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Iron ore prices have strengthened since bottoming out in September 2024, but the base metal faced headwinds in 2025 as tariff threats and investor uncertainty weighed on the market.

Usage in steel makes iron ore one of the most widely used and essential materials in the world, and as a result its fortune is highly dependent on the strength of the construction and manufacturing sectors.

Iron ore has also seen increased demand from electric vehicle (EV) batteries over the last several years.

Among all countries, China leads the world in steel production, but lacks domestic supply to meet demand; it is also the world’s largest importer of base metals. As one of the biggest manufacturing bases and a significant source of demand for construction and EV production, China exerts considerable influence on iron ore prices.

Additionally, as 2026 begins, the definitive period for the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is starting — it will apply levies to high-carbon imports such as steel.

How did iron ore prices perform in 2025?

Iron ore started 2025 at US$99.44 per metric ton (MT) on January 6, then hit US$107.26 on February 12.

The start of March saw a steep decline for prices as they retreated toward the US$100 mark, then climbed back to US$104.25 on April 2; a rout in the base metals market saw prices fall to US$99.05 on April 9.

While other metals recovered, iron ore continued to track lower, reaching US$97.41 on May 5 and ultimately sinking to a yearly low of US$93.41 on July 1. During the third quarter, iron ore prices gained momentum, rising above the US$100 mark in August and reaching a quarterly high of US$106.08 on September 8.

Prices were largely rangebound in Q4, dropping below US$104 only once on November 7, then recovering to post a yearly high of US$107.88 on December 4. Prices had retreated to US$106.13 by December 5.

Key iron ore price drivers in 2025

All in all, prices for iron ore didn’t fare too badly in 2025.

The biggest factor affecting growth was a significant fall-off during the first half of the year as pressures mounted from a continuing slump in the Chinese property sector and the threat of US tariffs.

The Chinese real estate sector has been in steep decline since 2021, when two of the nation’s top developers — Country Garden and Evergrande — declared bankruptcy after incurring hundreds of billions of dollars in debt. Since then, the government has introduced various stimulus measures, but has failed to turn the sector around.

As mentioned, because of the sheer size of the property market in China, it is a significant demand driver for steel products and has an outsized influence on the global iron ore market.

Another noteworthy headwind for iron ore price levels this past year was the threat of US tariffs. In early April, US President Donald Trump announced his “Liberation Day” tariffs, which applied a 10 percent levy across the board, and threatened retaliatory tariffs to close trade deficits with most countries.

The move sparked fears of a global recession and triggered a rout in equities and commodities markets, sending prices plunging. However, most markets rebounded quickly as plans were dialed back after a squeeze in the bond market that sent 10 year treasury yields up by more than half a percentage point.

Further iron ore price pressures came later in the year, when the massive Simandou mine in Guinea shipped its first iron ore, destined for smelters in China, on December 2.

Two consortia of companies own the mine. Blocks three and four have a 45/40/15 ownership split between Rio Tinto (ASX:RIO,NYSE:RIO,LSE:RIO), Chinalco and the Guinea government, and blocks one and two have a 45/35/20 split between Winning International, China Hongquiao Group (HKEX:1378,OTCPL:CHHQF) and United Mining Supply.

The mine will ramp up production over the next 30 months, and is expected to produce 15 million to 20 million MT in 2026 and 40 million to 50 million MT in 2027.

What trends will move the iron ore market in 2026?

“Construction accounts for about 50 percent of steel consumption in terms of end users. The weakness of the property market has, of course, weighed on steel demand and therefore pig iron production. However, the driver for China’s steel production has been industrialisation and urbanisation during the past two decades,” he said.

Sardain went on to state that despite a shift in focus from fixed assets to manufacturing, services and technology, overall steel demand is set to move lower. Although the decline won’t last forever and the property market will stabilize, the effect of even a mild rebound on steel production will be limited:

“However, steel production and iron ore demand have been supported by strong exports in markets such as Southeast Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, Latin America and Africa, mitigating the impact of a lower domestic steel demand. Whether steel exports can increase from their current level is debatable, and we forecast a lower steel production in China over time.’

On the tariff front, US levies aren’t likely to have much impact. Sardain pointed out that while US steel demand exceeds its production capacity, Chinese imports remain a minimal factor.

Meanwhile, the US is primarily producing steel in lower-carbon electric arc furnaces from ferrous scrap.

Although steel tariffs from Canada and Brazil are set at 25 and 50 percent, respectively, both countries have exemptions for iron ore pellets, and Canadian ferrous scrap is covered under CUSMA provisions.

But with the trade pact set to be renegotiated in 2026, it’s uncertain what it means for steel and, by extension, iron products, in the midterm. The best-case scenario is that Canadian steel will receive an exemption.

Still, the risk remains that current CUSMA blanket exemptions will be removed, allowing the US to apply additional tariffs on Canadian goods crossing the border. Likewise, in Europe, the CBAM came into effect on January 1, 2026.

While the impact may take some time to work through the market, it will still have downstream effects for producers that want to avoid tariffs on imported products. This may be one reason Chinese steel producers are switching from higher-carbon blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces in the smelting process.

“Currently, electric arc furnaces account for about 12 percent of China’s steel production, set to increase to 18 percent by the first part of the next decade,” Sardain said, noting that China is looking to cap its emissions by 2030.

The main challenge for iron ore is waning demand, as the primary input for electric arc furnaces is scrap steel, not raw iron. “Countries which will see their steel production increasing (primarily India, but to some extent Russia, Brazil or Iran) are not iron ore importers because they are self-sufficient. Steel production in the EU is flat to lower with more production coming from electric arc furnaces as part of the decarbonisation process,” Sardain said.

Soft demand growth, however, is expected to meet increasing mine supply, further dragging on prices in 2026.

Sardain suggested that all major iron ore miners will increase their production in 2026, with the largest boost coming from Guinea’s Simandou, which could shake up supply chains.

“The blocks one and two are owned by a Chinese-Singaporean consortium. It will provide China with the opportunity to diversify its supply from the major Australian producers (something that the country tried to do for the past 15 years unsuccessfully) and it will shift the supply-demand momentum in favour of China,” he said.

Additionally, the mine is important because of its 65 percent iron content.

Iron ore price forecast for 2026

Sardain expects iron ore prices to remain muted in 2026.

“We believe that price should drop below the US$100 per MT mark, although it could stay above this level in H1 due to seasonality … so, overall, prices staying between US$100 to US$105 per MT in H1, then declining below US$100 per MT in H2, with the ramp-up of the Simandou mine being a determining factor,” he said.

This is largely in line with estimates from other firms. BMI is predicting a 2026 price of US$95, while RBC Capital Markets sees iron ore averaging US$98; the overall consensus stands at US$94.

Securities Disclosure: I, Dean Belder, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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1 Min Read

Andy Schectman: Silver Price Breaking Out, Room to Run by Every Metric

Andy Schectman, president of Miles Franklin, breaks down recent silver market dynamics, including the massive rise in entities standing for delivery of physical metal, increased CME Group (NASDAQ:CME) margin requirements and China’s silver export controls.

‘We’re beginning to see at the highest level a change of mentality, a change of perception of what these metals truly are,’ he said in the interview.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

6 Mins Read

Cobalt Market 2025 Year-End Review

The cobalt market entered 2025 under pressure from a prolonged supply glut, but the balance shifted sharply as the year unfolded, due almost entirely to intervention from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

After starting the year near nine year lows of US$24,343.40 per metric ton, cobalt metal prices had risen to US$53,005 by the end of December, pushed upward by supply concerns stemming from export limits in the DRC.

“The cobalt market in 2025 was characterised by a significant price recovery following the DRC banning the export of all cobalt from its borders in February,” said Aubry. “By the end of 2025, sulphate prices increased 266 percent, hydroxide increased by 328 percent and metal prices by 130 percent year-to-date.”

Q1: Cobalt moves from glut to supply shock

As mentioned, cobalt metal prices hit their weakest level since 2016 in January. Global mine output had more than doubled over five years, far outpacing demand growth from electric vehicles and other end uses.

That dynamic changed abruptly in late February, when the DRC — which supplies roughly three-quarters of the world’s cobalt — imposed a four month suspension on cobalt hydroxide exports.

The news lifted cobalt from US$24,495 at the start of the year to above US$34,000 by the end of March, with intra-month highs nearing US$36,300. The move marked the sector’s first meaningful rebound in nearly two years.

As the DRC exhibited control over cobalt supply, the market began to look to the world’s second largest cobalt-producing nation: Indonesia. Indonesia’s cobalt output is largely a by-product of its laterite nickel industry, produced through high-pressure acid leaching (HPAL) plants that process nickel-rich ores.

These facilities generate mixed hydroxide precipitate (MHP), an intermediate containing both nickel and cobalt that can be further refined into battery-grade materials. The model has enabled Indonesia to rapidly scale its cobalt supply, leveraging its dominant nickel position and integrated processing infrastructure.

Indonesia produced about 31,000 metric tons of cobalt in 2024 — roughly 10 percent of global supply — cementing its position as the world’s second largest producer behind the DRC.

Output growth is being driven by HPAL projects targeting up to 500,000 tons per annum (tpa) of mixed hydroxide precipitate, potentially yielding 50,000 tpa of cobalt, though scaling up may prove challenging.

Indonesian MHP, a lower-cost intermediate that is rich in nickel and cobalt, is increasingly viewed by Chinese refiners as a substitute for DRC-sourced cobalt hydroxide.

Q2 and Q3: A fragile equilibrium forms

The DRC’s export ban continued to underpin prices through the second quarter.

Standard-grade cobalt metal was trading near US$15 to US$16 per pound at the time, while cobalt sulfate posted even sharper gains. Despite the rally, sentiment remained cautious. Chinese refiners drew on existing inventories, and trade data showed cobalt units still flowing into China, particularly from Indonesia.

By June, prices had begun to ease as uncertainty mounted over how long the DRC would maintain controls.

Although China imported significant volumes earlier in the year, analysts warned Indonesian supply would be insufficient to fully offset reduced DRC cobalt shipments. Later that month, the DRC extended its export restrictions through September, reinforcing expectations that the market would move toward balance.

By mid-year, Chinese import data confirmed the impact — cobalt hydroxide inflows had fallen sharply, with analysts projecting constrained refinery feed into late 2025 or early 2026.

Prices stabilized in a broad US$33,000 to US$37,000 range through Q3, supported by tightening supply and diminishing inventories. Market participants increasingly viewed the DRC’s actions as a structural shift rather than a temporary correction, signaling the end of the cobalt surplus that had defined the previous two years.

By late 2025, the cobalt market had transformed from one of chronic oversupply to one approaching equilibrium — a reset driven not by demand growth, but by decisive supply-side intervention.

Q4: Cobalt quotas replace DRC ban, prices climb

After months of supply disruption, the DRC lifted its full cobalt export ban in mid-October, replacing it with a rigid quota system that will shape the market through 2026.

Under the new framework, annual DRC exports are capped at about 96,600 metric tons, roughly half of 2024 levels, with just 18,125 metric tons scheduled for shipment in Q4 2025.

This structural tightening helped sustain elevated prices that surged above US$47,000 by late October, levels not seen since early 2023, amid persistent feedstock shortages and constrained exports.

DRC quotas have provided a degree of market clarity, with major producers like CMOC Group (OTCPL:CMCLF) receiving significant allocations that underpin production plans. Despite robust output guidance, inventories outside the DRC remain tight, and market participants see continued upward price pressure as the quota system curtails supply.

“The DRC’s quota system is set to squeeze supply in the next two years — unless the country revises quotas higher,” wrote Fastmarkets’ Oliver Masson in a December market update.

“Prices are already considerably higher than they were at the beginning of the year, and they are likely to remain elevated for as long as current quota levels remain in force,’ he said. ‘Cobalt is mostly used in batteries, and the longer prices remain elevated, the more likely it is that EV manufacturers will seek to move to low-cobalt or cobalt-free chemistries where feasible. This could slow demand in the medium term.”

Cobalt price forecast for 2026

Looking ahead to 2026, analysts see the cobalt market shifting into a deficit as export caps bite and global feedstock availability shrinks. Fastmarkets projects a structural shortfall of about 10,700 metric tons against demand near 292,300 metric tons, driven by DRC quota limits and ongoing drawdowns of stocks.

Industry forecasters also anticipate that reduced shipments, combined with a stubbornly tight pipeline, will support stronger average prices next year. Some forecasts suggest cobalt could average near US$55,000 in 2026 as export quotas supplant the 2025 ban. Indonesian supply is emerging as a secondary source, with production climbing, but most analysts agree it will be insufficient to offset DRC constraints in the near term.

After a year of dramatic swings driven by supply policy in the DRC, 2026 is shaping up as the first sustained deficit environment in the cobalt market, with prices expected to remain elevated amid structural tightening.

“Prices have substantially recovered over 2025 and are expected to remain elevated in 2026 as the DRC limits exports,” said Aubry. “There is a significant potential upside risk as dwindling ex-DRC stocks present the risk of demand destruction towards the end of the year.”

Securities Disclosure: I, Georgia Williams, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

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3 Mins Read

CoTec to Host Investor Update

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / ACCESS Newswire / January 14, 2026 / CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) (‘CoTec’ or the ‘Company’) is pleased to announce that the Company’s CEO, Julian Treger, will host an investor update on Friday, January 16, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. PST / 11:00 a.m. EST.

The update will highlight recent platform and strategic developments across the CoTec portfolio. Management will provide a high-level update on progress at MagIron, a CoTec investment advancing a U.S.-based iron ore and metallics strategy, as well as HyProMag USA, and discuss other key initiatives currently being advanced by the Company. The presentation will also include management’s outlook for 2026, outlining priorities, upcoming milestones, and areas of focus for the year ahead. A Q&A session will follow the presentation.

Investors who wish to attend the presentation may do so by clicking here to register.

Should the above link not work, please copy and paste the following link to your web browser: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_0NBXb4IIRXOVP0d2l7j5Vg#/registration

About CoTec

CoTec Holdings Corp. (TSX-V:CTH)(OTCQB:CTHCF) is redefining the future of resource extraction and recycling. Focused on rare earth magnets and strategic materials, CoTec integrates breakthrough technologies with strategic assets to unlock secure, sustainable, and low-cost supply chains for the United States and its allies.

CoTec’s mission is clear: accelerate the energy transition while strengthening U.S. economic and national security. By investing in and deploying disruptive technologies, the Company delivers capital-efficient, scalable solutions that transform marginal assets, tailings, waste streams, and recycled products into high-value critical minerals.

From its HyProMag USA magnet recycling joint venture in Texas, to iron tailings reprocessing in Québec, to next-generation copper and iron solutions backed by global majors, CoTec is building a diversified portfolio with long-term growth, rapid cash flow potential, and high barriers to entry. The result is a differentiated platform at the intersection of technology, sustainability, and strategic materials.

For more information, please visit www.cotec.ca

For further information, please contact:
Eugene Hercun, VP Finance, +1 604 537 2413

Forward-Looking Information Cautionary Statement

Statements in this press release regarding the Company and its investments which are not historical facts are ‘forward-looking statements’ that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements relating to management’s expectations with respect to its current and potential future investments and the benefits to the Company which may be implied from such statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature, they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results in each case could differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. For further details regarding risks and uncertainties facing the Company, please refer to ‘Risk Factors’ in the Company’s filing statement dated April 6, 2022, a copy of which may be found under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca

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

SOURCE: CoTec Holdings Corp.

View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire

News Provided by ACCESS Newswire via QuoteMedia

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3 Mins Read

Former LIV Golf star is defecting back to PGA Tour through new program

Brooks Koepka is returning to the PGA Tour this year, and there’s a deadline if other prominent LIV Golf members want to take advantage of the quicker-than-expected path he’s using to get back there.

It was created in response to Koepka applying for reinstatement to the PGA Tour, as well as research that showed fans wanted to see the best golfers competing together more often. Koepka is eligible for the PGA Tour again through his 2023 PGA Championship win, though the new program also includes a steep financial penalty.

Returning players will not receive any payment from the FedExCup bonus program for the 2026 season and will be ineligible to earn equity from the player equity program for the next five years (2026-2030). Koepka could miss out on approximately $50-85 million in potential equity earnings, according to the PGA Tour, depending on his competitive performance and the Tour’s growth. He also agreed to make a $5 million charitable contribution to an agreed-upon organization.

Koepka will still have to play his way into the lucrative signature events on the PGA Tour schedule. He is ineligible for sponsor exemptions into those fields. Other tournament fields will be expanded to accommodate Koepka’s presence in order to ensure PGA Tour golfers don’t lose a spot this season due to his return.

‘The penalty is significant but I understand why they’ve done it. It hurts but it’s supposed to,’ Koepka told Golfweek. ‘I’ve got a lot of work to do with the players and I want to do that one-on-one. I want to have those conversations, but behind closed doors.’

Koepka announced he was forgoing the final year on his contract with LIV Golf on Dec. 23 and left ‘amicably,’ according to LIV Golf CEO Scott O’Neil. Koepka was the first golfer to win a major while playing for LIV Golf at the 2023 PGA Championship.

There are three other LIV Golf members eligible to return to the PGA Tour based on the criteria of the Returning Member Program: Bryson DeChambeau, Jon Rahm and Cameron Smith. The PGA Tour said those golfers have until Feb. 2 to accept the terms of the program and still be eligible to participate in the 2026 season. PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp emphasized, however, that this alternative route won’t necessarily exist in the future.

‘This is a one-time, defined window and does not set a precedent for future situations. Once the door closes, there is no promise that this path will be available again,’ Rolapp wrote in a letter to fans. ‘We will continue to aggressively pursue anything that enhances the fan experience and makes the PGA Tour stronger. This is part of our commitment to fans, who expect the world’s best players to compete on the PGA Tour week in and week out.’

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

4 Mins Read

NASCAR announces new championship format for 2026, return of The Chase

NASCAR announced Monday, Jan. 12, its new championship format for the 2026 season and beyond, bringing back the Chase for the Championship and emphasizing winning with a return to a full-regular season points system.

NASCAR utilized the Chase format from 2004 to 2013 when it first introduced a postseason. During this time, Jimmie Johnson won six of his seven championships.

The top racing series in the United States is looking to get past a turbulent offseason that culminated in a nasty federal antitrust trial that ultimately settled, but the company was accused of being a family-owner bully and ruffled feathers when a former commissioner’s emails disparaging long-term owners were discovered during the trial.

In the new Cup Series format, there will be a 10-race Chase – nine races for the O’Reilly Series (formerly the Xfinity Series) and seven for the Craftsman Truck series – with 16 drivers based on points. (The O’Reilly Series Chase field will be set at 12 drivers, while the truck field will be 10.) No driver will earn an automatic entry into the Chase – as was the case in previous playoff editions with the ‘win and you’re in’ – and there are no driver eliminations every three races in the postseason.

Also, NASCAR will no longer use the terms ‘playoffs’ or ‘regular-season champion.’

Race winners will receive 55 points for any victory across the season – up from 40 – and stage points will still be awarded.

Another change is the elimination of playoff points, which will be reset at the beginning of the Chase. The top driver will start with 2,100 points in the Chase, and have a 25-point lead over second and a 35-point lead over third. Five points will separate the rest of the drivers from fourth to 16th.

The driver with the most points after the finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Nov. 8 will be crowned the champion.

“As NASCAR transitions to a revised championship model, the focus is on rewarding driver and team performance each and every race,” NASCAR President Steve O’Donnell said. “At the same time, we want to honor NASCAR’s storied history and the traditions that have made the sport so special. Our fans are at the heart of everything we do, and this format is designed to honor their passion every single race weekend.”

In 2014, NASCAR announced it would adopt a four-round, 10-race elimination-style playoff, with the top 16 drivers advancing to the postseason based on points, but putting the emphasis on actually winning races, where a win in a regular-season race would automatically secure a playoff berth. The round of 16 would feature three races, and at the end, the field would be cut to 12, then to eight, with the final four competing for the title in the last race of the season – with the highest finisher taking home the series championship.

From 1948 until 2014, the sport had no playoffs, relying on a points system to determine the overall season winner.

The new changes followed a study by industry leaders, drivers and broadcast partners, among others, as fans grew more and more discontent about how a champion was crowned, especially after last season when Denny Hamlin led 208 of the 319 laps at the season-finale at Phoenix, only to be undone by a caution with three laps to go, forcing the race into overtime. Kyle Larson ultimately won the title, finishing third in the race, while Hamlin came in sixth behind race winner Ryan Blaney.

Monday’s press conference was attended by former drivers Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Mark Martin, and current drivers Blaney, Chase Briscoe and Chase Elliott, all of whom applauded the changes.

‘What I believe it does is it makes it simpler for our fans to follow,’ Earnhardt Jr. said. ‘I’m a fan of the sport, and now I’m compelled to plug in every single week because I know there’s a long-form objective for my driver to accomplish to be able to give himself the opportunity to win the championship.

‘Every single race, every single lap will have more importance. I think it’s fun for the drivers to have a more clear objective for how to get to the championship and easier for our fans to follow.’

The 10-race Chase will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock for three races and USA Network for the seven other races. The 2026 season starts with the Daytona 500 on Feb. 15 which will be broadcast by FOX.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

2 Mins Read

Watch: Aaron Rodgers walks off field for potentially final time

It’s decision time for Aaron Rodgers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback saw his team’s season come to an end on ‘Monday Night Football’ in the wild-card round, losing to the Houston Texans in blowout fashion, 30-6.

That signals the beginning of another offseason of uncertainty for Rodgers, who has toyed with the idea of retirement for multiple seasons now. He ultimately opted to come back for a 21st season to play for the Steelers, with the idea of potentially winning his second Super Bowl.

That dream never came to fruition for Rodgers, who instead walked off the field for potentially the final time on Jan. 12. Take a look:

The final moment came with a hug from Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who was a teammate of Rodgers’ with the Green Bay Packers. It was a striking parallel to Rodgers walking off the field with Randall Cobb following his final game with the Packers.

Only Rodgers knows in his heart what the future holds.

Prior to the 2025 season, he said it would likely be his last. Weeks ago, the quarterback wasn’t ready to close the book just yet. Retirement talk has continued to swirl around Rodgers, who quickly faced those questions again after the game.

‘I’m not gonna make any emotional decisions,’ Rodgers said after the game. ‘Disappointed, you know, obviously, such a fun year. A lot of adversity, but a lot of fun. Been a great year overall in my life in the last year, and this is a really good part of that, being a part of this team. So it’s disappointing to be sitting here.’

Rodgers, who has spoken glowingly of his experience with the Steelers didn’t want to talk about whether he wanted to remain in Pittsburgh if he chose to keep playing.

‘Every game could be my final game,’ he added.

If this was the final game for Rodgers, he goes into retirement as one of the most accomplished quarterbacks to ever play the sport.

He is a four-time NFL MVP, four-time first-team All-Pro and a 10-time Pro Bowl player. He is a Super Bowl champion and Super Bowl MVP. He will eventually be in the Hall of Fame. For now, let the offseason of speculation begin.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

1 Min Read

Texans star wide receiver carted off after concussion check

The Houston Texans offense has a problem.

It has been a struggle on offense for Houston in their wild-card weekend matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers on ‘Monday Night Football,’ who only managed seven points through three quarters. The Texans defense has done the rest, holding Pittsburgh to only six points in that same time.

Yet the inefficiency of C.J. Stroud has been the headline. Now he’ll have to move forward without Nico Collins, who was carted to the locker room to be evaluated for a concussion.

The receiver hit his head on the field after trying to collect a pass from the quarterback over the middle of the field.

Collins exited with just three catches for 21 yards, despite receiving seven targets.

Here’s the latest on Collins.

Nico Collins injury update

Collins was carted off the field after being evaluated for a concussion.

The receiver landed hard on his head trying to haul in a pass from Stroud and remained down after the play was over. He walked off under his own power, but was being escorted by trainers.

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

5 Mins Read

Kings outlast Lakers, Luka scores 42 in loss. Monk electric off bench

SACRAMENTO — Sacramento Kings fans chanted ‘light the beam’ as they watched Los Angeles Lakers fans hit the exit early as the Kings got the upper hand on the Lakers in their 124-112 victory at a sold out Golden 1 Center on Monday, Jan. 12.

The Kings now have won back-to-back games for the first time since November.

Sacramento was led by veteran guard DeMar DeRozan, who scored 32 points on 14-of-19 shooting. Kings guard Malik Monk had 26 points and eight assists in 31 minutes coming off the bench. He scored 18 points in the half.

Monk has been in and out of the rotation with fluctuating playing time.

However, lately he has seen his playing time increase following the three-game suspension the NBA handed to Dennis Schroder following his feud with Luka Doncic.

Monk refuses to let that faze him, as he remains focused on what he can contribute to the team.

‘I want to play 48 minutes a night, man, always,’ Monk told USA TODAY Sports after their win. ‘Whether I’m out there or not, I’m always going to bring energy, I’m always going to smile and always teach the young guys. It doesn’t matter what’s going on.’

Russell Westbrook tallied 22 points and seven assists and Zach LaVine added 19 points.

Westbrook played one of his former teams for the second night in a row. He told USA TODAY Sports that although his play remains the same, he does enjoy knocking off his old teams.

‘I play the same way every night,’ Westbrook said. ‘But I do enjoy beating teams that I was formerly at for different reasons. Tonight was a different reason, Houston was a different reason. I definitely enjoy taking care of business against them.’

Luka Doncic had a game-high 42 points for the Lakers; 26 of those points were scored in the first half. LeBron James added 22 points. Deandre Ayton notched a double-double 13 points and 13 rebounds.

Kings vs. Lakers highlights

Game recap

Lakers got out to an early lead behind the play of Luka Doncic and LeBron James. James scored eight points in six minutes. Doncic added 11 points in the opening quarter.

The Kings weren’t fazed. They hung around as DeMar DeRozan led with eight points in the first quarter. Zach LaVine had seven points. Sacramento maintained a, 32-28, lead going into the second quarter.

Malik Monk came off the bench for Sacramento and provided instant offense for his squad.

It was all Monk in the second period, he scored 18 in the quarter on 6-of-7 shooting, including five made 3-point field goals.

Monk got things going with a pair of consecutive 3-pointers. He extended the Kings’ lead to seven points, with under nine minutes in the game.

A couple of minutes later, Monk hit his third deep field goal of the quarter, increasing the Kings’ lead to 10. Sacramento led 43-33 with 6:49 left in the second quarter.

He got the Kings up by 12 with under seven minutes left in the first half. Sacramento led by as many as 16 points in the first half.

The Lakers cut into the lead before going into the locker room at half time. Doncic made a 3 just before the half-time buzzer sounded, getting DeRozan off his feet and leaning in and floating it in with 0.9 seconds. He had 26 first half points for the Lakers.

Kings led 61-54 at the half.

Second half

Sacramento tried to put their third quarter woes behind them as they went on a 15-5 run out of halftime break.

Kings grew their lead to as high as 19 points, leading the Lakers, 82-63.

Los Angeles scored on back-to-back buckets to cut into the deficit. The Kings led 84-69 with under five minutes in the third quarter.

Kings received steady scoring throughout the period. Russell Westbrook had 13 in the quarter; DeRozan scored 11.

Doncic scored 14 points in the third quarter to keep the Kings from running away with the game. After the period, Sacramento led 95-83.

In the final period, the Lakers looked to make a push. They cut their deficit to within 10 points early in the fourth quarter. The Kings were only up by seven with 8:03 remaining in the game.

Sacramento kept their foot on the gas whenever the Lakers tried to gain momentum. Malik Monk continued to score and make plays for others. It seemed whenever the Kings needed to score, they went to DeRozan for his silky, midrange jumper.

Sacramento got the lead back to 12, as they led 109-97 with under six minutes in the game.

Monk continued to knock down shots, as did DeRozan with his timely buckets. The Kings went on to win the game 124-112.

Sacramento Kings next five games

Jan. 14: vs. New York Knicks
Jan. 16: vs. Washington Wizards
Jan. 18: vs. Portland Trail Blazers
Jan. 20: vs. Miami Heat
Jan. 21: vs. Toronto Raptors

This post appeared first on USA TODAY

12 Mins Read

Questcorp and Riverside Make New Gold Discovery in Initial Drill Results from Luis Hill and Famosa Targets at Union Project, Sonora, Mexico

Questcorp Mining Inc. (CSE: QQQ,OTC:QQCMF) (OTCQB: QQCMF) (FSE: D910) (the ‘Company’ or ‘Questcorp’) along with its partner Riverside Resources Inc. (TSXV: RRI) (OTCQB: RVSDF) (FSE: 5YY0) (‘Riverside’), is pleased to announce a new discovery of potential Carlin-like gold mineralization at the Luis Hill target within the La Union Project in Sonora, Mexico.

Initial drilling in the Luis Hill target returned a 42m @ 0.3 g/t gold drill-width intersection of sediment-hosted gold mineralization in black shales and carbonate strata—a style not previously recognized at the Union Project. This was the only hole drilled into the Luis Hill target during the initial H2 2025 drill program.

Highlights of the Drill Program:

Target Reporting: This release reports results from Luis Hill, Famosa, and Famosa Mag targets.
New Discovery: Discovery of previously unknown Carlin-like gold mineralization in black shales and carbonate strata at Luis Hill, returning 0.3 g/t gold over 42m. Results to date show sulfides, mineralization types, and intrusions aligned with a carbonate-hosted metal system.
Program Scale: Completed 12 core holes totaling >1,600 m across six targets: the past-producing Union, Union Norte, and Famosa Mine, as well as Cobre, Luis Hill, and Famosa EM.
Assays Pending: Over 700 half-core samples have been shipped; further assays are pending for Union, Union North and Cobre targets.
Strategic Orientation: Holes were oriented at angled and near-vertical positions to cut stratigraphy and structures typical of Carbonate Replacement Deposit (CRD) systems, focusing beneath oxidized horizons generally <150 m in depth.

Questcorp President & CEO, Saf Dhillon stated, ‘We are incredibly pleased with the work from the team at Riverside Resources. This story is starting to evolve quite efficiently, especially considering a first phase of drilling is more of a data gathering process that is utilized primarily to hone future work programs. Hitting a number of gold anomalies in the early stages is very promising as we continue to work towards making a new potential discovery in the rich Sonora Gold Belt. I believe 2026 could be an inflection point for the success and growth of both Questcorp and Riverside!’

Figure 1- Luis Hill cross section with drill hole 9.

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Target	Hole_ID	Starting at	Length (m)	Au_ppm	Comments
Luis Hill	*UND25-009*	*198.25*	*42.70*	*0.286*	Shale hosted, silicification, CRD style alteration

Famosa Targets
Famosa Mine	UND25-004	19.10	14.90		Test CRD mineralization (Manto)

	*UND25-005*	*39.10*	1.85	*0.345*
	UND25-011	11.50	11.85		Test CRD Mineralization (Manto) at Famosa Mine
	UND25-012	9.65	17.45
	Including	14.90	2.00	0.162
Famosa EM	UND25-010	146.40	1.65	0.134	Test EM Geophysics anomaly
Famosa EM					Test EM Geophysics anomaly

Table 1- Assay results table with gold for Luis Hill hole 9, Famosa Area holes 4, 5, 10, 11, 12.

Riverside CEO, John-Mark Staude, states,

‘Riverside is pleased to be working with Questcorp on the Union Project and these first 6 drill holes, representing half of the program so far is exciting and sets up for the next news release of the next 6 holes of the overall 12-hole program. Hole 9 into the Luis Hill exploration target is an exciting start finding a new western area that has scale and could be a great step for the program. Drilling at Famosa was positive for the structure and further drilling is warranted along strike north and south for over 1 km is wide open for discovery there and past assay results in earlier news releases of high-grade gold and past mining, make the Famosa area a priority as well. We are excited for a good 2026 and next exploration phase at Union.’

Luis Hill Target Detail

Hole 9 was drilled vertically in the southern area of a large, 1,500m by 500m magnetic high Luis Hill target. While Hole 9 did not hit an obvious large magnetic source, however several magnetic dioritic dikes which may be emanating from a deeper, larger magnetic source likely intermediate composition intrusion were intersected. The discovery interval consists of gold in siliceously replaced jasperoid-like dolomite and silica flooded black shale, which is similar to some sediment hosted gold deposits in Nevada (USGS Prof Paper 1267, 1985). The discovery, a new finding for this part of Sonora, is important for both the property and in the region as it shows the potential for previously unknown sediment hosted gold inside of one of the most prolific gold belts in Mexico, the Sonora Gold Belt – also referred to as the Megashear Gold Belt in past scientific studies. Folding and Basin and Range block faulting is expected to bring the mineralized formations closer to surface for 2026 H1 drilling within the magnetic target area. The Companies feel Luis Hill has the potential to become a major new discovery in Mexico.

The discovery interval of 0.3 g/t gold over 42 metres included 23 assay intervals ranging in width from 0.45m to 2m, with assays ranging from 0.005 g/t to 1.31 g/t gold. Fifteen intervals returned gold values in excess of 0.1 g/t, with three in excess of 0.5 g/t.

Sample ID	m From	m To	Interval	Au_ppm	Sample ID	m From	m To	Interval	Au_ppm
RRI-U545	198.25	200.25	2	0.38	RRI-U557	219.5	221.5	2	0.014
RRI-U546	200.25	202.25	2	0.678	RRI-U558	221.5	223.5	2	0.012
RRI-U547	202.25	203.8	1.55	0.393	RRI-U559	223.5	225.5	2	0.187
RRI-U548	203.8	205.8	2	0.007	RRI-U561	225.5	226.9	1.4	0.011
RRI-U549	205.8	207.8	2	-0.005	RRI-U562	226.9	228.3	1.4	0.114
RRI-U550	207.8	209.8	2	0.059	RRI-U563	228.3	228.9	0.6	pending
RRI-U551	209.8	211.8	2	0.012	RRI-U564	228.9	230.9	2	0.158
RRI-U552	211.8	213.8	2	0.849	RRI-U565	230.9	232.9	2	0.724
RRI-U553	213.8	215.5	1.7	0.316	RRI-U566	232.9	234.2	1.3	0.135
RRI-U554	215.8	217.8	2	1.31	RRI-U567	234.2	235.55	1.35	0.083
RRI-U555	217.8	218.9	1.1	0.319	RRI-U568	235.55	236	0.45	0.131
RRI-U556	218.9	219.5	0.6	0.321	All intervals are down hole widths.

Table 2- Full Assay Interval for UND25-009 Discovery Intersection.

Figure 2- Cross section Famosa Mine area with 4 holes intersecting mineralized horizon that is the downdip projection from the Famosa mine and remains open for further drilling along strike north-south and further down dip to the west. Note the map shows how drill holes are projected onto a simplified single plane for schematic purposes.

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Famosa Mine and Famosa EM Target

This release is also reporting results from the 5 holes drilled at the Famosa Mine and the Famosa Electro-Magnetic (‘EM’) target. Drilling at the Famosa mine focussed on extensions of the CRD mineralization, where past mining and the geology and structure indicate a manto horizon. One hole tested the EM Target located 500 m west of the Famosa Mine workings.

Four core holes tested a west-dipping dolomite manto target and adjacent structures in the Famosa Mine Area, where historical small-scale mining left surface dumps. Dump sampling reported highlight gold grades in excess 0.5 oz/t (>15 g/t) gold as detailed in the May 7, 2025, technical report found under Questcorp’s profile on SEDARplus. Holes were drilled at angles toward the east to intersect the target as close to perpendicular as practical and to evaluate continuity of alteration and mineralization with intrusive dikes and breccias noted in the core logging. A drill width intersection of 1.85m @ 0.345 gold, starting at 39m, on the down dip projection from the horizon at the Famosa Mine 70^o CRD shaft was recorded in Hole 5.

Hole 10 tested the Famosa EM target, intersecting the favorable dolomitic stratigraphy. The Famosa drilling results will be followed up.

The summary collar and drilling information for all 12 holes and 1625m drilled in Phase 1 is provided in the table below.

Table for Phase 1 Drilling Union Project H2, 2025 All Holes, 1625m total
Hole_lD	Easting	Northing	Elevation	Azimuth	Dip	Total Depth	Target
UND25-001	376043	3347225	358.66	131	-50	198.25	Union Mine
UND25-002	375606	3347813	381.37	65	-50	201.30	El Cobre
UND25-003	376048	3347598	378.34	65	-50	25.90	Union Norte
*UND25-004*	*375137*	*3344629*	*360.47*	*110*	*-70*	*129.35*	*Famosa Mine*
*UND25-005*	*375146*	*3344578*	*362.35*	92	*-70*	*104.80*	*Famosa Mine*
UND25-006	376099	3347627	389.13	100	-80	118.45	Union Norte
UND25-007	376199	3347156	355.46	280	-80	166.20	Union Mine
UND25-008	376111	3347136	369.34	125	-80	128.10	Union Mine
*UND25-009*	*375261*	*3347551*	*400.64*	0	*-90*	*292.80*	*Luis Hill*
*UND25-010*	*374941*	*3344765*	*363.95*	90	*-70*	*161.60*	*Famosa EM*
*UND25-011*	*375171*	*3344608*	*362.45*	90	*-85*	*51.00*	*Famosa Mine*
*UND25-012*	*375171*	*3344608*	*362.45*	90	*-90*	*47.25*	*Famosa Mine*

Table 3- Drill collar information with the bolded and italicized holes are in this news release.

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Figure 3- Map of the location of the Luis Hill and Famosa areas among the other areas that were drilled and results will be coming next from the other target areas when available.

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Geological Model and Strategy

The H2 2025 Phase I program was designed to test primary areas of historical mining and key magnetic targets. The program followed the geological model of the South 32 Taylor deposit in southern Arizona. Drilling intersected gold, zinc, and silver indications consistent with vectors toward a major discovery.

Furthermore, the sediment-hosted gold style found at Luis Hill is comparable to Nevada’s carbonate platform geology, making it an intriguing new development area for the Union Project.

Sampling Procedures and QA/QC

Core was logged, saw-cut, and half-core samples were shipped for analysis. Samples from the first eight holes were delivered to Bureau Veritas (Hermosillo, Sonora) for gold fire assay, with pulps forwarded to Vancouver, Canada for Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (‘ICP-MS’) following four-acid digestion to determine silver, base metals, and pathfinders. Samples from the final four holes were shipped to ACT Labs Zacatecas, where preparation, gold assay, and multi-element ICP are completed in Mexico. The final 4 holes of the program were shipped to ACT Labs where they were similarly assayed using the same processing methods but with their initial preparation and assaying completed in Zacatecas, Mexico using the same ICP and gold fire assay methods. The change in lab halfway through the program was due to assay turn around issues. Samples were maintained in chain of custody being delivered to the laboratory in sealed bags. Remaining half-cores are retained for reference.

Standards were inserted every 20 samples and blanks every 100 samples. The laboratory also did duplicates every 20 samples as additional check on the quality control. The QA/QC was analyzed with a check for any variations in the standards beyond 2 standard deviations and the standards passed.

Next Steps

After all assays are interpreted and released, the Companies will work together on organizing the H1 2026 Phase 2 exploration program, building from the Phase I exploration results. Along with follow-up drilling, Phase 2 will likely include geophysics, geochemistry and mapping. The results announced here are exciting for the western Luis Hill area, which has never seen prior drilling, although small scale mines indicate potential locations. Based on these drill results, a focused follow-up is strongly warranted at Union for this target, as well as other targets.

The Companies are diligently working toward an expanded drill program for H1 2026, as all permits and access are in good standing. With the new data, targets will be ready to explore, with the potential to immediately begin field work portions early this year.

The Company will release the next set of drill results once a QA/QC review is completed.

Qualified Person:

The technical content of the new release has been reviewed and approved by R. Tim Henneberry, P.Geo (British Columbia), a director of the company and a qualified person under National Instrument 43-101.

The Union Agreement

Questcorp currently holds an option to earn a 100% interest in the Union Project with business terms announced May 6, 2025, and align Questcorp and Riverside through Riverside being a share owner initially 9.9% of Questcorp and upon earn-in Riverside will become a 19.9% share owner and retain a 2.5% NSR.

About Questcorp Mining Inc.

Questcorp Mining is engaged in the business of the acquisition and exploration of mineral properties in North America, with the objective of locating and developing economic precious and base metals properties of merit. The company holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 1,168.09 hectares comprising the North Island copper property, on Vancouver Island, B.C., subject to a royalty obligation. The company also holds an option to acquire an undivided 100-per-cent interest in and to mineral claims totalling 2,520.2 hectares comprising the La Union project located in Sonora, Mexico, subject to a royalty obligation.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Saf Dhillon
President & CEO

Questcorp Mining Inc.
saf@questcorpmining.ca
Tel. (604-484-3031)

Suite 550, 800 West Pender Street
Vancouver, British Columbia
V6C 2V6.

Certain statements in this news release are forward-looking statements, which reflect the expectations of management regarding completion of survey work at the North Island Copper project. Forward-looking statements consist of statements that are not purely historical, including any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, performance or developments to differ materially from those contained in the statements. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will occur or, if they do occur, what benefits the Company will obtain from them. Except as required by the securities disclosure laws and regulations applicable to the Company, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management’s beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/280127

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