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Why Madsen Will Work This Time: A Smarter Start for a Legendary Gold Mine

Jennifer L
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0
Why Madsen Will Work This Time: A Smarter Start for a Legendary Gold Mine

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

The Madsen Mine, located in Ontario’s renowned Red Lake gold district, has a legacy of high-grade gold production. Historically, this region has produced over 30 million ounces of gold, proving its geological richness and mining potential. However, previous attempts to revive the Madsen Mine fell short due to operational inefficiencies and technical missteps. 

Today, under the leadership of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. (WRLG), Madsen is setting up to succeed. With a clear plan, robust infrastructure improvements, and lessons learned from the past, this revitalized operation is poised to deliver results. 

Here’s why Madsen will work this time.

A Gold-Rich Region with Clear Rules for Success

Red Lake has long been recognized as one of the most prolific gold-producing regions in Canada. The geology is well understood, and successful mining here follows established rules of thumb. West Red Lake Gold Mines has embraced these principles to ensure Madsen’s success.

Madsen map

One critical factor is drilling density – how much drilling is done to really understand the deposit before mining it. The previous operator tried to mine the deposit using drill holes about 20 meters apart. This method didn’t work well for Red Lake’s narrow vein deposits. 

The rule of thumb in this region is 7-meter spacing to define a resource for mining accurately. West Red Lake Gold has followed this standard to define the tonnes it will mine in the first 18 months, with 90,000 metres of drilling already done. It will keep doing this definition drilling for Madsen’s entire lifespan. This commitment ensures precise resource estimation and minimizes risk during production.

Proactive Development: Building Access for Efficiency

Mining narrow vein high-grade deposits requires proactive planning and development. A key lesson from past operators is the need to access multiple work areas at the same time. This means driving tunnels to mining areas is planned 6 to 12 months. The tunnels are used first for definition drilling and then for mining.

West Red Lake Gold has been developing access at Madsen for over 1.5 years already. This approach ensures that drilling and mining operations can proceed smoothly across several areas at any given time. 

By jumping in and getting access development done, the company has mitigated challenges that previously hindered deposit model accuracy and productivity at Madsen and set the stage for sustainable operations.

WRLG deposit and development

Infrastructure Upgrades: Efficiency at Every Level

Operational efficiency is essential for modern mining success. So WRLG made significant investments in upgrading Madsen’s infrastructure. The prior operator built the mine on a tight budget, leaving several critical projects incomplete. These omissions led to inefficiencies that hampered productivity.

West Red Lake Gold tackled these issues directly by finishing important infrastructure projects. These projects boost efficiency throughout the mine:

  • Connection Drift: An underground highway to move material smoothly within the mine.
  • On Site Camp: Quality accommodation facilities to attract and retain good staff.
  • Mine Dry Facility: Enlarging spaces for workers to prepare for shifts.
  • Maintenance Shop: Enabling proper equipment upkeep for higher availability.
  • Primary Crusher Upgrade: Improving rock processing capacity.
  • Tailings Dam Lift: Setting up waste management capabilities proactively.

These upgrades have made Madsen more efficient. Now, it can handle modern production needs and reduce downtime.

Operational Readiness: Building for Success 

Mines are complex systems that require careful preparation before full-scale operations can begin. West Red Lake Gold understands this and has prioritized building out, testing, and refining each component of Madsen’s operations before starting production at full capacity.

The company has made significant progress in preparing Madsen Mine for its restart. Underground development rates are steadily increasing, ensuring access to multiple mining areas. Also, mining operations have achieved consistent accuracy while daily tonnage has risen as planned. 

WRLG average development per day

The mill, restarted after 28 months of dry shutdown, has operated smoothly following extensive pre-commissioning efforts. A high-grade ore stockpile is growing toward the 30,000-tonne goal, providing over a month of operational flexibility. 

Safety remains a top priority, with a strong culture reinforced across the workforce. Additionally, over 200 personnel have been hired, ensuring the mine is staffed for efficient operations.

This focus on operational readiness means testing equipment, systems, and processes. The company wants to ensure they are reliable from day one. By addressing potential issues during the preparation phase, WRLG cut risks associated with startup delays or inefficiencies.

Lessons From the Past

Notably, restarting Madsen brings important lessons from past operators. A key takeaway is the need to align operational strategies with the unique characteristics of narrow vein deposits in Red Lake. 

West Red Lake Gold’s adherence to best practices—such as tighter drill spacing and proactive access development—demonstrates its commitment to overcoming past challenges.

Also, the company has improved infrastructure and operational readiness. This has fixed issues that previously hurt productivity at Madsen. These measures not only enhance efficiency but also position the mine for long-term success.

A New Era for Madsen

Under West Red Lake Gold Mines, Madsen Mine is entering a new era defined by strategic planning, operational excellence, and sustainability. Madsen is now equipped to succeed where others struggled by addressing past shortcomings:

  • Insufficient drill spacing,
  • Lack of access to development, and
  • Incomplete infrastructure.

The company takes a proactive approach that helps ensure accurate resource estimates. Its investments in infrastructure and readiness further support efficient production. WRLG’s focus on sustainability and responsibility in Madsen makes it a model for modern mining in Canada.

This time around, Madsen is set to work and thrive as Canada’s newest gold mine. With production slated to begin soon, stakeholders can look forward to a bright mining future driven by innovation, efficiency, and resilience.

DISCLAIMER 

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

Buying Low, Building Smart: WRLG’s High-Stakes Gold Play Pays Off

Saptakee S
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0
Buying Low, Building Smart: WRLG’s High-Stakes Gold Play Pays Off

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

In early 2023, when gold hovered around US$1,970 per ounce and market momentum was weak, most investors played it safe. But West Red Lake Gold Mines Inc. (WRLG) didn’t. Instead, they took a bold, contrarian bet by acquiring the Madsen Mine—a once-prominent gold producer in Ontario’s Red Lake district—for C$6.5 million in cash, 40.73 million WRLG shares, a 1% Net Smelter Return (NSR) royalty, and deferred consideration payments of US$6.8 million.

Contrarian Call Pays Off: Reviving Madsen Mine

The mine had collapsed under its previous owner, Pure Gold Mining, due to a flawed resource model and undercapitalized execution. Despite over C$350 million invested by Pure Gold over seven years, the mine produced disappointing results and eventually went bankrupt. Most investors ran from the wreckage.

west red lake gold WRLG
Source: WRLG

However, WRLG could foresee the potential of this mine. Madsen had produced over 2 million ounces of gold historically. It sat on high-grade mineralization in one of the world’s richest gold belts. The mine was fully permitted, had most of the required infrastructure in place, and needed the right team to fix past mistakes.

Expertise at Work: Fixing What Others Couldn’t

From mid-2023 to mid-2025, WRLG has done the grind to turn things around. They raised $140 million in tough markets. It was no easy feat, but gold-experienced investors understood the value of WRLG’s deep technical know-how. That know-how showed through in a clear plan for Madsen: rebuild trust, improve the resource model, add some key pieces of missing infrastructure, and prepare Madsen for a clean restart.

Key steps included:

  • An intensive program of definition drilling to tighten spacing from ~20 meters to ~7 meters, to inform an accurate and high-resolution model of the gold deposit.
  • Building a mine plan to optimize efficient mine design and mining optionality, two requirements for successful mining
  • Completing critical infrastructure to support efficient operations, like the 1,448-meter Connection Drift—a major underground haulage route that was completed on time in March 2025 – and the 114-person on-site camp.
  • Validating the entire approach via a bulk sample test, pulling 15,000 tonnes from six stopes in three parts of the resource to show that actual tonnes, grade, and contained gold on mining aligns very closely with WRLG’s modelled predictions.

WRLG has a strong backup from top mining investment firms like Sprott Lending, Van Eck Funds, and Accilent Capital and renowned mining legend Frank Giustra. Together, they’ve backed the company’s aggressive but carefully executed transformation.

Shane Williams, President and CEO of WRLG said,

“West Red Lake Gold has worked intensely over the last 16 months to greatly improve our knowledge of the orebody and de-risk the project with the objective of executing a successful restart of the Madsen Mine, and this PFS is the culmination of that effort. This initial reserve mine plan only taps well defined and tightly drilled parts of the deposit relatively close to existing workings and still generates robust margins based on a production rate of approximately 70,000 oz. per year that generate almost $400 million in post-tax free cash flow over a 7-year mine life.”

Execution Meets Opportunity: All Set for Production in 2025

Because of all this diligent planning and relentless effort, WRLG restarted the mine on time in late May and will ramp up gold production at the Madsen Mine through the second half of 2025. Achieving a purchase-to-production turnaround in just two years is rare in the mining world. This short timeline speaks volumes about WRLG’s pace and precision.

GOLD wrlg
Source: WRLG

In January 2025, the company released a pre-feasibility mine plan showing strong free cash flow potential. And that’s before even factoring in upside from ongoing exploration. Since acquiring the mine, WRLG has invested CAD$140 million. Add to that the CAD$350 million spent by the previous owner and compare it to WRLG’s current valuation and position on the edge of gold production, and you get an undervalued project with significant built-in advantages.

Most importantly, WRLG is gearing up for production just as the gold market is exploding. Gold prices have hit all-time highs, recently trading above CAD$4,150 per ounce. The second quarter of 2025 set a record for average gold prices, and investors are now moving into gold equities, pushing valuations higher across the board.

WRLG is standing out for the right reasons. It’s a near-term producer sitting on a permitted, high-grade deposit in one of the world’s most proven gold districts. The infrastructure is in place, the plan is clear, and the timeline is short.

GOLD WRLG
Source: WRLG

Smart, Bold, and Ready to Shine

West Red Lake Gold didn’t just pick up a bargain. They saw a failed operation and knew exactly what needed fixing. With vision, technical know-how, and rigorous follow-through, the company has turned a broken asset into a rare opportunity.

They moved in when others backed off and demonstrated with a successful bulk sample that their strategy works. Now, they’re ready to produce gold just as the market is red hot. This perfect mix of timing, talent, and hard work makes WRLG one of the most exciting gold stories unfolding today.

It’s best defined in their words,

“We are visionaries who acted on a coming market, pushed hard to unlock the value in a hated asset, and are now poised to be a rare and desirable new gold mine as gold trades through all-time highs and keeps climbing”.

DISCLAIMER

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

Offset Your Carbon Footprint (and Make a Profit)

Saptakee S
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0
Offset Your Carbon Footprint (and Make a Profit)

Disseminated on behalf of World Tree.

What if your next investment could help the planet and your portfolio? With World Tree’s 2025 Eco-Tree Program, it can.

As North America’s largest grower of Empress trees, World Tree plants hardwoods that grow 3X faster than traditional trees, sequester massive amounts of carbon, and regenerate farmland. Just one acre offsets your carbon footprint for an entire decade.

Even better? Each acre you invest can also return up to $20,000 within 8-12 years. Here’s how World Tree is changing the landscape, literally and figuratively, of sustainable investing.

How You Can Profit

Here’s how your investment works:

  • You Invest: Your funds go directly toward planting Empress Splendor trees across carefully selected farms in the U.S., Mexico, and Costa Rica.
  • They Grow: Over 8–12 years, the trees mature into premium-grade lumber.
  • You Earn: You get 30% of the profits when we sell our trees. Based on an 80% survival and an average selling price of 5.89 per board foot, you can make up to a 5X return on your investment.

Why the 2025 Eco-Tree Program Stands Out

World Tree is perfectly positioned to capitalize on this lumber boom, a $170B North American opportunity already, with demand expected to quadruple by 2050.

With over 7,000 acres planted across 375 carefully vetted farms, they’ve established themselves as the largest grower of Empress Splendor trees in North and Latin America. These farms are rigorously selected, ensuring optimal conditions for growth and committed farmers who receive ongoing support and training.

Meanwhile, Empress Splendor trees are a game-changer in the industry, reaching maturity 3X faster than traditional trees like cedar. World Tree’s proven expertise, extensive infrastructure, and trusted partnerships make it the leader in this market, offering investors a rare opportunity to benefit from this fast-growing opportunity.

The Environmental Bonus

Profits aren’t the only benefit this deal delivers. Investing in the 2025 Eco-Tree Program can help save our planet.

Each acre of Empress Splendor trees offsets a decade of carbon emissions for the average person, making it one of the most efficient natural carbon sequestration tools available. And even beyond capturing carbon, these trees restore degraded farmland, promoting healthier ecosystems through soil revitalization.

By planting these fast-growing trees, World Tree also enhances biodiversity, creating habitats for pollinators and protecting native forests. This is an investment that not only generates financial returns but also leaves a lasting environmental legacy.

Don’t Miss This Low Price

This deal gets even better for those who act quickly. Investments made before the deadline will secure the current unit price before it increases.

That means an acre investment before the deadline could return as much as $24,000. And more trees mean more profits (and a bigger environmental impact).

In the end, the 2025 Eco-Tree Program offers an investment opportunity that’s as rare as rewarding. And with the deadline before the current price increases fast approaching, the time to act is now.

Make the most of your stake in the lumber boom with the fastest-growing trees around. Visit invest.ecotreeprogram.com to learn more before the price increase takes effect.

This is a paid advertisement for World Tree’s Regulation CF Offering. Please read the offering circular at invest.ecotreeprogram.com

Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

From NASA to the US Navy, This Could Power ‘Infinite’ Energy

Jennifer L
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0
From NASA to the US Navy, This Could Power ‘Infinite’ Energy

Disseminated on behalf of Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc.

Truly “infinite” clean energy might be a long way off. But one thing is certain: We’re getting closer, and Infinity Fuel is a huge part of it.

Their patented air-independent fuel cell has shown that it can provide power by turning hydrogen and oxygen into water and back again in an ongoing loop. 

The technology is hitting major milestones with NASA and other partners lately. And it’s happening right as investors have a new opportunity to join Infinity in their transition from R&D to commercial deals.

Here’s why this should be on every investor’s radar. 

Infinity Could Power a NASA Moon Mission

For decades, Infinity Fuel has been developing air-independent energy technology with NASA, the US Navy, and commercial space partners. The technology is meant to last for long periods in the most extreme conditions, like deep underwater or in space. 

Past and current members of their team have been involved in every space flight fuel cell program since NASA’s Project Gemini in the 1960s. Infinity has even sent their fuel cells aboard two Blue Origin rocket launches.

With $50M+ in contracts (past and current) to develop these systems, they’re now making strides that could bring years of successful testing to the real world.

Most recently, Infinity proved its fuel cell could survive a cold lunar night. This involved completing 2,600 hours of testing with NASA on two lunar regenerative fuel cell stacks. 

But a moon mission is just one of the many ways this technology is impacting our world.

How Infinity Enables Longer US Navy Journeys

What makes Infinity’s fuel cells capable of lasting in deep space or underwater?

At the core of this innovation is a patented, air-independent fuel cell paired with a high-pressure electrolyzer system. It’s designed to store and regenerate power using hydrogen and oxygen, without requiring any external air, compressors, or noisy support systems.

This allows Infinity’s systems to operate silently and efficiently in places other power sources can’t—like submerged uncrewed underwater vehicles (UUVs) for up to 70 days, or in space during 14-day lunar nights at -280°F.

That’s what Infinity is doing for the US Navy.

But they also recently signed a preliminary partnership agreement with a leading international developer of UUVs, opening the door to a projected $11B UUV market.

The US Air Force, Infinity’s commercial space partners, and other entities are poised to benefit from this technology as well.

These are all signs that Infinity Fuel’s future is bright, and we haven’t even discussed their latest progress towards commercialization yet.

Infinity’s Commercial Partnership wth Plug Power 

One of Infinity’s most exciting recent business developments was its new supplier and partner agreement with Plug Power (Nasdaq: PLUG).

Plug is a global leader in hydrogen electrolyzer tech. It gives Infinity a much bigger potential doorway to commercial markets like hydrogen-powered microgrids, subsea refueling, and clean energy for off-grid islands. 

This is a huge step towards commercializing Infinity’s tech, and a big reason why they have opened a limited-time investment opportunity.

Why Investors Are Watching Infinity Fuel

With government validation, growing commercial interest, and a reserved Nasdaq ticker (IFCH), Infinity is now raising capital to scale their technology into broader markets.

The shift toward long-duration power and decentralized hydrogen infrastructure is accelerating. And Infinity Fuel represents one of the most compelling energy opportunities in the sector.

Learn more about the company behind some of the world’s most advanced energy systems and how you can become an early shareholder.

This is a paid advertisement for Infinity Fuel Cell and Hydrogen, Inc. Reg CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.infinityfuel.com/.

Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

The Rarity of a New Gold Mine: West Red Lake Gold Could Be a Golden 2025 Opportunity

Saptakee S
-
0
The Rarity of a New Gold Mine: West Red Lake Gold Could Be a Golden 2025 Opportunity

Disseminated on behalf of West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd.

Gold mining has always been tough, but discovering and developing new mines is getting even tougher and rarer. Even when a new deposit is found, production can take years and sometimes decades.

S&P Global reported that gold exploration budgets dropped 7% to $5.55 billion in 2024, marking the lowest share in a decade. While gold still made up 45% of global exploration, the number of explorers fell 8% to 1,235. This decline came as big companies merged and fewer small explorers entered the market.

gold
Source: S&P Global

Even with record-high gold prices, companies are focusing on cutting costs and avoiding risks. Smaller explorers are struggling to get funding, making it harder for new projects to start. This is why there is a “rarity of a new gold mine today”.

Moving forward, the big question is: With a supply deficit and soaring gold prices, are gold stocks still a smart investment? Let’s take a look at how investors are responding to this market.

Glittering Gains: Gold’s Supply Crunch Boosts Stocks

Gold mining companies, especially those close to production, present strong investment potential. Global macroeconomic and political uncertainty, inflation, and a supply crunch of the metal are all combining to make gold stocks appealing. Add in record gold prices that have not yet lifted gold stock prices and optimism in the market remains high.

With gold prices at record highs and rising economic uncertainty, investors are once again turning to gold equities for big gains. However, not all gold stocks perform the same. Developer-to-producer companies have an advantage: they move from spending money on building a mine to actually producing and selling gold. This shift often triggers a stock re-rating, leading to significant returns for investors.

Investing in a Gold Bull Market

Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, has surged to repeated record highs in 2025. On April 22, the spot price reached $3,424 per ounce and briefly touched $3,432 in early May before stabilizing around $3,244.

This rally has been driven by escalating trade tensions, a weakening U.S. dollar, and strong demand from both institutional and retail investors. Over the past year, gold has gained nearly 50%, reflecting investors’ search for stability and long-term value amid ongoing market turbulence.

The bullish momentum is further fueled by persistent inflation fears, geopolitical uncertainty, expectations of potential U.S. Federal Reserve rate cuts, and continued buying by central banks and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

gold
Source: Bloomberg

Moving on, if you’re looking to invest in gold during this bull market, here are your main options:

  1. Major gold miners/indices

These provide steady exposure to gold’s price movements with lower risk. As gold prices rise, miners generate more revenue. However, their stock prices don’t generally give a lot of additional leverage to gold’s moves.

  1. Developer-to-producer companies

These companies offer strong upside potential. Once a mine enters production, the company transitions from burning cash to generating revenue. This often leads to a stock price gain. Most projects that reach the construction phase successfully enter production. This makes them a relatively safe bet compared to exploration stocks.

Gold Mining Companies Gain Value

For years, Western investors ignored gold and favored tech stocks instead. But that’s changing. Rising inflation and new tariffs have pushed investors back to gold as a “safe haven”. Meanwhile, China, India, and the Middle East have been stockpiling gold for years. This has significantly strengthened their influence in the market.

The entire gold mining sector holds a market cap of $600 billion, while the top five tech companies combined are worth $15 trillion. A shift of just 1% of tech investments into gold miners could boost the sector’s market cap by 25%. If investors start to rotate some capital into gold stocks, the growth potential could be massive.

This also shows that as the gold supply tightens, existing mining companies will become more valuable.

A Rare Opportunity: West Red Lake Gold Mines Launching in 2025

Coming out of many years of investor disinterest in gold stocks, in 2025 very few single-asset gold companies will begin production. As per a BMO report from January 2025, West Red Lake Gold Mines (TSXV: WRLG; OTCQB: WRLGF) is the only single-asset company launching production in a tier-one jurisdiction this year.

There are four single-asset North American-listed companies starting up new gold mines this year. But…

  • Artemis Gold: Already pouring gold and has re-rated.
  • Two other projects in Mongolia and Guinea: These are riskier due to geopolitical concerns.

Thus, WRLG stands out as a strong opportunity for investors looking for growth in a safe and mining-friendly region.

Reviving the Madsen Gold Mine

West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. is a publicly traded company focused on restarting the Madsen Mine and exploring its 47 sq-km land package in Ontario’s Red Lake Gold District.

The Madsen Mine has a strong history, producing 2 million ounces of high-grade gold between 1936 and 1971. However, a recent attempt to restart operations failed due to an inaccurate resource model and lack of funding, leading to low gold production and high costs.

West Red Lake acquired the mine in early 2023 and has been working to fix these issues. The company just restarted the mine and is ramping up production over the second half of the year, aiming to unlock the mine’s full potential.

The Red Lake Gold District in Northwest Ontario is one of the world’s richest gold regions, with over 30 million ounces of high-grade gold mined to date.

WRLG GOLD

Near-Term Producers Offer the Best Returns

West Red Lake Gold Mines believes, “Timing is everything in gold investing”.

The biggest gains typically happen when a company transitions from development to production. This phase is known as the “golden runway” because substantial stock price appreciation often happens. This pattern is illustrated in the Lassonde Curve, which is a roadmap for how mining projects typically grow in value: big value gains on discovery, valuation deterioration as a project slogs from discovery to build, and then often value gains once again as production finally draws near.

WRLG’s Madsen Mine in Ontario is already built and is ready to restart production in H2 2025. Most significantly, the company has already overcome the major hurdles of permitting, financing, and development.

WRLG gold
Source: WRLG

Conclusion

As economic uncertainty grows, gold is becoming a top long-term investment. But with fewer new discoveries, future supply looks uncertain.

Investors can find the best opportunities in companies with strong growth potential.

    • Established gold producers offer stability with proven success.
    • Developer-to-producer companies like WRLG offer strong potential for major stock jumps.
    • The biggest gains often come from companies moving into production, where investor interest surges.

Canada remains top destination for gold budget

With gold stocks back in demand, the potential for big returns is stronger than ever. In a market with few new mines, WRLG could be as a game changer.

DISCLAIMER 

New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com (“We” or “Us”) are not securities dealers or brokers, investment advisers or financial advisers, and you should not rely on the information herein as investment advice. West Red Lake Gold Mines Ltd. made a one-time payment of $30,000 to provide marketing services for a term of 1 month. None of the owners, members, directors, or employees of New Era Publishing Inc. and/or CarbonCredits.com currently hold, or have any beneficial ownership in, any shares, stocks, or options in the companies mentioned. This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. This does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities. Examples that we provide of share price increases pertaining to a particular Issuer from one referenced date to another represent an arbitrarily chosen time period and are no indication whatsoever of future stock prices for that Issuer and are of no predictive value. Our stock profiles are intended to highlight certain companies for your further investigation; they are not stock recommendations or constitute an offer or sale of the referenced securities. The securities issued by the companies we profile should be considered high risk; if you do invest despite these warnings, you may lose your entire investment. Please do your own research before investing, including reading the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures. It is our policy that information contained in this profile was provided by the company, extracted from SEDAR+ and SEC filings, company websites, and other publicly available sources. We believe the sources and information are accurate and reliable but we cannot guarantee it.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT AND FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information generally can be identified by words such as “anticipate”, “expect”, “estimate”, “forecast”, “planned”, and similar expressions suggesting future outcomes or events. Forward-looking information is based on current expectations of management; however, it is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information in this news release and include without limitation, statements relating to the plans and timing for the potential production of mining operations at the Madsen Mine, the potential (including the amount of tonnes and grades of material from the bulk sample program) of the Madsen Mine; the benefits of test mining; any untapped growth potential in the Madsen deposit or Rowan deposit; and the Company’s future objectives and plans. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

Forward-looking information involves numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking information. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, market volatility; the state of the financial markets for the Company’s securities; fluctuations in commodity prices; timing and results of the cleanup and recovery at the Madsen Mine; and changes in the Company’s business plans. Forward-looking information is based on a number of key expectations and assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and its ability to raise additional capital to proceed. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and the Company’s annual information form for the year ended December 31, 2024, copies of which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

The forward-looking information contained herein is expressly qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement. Forward-looking information reflects management’s current beliefs and is based on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking information is made as of the date of this news release and the Company assumes no obligation to update or revise such information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required by applicable law.

For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s continuous disclosure filings that are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

A Battery ‘2X Better’ than Tesla’s Is Reshaping the $90B Home Power Storage Market

Jennifer L
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0
A Battery ‘2X Better’ than Tesla’s Is Reshaping the $90B Home Power Storage Market

Disseminated on behalf of StorEn.

Demand for home energy storage is booming, with up to 47% of US homes expected to have rooftop solar installations by 2050. But there’s one major flaw: the batteries powering those systems don’t last. 

That’s why StorEn has created a home battery with the potential to last twice as long as Tesla’s Powerwall (the current market leader). 

Here’s why investors need to watch this company. 

How StorEn Is Solving the Home Battery Problem

Most home battery systems, including Tesla’s Powerwall, rely on lithium-ion technology. These batteries degrade quickly, pose safety risks, and create environmental waste. They typically need replacement every 5–10 years and aren’t built for long-term use. They can also burn for days when disaster strikes, releasing toxic fumes, as we saw in the recent California wildfires. 

That’s why the most advanced power plants in the world have been using vanadium flow technology. It’s the same reliable, low-risk battery tech that powers major cities around the world today. 

No one has been able to scale vanadium flow tech down to the residential level. But StorEn is doing it with their first-of-its-kind vanadium flow battery for homes. Instead of 10 years, it’s built to last 20. It’s also small enough to fit inside a garage, with a non-flammable and 100% recyclable design. 

Why StorEn Is A Major Energy Disruptor

The residential energy storage market is expected to surpass $90 billion by 2033, and lithium-ion batteries simply aren’t sustainable enough to meet demand. 

That’s why, while Tesla’s Powerwall holds 62% of the market, StorEn is a prime contender to dominate in the rise of home energy storage. 

Not only can StorEn power homes for up to 20 years, but their solution also unlocks major commercial potential in the telecom and microgrid markets. 

Amid this once-in-a-generation shift in energy, StorEn has all the pieces to thrive. What’s more, they have the track record to prove it. 

StorEn Is Proving Themselves As We Speak

With a pipeline of $11M+ in forecasted revenue and a community of 9,000+ investors already, StorEn is on track to become the leader in long-duration home energy storage.

The company is led by pioneers in energy storage and battery chemistry, including CEO Angelo D’Anzi, a 23-year veteran in fuel cell and electrolyzer development. Angelo himself holds 18 WIPO patents in Vanadium Flow Batteries and Fuel Cells.

Now, this team has patented a vanadium flow battery compact enough to power homes—with the same durability and reliability trusted by cities and industrial plants.

And you have an opportunity to join them.

Why Now Is the Time to Invest in StorEn

As clean energy adoption grows, the need for longer-lasting, safer, and more sustainable batteries is becoming urgent. 

StorEn has raised $12.5M from 9,000+ investors and is preparing for global expansion.

As lithium supply chains face pressure and investors seek genuine innovation, StorEn’s vanadium flow technology offers the long-term solution the market has been anticipating.

Become a StorEn shareholder as they redefine energy storage.

This is a paid advertisement for StorEn’s Regulation CF offering. Please read the offering circular at https://invest.storen.tech/

Disclosure: Owners, members, directors, and employees of carboncredits.com have/may have stock or option positions in any of the companies mentioned: None.

Carboncredits.com receives compensation for this publication and has a business relationship with any company whose stock(s) is/are mentioned in this article.

Additional disclosure: This communication serves the sole purpose of adding value to the research process and is for information only. Please do your own due diligence. Every investment in securities mentioned in publications of carboncredits.com involves risks that could lead to a total loss of the invested capital.

Please read our Full RISKS and DISCLOSURE here.

France’s New Law to Curb Fast Fashion Carbon Footprint: A Closer Look at SHEIN, Temu, and Inditex

Jennifer L
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0
France’s New Law to Curb Fast Fashion Carbon Footprint: A Closer Look at SHEIN, Temu, and Inditex

The French Senate has approved a new legislation that puts strict rules on ultra-fast fashion brands like SHEIN and Temu. This bill bans ads for brands that harm the environment and fines those that don’t follow sustainability rules. The goal is to push the fashion industry toward more eco-friendly practices with lower carbon footprint, aiming to do the following:

  • Bans ads for brands that fail to meet environmental standards.
  • Imposes rules for transparency.
  • Fines those who break these rules.

Starting in 2025, brands may face a €5 tax per item, rising to €10 by 2030, based on their environmental impact. A new eco-score labeling system will also rate the sustainability of clothing, helping consumers make informed choices.

The Fast Fashion’s Environmental Footprint

The move responds to the fashion industry’s massive environmental toll. Globally, the sector is responsible for 10% of CO₂ emissions—more than all international flights and maritime shipping combined. It also generates 92 million tons of textile waste each year, with clothes often discarded after just a few uses.

fast fashion environmental impact
Source: Green Match

Producing a single cotton shirt can consume over 2,700 liters of water. Ultra-fast fashion makes these issues worse. It pushes people to buy cheap, low-quality clothes often.

Between 2000 and 2015, global clothing production doubled, while the average number of times an item is worn fell by 36%. Today, consumers buy 60% more clothes than they did 15 years ago. This “wear once and toss” culture has made fast fashion one of the most polluting industries on the planet.

clothing sales versus clothing use
Source: Earth.Org

The French bill, supported by Senator Estelle Youssouffa, seeks to reverse this trend by holding brands accountable for their ecological impact. It aims to drive transparency, encourage sustainable production, and reduce textile waste. European lawmakers are closely watching this policy as a potential model for broader EU regulations.

The law could reshape the fashion industry. Large fast fashion retailers like Zara and H&M—already investing in sustainability—may find themselves at an advantage.

Meanwhile, brands that rely on volume and low prices must pivot quickly to avoid penalties and reputational damage. Investing in sustainable materials, ethical production, and circular fashion models will be key.

For consumers, clearer product labeling and eco-scores offer greater power to choose sustainable clothing. Studies show over 70% of shoppers are willing to pay more for eco-friendly fashion. France’s new law responds to this shift while pressuring brands to meet rising global standards.

If enforced well, it could drive a worldwide transition toward cleaner, lower carbon footprint, and more responsible fashion.

As scrutiny grows, major players are under pressure to reduce their environmental impact. Let’s uncover and compare the three key companies’ carbon footprint—SHEIN, Temu, and Inditex (Zara)—alongside their net-zero goals, reduction strategies, and carbon offset initiatives.

SHEIN: Big Emissions, Bigger Climate Targets

SHEIN, a China-founded global online fashion retailer, has rapidly grown into one of the most visible names in fast fashion. With that scale comes a high environmental cost.

In 2023, SHEIN reported 16.7 million metric tons of CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) across its entire value chain—almost double its 2022 footprint of 9.17 million tons. Over 99% of emissions come from Scope 3. This includes raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and international shipping.

Shein GHG carbon emissions 2023
Source: Shein 2023 Sustainability Report

Transport alone accounted for 8.52 million metric tons of CO₂e in 2024, a 13.7% increase from the previous year. These figures reflect SHEIN’s global logistics network, which relies heavily on air freight to meet fast delivery times.

To address its growing emissions, SHEIN has committed to science-based targets through the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The company aims to:

  • Reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 42% by 2030
  • Cut Scope 3 emissions by 25% by 2030
  • Achieve net-zero emissions by 2050

SHEIN is taking action. They are nearshoring production to cut air miles and emissions. Also, they switched to renewable energy at key facilities and invested in energy efficiency programs for suppliers. It has also introduced recycling programs and launched a resale platform called SHEIN Exchange to promote circular fashion.

As for carbon offsets, SHEIN has not detailed any large-scale investment in carbon credits or offset projects. Instead, its strategy focuses more on direct reductions within its supply chain and operations. However, the company has stated it is exploring nature-based solutions as part of its long-term climate roadmap.

Temu: Fast Shipping, Limited Transparency

Temu, a part of PDD Holdings from China, launched in the global market in 2022. It follows a fast fashion model like SHEIN but also offers electronics and household items. Its business model focuses on ultra-low prices.

The company ships directly from Chinese factories to customers worldwide. This approach contributes significantly to its carbon footprint.

Temu has not released an official greenhouse gas inventory, making its exact carbon emissions unclear. However, third-party estimates place its annual emissions in the range of 4.3 to 5.8 million metric tons of CO₂e. These numbers mostly show the air-freight emissions from sending over 1 million parcels each day to customers in the U.S. and other markets.

One estimation provides the following results, comparing Temu’s 1kg of shipped items to the UK with related carbon-emitting activities:

Temu shipping emissions comparison
Source: Green Match

Unlike SHEIN or Inditex, Temu has not disclosed any net-zero goals or emissions reduction targets. It does not have verified science-based climate commitments. It has not also published a corporate sustainability report to date.

However, Temu has made some efforts to promote sustainability. They use recyclable packaging and cut down on extra cardboard in shipments. They also support tree planting in their promotional campaigns. However, there is no verified reporting on the scale, impact, or permanence of these initiatives. Its environmental strategy, if any, remains vague and lacks accountability.

Inditex (Zara): Strong Targets, Measured Progress

Inditex, the parent of popular brands like Zara, Pull&Bear, and Bershka, is viewed as a responsible player in the industry. The fashion company has a major carbon footprint, but it has clear climate goals and shares its progress openly.

In 2023, Inditex reported total emissions of about 18.5 million metric tons of CO₂e, including Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Transport-related emissions made up a smaller share than SHEIN’s, with 2.61 million tons of CO₂e from upstream transport in 2024, up 10% from 2023.

Inditex net zero emissions targets 2040
Source: Inditex Report

Inditex has committed to a net-zero target by 2040, supported by the Science-Based Targets initiative. Its climate targets include:

  • Reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline)
  • Cutting Scope 3 emissions by 51% by 2030, and 90% by 2040

The company is taking multiple steps to meet these goals. It has increased its use of recycled and sustainable materials, with 33% of fibers in 2024 coming from recycled sources, up from 18% in 2023. Inditex has also improved logistics efficiency by optimizing shipping routes, using better container loading techniques, and testing alternative fuels for transport.

Unlike Temu, Inditex also supports carbon offset projects. In its 2023 annual report, the company stated that it is investing in nature-based solutions, including reforestation and forest conservation projects. These offsets are used selectively to neutralize emissions that cannot yet be eliminated, especially in logistics and distribution.

Fast Fashion Companies net zero comparison (2)

What’s Next for Fast Fashion?

Fast fashion remains a highly polluting sector, but leading brands are starting to address their environmental and carbon footprint. Among the companies reviewed, Inditex appears to be the most advanced in terms of climate strategy and implementation, followed by SHEIN, which has set clear goals but still has much to do.

Temu, meanwhile, must improve its transparency and adopt measurable targets if it wants to be seen as a responsible player in the industry. As consumer awareness grows and regulations tighten, like those of France, companies should act transparently in their environmental and climate goals. 

BP Halts Indiana Carbon Capture Project Amid Safety and Economic Concerns

Aiden Green
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0
BP Halts Indiana Carbon Capture Project Amid Safety and Economic Concerns

BP has indefinitely paused its carbon capture and storage (CCS) project in Indiana. The plan, aimed at making the state a hub for low-carbon hydrogen, faced strong local opposition. Public safety fears and economic uncertainties have slowed progress. This pause could delay clean energy investments and climate goals across the Midwest.

Why BP Shelved Its Indiana CCS and Blue Hydrogen Plan

BP intended to capture carbon dioxide emissions from its Whiting Refinery and store them underground. This process was crucial for producing blue hydrogen, a cleaner fuel created using fossil fuels paired with carbon capture. This effort was part of its involvement with the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2), with the goal of building a regional hydrogen hub.

But the project hit a wall due to intense local resistance. BP cited several reasons for the pause: economic uncertainty, a slow hydrogen market in the Midwest, a lack of long-term federal support, and one of its main roadblocks—finding a safe site to store the captured carbon

Residents raised concerns about underground CO₂ leaks, water contamination, and long-term environmental risks. Past pipeline accidents in the region heightened these fears. Compounding the issue, Indiana laws allow potential liability to fall on taxpayers if storage sites fail, making investors nervous. As a result, BP shifted focus to its global low-carbon portfolio.

Local Resistance Derails BP’s Low-Carbon Push

Community opposition played a key role in BP’s decision. People living near the proposed storage site feared pipeline ruptures and threats to water, agriculture, and seismic safety. Many voiced a broader distrust of CCS projects, especially when developers fail to fully explain safety protocols.

Environmental justice advocates also challenged why high-risk industrial projects are often sited near low-income or rural communities. Without early and honest engagement, clean energy efforts are likely to stall, even when backed by solid science and funding.

Environmental Setbacks for Indiana and the Midwest Hydrogen Hub

The project would have captured millions of tons of carbon dioxide annually, helping the Whiting Refinery shrink its carbon footprint. This would have positioned Indiana as a key player in the $1 billion U.S. Department of Energy’s Midwest Hydrogen Hub.

However, with the project on pause, those emission reductions—and Indiana’s clean energy leadership—are on hold. The delay puts federal hydrogen funding at risk and could weaken confidence in regional CCS and hydrogen initiatives.

Future of BP’s Hydrogen Strategy Remains Unclear

BP believes hydrogen can play a crucial role in achieving a net-zero energy system. When used as a fuel, it reacts with oxygen to produce only water, without releasing any carbon dioxide.

If its production is fully decarbonized, hydrogen becomes an ideal energy solution for hard-to-abate sectors such as iron, steel, and chemical industries. It is also well-suited for heavy transport modes like trucks, ships, and aircraft, which require compact, high-energy fuels.

BP hydrogen ccs
Source: BP

Even if BP remains committed to global low-carbon projects, Indiana’s setback casts doubt on how quickly blue hydrogen can scale in the U.S. The Whiting Refinery will now continue emitting CO₂ without a capture system, weakening the region’s contribution to federal hydrogen goals.

Going forward, federal agencies may tighten requirements around community engagement before funding new CCS or hydrogen infrastructure. Companies, too, may need to prioritize public education and transparency to gain local approval.

Is Carbon Capture Still a Viable Climate Solution?

BP’s project pause reveals how community pushback can disrupt billion-dollar energy plans. The U.S. government under Biden committed billions to boost hydrogen production and carbon storage. But without local support, these projects struggle to get off the ground.

States like Texas and Louisiana are advancing more smoothly because of clear legal frameworks and stronger public outreach. They may become CCS leaders while regions with legal uncertainty and public skepticism fall behind. Investors are also wary of sudden shifts in strategy, adding to market instability.

Despite setbacks, the carbon capture and storage market is projected to grow.

ccs Wood Mackenzie estimates the U.S. CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and storage) sector could offer a $196 billion investment opportunity over the next 10 years. This is especially true for the oil, gas, chemical, and power industries.

CCS

But Indiana’s experience is a cautionary tale. Legal uncertainties and weak community trust can stop even well-funded, scientifically sound projects. Meanwhile, the blue hydrogen market faces growing competition from green hydrogen, which doesn’t rely on fossil fuels or underground storage.

The pause of BP’s Indiana carbon capture project underscores a critical reality—technical innovation and funding aren’t enough. For carbon capture and hydrogen projects to succeed, companies must build community trust, ensure safety, and operate within clear legal boundaries. Until then, the clean energy transition will remain vulnerable to delays, just when the fight against climate change demands urgency.

Chevron Joins Other Oil Majors to Boost the U.S. Lithium Supply Chain

Saptakee S
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0
Chevron Joins Other Oil Majors to Boost the U.S. Lithium Supply Chain

Chevron U.S.A. Inc., a subsidiary of Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX), has entered the U.S. lithium market by acquiring two major leasehold acreage positions. TerraVolta Resources, backed by an affiliate of The Energy & Minerals Group (EMG), sold the first. East Texas Natural Resources (ETNR) LLC sold the second.

These deals give Chevron control over approximately 125,000 net acres of land across Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas. This area covers parts of the Smackover Formation, known for its lithium-rich brine. The acquisition marks Chevron’s first step into commercial-scale lithium production in the U.S.

Chevron Bets on Faster and Emissions-Free Lithium Extraction

Chevron plans to develop the acreage using Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE). This advanced process pulls lithium from subsurface brines faster and more efficiently than traditional methods. It also reduces the environmental footprint of lithium production and is a key technology for decarbonizing the energy sector.

Jeff Gustavson, president of Chevron New Energies, said,

“This acquisition represents a strategic investment to support energy manufacturing and expand U.S.-based critical mineral supplies. Establishing domestic and resilient lithium supply chains is essential not only to maintaining U.S. energy leadership but also to meeting the growing demand from customers. This opportunity builds on many of Chevron’s strengths including subsurface resource development and value chain integration.”

Lithium Demand Pushes New U.S. Production

Lithium plays a key role in the shift to electric power. It powers batteries used in electric vehicles (EVs), portable electronics, energy storage, and electric tools. Manufacturers also use lithium minerals directly in ceramics and glass.

The U.S. Geological Survey, Mineral Commodity Summaries revealed that currently, Nevada hosts the only commercial-scale lithium brine operation in the U.S. A second project in Utah, which extracted lithium from magnesium waste tailings, shut down in 2024 due to low lithium prices.

Two U.S. companies still produce lithium compounds like lithium carbonate, chloride, and hydroxide. They rely on both domestic and imported sources. However, the government withheld detailed data to protect proprietary business information.

Exxon’s Lithium Plan for the Arkansas 

In November 2023, ExxonMobil announced its first U.S. lithium project in southwest Arkansas, aiming to supply EV batteries under the Mobil Lithium brand. The company targets first production by 2027.

It will use traditional drilling to tap lithium-rich saltwater 10,000 feet underground and apply direct lithium extraction (DLE) to produce battery-grade lithium. The project supports U.S. energy security, manufacturing, and climate goals, marking ExxonMobil’s push into the energy transition.

Equinor Secured DOE Funding for Lithium Projects  

In May 2024, Equinor partnered with Standard Lithium and bought a 45% stake in two lithium projects in Southwest Arkansas and East Texas.

Soon after, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) approved a $225 million grant to support the South West Arkansas (SWA) lithium project. The funding will help build a new processing facility.

In its first phase, the project plans to produce 22,500 tonnes of battery-grade lithium carbonate each year using DLE.

u.s. lithium

Chevron Aligns with the Government’s Push for Domestic Critical Minerals

On April 18, the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council (Permitting Council) took a major step to speed up approvals for domestic mineral production. In response to President Trump’s executive order, Immediate Measures to Increase American Mineral Production, the Council named 10 mining projects that will now benefit from a faster, more transparent federal permitting process.

These projects, targeting minerals like copper, antimony, lithium, and potash, have been granted FAST-41 status. This designation falls under a 2015 federal initiative that streamlines permitting for major infrastructure projects. The White House confirmed more projects will be added soon.

The United States has significant mineral resources but remains heavily dependent on imports for many critical minerals. Thus, the government and companies are taking significant steps to ramp up domestic production and make the nation self-sufficient in the future.

Similarly, Chevron’s lithium acquisition aligns with this national push to boost domestic mineral supplies. As demand for lithium grows and cleaner extraction methods become viable, Chevron is positioning itself as a key player in building a low-carbon, electric future.

Amazon Flies Greener to Net Zero with 9M Liters of Sustainable Fuel from Neste

Jennifer L
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0
Amazon Flies Greener to Net Zero with 9M Liters of Sustainable Fuel from Neste

Amazon is ramping up its net-zero commitment and reducing carbon emissions from its logistics operations by increasing its use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). The e-commerce giant just announced it will buy over 9 million liters, or about 7,500 metric tons, of SAF. This will come from Finnish producer Neste.

The fuel will power Amazon Air cargo flights until 2025. This volume will aid cargo operations at two key California airports: San Francisco International and Ontario International.

This move follows Amazon’s previous SAF investments, including more than 6 million liters used in 2023. Since then, the company has been increasing its SAF purchases, aiming to make air freight more sustainable.

What’s Sustainable Aviation Fuel? The Science of Cleaner Jet Fuel

Air freight has a history of high emissions. Amazon’s choice to work with Neste, a top renewable fuel producer, shows how private firms are speeding up climate action in supply chains. And SAF shows a promising solution.

Sustainable aviation fuel is a renewable alternative to conventional fossil-based jet fuel. SAF can come from many sources. These include used cooking oils, agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and woody biomass.

Renewable sources can cut aviation fuel’s lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional jet fuel. SAF meets aviation standards – it can blend with fossil fuels, so no engine modifications are needed.

Despite these benefits, SAF still represents only a small fraction of total jet fuel consumption worldwide. In 2024, it accounted for just 0.3% of global aviation fuel use, according to estimates from the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

state of SAF in 2023 IATA data

Yet, the push to scale up SAF production is gaining momentum. Amazon’s investment in SAF helps meet its net zero and climate goals. It also supports the wider push to reduce carbon emissions in aviation.

Carl Nyberg, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Renewable Products at Neste, remarked:

“We are excited to provide SAF to Amazon Air at two major airports in California… This milestone sends a positive signal that SAF is available to airlines and cargo operators, like Amazon Air at these airports.”

The SAF Struggle: Costs, Feedstocks, and Gaps to Fill

  • High Cost and Supply Gaps. SAF typically costs 2 to 7 times more than fossil jet fuel, creating hurdles for airlines unless long-term commitments and mandates exist.
  • Feedstock Scarcity. HEFA feedstocks (like used fats and oils) are limited, pushing producers toward agricultural or woody waste—though these bring logistical and certification challenges.
    Regional Supply-Demand Mismatch. In Asia, production capacity is soon to exceed demand, potentially lowering prices, but without mandates, airlines may lack incentive.

Amazon’s SAF Purchase: Why It Matters?

Amazon’s decision to purchase nearly 10 million liters of SAF in 2025 is important for several reasons. First, it shows that sustainable fuels can be scaled to serve logistics operations, not just commercial passenger flights.

Amazon’s fuel volume is now over three times its 2023 SAF usage. This makes the retail giant one of the top adopters of SAF among large cargo operators.

Second, the deal provides a level of demand certainty for Neste and other SAF producers, encouraging them to expand production capacity and invest in new technologies. Long-term agreements like this help stabilize the growing SAF market.

demand for SAF 2050

Also, this deal gives producers the confidence to expand their operations. Thus, major buyers will fund decarbonization efforts, even without global rules.

Third, the emissions impact of this fuel use is notable. SAF has the potential to reduce lifecycle emissions by up to 80%. Based on the 2023 figures, Amazon’s SAF purchases that year helped avoid an estimated 15,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e).

SAF carbon lifecycle
Source: IATA

With even more fuel planned for 2025, Amazon’s climate gains could be substantially higher. These cuts help the company keep its promise to The Climate Pledge. Amazon plans to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040.

Amazon net zero 2040 journey
Source: Amazon

Using SAF for cargo flights meets rising demands from consumers, investors, and regulators. They expect companies to lower their environmental impact. Amazon’s global growth may lead the way in clean logistics. This investment could inspire other big retailers and logistics firms.

Boosting Fossil Fuel Free Aviation

Neste is a Finland-based global leader in the production of renewable fuels and sustainable aviation fuel. Originally an oil refining company, Neste has transformed itself into one of the largest producers of renewable diesel and SAF made from waste and residue raw materials like used cooking oil and animal fats.

The company operates SAF production facilities in Finland, the Netherlands, and the United States. It supplies fuel to airlines, airports, and corporations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.

Neste’s SAF can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% over the lifecycle of the fuel compared to fossil jet fuel. The company plays a key role in helping the aviation industry meet climate targets. It is actively expanding its SAF production capacity to meet rising global demand.

Future Fuel: Where SAF Goes from Here

The outlook for SAF is promising, though challenges remain. Global SAF production reached about 1.3 billion liters in 2024 and is projected to increase sharply over the next five years.

Forecasts suggest SAF annual production could reach between 23 and 30 billion liters—roughly 6 to 8 billion gallons—by 2030. This would be a big step, but it would only meet a small part of global jet fuel demand. So, more policy and industry support are still necessary.

SAF supply forecast 2030

Efforts are also underway to diversify SAF production technologies. Current supplies mainly use HEFA (hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids) from used oils.

Researchers and producers are also working on alternatives. These include alcohol-to-jet (ATJ) fuels, Fischer–Tropsch synthesis, and synthetic e-fuels. The latter uses green hydrogen and carbon capture. These technologies can ease feedstock limits. They also allow for bigger emissions cuts in the long run.

Amazon’s SAF Bet Sets the Pace

In the meantime, corporate buyers like Amazon play a critical role in demonstrating market demand and driving investment. Using SAF widely and building strong supply chains can help companies lower the environmental impact of air travel.

Amazon’s expanded use of sustainable aviation fuel marks a pivotal step in its efforts to decarbonize its supply chain. By securing more than 9 million liters of SAF for 2025, the company is not only reducing emissions from its cargo flights but also helping the aviation sector move closer to net zero.

As policies tighten and global demand for low-carbon logistics increases, Amazon’s leadership in adopting SAF could influence competitors and partners to follow suit. While the journey to net-zero aviation is far from complete, initiatives like this one from Amazon show that meaningful progress is underway.

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