Blog

  • Blackbird CFO and COO Steve White to Leave as Search for Successor Begins

    Blackbird CFO and COO Steve White to Leave as Search for Successor Begins

    Blackbird plc (LSE:BIRD) has announced that Chief Operating and Financial Officer Steve White will step down from his roles and leave the company’s board on 31 August 2026. White, who has spent seven years with the cloud-native video technology business, is departing to pursue new opportunities.

    Blackbird Launches Search for New Finance Chief

    The company has started the process of identifying a permanent successor to White. In the meantime, Blackbird intends to appoint an interim chief financial officer who will not serve as a member of the board.

    Executive Chairman Ian McDonough thanked White for his contribution to the business during his seven-year tenure. Blackbird said shareholders will receive further updates as the leadership transition progresses.

    The change comes as the company continues to develop and commercialise its cloud-based video technology across professional media and content creation markets.

    Financial and Technical Performance Remains Challenging

    Blackbird’s outlook continues to be constrained by declining revenue, persistent losses and negative operating and free cash flow. Its relatively low level of debt provides some balance-sheet support, but this has yet to offset the challenges surrounding profitability and cash generation.

    Technical indicators also remain weak, with the shares trading below important moving averages and the MACD in negative territory. Conventional valuation measures provide limited support while the company remains loss-making and does not offer an indicated dividend yield.

    More About Blackbird PLC

    Blackbird plc is an AIM-listed technology company specialising in patented cloud-native video editing and content creation software. Its Blackbird platform provides frame-accurate video navigation, playback, viewing and editing capabilities for professional media customers.

    The company’s customer base spans broadcasters, rights holders, sports and news organisations, live event producers, post-production businesses, digital video channels and corporate users.

    Blackbird also operates elevate.io, a browser-based collaborative content creation platform aimed at professional teams and the creator economy. Through its Powered by Blackbird licensing model, the company additionally provides its underlying technology to video businesses seeking to move their workflows to cloud-based infrastructure.

  • Tertiary Minerals Confirms Higher-Grade Discovery Zone at Zambia’s Mushima North Project

    Tertiary Minerals Confirms Higher-Grade Discovery Zone at Zambia’s Mushima North Project

    Tertiary Minerals (LSE:TYM) has reported the final portable X-ray fluorescence results from its Phase 4 drilling programme at the A1 target within the Mushima North Project in Zambia. The latest data support a near-surface silver-copper-zinc oxide exploration target of between 15 million and 30 million tonnes and confirm a higher-grade silver-copper core within the project’s Discovery Zone.

    Drilling Identifies Strong Copper and Silver Intersections

    The latest drilling returned copper grades reaching 0.57% across several-metre intervals, alongside broader mineralised sections containing approximately 0.3% copper over more than 60 metres.

    Portable XRF readings also indicated silver grades of between 115 and 144 g/t in selected intervals, broadly consistent with the company’s previous expectations. As pXRF measurements are preliminary, all selected samples have now been submitted for certified laboratory analysis.

    Following receipt of the laboratory results, Tertiary plans to undertake metallurgical testing and mineral resource modelling. This work is expected to contribute towards the preparation of a maiden mineral resource estimate for Mushima North.

    Exploration Potential Extends Beyond Discovery Zone

    The results also point to opportunities to increase the mineralised footprint outside the existing Discovery Zone. Recent drilling identified copper mineralisation at the Western Zone, approximately 900 metres away, while several other high-priority targets across the project remain untested by drilling.

    Elevated concentrations of accessory metals including bismuth, antimony and gallium have also been identified. These elements could provide additional strategic interest as Tertiary develops its understanding of the broader multi-metal mineralisation system.

    The combination of the established Discovery Zone, mineralisation at the Western Zone and multiple undrilled targets gives the company several avenues for further exploration as Mushima North progresses towards the resource-definition stage.

    Financial Risks Remain a Constraint

    Tertiary Minerals’ outlook continues to be affected by its weak financial fundamentals, with the exploration-stage company remaining loss-making and continuing to consume cash.

    Technical indicators provide some support, with the shares trading above important moving averages, although this only partially offsets the underlying financial risks. Traditional valuation measures also remain of limited relevance while the company has negative earnings and pays no dividend.

    More About Tertiary Minerals

    Tertiary Minerals PLC is an AIM-listed mineral exploration company focused primarily on copper, silver and associated metals. One of its principal assets is the Mushima North Project in Zambia, located within a prospective Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold geological setting.

    Mushima North is being advanced under a technical cooperation agreement with First Quantum Minerals, providing Tertiary with access to historical exploration information and additional geological expertise as it evaluates the project’s mineral potential.

  • Iofina Expands IO#11 Production as Construction of Largest Iodine Plant Advances

    Iofina Expands IO#11 Production as Construction of Largest Iodine Plant Advances

    Iofina plc (LSE:IOF) has completed the installation of an additional brine water source at its IO#11 facility, increasing both the production capacity and operational resilience of the iodine plant. The site can now receive brine from two separate sources, with the additional supply expected to lift annual crystalline iodine production by approximately 45 to 65 metric tonnes.

    IO#11 Output Expected to Rise by Around 50%

    The additional brine feed is projected to increase annual production from IO#11 by roughly 50%, providing Iofina with another source of incremental output from its existing infrastructure.

    The expansion forms part of the group’s broader strategy to increase iodine production through a combination of improvements at operational facilities and the development of new IOsorb plants.

    IO#12 Remains on Track for Third-Quarter Start-Up

    Iofina also confirmed that construction of its new IO#12 plant continues according to schedule, with commissioning and start-up targeted by the end of the third quarter of 2026.

    Once operational, IO#12 is expected to become the largest IOsorb facility in Iofina’s portfolio. The plant is forecast to produce between 170 and 220 metric tonnes of crystalline iodine annually.

    The additional capacity from IO#11 and IO#12 represents further progress towards Iofina’s longer-term objective of reaching annual iodine production of 2,000 metric tonnes. Bringing IO#12 online would also provide a significant increase in group production capacity as the company seeks to expand its position in the iodine market.

    Financial Strength Supports Growth Strategy

    Iofina’s outlook is supported by underlying financial growth and relatively low leverage, while management’s expectations point towards a substantial increase in production during 2026 as additional capacity becomes available.

    However, free cash flow conversion has been uneven, while technical indicators currently present a more cautious near-term picture. The shares are below shorter-term moving averages and the MACD remains negative. Valuation appears broadly balanced rather than indicating a clear discount at current levels.

    More About Iofina plc

    Iofina plc is a vertically integrated iodine producer and specialty chemicals manufacturer. Through Iofina Resources, the group operates eight IOsorb iodine extraction facilities in Oklahoma and is the second-largest iodine producer in North America.

    The group also operates Iofina Chemical, which manufactures a range of halogen-based specialty chemicals using raw iodine and other materials. Its integrated business model combines iodine extraction with downstream chemical manufacturing.

  • Cora Gold Secures Sanankoro Permit Renewal as Mali Eases Mining Restrictions

    Cora Gold Secures Sanankoro Permit Renewal as Mali Eases Mining Restrictions

    Cora Gold (LSE:CORA) has secured the first interim renewal of its Sanankoro II exploration permit in southern Mali, marking another important permitting milestone for the company’s flagship Sanankoro Gold Project. The 84.11-square-kilometre permit, originally awarded in March 2021, is expected to form part of the proposed mining licence area as Cora moves the project closer to development.

    Mali Partially Lifts Mining Permit Moratorium

    The renewal follows a partial easing of Mali’s moratorium on mining permits. While the authorities continue to restrict the issuance of entirely new permits, renewals of existing exploration licences and transitions from exploration permits to mining licences are now permitted.

    Cora’s attention is now turning to securing renewals for the Bokoro II and Kodiou permits. Completing these renewals would allow the company to proceed with a planned reshaping of its permit portfolio and advance its application for a proposed mining permit covering approximately 100 square kilometres at Sanankoro.

    The strategy is designed to bring the infrastructure required for the future Sanankoro mine within a consolidated permit area, simplifying the project’s development framework.

    Engineering and Drilling Programmes Progress

    Permitting activity is running alongside front-end engineering design work at Sanankoro. Cora is also carrying out a drilling programme focused on extending known deposits and testing greenfield targets close to the proposed mining operation.

    Completion of the FEED programme is expected to provide greater clarity on long-lead equipment and other development requirements. This could enable Cora to shorten the construction and delivery timetable once the necessary mining permit has been awarded.

    The latest renewal also reflects the company’s continuing engagement with Mali’s mining authorities as it navigates the regulatory environment following the easing of the permit moratorium. With project funding secured, engineering advancing and permitting milestones being achieved, Cora is continuing preparations for a potential transition into mine construction.

    Financial Risks Remain

    Despite the progress at Sanankoro, Cora’s broader outlook remains constrained by its status as a pre-revenue developer. The company continues to report losses and consume cash while it advances the project towards production.

    Technical indicators provide some support to the shares in the near term, although conventional valuation measures remain of limited use because Cora currently generates negative earnings and does not pay a dividend.

    More About Cora Gold

    Cora Gold Limited is a West Africa-focused gold developer with projects in Mali and Senegal across the Yanfolila and Mako gold belts. Its principal asset is the Sanankoro Gold Project in southern Mali, which is being developed as an open-pit oxide gold operation.

    Sanankoro has a Probable Reserve of 531,000 ounces of gold grading 1.13 g/t. A 2025 Definitive Feasibility Study estimated a post-tax internal rate of return of 98% and a post-tax net present value of US$365 million using a gold price assumption of US$3,500 per ounce.

    In April 2026, Cora secured a US$120 million gold streaming agreement which, together with existing equity funding, is intended to finance Sanankoro through to production. The financing structure also allows up to half of the stream to be replaced with senior debt.

    Elsewhere in its portfolio, Cora continues to assess exploration opportunities, including the potential for large-scale gold mineralisation at the Madina Foulbé permit in eastern Senegal. The company’s immediate priority remains completing the required permitting and development work at Sanankoro so construction can progress once regulatory approvals are secured.

  • Marechale Capital Shifts Towards Digital Merchant Banking After Resilient Full Year

    Marechale Capital Shifts Towards Digital Merchant Banking After Resilient Full Year

    Marechale Capital (LSE:MAC) reported resilient results for the year ended 30 April 2026 despite challenging conditions across the SME funding market, while outlining a significant transformation of the business into a technology-enabled digital merchant bank. Full-year revenue stood at £341,000, generating gross profit of £279,000, while the company closed the period with £234,000 in cash.

    Portfolio Provision Reduces Net Asset Value

    Net asset value declined to £2.33 million after Marechale recorded a £731,000 fair value provision against its investment portfolio.

    During the financial year, the company continued to arrange debt and equity growth financing for businesses including Wright Brothers, KBH and Chestnut Inns. Its investment portfolio also retained exposure to the energy transition through Weardale Lithium, which progressed plans to establish what is intended to become the UK’s first Direct Lithium Extraction plant.

    Acquisitions Drive Digital Merchant Bank Strategy

    Following the year-end, Marechale embarked on a substantial strategic repositioning through the acquisition of Stanford Capital Partners, Blubird Global and NJC Capital in share-for-share transactions.

    The company also raised £1.06 million from existing shareholders and institutional investors to support the expansion and integration of the enlarged group.

    Marechale’s new model combines corporate finance, capital markets expertise, tokenisation technology and asset management capabilities. A central element of the strategy is gaining exposure to the expanding market for tokenised assets, allowing the group to operate across both conventional and digital financial markets.

    Management believes the enlarged platform can broaden Marechale’s addressable market, introduce additional revenue streams and strengthen its position at the convergence of traditional finance and emerging digital asset infrastructure.

    Financial Performance Remains a Challenge

    Despite the strategic transformation, Marechale’s financial profile remains constrained by negative margins and persistently negative operating and free cash flow.

    Technical indicators provide some support, with the shares trading above important moving averages. However, elevated RSI readings suggest potentially overbought conditions and an increased risk of near-term volatility. Valuation also remains difficult to assess positively while losses leave the company trading on a negative price-to-earnings ratio.

    More About Marechale Capital

    Marechale Capital is an AIM-quoted UK digital merchant banking group providing corporate finance, capital markets, tokenisation and asset management services. Its activities are focused on growth businesses across areas including consumer, leisure, clean energy and technology.

    Following its strategic expansion, the group operates through businesses including Stanford Capital Partners, Blubird Global and NJC Capital, supported by the Blubird technology platform. Marechale’s strategy is designed to connect traditional capital markets expertise with the developing digital and tokenised asset economy.

  • Kazera Global 2A Report Confirms High-Grade Resource and Significant Expansion Potential

    Kazera Global 2A Report Confirms High-Grade Resource and Significant Expansion Potential

    Kazera Global (LSE:KZG) has published the final independent technical report for its Sea Concession 2A heavy mineral sands project in South Africa, confirming an Inferred Mineral Resource of 6.65 million tonnes grading 20.04% total heavy minerals. The resource covers a 42.86-hectare surf-zone evaluation area representing only 1.42% of the overall concession.

    Evaluated Resource Carries Indicative US$369.3 Million In-Situ Value

    Using second-quarter 2026 commodity prices, the identified mineralisation has an indicative in-situ value of approximately US$369.3 million. The resource contains a high proportion of potentially economic heavy minerals, including ilmenite, garnet, zircon and rutile.

    The figures represent an assessment of the minerals contained within the ground rather than a declaration of recoverable economic value. No ore reserve has been established at this stage.

    Remaining Concession Offers Large Exploration Target

    The technical report also highlights the potential scale of the unexplored portion of Sea Concession 2A. The remaining 98.58% of the licence area has been identified as a substantial geological target that could, on a conservative conceptual basis, contain a further 265.2 million tonnes of heavy mineral sands.

    However, the grade, recoverability and economic characteristics of this additional material have yet to be established. Further exploration will therefore be required before any mineral resource or reserve can be attributed to these areas.

    Despite those uncertainties, the findings strengthen the geological and technical foundation for future exploration, mine planning and potential commercial development. Securing the mining right for Concession 2A remains the key regulatory milestone before the project can advance further.

    Financial Risks Offset Positive Technical Momentum

    Kazera’s broader outlook continues to be constrained by weak financial performance, including an absence of revenue, significant ongoing losses and persistent cash consumption. Balance-sheet support also remains relatively limited as debt levels increase.

    Technical indicators offer a more positive signal, with the shares trading above major moving averages and the MACD remaining positive. However, elevated RSI and stochastic readings indicate potentially overbought conditions, creating some risk of near-term volatility.

    Valuation metrics provide limited support while the company remains loss-making, resulting in a negative price-to-earnings ratio, while no dividend yield is currently indicated.

    More About Kazera Global plc

    Kazera Global plc is an AIM-quoted investment company focused on opportunities within the natural resources sector, with heavy mineral sands representing a key area of its portfolio.

    Its Sea Concession 2A project is located at Alexander Bay in South Africa’s Northern Cape. The project targets heavy minerals including ilmenite, garnet, zircon and rutile within surf-zone and mid-water deposits along the country’s Atlantic coastline.

  • Phoenix Copper Launches Updated Reserves Study for Empire Project

    Phoenix Copper Launches Updated Reserves Study for Empire Project

    Phoenix Copper (LSE:PXC) has appointed a team of technical advisers to update the pre-feasibility study and open-pit mineral resource and reserve estimates for its Empire project in Idaho. Hardrock Consulting, metallurgist Deepak Molhatra and Valley Science and Engineering will carry out the work, which is targeted for completion by the end of the year.

    Updated Study to Support Final Feasibility Work

    The revised study will provide key technical information for Phoenix Copper’s final feasibility engineering and an updated Plan of Operations covering the proposed Empire open-pit mine.

    As part of the process, the advisers will recalculate the project’s reserves using current, higher metal prices. This will provide an updated assessment of Empire’s potential economics following the publication of Phoenix Copper’s inaugural mineral reserve statement in 2024.

    Management said its established relationships with the appointed consultants should help accelerate the technical programme. The updated resource, reserve and economic work represents another step towards determining the development potential of Empire and advancing the project towards possible production.

    Financial and Technical Risks Remain

    Despite progress at Empire, Phoenix Copper’s outlook continues to be constrained by its financial performance. The company currently generates no revenue and remains loss-making and cash consumptive, although its financial position showed some improvement during 2025 and its balance sheet remains comparatively stronger.

    Technical indicators also present challenges, with the shares trading below important moving averages and the MACD remaining negative, indicating bearish momentum. Conventional valuation measures provide little support because the company has negative earnings and does not currently offer a stated dividend yield.

    More About Phoenix Copper

    Phoenix Copper is an AIM-quoted exploration and emerging production company focused on base and precious metals projects in the United States. Its initial development strategy centres on potential open-pit production of copper, gold and silver.

    The company’s flagship asset is the Empire Mine in Idaho’s historic Alder Creek mining district. Drilling conducted since 2017 has more than tripled the project’s open-pit resource, providing the foundation for the maiden mineral reserve estimate published in 2024. Phoenix Copper is continuing technical and engineering work as it progresses Empire towards a potential development decision.

  • Quantum Helium Advances Sagebrush Engineering and Expands Colorado Drilling Pipeline

    Quantum Helium Advances Sagebrush Engineering and Expands Colorado Drilling Pipeline

    Quantum Helium (LSE:QHE) has reported further progress at its Sagebrush project in Colorado, where engineering and reservoir optimisation work is underway following encouraging results from an extended production test. Testing confirmed helium-bearing gas concentrations of around 2.5%, alongside strong reservoir connectivity, rapid pressure recovery and commercial oil within the Leadville Formation.

    Sagebrush Work Targets Higher Flow Rates

    The company is finalising an engineering and reservoir assessment that will determine the design of a larger stimulation and testing programme at Sagebrush. The next phase of work will be financed from Quantum’s existing cash resources and is intended to improve production flow rates.

    The programme is expected to provide additional information needed to establish a potential route towards commercial helium production while integrating the oil production identified within the reservoir.

    Colorado Exploration Pipeline Expands

    Alongside work at Sagebrush, Quantum is progressing permitting and drilling preparations for two near-term oil prospects, Little Ute SE and Yellow Jacket SE.

    The company has also identified three larger helium and oil opportunities at Mariano Wash SE, Lula and Sagebrush East, located across or adjacent to its existing Colorado acreage. Applications for additional acreage are also being prepared as Quantum seeks to establish a multi-year drilling inventory.

    Together, these projects form part of the company’s strategy to develop a multi-field helium and associated oil business in Colorado rather than relying on a single producing asset.

    Quantum is also approaching the end of the review process for a proposed listing on the U.S. OTC Markets. The additional quotation is intended to increase the company’s visibility and provide access to a broader base of U.S. investors.

    Financial Risks Continue to Weigh on Outlook

    Quantum’s financial position remains a significant risk despite the benefit of a debt-free balance sheet. Persistent losses, fluctuating revenue and increasing cash consumption continue to weigh on the company’s overall financial profile.

    Technical indicators provide some near-term support for the shares, while the price-to-earnings valuation appears relatively low. However, these factors currently offer limited protection against the risks associated with negative cash flow and inconsistent profitability.

    More About Quantum Helium Limited

    Quantum Helium Limited is an AIM-listed exploration and production company focused on helium and associated oil resources in Colorado. The company holds majority interests in the Sagebrush and Coyote Wash projects, where its strategy centres on developing a portfolio of helium and oil opportunities.

    Quantum is seeking to establish a multi-field operation supported by independently assessed helium resources, existing oil production and a growing pipeline of exploration and development prospects across its Colorado acreage.

  • Acuity RM Group Secures £159,300 UK Public Sector STREAM® Contract

    Acuity RM Group Secures £159,300 UK Public Sector STREAM® Contract

    Acuity RM Group plc (LSE:ACRM) has secured a three-year agreement with an unnamed UK public sector organisation for the deployment of its STREAM® risk management platform. The contract has a total value of £159,300, comprising annual licence fees of £45,000 alongside initial services revenue, adding to the cybersecurity-focused software group’s growing public sector business.

    STREAM® Deployment Offers Scope for Expansion

    The initial rollout of STREAM® will focus on one team within the customer organisation, where the platform will be used to address specific risk management requirements. Acuity said other teams are already considering adopting the technology, creating the potential for a wider deployment across the organisation.

    The contract follows targeted investment by Acuity in developing its presence within the UK public sector. A broader rollout could generate additional subscription revenue and support the group’s strategy of increasing recurring income while strengthening its position in government risk management.

    Losses and Cash Burn Remain Key Challenges

    While the latest contract provides further commercial momentum, Acuity’s financial outlook continues to be affected by ongoing losses and persistent cash consumption, despite the company maintaining relatively low levels of debt.

    Technical indicators also remain subdued, with the shares trading below important moving averages and the MACD in negative territory. Valuation offers limited support at present, given the company’s negative price-to-earnings ratio and absence of a dividend yield.

    More About Acuity RM Group plc

    Acuity RM Group plc is a UK software company specialising in the cybersecurity segment of the Governance, Risk and Compliance market. Through its STREAM® platform, the company provides technology designed to collect and analyse risk-related information, helping organisations improve oversight and support business decision-making.

    Listed on AIM, Acuity serves customers across sectors including government, defence, broadcasting, utilities, manufacturing and healthcare. Its growth strategy combines organic expansion with complementary acquisitions, with STREAM® positioned as an enterprise risk management solution for organisations managing complex governance and operational risks.

  • Amigo Resources Introduces First Dividend Policy as Gold Production Plans Advance

    Amigo Resources Introduces First Dividend Policy as Gold Production Plans Advance

    Amigo Resources PLC (LSE:AMGO) has introduced its first formal dividend policy as the company works towards becoming a free cash flow-generating gold producer. The board is targeting the payment of an inaugural dividend within the next 12 months, reflecting its ambition to establish Amigo as a dividend-paying mining company while aligning the interests of management and shareholders.

    Semi-Annual Dividend Framework Established

    Under the newly adopted framework, Amigo intends to consider dividend payments twice a year, targeting a payout equivalent to between 40% and 80% of net profit. Any distributions will remain dependent on available cash, financing covenants and the operational and investment requirements of the business.

    The company also plans to minimise dilution for existing shareholders by seeking to raise capital primarily through its individual project subsidiaries. This approach is intended to allow cash generated from Amigo’s Tanzanian operations to be reinvested where necessary before ultimately being available for distribution to shareholders.

    Financial Performance Remains a Key Risk

    Despite the dividend ambitions, Amigo’s outlook continues to face challenges from volatile financial performance. These include a significantly reduced revenue base, inconsistent profitability, periods of negative equity and recent cash outflows.

    Technical indicators provide some support following a short-term recovery in the shares, although the broader financial picture remains uncertain. Valuation metrics are also difficult to assess positively given the negative price-to-earnings ratio and the absence of a current dividend yield.

    More About Amigo Resources PLC

    Amigo Resources PLC is a London-listed mining company with interests in gold, platinum group metals and rare earth projects across Africa, principally in Tanzania and Mauritania. The company is seeking to transition towards active gold production, with the longer-term objective of generating sustainable cash flow and returning a portion of profits to shareholders through dividends.