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Atome PLC (LSE:ATOM) has provided an update on its investment dispute with the Paraguayan Government concerning electricity supply arrangements for its US$665 million Villeta green fertiliser project, warning that it may pursue an international arbitration claim seeking damages exceeding US$100 million if a negotiated resolution cannot be reached.

The AIM-listed company also rejected reports published in Paraguayan media concerning the project and the dispute, describing the coverage as inaccurate and misleading.

Atome confirmed that any formal investment treaty claim would be pursued through international arbitration at the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington, D.C., under the UK-Paraguay Bilateral Investment Treaty, rather than through Paraguay’s domestic courts.

The disagreement centres on the electricity pricing and regulatory arrangements underpinning the Villeta development, which is designed to use hydropower to manufacture green fertiliser products.

According to Atome, its investment decisions were based on assurances from Paraguayan state authorities regarding access to electricity at previously agreed tariffs, supported by a regulatory framework established for the project.

The company said these arrangements included a new power purchase agreement (PPA) negotiated with Paraguay’s national electricity utility, Administración Nacional de Electricidad (ANDE).

Atome maintains that the subsequent repeal of the regulatory framework affected the commercial basis on which the project had been developed.

The company said the changes occurred as the Villeta project, which it described as fully funded, was preparing to begin construction.

Atome argues that the removal of the agreed regulatory arrangements has affected the project’s financial viability and led it to serve a formal notice of dispute under the bilateral investment treaty.

The company has continued discussions with Paraguayan authorities in an effort to reach a negotiated settlement.

As part of those discussions, Atome submitted a proposal for a long-term electricity pricing structure under a power purchase agreement that it considers capable of supporting the project’s development.

However, the company said the proposal has effectively been rejected by ANDE and the Paraguayan Government. No alternative commercial terms have been agreed, according to Atome.

The company also reported that the continuing negotiations have resulted in delays to the project timetable and additional expenditure.

Atome warned that, without an agreed resolution, it may proceed with a formal arbitration claim seeking damages well into nine figures.

No arbitration award or determination of liability has been reported, and the company’s potential claim remains subject to the initiation and outcome of any formal proceedings.

Atome reiterated that it remains willing to pursue an amicable agreement with the Paraguayan authorities that would allow the Villeta development to proceed under commercially viable electricity supply arrangements.

The project’s future timetable remains dependent on resolving the outstanding electricity tariff and regulatory issues.

About Atome PLC

Atome PLC (LSE:ATOM) is an AIM-listed company developing green fertiliser production projects using renewable electricity. Its principal development is the Villeta project in Paraguay, which is designed to use hydropower to manufacture ammonia-based fertiliser products.

The company is pursuing large-scale fertiliser production supported by international development financing and long-term electricity supply arrangements. Its Villeta project is currently affected by an unresolved dispute concerning power tariffs and the regulatory framework governing electricity supply.

Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc (LSE:DFCH) has reported a 22% year-on-year increase in new loan originations to £561 million during the third quarter of 2026, alongside a 22% expansion in its loan book to £929 million.

The specialist UK bank said lending activity increased during the period, supported by growth in its existing finance operations and continued expansion of its asset finance business.

DF Capital reported that portfolio quality remained stable, with arrears at low levels and exposure to non-performing loans remaining controlled.

The group also provided an update on lending exposures associated with two insolvent dealers. It expects to sell or redistribute approximately £27 million of related assets without recording additional credit losses.

According to the company, the anticipated recovery of these assets forms part of its ongoing management of credit exposures within its lending portfolio.

In its asset finance division, DF Capital reported that the combined consumer and business lending book reached approximately £78 million by the end of the third quarter.

This represents nearly twice the level recorded at the midpoint of 2026, reflecting an increase in lending activity across the division.

The bank has also expanded its distribution network, with more than 290 dealers and over 390 retail locations now originating loans through its financing arrangements.

Alongside the increase in participating dealers and locations, DF Capital has introduced an enhanced dealer finance application process and launched a direct-to-consumer lending portal.

The new digital services provide additional channels through which customers can access the bank’s finance products, complementing its existing dealer-based lending operations.

DF Capital said these developments are intended to support further expansion of its asset finance activities and increase the number of customers able to access its lending services.

The group’s broader lending business continues to provide inventory and structured finance solutions to manufacturers, distributors and dealers across the UK.

Its operations are supported by a deposit-taking business offering savings products, which forms part of the bank’s funding arrangements.

Following the third-quarter performance, DF Capital confirmed that it remains on track to meet market expectations for the full year.

The company has not announced any changes to its full-year financial guidance in connection with the trading update.

About DF Capital

Distribution Finance Capital Holdings plc (LSE:DFCH), trading as DF Capital, is a UK specialist bank providing inventory finance, structured lending and asset finance products to manufacturers, dealers, distributors, businesses and consumers.

The AIM-listed group operates through dealer-based lending arrangements and digital financing platforms, including a direct-to-consumer portal. Its lending activities are supported by a savings business offering deposit products to customers in the UK.

Hargreaves Services plc (LSE:HSP) has been awarded an engineering contract by Sizewell C Limited to deliver three foul water treatment facilities for the Sizewell C nuclear power project in the UK, with work scheduled to begin in early 2027.

The contract covers the design, procurement, manufacture, installation, testing and commissioning of the treatment facilities, which will support construction activities at the nuclear power development.

The project is expected to run for approximately two years, providing additional contracted work for Hargreaves’ engineering and environmental services operations.

According to the company, the contract will contribute to revenue during the financial years ending May 2027 and May 2028.

Hargreaves confirmed that the award supports its existing forecasts for revenue and underlying profit before tax, with no changes to those expectations announced in connection with the contract.

The work falls within the group’s specialist engineering activities, which include the provision of environmental infrastructure and mechanical and electrical services for major industrial and energy projects.

The three foul water treatment facilities will form part of the infrastructure required during the construction phase of Sizewell C, with Hargreaves responsible for delivering the systems through to testing and commissioning.

The contract also places Hargreaves within the wider supply chain supporting the nuclear power development.

Sizewell C Limited has reported approximately £5 billion of spending within the UK and engagement with more than 1,000 domestic suppliers as part of the project’s development and construction activities.

The engineering award represents an additional infrastructure contract for Hargreaves, whose Services division provides specialist support across energy, environmental and industrial markets.

The company’s activities include earthmoving, materials handling, waste management, mechanical and electrical contracting, industrial services and logistics.

Hargreaves continues to pursue contracted work across UK infrastructure and energy projects alongside its other business operations.

The Sizewell C contract is expected to provide work over the next two years, with delivery commencing in early 2027 and extending across the company’s subsequent financial reporting periods.

About Hargreaves Services

Hargreaves Services plc (LSE:HSP) is a UK-based diversified services group operating across environmental services, energy, infrastructure and industrial markets.

Its Services division provides earthmoving, waste management, materials handling, industrial services, mechanical and electrical contracting, and logistics support for infrastructure and energy projects.

The group also operates land development activities and businesses involved in industrial raw materials trading and recycling in Germany.

Seraphim Space Investment Trust Plc (LSE:SSIT) has announced a £52.2 million increase in the estimated fair value of its existing investment in Xona Space Systems following a new financing round, alongside an additional US$15 million investment through the trust’s C share portfolio.

The London-listed SpaceTech investment company said the latest financing establishes a revised valuation for Xona, a US-based developer of satellite navigation technology, resulting in an increase in the assessed value of Seraphim’s existing ordinary share holding.

Based on current exchange rates, the transaction implies a £52.2 million uplift in the fair value of the trust’s existing Xona investment, equivalent to approximately 22.0 pence per ordinary share.

Seraphim intends to incorporate the revised valuation into its portfolio assessment as at 30 September 2026.

Following the financing, Xona has become the trust’s second-largest portfolio holding by value, reflecting the increased valuation of its existing investment.

The additional US$15 million commitment from Seraphim’s C share portfolio increases the trust’s financial exposure to Xona as the company continues developing its satellite-based positioning, navigation and timing technology.

Xona is developing a commercial global positioning system using a constellation of satellites operating in low Earth orbit (LEO). The company aims to provide centimetre-level positioning accuracy through a system designed to complement existing government-operated GPS infrastructure.

According to Xona, its technology is intended to improve the accuracy, resilience and security of satellite navigation and timing services.

Potential applications include autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, robotics, advanced air mobility and industrial logistics, where positioning accuracy and reliable navigation data are operational requirements.

The technology is also being developed for applications associated with national security and infrastructure systems that depend on satellite-based positioning and timing.

Seraphim’s investment forms part of its portfolio of early-stage and growth-stage companies operating across satellite technology, communications, navigation and related space infrastructure.

The £52.2 million valuation adjustment relates to the trust’s existing Xona holding and represents a change in its estimated fair value rather than proceeds from a disposal.

The final valuation incorporated into Seraphim’s portfolio reporting will reflect the financing transaction and the applicable exchange rates.

About Seraphim Space Investment Trust

Seraphim Space Investment Trust Plc (LSE:SSIT) is a London-listed investment company focused on businesses developing space-related technologies and infrastructure. Its portfolio includes early-stage and growth-stage companies operating in satellite communications, navigation, positioning and other SpaceTech markets.

Portfolio company Xona Space Systems Inc. is developing a commercial low Earth orbit satellite navigation constellation designed to provide centimetre-level positioning accuracy and complementary services to existing GPS infrastructure. Its proposed applications include autonomous transport, robotics, drones, industrial operations and national security systems.

Mincon Group plc (LSE:MCON) has raised its full-year 2026 revenue and EBITDA expectations following a 28% increase in revenue during the first nine months of the year, supported by higher demand across its construction and mining operations.

The Irish engineering group reported that revenue for the nine months to 30 September 2026 increased by 28% compared with the corresponding period in 2025, with construction activities accounting for much of the growth.

Mincon said its construction business benefited from increased demand for its drilling products, including its spiral flush drilled foundations system, which has gained additional commercial activity in North America.

The company also secured two new projects in Sweden, with work scheduled for completion between late 2026 and early 2027. These contracts form part of Mincon’s ongoing activities in the construction and infrastructure markets.

Alongside the expansion in construction-related sales, Mincon reported growth in its mining business across Africa, Australia and North America.

The company said higher sales volumes across these regions contributed to the overall increase in revenue during the period.

However, increased raw material costs affected margins, prompting Mincon to introduce modest selling price increases to offset part of the additional expenditure.

According to the group, some input cost pressures have subsequently eased, partially reducing the impact of higher material prices on its operations.

Mincon also reported improvements in operating leverage as increased production throughput allowed the business to spread operating costs across higher sales volumes.

The combination of increased revenue, improved operating leverage and moderating input costs has led the board to revise its financial expectations for the remainder of the year.

Management now expects both revenue and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) for the full year ending 31 December 2026 to exceed current market expectations.

The company has not provided revised numerical forecasts for either measure in the trading update.

Mincon continues to serve construction and mining customers through its international manufacturing and distribution network, with operations spanning Europe, North America, Africa and Australia.

The group’s activities include the manufacture and supply of rock drilling tools, consumables and specialist foundation drilling equipment used in construction and mineral extraction.

The board’s updated guidance reflects trading during the first nine months of 2026 and its current expectations for the final quarter.

About Mincon Group

Mincon Group plc (LSE:MCON) is an Irish engineering company specialising in the design, manufacture, distribution and servicing of rock drilling tools and associated consumable products for the construction and mining industries.

The group operates manufacturing facilities in Ireland, Finland, the United States, South Africa, Canada, Sweden and Australia, supported by an international sales and service network. Its product portfolio includes drilling equipment and specialist foundation solutions, including its spiral flush drilled foundations system.

Amigo Resources PLC (LSE:AMGO) has reported progress in expanding its gold and platinum group metals (PGM) processing operations in Tanzania, with installation of commercial-scale equipment at its Mojimoto and Kabete sites scheduled for completion in early fourth-quarter 2026.

The company is transitioning both locations from pilot-scale operations to integrated commercial processing facilities, with major crushing, grinding, gravity separation and leaching equipment already delivered.

Installation and assembly activities are continuing at both sites as Amigo prepares to increase ore processing capacity.

Once commissioned, each facility is expected to process approximately 300 tonnes of ore per day, providing a combined designed capacity of around 600 tonnes daily across the two operations.

The processing circuits are being developed to handle both run-of-mine ore and historical tailings, allowing the company to treat different sources of mineralised material through the same facilities.

According to Amigo, the processing arrangements are also designed to recover gold alongside a concentrate containing platinum group metals.

The potential production of PGM-bearing concentrate forms part of the company’s evaluation of additional metallurgical processing options in Tanzania.

Amigo is assessing the feasibility of using a copper-matte pyrometallurgical process to recover value from the concentrate. Stationary reverberatory and induction furnaces have already been mobilised to support the required metallurgical testing.

The company said any decision to establish a copper-matte processing operation will depend on the results of testing, economic assessments and engineering studies. No commercial production timetable has been confirmed for this potential processing route.

At Mojimoto and Kabete, existing pilot-scale infrastructure is being dismantled to accommodate the higher-capacity processing circuits.

The company is also awaiting final environmental clearances relating to certain chemicals required for its leaching operations. These approvals remain outstanding ahead of the planned commencement of commercial processing.

During the installation and commissioning period, Amigo has temporarily suspended its monthly production and revenue reporting.

The company intends to resume these disclosures once the new processing facilities have been commissioned and commercial operations have stabilised.

The expansion programme is intended to increase processing throughput at both Tanzanian sites while enabling the recovery of gold and PGM-bearing concentrate from run-of-mine material and historical tailings.

Commercial production at the planned capacity remains dependent on completing equipment installation, commissioning activities and the outstanding environmental approval requirements.

About Amigo Resources

Amigo Resources PLC (LSE:AMGO) is a London-listed mining company focused on gold, platinum group metals and rare earth mineral opportunities across Africa. Incorporated in England and Wales, the company is developing its Mojimoto and Kabete operations in Tanzania, where it is installing commercial-scale mineral processing facilities designed to recover gold and PGM-bearing concentrate.

Mendell Helium plc (LSE:MDH) has acquired the remaining 25% interest in the Nilson 22-1 well in Haskell County, Kansas, increasing its ownership to 100% through a share-based transaction valued at approximately US$186,000.

The acquisition consideration consists of 3,094,000 new ordinary shares issued at 4.48 pence per share. Mendell said the transaction was completed without paying a control premium to the minority interest holders.

The Nilson well is located within the Hugoton gas field in south-western Kansas and produces helium, methane and natural gas liquids. The well is connected to an established gas gathering network and the Jayhawk processing plant, allowing production to be processed without requiring on-site gas purification facilities.

According to the company, the well underwent hydraulic fracturing in late 2024, resulting in flow rates exceeding 100 thousand cubic feet (Mcf) per day.

Mendell described Nilson as one of the higher-producing wells in the region following the completion of the stimulation programme.

The company also identified potential opportunities to increase production from the well, although further development will depend partly on its ability to reduce water disposal costs associated with operations.

By acquiring the outstanding minority interest, Mendell will receive the full revenue attributable to Nilson production, rather than its previous 75% share.

The transaction also provides the company with complete ownership of the asset ahead of planned pricing negotiations with its existing off-taker.

Mendell said the negotiations will take place against a backdrop of higher helium and methane market prices. Any changes to future sales arrangements will depend on the outcome of those discussions.

The Nilson acquisition forms part of Mendell’s wider operations in Kansas, where the company holds interests in five producing wells within the Hugoton gas field.

These assets benefit from existing gas gathering and processing infrastructure, enabling the company to generate revenue from multiple gas products without installing dedicated purification equipment at each well.

Mendell also operates helium-focused assets in the Fort Dodge area through its subsidiary M3 Helium, including the Rost 1-26 and Rost 2-26 wells.

Following completion of the Nilson transaction, the company will have full ownership of the well and its associated production revenues, while continuing to evaluate operational improvements and commercial arrangements across its Kansas portfolio.

About Mendell Helium

Mendell Helium plc (LSE:MDH) is a London-listed helium exploration and production company operating primarily in Kansas, United States, through its subsidiary M3 Helium. Its activities include helium extraction and the production of methane and natural gas liquids.

The company’s portfolio includes helium-focused wells in the Fort Dodge area, such as Rost 1-26 and Rost 2-26, alongside interests in producing wells in the Hugoton gas field. Its operations use a combination of on-site gas treatment facilities and established third-party gathering and processing infrastructure.

Eco Buildings Group plc (LSE:ECOB) has provided an update on the development of a new AI-enabled manufacturing line at its operations in Durrës, Albania, confirming that the project remains on schedule and within budget, with commissioning expected by the end of 2026.

The new production line, ordered in June 2026, is being developed to manufacture large glass fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG) wall panels through an automated process. The investment is intended to increase the company’s manufacturing capacity and support the delivery of prefabricated building systems for larger construction projects.

According to Eco Buildings, the production line will incorporate artificial intelligence-based monitoring systems designed to identify potential equipment faults and operational inefficiencies before they interrupt manufacturing activities.

The company expects these systems to improve production reliability, reduce downtime and support more consistent manufacturing costs as output increases.

Development work is being carried out by engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors under the supervision of Eco Buildings’ technical team based in Albania.

The contractors are using the company’s proprietary manufacturing designs and operational data to support installation and commissioning. Eco Buildings said this approach is intended to establish a production model that can be replicated at additional facilities.

At maximum planned utilisation, the new line is designed to operate for up to 2.5 shifts per day, six days a week. This operating schedule would provide additional manufacturing capacity for the production of GFRG panels used in residential and other construction applications.

The company is seeking to expand its manufacturing operations beyond individual construction projects by developing production infrastructure capable of supporting multiple contracts and larger building programmes.

Management considers the investment part of its strategy to increase manufacturing capacity through automation and standardised production processes.

The additional capacity is intended to support Eco Buildings’ commercial pipeline, although future production volumes and utilisation will depend on the conversion of prospective projects into contracts and their subsequent execution.

Eco Buildings continues to progress the installation of the new line, with commissioning targeted before the end of the year. The company has not announced any change to the project’s budget or planned timetable.

About Eco Buildings Group

Eco Buildings Group plc (LSE:ECOB) is a prefabricated construction materials company specialising in glass fibre reinforced gypsum (GFRG) wall panels. Its manufacturing operations in Albania produce building components for residential and other construction applications, including affordable and higher-end housing. The company uses factory-based production processes and automated manufacturing technology to develop prefabricated building systems.

Capricorn Energy PLC (LSE:CNE) has provided an update on its proposed acquisition by Genel Energy through its Bidco vehicle, confirming that the increased recommended cash offer is progressing towards completion, with one Egyptian regulatory condition remaining outstanding.

The company announced that an updated supplementary letter relating to the revised acquisition terms is being distributed to shareholders and made available online. The document provides further information on the status of the transaction and the remaining steps required before completion.

Capricorn confirmed that the Court of Session has not required any additional shareholder meetings in connection with the Genel transaction. As a result, shareholders are not currently required to undertake any further voting action regarding the proposed acquisition.

The company also reported that the Egyptian Merger Condition has been satisfied, leaving only the remaining Egyptian regulatory condition to be fulfilled.

According to Capricorn, Genel Energy and Bidco, discussions with the Egyptian Government regarding the outstanding requirement have progressed. The parties continue to expect the acquisition scheme to become effective during the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to satisfaction of the remaining condition.

Alongside the progress on the Genel transaction, Capricorn has outlined its intentions regarding the competing takeover proposal from DNO.

The company’s board intends to adjourn indefinitely the court meeting and general meeting associated with the DNO Offer. Capricorn has also reiterated its recommendation that shareholders take no further action in relation to that proposal.

The board continues to support the increased cash acquisition offer from Genel Energy’s Bidco vehicle, which remains the recommended transaction.

The proposed acquisition has therefore progressed beyond the Egyptian Merger Condition, although completion remains dependent on the outstanding regulatory requirement.

Capricorn said the parties are continuing their engagement with the Egyptian authorities as they work towards the anticipated fourth-quarter completion timetable.

About Capricorn Energy

Capricorn Energy PLC (LSE:CNE) is a UK-based oil and gas exploration and production company with operations focused on Egypt and other international assets. The company operates in the upstream energy sector and is listed on the London Stock Exchange. Capricorn is currently the subject of competing acquisition proposals involving Genel Energy and DNO, with its board recommending the increased cash offer from Genel Energy’s Bidco vehicle.