety and feasibility of eVTOL aircraft will catalyze movement in the regulatory landscape and attract substantial investments to the sector within the next five years. Horizon Aircraft Could Be On Track To Be A Leader In The Air Travel Revolution Horizon Aircraft’s technology and leadership have distinguished itself from competitors such as Joby Aviation (NYSE: JOBY) and Lilium NV (NASDAQ: LILM). The company, led by a seasoned former fighter pilot, harnesses the wealth of knowledge accumulated by its professionals with extensive backgrounds in military and commercial aviation. Comprising a dedicated group of engineers, pilots and business specialists, the team at Horizon Aircraft is determined to drive innovation in regional transportation. The future of aviation demands modern-day solutions and cutting-edge technology. Horizon Aircraft seems well-positioned to be a leader in the space. Featured photo by Skyler Smith on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

March 28, 2024 08:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

Above Food files Amendment No. 3 to the Form F-4 Registration Statement in connection with its Proposed Business Combination with Bite Acquisition Corp.

Above Food Corp.

New York, NY and Regina, SK – TheNewswire - (March 28, 2024) –– Above Food Corp. (“Above Food” or the “Company”), an innovative food company leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to deliver differentiated ingredients and consumer products, and Bite Acquisition Corp. (NYSE AMERICAN: BITE) (“Bite”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced today the filing by Above Food Ingredients Inc., a direct wholly owned subsidiary of Above Food (“New Above Food”), of Amendment No. 3 to the Form F-4 registration statement (as amended from time to time, the “Registration Statement”), which contains a preliminary proxy statement of Bite and a prospectus of Above Food in connection with the previously announced business combination of Above Food and Bite (the “Business Combination”). Upon the closing of the proposed Business Combination, New Above Food will become a public company and is expected to be listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “ABVE”. While the Registration Statement has not yet become effective, and the information contained therein is subject to change, it provides important information about Above Food’s business, differentiated seed-to-fork platform, intellectual property, and vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities, as well as the proposed Business Combination, and the proposals to be considered by Bite's shareholders. Lionel Kambeitz, Chief Executive Officer at Above Food, said "with the filing of the third amendment to the Form F-4 following so closely on the heels of our previous amendment, we are accelerating the go-public process and anticipate a successful listing shortly. " The proposed Business Combination implies a pro forma enterprise value of approximately US$319 million. Consideration will be 100% in the form of rollover shares, and the proposed Business Combination is expected to provide approximately US$44 million of gross proceeds to fund future facility development and working capital. Above Food has already received US$9.5 million of investments from several high-profile strategic and financial investors, including Lexington Capital (an alternative investments and development group focused on food & agriculture, water and real estate) and Grupo Vida (one of the largest oat manufacturers in the Americas with production and facilities in Mexico, Canada and Chile). These investors' financial commitment to Above Food is expected to generate commercial and operational synergies for Above in the years to come. Above Food’s Investment Highlights Above Food is a scaled, innovative food company leveraging its vertically integrated supply chain to deliver differentiated ingredients to ~260 customers globally and consumer products to ~35,000 retail points of distribution. Well-positioned in a high-growth, US$200 billion plant-based market with multiple macroeconomic demand drivers, including food scarcity and insecurity, global supply chain disruption, ESG and sustainability and deepening sector appeal. Above Food’s vertically integrated sourcing, traceability systems, and regenerative supply chain enables a “Seed-to-Fork” platform that supports a complementary portfolio of ingredients and consumer products. Verification of quality and integrity through extensive food safety and food supply certifications, including BRC AA, HACCP, Regenerative Organic Certified (ROC), Gluten Free Certification Organization (GFCO), USDA Organic, Certified Kosher (COR), Vegan, Tested Glyphosate Clean, and Non-GMO Verified. Ownership and control of proprietary seed genetics, and ongoing trait improvements through agronomy, production protocols and natural genetic selection. Established global distribution network and customer contracts drive revenue predictability. Advisors EarlyBirdCapital is acting as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to Bite. Centurion One Capital is acting as financial advisor and capital markets advisor to Above Food. Roth Capital Partners, LLC will act as lead placement agent, and ATB Capital Markets and EarlyBird Capital will act as placement agents, in connection with a PIPE. Latham & Watkins LLP and Gowling WLG (Canada) LLP are acting as legal counsels to Above Food. Greenberg Traurig LLP are acting as legal counsels to Bite. About Above Food Above Food Corp. is a differentiated, regenerative ingredient company that celebrates delicious products made with real nutritious, flavorful ingredients and delivered with transparency. Above Food’s vision is to create a healthier world — one seed, one field, and one bite at a time. With a robust chain of custody of plant proteins, enabled by scaled operations and infrastructure in primary agriculture and processing, Above Food delivers nutritious foods to businesses and consumers with traceability and sustainability. Above Food’s consumer products and brands are available online at www.abovefood.com and in leading grocers across Canada and the United States. About Bite Acquisition Corp. Bite Acquisition Corp is a special purpose acquisition company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, stock exchange, asset acquisition, stock purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. Bite is led by Chair and CEO Alberto Ardura and a team of successful industry executives, and venture capital investors who have long track records of operating business in the restaurant and food industries. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements included in this Press Release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements for purposes of the safe harbor provisions under the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook,” and similar expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or events that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding estimates and forecasts of financial and performance metrics and projections of market opportunity. These statements are based on various assumptions, whether or not identified in this Press Release, and on the current expectations of Above Food’s and Bite’s management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on by any investor as, a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Above Food and Bite. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including (i) changes in domestic and foreign business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; (ii) the inability of the parties to successfully or timely consummate the proposed Business Combination, including the risk that any required regulatory approvals are not obtained, are delayed or are subject to unanticipated conditions that could adversely affect the combined company, the expected benefits of the proposed Business Combination or that the approval of the stockholders of Bite or Above Food is not obtained, any of the other conditions to closing are not satisfied or that events or other circumstances give rise to the termination of the business combination agreement relating to the proposed Business Combination; (iii) changes to the structure of the proposed Business Combination that may be required or appropriate as a result of applicable laws or regulations or as a condition to obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals; (iv) the ability to meet stock exchange listing standards following the consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (v) the risk that the proposed Business Combination disrupts current plans and operations of Above Food as a result of the announcement and consummation of the proposed Business Combination; (vi) failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the proposed Business Combination, which may be affected by, among other things, competition, the ability of the combined company to grow and manage growth profitably, maintain relationships with customers and suppliers and retain its management and key employees; (vii) costs related to the proposed Business Combination; (viii) changes in applicable law or regulations; (ix) risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to Above Food; (x) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against Bite or Above Food; (xi) the effects of competition on Above Food’s future business; (xii) the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Above Food’s business; (xiii) the ability of Bite or the combined company to issue equity or equity-linked securities or obtain debt financing in connection with the proposed Business Combination or in the future; (xiv) the enforceability of Above Food’s intellectual property rights, including its copyrights, patents, trademarks and trade secrets, and the potential infringement on the intellectual property rights of others; (xv) Above Food’s ability to execute its planned acquisition strategy, including to successfully integrate completed acquisitions and realize anticipated synergies; and (xvi) those factors discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in Bite's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2024, the Registration Statement and other documents filed, or to be filed, by Bite and/or New Above Food with the SEC. If any of these risks materialize or our assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. There may be additional risks that none of Bite or Above Food presently know or that Bite or Above Food currently believe are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements reflect Bite’s and Above Food’s expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this Press Release. Bite and Above Food anticipate that subsequent events and developments may cause Bite’s and Above Food’s assessments to change. However, while Bite and Above Food may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, Bite and Above Food specifically disclaim any obligation to do so. Nothing in this communication should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results of such forward-looking statements will be achieved. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Certain market data information in this Press Release is based on the estimates of Above Food and Bite management. Above Food and Bite obtained the industry, market and competitive position data used throughout this Press Release from internal estimates and research as well as from industry publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. Above Food and Bite believe their estimates to be accurate as of the date of this Press Release. However, this information may prove to be inaccurate because of the method by which Above Food or Bite obtained some of the data for its estimates or because this information cannot always be verified due to the limits on the availability and reliability of raw data and the voluntary nature of the data gathering process. Important Information This press release does not contain all the information that should be considered concerning the proposed Business Combination and is not intended to form the basis of any investment decision or any other decision in respect of the proposed Business Combination. Investors and security holders and other interested parties are urged to read the Registration Statement, including any amendments thereto, and any other documents filed with the SEC when they become available, carefully and in their entirety because they will contain important information about Bite, Above Food and the proposed Business Combination. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the Registration Statement and the definitive proxy statement to be incorporated by reference therein and filed in connection with the Business Combination (when available) and other documents filed with the SEC by Bite or New Above Food through the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. These documents (when they are available) can also be obtained free of charge from Bite upon written request to Bite by emailing alberto@biteacquisitioncorp.com. The definitive proxy statement will also be mailed to holders of Bite’s common stock in connection with Bite’s solicitation of proxies for the vote by Bite’s stockholders regarding the proposed Business Combination and related matters. Participants in the Solicitation Bite and Above Food and their respective directors and certain of their respective executive officers, other members of management and employees, under SEC rules, may be considered participants in the solicitation of proxies with respect to the proposed Business Combination. Information about the directors and executive officers of Bite is included in Bite’s Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on March 11, 2024, which is available free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is set forth in the Registration Statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC regarding the proposed Business Combination by Bite or New Above Food. Stockholders, potential investors and other interested persons should read the Registration Statement carefully before making any voting or investment decisions. These documents, when available, can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above. No Offer or Solicitation This communication is for informational purposes only and is not intended to and shall not constitute an offer to sell or exchange, or the solicitation of an offer to sell, exchange, buy or subscribe for any securities or a solicitation of any vote of approval, nor shall there be any sale, issuance or transfer of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and otherwise in accordance with applicable law. Contacts Media: media@abovefood.com Investors: investors@abovefood.com

March 28, 2024 07:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time

HTX Ventures: Why BounceBit's Innovative Solutions Might Be Key To Unlock the Bitcoin (BTC) Ecosystem?

HTX Ventures

Singapore / March 28, 2024 – With the approval of BTC spot ETFs, institutions and individuals worldwide are increasing their holdings of BTC, spurring a surge in the BTC prices. BTC now ranks among the top 10 assets globally by market capitalization. BTC inscriptions and scaling are two niche segments gaining widespread traction in this market cycle. The exploration of diversifying revenue streams from BTC ecosystem assets is drawing the attention of the cryptocurrency market. So, which solution will become the optimal one to tackle issues such as interest on BTC assets, network confirmation delays, lack of smart contracts, and high gas fees? Current solutions for enhancing the BTC ecosystem include Layer 2s and sidechains. As one of the investor of BounceBit’s 6M funding round, HTX Ventures sees BounceBit, with its CeFi+DeFi product model, as a potentially innovative solution to open up the Bitcoin ecosystem for more application. This research report thoroughly examines BounceBit, outlining its product design philosophy and HTX Ventures' investment rationale. HTX Ventures, the global investment arm of HTX, leverages an integrated approach that combines investment, incubation, and research to identify the most exceptional and promising teams around the world. To date, HTX Ventures has supported over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain tracks, with some high-quality projects already listed on HTX for trading. What Is BounceBit? BounceBit is a BTC restaking chain exclusively designed for Bitcoin, building BTC restaking infrastructure that provides a foundational layer for different restaking products, secured by the regulated custody of Mainnet Digital and Ceffu. It employs a BTC + BounceBit hybrid PoS mechanism for validation. BounceBit resolves trust issues with underlying BTC assets through multi-party custodianship, creating BBTC for DeFi interactions on the Bounce mainnet. Native BTC assets are used to participate in low-risk arbitrage strategies on various centralized exchanges. Additionally, under a hybrid token staking mechanism, using BBTC+BB (BounceBit's native token) for staking can generate LSD tokens, further obtaining node staking rewards and restaking profits. By combining centralized custody and sidechains, BounceBit aims to address the longstanding trust issues of sidechains while reinvigorating the BTC ecosystem. This will reduce trading fees and unlock the financial potential of BTC, enabling access to applications in DeFi, gaming, social, and more sectors. How Does BounceBit Work? BounceBit's product design is very ingenious, as shown in the following diagram: Users deposit multiple types of on-chain Bitcoin assets into the BounceBit Protocol which is actually supervised by BounceBit, CEFFU, and Mainnet Digital under a jointly managed MPC wallet. This setup is to address trust mechanism issues and ensure the security of user assets. By using off-exchange settlement (OES) solutions like Ceffu’s MirrorX, it gives protocol secure access to the deep liquidity on exchanges and earn yield through diverse trading strategies, while funds stay safe on-chain in MPC wallets, a wallet technology that essentially splits the private key into multiple shards. This way the single point of failure (SPOF) risk is reduced to a minimum. Additionally counterparty-risk is reduced, as the user funds are never actually stored on any centralized exchange, but rather are mirrored by Ceffu. BounceBit works with multiple experienced asset managers with a longstanding positive return track record to trade through MirrorX. All of the asset managers use Funding Rate Arbitrage as their trading strategy. Funding Rate Arbitrage is a profitable delta-neutral strategy which capitalizes on the difference of the funding rate between different markets. On the other hand, after users transfer their native assets into BounceBit, a new asset, B-Token, will be minted. Taking BTC as an example, after depositing BTC, users will receive BBTC assets that operate on the BounceBit mainnet. Currently, there are two main types of on-chain activities for this asset: First, under BounceBit's hybrid staking model, using BBTC+BB (the project's native token) to participate in node staking, while the LST generated from staking can further engage in restaking activities, further amplifying staking returns; second, BBTC can be used in various DeFi interactions on-chain. Currently, BounceBit has launched BounceClub for developers and users, where users can participate in various DeFi activities and income-generating activities on the BounceBit mainnet, increasing the richness of BTC asset earnings. Source:https://x.com/bounce_bit/status/1771481179683692656?s=46&t=ODDW1eIwucwwKwUR-9MGBg In terms of sources of income, by participating in BounceBit's staking and on-chain financial interactions, users can get yield on their assets: CeFi yield from native assets under centralized exchange sub-accounts. DeFi yield from interactions on the BounceBit chain. Staking rewards from using BBTC+BB for staking, as well as restaking profits from LST generated after staking. In summary, BounceBit, while ensuring asset security through multi-party custodianship, offers multiple ways to generate yield. HTX Ventures’ Investment in BounceBit HTX Ventures, being a principal investor in Bouncebit, is confident that Bouncebit is able to address a significant and genuine market demand by leveraging its centralized custody model built upon a standard sidechain. BounceBit's primary objective is to tackle issues such as interest on BTC assets, underutilization of idle BTC, lack of innovation, and high gas fees. Essentially, it aims to provide diverse revenue streams, mitigating Bitcoin's challenge of lacking smart contracts. Current solutions for enhancing the BTC ecosystem include Layers-2s and sidechains. Layer-2 solutions execute Bitcoin transactions off-chain to enhance transaction speed. Examples of Layer-2s include state tunnels and rollups. State channels, like the Lightning Network, have limited scalability and mainly focus on expediting peer-to-peer transactions, making it challenging to deploy Ethereum-level smart contracts. Rollups lack sufficient trust guarantees as Bitcoin Layer-2 solutions cannot be verified by the mainnet upon returning the ledger due to issues with underlying code and signature verification. The most promising approach currently involves upgrading Bitcoin's BIP layer and updating miners' underlying codes based on new Taproot protocols to support OP/ZKP verification and Bitcoin miner calculation. However, there may still be a long way to go before rollups' implementation. Sidechains function as independent chains, allowing users to map Bitcoin from mainnets for application. While sidechains offer better processing speeds, they lack trust verification from the Bitcoin mainnet, thus raising concerns about trust and consensus. Additionally, project misconduct is more likely to occur, jeopardizing the security of mapped assets. This TVL dilemma is common among most sidechains. BounceBit posits that the infrastructure related to Bitcoin is primarily asset-driven, emphasizing how BTC can be utilized in new environments or chains. Unlike focusing on building layer 2 solutions directly atop the Bitcoin chain, BounceBit stands as an isolated PoS layer one. Here, nodes stake both BTC and BounceBit tokens to ensure the security of the chain. The connection between BounceBit and BTC is established at the asset level rather than the protocol level. BounceBit seeks to address the consensus and trust issues of sidechains through centralized custody on top of a regular sidechain. Given current circumstances, this combination of centralization and decentralization may offer a compromise to solve both technical and trust issues. BounceBit's design mechanism and development team have created a competitive edge and opened up opportunities within the sector. Outlook With the approval of BTC spot ETFs, institutions and individuals worldwide are increasing their holdings of BTC, spurring a surge in the BTC prices. BTC now ranks among the top 10 assets globally by market capitalization. Additionally, BTC inscriptions and scaling are two niche segments gaining widespread traction in this market cycle. The progress in these areas has sparked excitement in the market, drawing more attention to the BTC ecosystem. Developers and market participants are exploring additional BTC-based use cases and income opportunities. BounceBit, as a product combining CeFi and DeFi, possesses a certain degree of innovation in its product model. By integrating centralized and decentralized mechanisms, it introduces a tri-party custodianship mechanism into the trust solution, creating new EVM chain assets to invigorate the financial attributes of native assets, potentially becoming a new solution for the Bitcoin ecosystem. Moreover, the project team has demonstrated excellent capabilities in product operation and traffic generation. HTX Ventures expects more technical breakthroughs in the BTC ecosystem, accompanied by the emergence of more ecosystem projects. This trend will fuel excitement and anticipation. Currently, BounceBit's combination of CeFi and DeFi has promising potential for TVL growth and is poised to diversify revenue streams from BTC ecosystem assets. *Special thanks to BounceBit for their support in writing this article. About HTX Ventures HTX Ventures, the global investment division of HTX, integrates investment, incubation, and research to identify the best and brightest teams worldwide. With a decade-long history as an industry pioneer, HTX Ventures excels at identifying cutting-edge technologies and emerging business models within the sector. To foster growth within the blockchain ecosystem, we provide comprehensive support to projects, including financing, resources, and strategic advice. HTX Ventures presently backs over 200 projects spanning multiple blockchain sectors, with select high-quality initiatives already trading on the HTX exchange. Furthermore, as one of the most vigorous Fund of Funds (FOF) investors, HTX Ventures collaboratively forges the blockchain ecosystem alongside premier global blockchain funds, including IVC, Shima, and Animoca. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/en-us/ventures

March 28, 2024 05:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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News Release

4 Stocks To Watch With Rising Copper Prices

BNNHF, FCX, ERO, FQVLF

A seismic shift has unfolded in the global copper market following a significant announcement from Chinese smelters. On March 13, these influential entities, responsible for processing half of the world's mined copper, jointly declared a production cut. This decision reverberated through the market, sparking a surge in trading activities. As a result, the benchmark three-month copper price on the London Metal Exchange (LME) soared to $8,799 per metric ton, its highest point in seven months. Simultaneously, copper for delivery in May experienced a substantial uptick on the Comex market in New York, reaching $4.06 per pound ($8,932 per tonne), marking a significant 3.3% surge from the previous day’s closing. Moreover, amidst projections of copper's crucial role in the transition to clean energy and net-zero emissions by 2050, its demand is poised for significant growth. Copper is indispensable in renewable energy infrastructure, electric vehicles, grid modernization, and energy storage systems, making it a key enabler of a sustainable energy future. Given this backdrop, investing in copper mining stocks presents an opportune moment. Let's explore four copper mining stocks worthy of your watchlist: Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. (OTC: BNNHF) (CSE: BNN) is a Canadian-listed junior exploration company with a primary focus on advancing the Alotta project, situated in the Yukon Territory, Canada. This project, positioned approximately 50 kilometers south of the Casino porphyry deposit, represents a significant opportunity within the Dawson Range porphyry/epithermal belt. The Alotta property spans approximately 1550 hectares, comprising 74 mineral claims. Notably, the property boasts over 4 by 1 kilometers of in-situ gold soil geochemistry, signaling substantial mineralization potential. Its strategic location in the unglaciated portion of the Dawson Range enhances the prospect's attractiveness for exploration and development. Geologically, the Alotta project shares similarities with the renowned Casino Deposit, including comparable Mesozoic intrusive phases and intermediate composition with porphyritic textures. The property's distinguishing features, such as reduced magnetic intensity due to hydrothermal fluid activity, imply the presence of porphyry-style mineralization processes. Coincident copper/gold in-soil anomalies, as well as magnetic depletion areas within the intrusive complex, add to the project's potential. These features align with established models of porphyry deposits, bolstering the case for significant mineralization within the Alotta property. Additionally, radiometric surveys have revealed large potassic highs within areas of magnetic depletion, indicative of alkalic porphyry systems known for their copper and gold deposits. This geological evidence underscores the prospectivity of the Alotta project and its potential to host economically viable mineral resources. Beyond its Yukon exploration activities, BNNHF holds a strategic 20% interest in Aion Mining Corp., a company focused on the development of the La Estrella coal project in Santander, Colombia. With eight identified seams of metallurgical and thermal coal, this investment diversifies Benjamin Hill’s portfolio and positions it for exposure to the global energy market. Recently, on March 26, 2024, BNNHF announced the successful closing of an oversubscribed $5 million private placement financing. This recent development underscores the company's ongoing efforts to secure funding for its exploration and development projects. The influx of funds from the private placement financing enhances the company's financial position, enabling it to advance exploration activities and potentially uncover valuable mineral resources. This financing success further indicates investor confidence in the company's prospects, which could attract further interest from potential shareholders. It serves as an important catalyst for investors to consider the growth potential of Benjamin Hill Mining Corp. (OTC: NNHF) (CSE: BNN) and its projects, such as the Alotta project in the Yukon Territory and the La Estrella coal project in Colombia Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) stands as a major force in the global copper industry, boasting a robust portfolio of assets and a commitment to excellence. With its headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, FCX operates a diverse range of large-scale assets across North America, South America, and Indonesia, positioning itself as one of the world's largest publicly traded copper producers. At the heart of FCX's operations lies its strategic focus on copper, gold, and molybdenum mining. The company's flagship assets include the Grasberg minerals district in Indonesia, renowned for its vast copper and gold deposits, and significant operations in North America and South America, such as the Morenci minerals district in Arizona and the Cerro Verde operation in Peru. FCX has continued to demonstrate strong financial performance, reporting impressive earnings and revenue figures. Most recently, in January, FCX reported fourth-quarter earnings of $388 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations. This financial success is attributed to growing demand for copper and higher prices for gold, which have bolstered FCX's fortunes. Looking ahead, FCX remains optimistic about its prospects, expecting to sell 4.1 billion pounds of copper, 2 million ounces of gold, and 85 million pounds of molybdenum in 2024. Moreover, FCX is actively pursuing growth opportunities, with several expansion projects underway across the United States. For example, the company is expanding its Lone Star Mine in Safford, Arizona, aiming to increase copper production and extend the facility's operational life. Additionally, FCX is seeking permits for a pit addition at its copper mine in Tyrone, New Mexico, further demonstrating its commitment to long-term sustainability and growth. In line with its dedication to shareholders, FCX recently announced cash dividends of $0.15 per share, reflecting its performance-based payout framework. This dividend declaration underscores FCX's commitment to delivering value to its shareholders while maintaining financial flexibility and prudent capital allocation. Ero Copper Corp. (NYSE: ERO) (TSX: ERO) is another company that stands out as a compelling opportunity in the copper segment due to its high-margin, high-growth, and low carbon-intensity operations. With headquarters in Vancouver, B.C., and operations primarily based in Brazil, Ero Copper has established itself as a significant player in the copper mining industry. The company's primary asset is its 99.6% interest in Mineracao Caraiba S.A. (MCSA), which owns and operates the Caraiba Operations in the Curaca Valley, Bahia State, Brazil. This complex includes underground and open-pit mines, including the Pilar and Vermelhos underground mines and the Surubim open-pit mine. Additionally, Ero Copper holds the Tucuma Project in Para, Brazil, an IOCG-type copper project with promising prospects. Ero Copper's recent construction update for the Tucuma Project highlights significant progress, with physical completion now over 85%. The project is expected to commence production of copper concentrate in the second half of 2024. The company's focus on safety is evident, with over three million hours of work completed without a lost-time incident. Financially, ERO has reported robust earnings and production results. The company's fourth-quarter copper production exceeded expectations, contributing to record full-year production. Moreover, its gold production has also been impressive, with record numbers achieved during the reporting period. Analysts have also shown confidence in Ero Copper's performance, with increased earnings estimates for the first quarter of 2024. Despite some fluctuations in earnings compared to analyst expectations, the company's overall trajectory remains positive, owing to strong operational performance and strategic growth initiatives. ERO offers an appealing investment opportunity in the copper sector, supported by operational excellence, strategic assets, and prudent financial management. With promising projects underway and a track record of success, ERO makes a fine addition to any savvy investor's copper watchlist. First Quantum Minerals Ltd. (OTC: FQVLF) (TSE: FM) is a global copper company known for producing copper in various forms, including concentrate, cathode, and anode, along with inventories of nickel, gold, and cobalt. With operations spread across several countries and a workforce of approximately 20,000 people worldwide, First Quantum is a significant player in the copper mining industry. In February, First Quantum reported its results for the fourth quarter of 2023, revealing a net loss attributable to shareholders of $1,447 million ($2.09 loss per share). Despite facing challenges, the company's CEO expressed confidence in First Quantum's resilience and the determination of its teams to overcome obstacles. Notably, the company secured a $500 million copper prepay arrangement with Jiangxi Copper, enhancing its liquidity position amidst supply challenges in the copper sector. The fourth-quarter results were impacted by disruptions at the Cobre Panamá mine, leading to a 28% decrease in total copper production compared to the previous quarter. However, the company remains committed to its growth initiatives, including the S3 expansion at the Kansanshi mine in Zambia, which is expected to significantly boost copper production and free cash flows by 2026. Analysts have taken note of First Quantum's recent developments, with RBC Capital Markets upgrading the company's rating from Sector Perform to Outperform. They see potential in the S3 expansion and believe that resolving issues at Cobre Panamá could unlock further value for the company. Stifel Nicolaus has set a price target of C$14.00 for First Quantum Minerals, indicating a potential upside of 5.11% from its previous close. Despite the challenges faced, First Quantum Minerals remains a key player in the global copper market, with strategic initiatives in place to drive future growth and value creation for shareholders. CapitalGainsReport (CGR) is not operated by a licensed broker, a dealer, or a registered investment adviser. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investment advice. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides investors a safe harbor in regard to forward-looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, goals, assumptions, or future events or performance are not statements of historical fact may be forward looking statements. Forward looking statements are based on expectations, estimates, and projections at the time the statements are made that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those presently anticipated. Forward looking statements in this action may be identified through use of words such as projects, foresee, expects, will, anticipates, estimates, believes, understands, or that by statements indicating certain actions & quote; may, could, or might occur. Understand there is no guarantee past performance will be indicative of future results. Investing in micro-cap and growth securities is highly speculative and carries an extremely high degree of risk. It is possible that an investors investment may be lost or impaired due to the speculative nature of the companies profiled. CapitalGainsReport (CGR) has been retained by Cambridge Consulting to assist in the production and distribution of content related to BNNHF. 'CGR' is responsible for the production and distribution of this content. It should be expressly understood that under no circumstances does any information published herein represent a recommendation to buy or sell a security. This content is for informational purposes only, you should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer by CapitalGainsReport or any third party service provider to buy or sell any securities or other financial instruments. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in this article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the article constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. CGR is not a fiduciary by virtue of any persons use of or access to this content. Contact Details CapitalGainsReport Mark McKelvie +1 585-301-7700 markrmckelvie@gmail.com Company Website http://CapitalGainsReport.com

March 28, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

News Release

Payop appoints Anastasia Semenkova as the new CEO

Payop

Payop, a global payment processing platform, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Anastasia Semenkova as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective from January2024. Anastasia joined Payop in 2019 as a Sales Manager before moving into the Head of Payment Operations role after just over a year. In this position, she built a network with payment and financial institutions around the world and fostered new partnerships to create Payop's own Pay-by-Bank solution. In 2023, she moved into a Chief Operating Officer position, setting up the company's global processes and becoming CEO in less than a year. Reflecting on her new role, Anastasia Semenkova expressed her enthusiasm and commitment to steering Payop towards new horizons of success: “Starting my career at the very foundation of Payop, I embraced every role with the eagerness to learn, contribute, and make a tangible difference. My initial position in Sales gave me a client-oriented approach, as our product's growth is intertwined with the success of our clients' businesses. Multiple partnerships with payment companies enriched my understanding of the industry, fostering innovations in online payments through collaboration. Ascending to the COO role allowed me to embed my personal values into our corporate culture, emphasizing client focus, innovation, diligence, and a commitment to continuous learning. I am honoured to lead Payop and a talented Payop team into its next chapter.” Notes to editors: For more information, contact support@payop.com Payop is a global payment service provider enabling businesses of all sizes to manage their payments securely. With a vast network of over 500 payment methods in 170 countries, the company provides reliable and efficient payment processing for merchants venturing into international markets. By facilitating transactions in over 100 currencies, ensuring robust security measures and offering easy integration, Payop empowers businesses to focus on growth and expansion while delivering unparalleled convenience to their customers. Driven by a commitment to innovation and customer-centricity, Payop continues to evolve its suite of services, providing tailored solutions that cater to the specific needs of diverse industries. For more information visit payop.com. Contact Details Payop support@payop.com support@payop.com

March 28, 2024 05:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Ariana Resources updates resource and reserve; realises long-term strategy

Ariana Resources PLC

Joining Jonathan Jackson in the Proactive studio is Ariana Resources plc (LON:AAU) managing director Kerim Sener, who sits down to discuss the latest resource and reserve update for the Zenit Mining Operations in Western Türkiye. The update encompasses the Kiziltepe and Tavsan sectors, operated by Zenit Madencilik in partnership with Proccea Construction and Ozaltin Holding, with Ariana owning a 23.5% stake. The update reveals a JORC reserve of 5.3 million tonnes at 1.46 grams per tonne (g/t) of gold and 9.81 g/t of silver, totaling 249,000 ounces of gold and 1.67 million ounces of silver. This indicates a potential for approximately 10 more years of production. Since 2017, the Kiziltepe Sector has produced 151,000 ounces of gold and 1.68 million ounces of silver. The global JORC resource now stands at 10.9 million tonnes, containing 483,000 ounces of gold and 4.45 million ounces of silver, with identified avenues for further resource growth. Dr Sener shares insights on the long-term strategy of combining the Kiziltepe and Tavsan sectors for optimised ore processing, reflecting significant progress since the strategy's conceptualization in 2009. With a substantial increase in gold prices, the company is reassessing pit designs and processing options to extend the life and efficiency of the operations. Investors can look forward to continued exploration efforts aimed at expanding the resource base, with Ariana Resources poised for strategic growth in Western Türkiye's mining sector. Contact Details Proactive UK Ltd +44 20 7989 0813 uk@proactiveinvestors.com

March 28, 2024 04:47 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Video

Gathering of Teams! HTX Boosts Liquid Restaking Rewards with an Additional $20,000, Empowering Team Play

HTX

HTX Liquid Restaking now boasts a $100 million staking quota after the launch of the last reward boost on March 25. The exchange's super event has emerged as a top choice for users seeking rewards from on-chain ecosystems and attracted wide enthusiastic participation. In response to the wild engagement, the Liquid Restaking event launched the new feature of team participation, a catalyst fostering teamwork, competition, and the chance to seize greater rewards, and empowering users to leverage their influence. Engaging is as simple as creating your own team or joining an existing one. According to HTX's official announcement, the exchange has decided to further boost the event's reward pool by adding $20,000 worth of $HTX specifically for team leaders. (Stay tuned for more incentives for teams and team leaders.) Currently, each team can have a maximum of 300 members. As for the event details, it is reported that snapshots of the event leaderboard will be taken from March 25, 2024, at 09:00 (UTC) to April 24, 2024, at 16:00 (UTC). Rewards worth $20,000 in $HTX will be distributed within 7 working days after April 24, 2024, at 16:00 (UTC). Moreover, the rewards will be given to the leaders of top-ranked teams that hold the top 3 positions for the most days within 30 days by April 24, 2024. The rankings are based on the leaderboard's snapshots taken daily at random time during the event period. Specifically, teams will be ranked based on the team participating amount (the total assets of all members enabled for Liquid Restaking for the designated cryptocurrencies). The leaderboard can be viewed on the event page. Join now! Here's how you can create/join a team: How to create a team: Visit the Liquid Restaking event page > Click on Boost > Create Team > Set up the team profile > Share the invitation poster or link with friends; How to join a team: Scan the QR code on the invitation poster / click the invitation link > Visit the Liquid Restaking event page > Confirm / Enter the team invitation code > Join the team. The HTX Liquid Restaking event boasts features such as high value, free claims, and greater flexibility. Highlights of the event update include: ● Futures accounts are also eligible for participation. You can share corresponding crypto rewards after the platform captures a snapshot of your assets in your Spot account and net equity in your Futures account. ● Boosters. You have the chance to receive up to a 150% boost on your rewards through the following means: 1) Join or create a team. 2) Daily trading fees, including net fees generated from spot, margin, and futures trading. The higher the daily trading fees, the greater your rewards get boosted. 3) $HTX holdings (in Spot and Earn accounts). Users can register for Liquid Restaking with their spot and futures account balances snapshotted to earn rewards, including early airdrops of popular projects such as EigenLayer and Merlin Chain, as well as cryptocurrencies such as ETH, USDT, HTX, and TRX. About HTX Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved over a decade from a simple cryptocurrency exchange to a comprehensive blockchain business ecosystem. This expansion covers a wide range of services including digital asset trading, financial derivatives, wallets, research, investments, incubation, and more. As a world-leading portal to Web 3.0, HTX is committed to a growth strategy focused on global expansion, ecological prosperity, wealth effect, and safety and compliance. This approach enables us to offer comprehensive, safe, and reliable services and value to virtual currency enthusiasts around the world, reinforcing our position as a global gateway to Web3. Contact Details Michael Wang glo-media@htx-inc.com Company Website https://www.htx.com/

March 28, 2024 03:23 AM Eastern Daylight Time

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