From Resource to Battery-Grade: How NILI Aims to Deliver 99% Purity Lithium

Saptakee S

-

January 15, 2026

From Resource to Battery-Grade: How NILI Aims to Deliver 99% Purity Lithium

Disseminated on behalf of Surge Battery Metals Inc.

The global race for electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy storage is accelerating fast. But beyond the hype around resource discoveries, a quieter and more critical race is taking shape, the race for lithium purity. While many lithium developers highlight their large deposits, what truly matters to EV and battery manufacturers is the ability to deliver ultra-pure, battery-grade lithium.

Surge Battery Metals (TSXV: NILI, OTC: NILIF) is emerging as a leader in this next phase of the lithium story. The company is not just measuring tons in the ground, it is proving its ability to produce 99% pure lithium carbonate, the key ingredient for advanced EV batteries. With its Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP), NILI is positioning itself to supply premium-quality lithium directly to top-tier EV and energy storage manufacturers.

The company also achieved a significant milestone this September. It signed an LOI with Evolution Mining (ASX: EVN) to form a joint venture at NNLP. Under the agreement, Surge retains 77% and Evolution starts with 23%, funding up to C$10 million for the Preliminary Feasibility Study. This investment could increase Evolution’s stake to 32.5%, while Surge remains as project manager.

In addition, Evolution contributes 75% of its mineral rights on 880 acres of private land, plus 21,000 more acres of highly prospective ground. This significantly expands the project’s footprint.

Moving forward, the JV will focus on advancing the Pre-Feasibility Study, building directly on the strong 2025 PEA results and setting the stage for the next development phase.

Why Purity Matters: The Technical Case for 99%

In the battery industry, purity is more than a technical specification—it defines performance and reliability. EV manufacturers and battery cell producers require lithium carbonate and hydroxide of exceptionally high quality, as even minor impurities can affect efficiency, safety, and longevity.

Even trace amounts of iron, magnesium, or boron can cause major problems. These impurities shorten battery life, reduce energy density, and increase safety risks. As automakers shift to more advanced chemistries like NMC (nickel-manganese-cobalt) and solid-state batteries, the demand for cleaner, high-spec lithium becomes non-negotiable. However, NMC batteries had a drawback. They depended on costly and volatile metals like nickel and cobalt.

And thus, LFP batteries emerged as a game-changer.

ALSO SEE: America’s Lithium Gap: How Surge Battery Metals Could Bridge the Supply Shortfall

LFP Batteries Are Now Reshaping EVs

LFP, or lithium iron phosphate batteries, remove nickel and cobalt entirely, using iron and phosphate instead. These materials are cheaper, safer, and easier to source. LFP batteries also last longer, charge faster, and handle heat better, making them ideal for affordable, large-scale EV production.

In 2022, LFP accounted for 37% of global EV battery chemistry. By 2024, it reached nearly 50%, and the trend continues.

LFP battery lithium — Source: Katusa Research

For lithium investors, this matters. LFP relies heavily on lithium carbonate, the purest, most in-demand form of lithium. With nickel and cobalt out, lithium becomes central, tightening markets as more EV makers adopt LFP

High-purity lithium does more than meet technical standards. It also commands higher prices and long-term supply contracts. Automakers and energy storage providers prefer suppliers who can consistently deliver premium-quality lithium while maintaining environmental responsibility. For them, reliability, repeatability, and sustainability are just as important as cost.

The Nevada North Lithium Project: Scale with Substance

NILI’s flagship Nevada North Lithium Project (NNLP) combines resource scale with exceptional quality. Located in Nevada, a region known for its lithium-rich claystone deposits, NNLP has an inferred resource of 8.65 million tonnes of lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE), grading 2,955 ppm lithium at a 1,250 ppm cutoff.

These numbers put it among the most promising new lithium projects in North America. But NILI’s true edge comes from its ability to turn that resource into battery-grade lithium carbonate. Laboratory and pilot-scale metallurgical tests have already confirmed purity levels at or above 99%, exceeding typical chemical-grade standards.

According to the company’s Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA), completed by M3 Engineering & Technology and Independent Mining Consultants, the project is designed for scale and efficiency.

Key highlights include:

Annual output: 86,300 tonnes of LCE, expandable to 109,100 tonnes at full production.
Recovery rate: Averaging 82.8%, thanks to advanced leaching and purification processes.
Operating cost: As low as $5,097 per tonne LCE, ensuring competitive margins.
Mine life: Estimated at 42 years, based on a conventional open-pit operation.

This combination of high-grade resource and proven processing ability gives NNLP a powerful advantage in a market shifting toward quality over quantity.

Inside NILI’s Metallurgical Advantage

Metallurgical testing is where NILI truly sets itself apart. Turning claystone into battery-grade lithium requires technical mastery and process control. Surge’s team has developed a refined purification flowsheet tailored to Nevada’s unique claystone composition.

Recent pilot-scale trials achieved lithium carbonate purity of 99%, meeting or exceeding international benchmarks. These tests also showed strong impurity control, particularly for metals like iron and boron, which are critical for EV battery safety.

Mr. Greg Reimer, Chief Executive Officer, and Director commented,

“Beyond our initial metallurgical and analytical works in 2023 to estimate acid consumption and identify the clay types, we are very pleased to have taken the next step and have passed the important ‘proof of concept’ trial showing that the clays of our Nevada North Lithium Project can be used to produce lithium carbonate exceeding 99% purity. In doing so, we have managed the technological risk sufficient to warrant the next step, which will include upsizing the laboratory trials to build a sufficient inventory of technical grade lithium carbonate that we can purify to demonstrate if the NNLP clay is a suitable source to produce battery-grade lithium carbonate.”

NILI’s process is both efficient and sustainable. By optimizing reagent use and reducing energy consumption, the company supports strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals while keeping costs low.

A Step-by-Step Look at NILI’s Lithium Purification

Here’s a simplified look at NILI’s five-step purification process that converts raw claystone into 99% pure lithium carbonate:

Ore Preparation and Leaching: The lithium-rich claystone is mined, milled, and treated with acid to dissolve lithium from the rock.
Solid-Liquid Separation: The resulting slurry is filtered to isolate a lithium-rich solution from unwanted solids.
Selective Impurity Removal: Using precipitation, ion-exchange, and solvent extraction, key impurities like magnesium, calcium, and boron are removed.
Lithium Carbonate Precipitation: The purified solution reacts with carbonate sources such as soda ash to form lithium carbonate crystals.
Final Polishing and Quality Control: The crystals are dried, rechecked for purity, and recirculated if needed to achieve consistent 99% results.

This closed-loop design maximizes recovery while minimizing waste, an important feature for both efficiency and sustainability.

Surge Battery Metals Lithium — Source: Surge Battery Metals

Commercial Significance: Why OEMs Are Watching Closely

As the lithium market evolves, a clear divide is forming. Companies capable of producing high-purity, battery-grade material are securing premium contracts and long-term partnerships. Others producing lower-grade lithium face downward pricing pressure and limited buyers.

Energy Storage Systems (ESS) are now becoming a major swing factor in lithium demand. After what looked like a soft stretch for lithium prices, ESS battery shipments have shown massive growth year-to-date. Updated J.P. Morgan forecasts increased ESS shipments +50% for this year and +43% for next year, with ESS now projected to represent 30% of total lithium demand by 2026, rising to 36% by 2030.

By 2030, total lithium demand is expected to reach ~2.8 Mt LCE, aligning with the consensus range referenced by Albemarle. Meanwhile, global EV demand is forecast to grow 3–5% annually between 2025–2030 — making ESS the category that prevents a persistent market surplus and tightens supply.

At the same time, the company aligns with North American supply chain goals, offering secure, ESG-compliant lithium production close to home. With the U.S. and Canadian governments pushing for “friendshoring” of strategic minerals, NILI’s Nevada-based project fits perfectly into the policy framework for domestic critical mineral supply.

lithium supply and demand — Source: Katusa Research

By focusing on purity and process control, NILI aims not only to sell lithium but to become a trusted technology and supply chain partner for OEMs seeking quality assurance and long-term reliability.

For Investors: Why Processing Capability Matters

For investors, NILI’s story goes beyond having a large lithium deposit. The real value lies in its processing expertise. Producing 99% battery-grade lithium at a commercial scale requires deep technical know-how, efficient design, and capital discipline.

NILI’s PEA shows impressive financial metrics:

After-tax NPV: US$9.21 billion (at 8% discount).
Internal Rate of Return (IRR): 22.8%.
Payback period: Less than five years.
High operating margins, supported by strong resource grades and cost-effective processing.

These numbers underline a vital message: processing quality drives profitability. Investors looking for long-term exposure to the clean energy transition should note that companies capable of producing high-purity lithium will capture premium market share and valuation upside.

The Purity Premium in the Lithium Race

As the global energy transition speeds up, success will depend not just on who can find lithium but on who can refine it to perfection. Surge Battery Metals is proving it can deliver battery-grade lithium carbonate with 99% purity, meeting the toughest technical and commercial standards in the industry.

And that is a powerful differentiator for investors. NILI’s combination of resource scale, refining precision, and strategic positioning in Nevada gives it a strong foundation to become a leading supplier to the North American EV and energy storage markets.

In the new lithium economy, purity equals power, and NILI is setting the benchmark for both.

FURTHER READING: Nevada Lithium Hub: Why Surge Battery Metals Holds the Key to U.S. EV Independence

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. Surge Battery Metals Inc. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $50,000 to provide marketing services for a term of two months. 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 of the companies mentioned.

This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It 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 arbitrarily chosen time periods 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 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 reviewing the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures.

It is our policy that the 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 them.

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,” “plan,” 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 those anticipated.

These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. 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 financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.

Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and 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.

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.

ChatGPT vs. Gemini: Who Leads the AI Race and at What Environmental Cost?

Jennifer L

-

January 15, 2026

0

ChatGPT vs. Gemini: Who Leads the AI Race and at What Environmental Cost?

The battle between OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini is one of the most talked-about stories in technology today. These two artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots dominate the market for generative AI tools. They power smart responses, summaries, writing help, and more.

As users and businesses rely on AI more, questions about market competition and environmental impacts have grown. This article compares the two leaders in terms of market share, energy use, carbon footprint, and water consumption to give a clear picture of where the AI landscape stands in 2026.

Market Share: Where ChatGPT and Gemini Stand

As of early 2026, ChatGPT still leads the AI chatbot market. ChatGPT has around 68% of the market share based on visits and user interactions. This is less than its previous dominance.

In comparison, Google Gemini accounts for about 18.2% of the market share, showing rapid growth over the past year. This shift marks a major change in how users choose AI tools worldwide.

ChatGPT has maintained a large user base with around 800-900 million weekly active users and billions of monthly visits. But Gemini is also growing fast. Its user numbers have increased as Google adds it to more services.

Other AI platforms, such as DeepSeek, Grok, Perplexity, and Claude, hold smaller shares of the market but are growing in niche areas. ChatGPT and Gemini lead the global chatbot market. This shows a duopoly trend, with two main players in control.

The market positions of ChatGPT and Gemini reflect their different strategies. OpenAI built ChatGPT as a standalone AI platform with powerful language skills. It became popular early and gained millions of users quickly.

Google, meanwhile, embedded Gemini into search engines, Android devices, and other Google apps. This gives Gemini a wide reach, helping it grow faster in recent years as users encounter it automatically.

For users, this means choice. Some prefer ChatGPT’s deep text-generation and creative outputs. Others choose Gemini for quick answers tied to search and Android use.

As both platforms grow, competition will likely push innovation in AI quality, safety, and usefulness. And for climate-conscious and environmentalists, this means taking a closer look at the platforms’ growing energy use, carbon emissions, and water use.

AI’s Energy Footprint: Data Centers and Electricity

As AI use expands rapidly, the energy footprint of the technology has become an important topic. AI models like ChatGPT and Gemini run on large networks of servers housed in data centers. These facilities use electricity to power computing tasks and to keep equipment cool.

In 2024, data centers used around 415 terawatt-hours (TWh) of electricity. This is about 1.5% of the world’s total electricity consumption. AI workloads are a growing part of this total.

The International Energy Agency predicts that data center electricity use may double to around 945 TWh by 2030.

This increase comes as AI and other digital services grow. Another research shows the same trend:

AI electricity use varies by task. Training large models—such as initial versions of GPT and other deep learning systems—can consume very large amounts of power. For example, training early large language models used tens of gigawatt-hours of electricity.

Running the model for user queries (called inference) uses much less energy per request but occurs far more frequently.

In a direct comparison of per-prompt energy use, Google found that a typical Gemini text prompt consumes about 0.24 watt-hours (Wh) of electricity. This is roughly equivalent to the energy used by a small household device running for a few seconds.

ChatGPT queries, on the other hand, use about 0.34 Wh of electricity. That’s similar to running a lightbulb for a short time. This makes per-query energy costs relatively low but still significant when scaled to billions of daily uses. Over time, improvements in hardware and software have greatly reduced energy and carbon use per prompt.

RELATED: ChatGPT Hits 700M Weekly Users, But at What Environmental Cost?

Carbon in the Cloud: Emissions of AI Systems

Carbon emissions from AI are tied closely to electricity use. Where the electricity comes from—renewable sources versus fossil fuels—greatly affects emissions. Data centers powered by coal or gas produce more carbon than those using wind, solar or hydroelectric power.

Global AI and data centers are currently responsible for a small but growing share of carbon emissions. Combined data center emissions contribute to the broader trend of digital technologies impacting climate change.

Projections show that by 2035, AI’s carbon footprint may vary greatly. This depends on future energy mixes and how AI is deployed. Estimates suggest possible annual emissions ranging from 300 to 500 million tonnes of CO₂ by the mid-2030s. The exact share attributable to AI specifically will vary based on how much AI workloads grow within overall data center use.

ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini differ in their carbon footprints per query. A typical ChatGPT query generates about 0.15 grams of CO₂ per text prompt. In comparison, a typical Google Gemini query emits around 0.03 grams of CO₂ per prompt. This means Gemini’s per-query carbon footprint is about five times lower than ChatGPT’s based on current estimates.

Google Gemini AI carbon emissions — Source: Google

Both companies promise to cut carbon intensity. They plan to do this by improving data center efficiency, buying renewable energy, and upgrading hardware.

For example, Google reported dramatic reductions in energy and carbon footprints for Gemini queries over a one-year period due to efficiency gains and cleaner energy sourcing.

SEE MORE: Google Reveals the Environmental Cost of Gemini AI Query

Cooling Costs: Water Use in AI Data Centers

Water consumption is another environmental concern for AI because data centers use water for cooling. Keeping servers cool in large facilities often requires water-cooled systems, especially in warmer climates.

Global AI-related water withdrawal has been rising. Estimates suggest that AI data centers might use 4.2–6.6 billion cubic meters per year by 2027, which is equivalent to 4.2–6.6 billion tonnes of water. This amount is similar to the yearly water use of medium-sized countries.

At the individual query level, water use is very small. For example, OpenAI’s CEO has stated that a single ChatGPT query uses about 0.000085 gallons of water (or ~0.32 ml)—a tiny amount comparable to a few drops. But at scale, with billions of queries each day, total water demand becomes significant in the context of data center cooling systems.

Google’s data reveals that a typical Gemini text prompt uses about 0.26 milliliters of water. That’s about the same as a few drops, considering data center operations.

The Bigger Picture: AI’s Environmental Footprint

AI’s environmental footprint extends beyond individual models and queries. Data centers are expanding rapidly because of increased AI adoption and other online services. Data center electricity use might reach almost 3% of global demand by 2030. This growth highlights the importance of sustainable practices in the tech industry.

While per-query energy and carbon figures can seem small, the aggregate impact of billions of daily AI interactions adds up. Power use and cooling needs can stress local energy grids and water supplies. This happens if companies don’t use renewable sources and efficient technologies.

Major tech companies have made public commitments to use renewable energy and improve energy efficiency at data centers. Experts say that real transparency in environmental impacts needs better reporting. It also requires standardized metrics throughout the AI industry.

So, Who Wins the AI Race?

In the AI chatbot market, ChatGPT continues to lead with about 68% market share in 2026, while Google’s Gemini holds approximately 18.2% and is growing fast. Their competition reflects differences in strategy, reach, and integration into broader technology ecosystems.

On environmental performance, both AI systems contribute to energy use, carbon emissions, and water consumption through data centers. Per-query measurements such as 0.24–0.30 Wh of electricity and tiny amounts of water per request show that individual impacts are small.

However, the aggregate resource use of running AI at scale is significant and growing. Global demand for electricity in data centers is expected to rise sharply by 2030. Water use might also increase as AI adoption expands.

Understanding these footprints and market dynamics helps users, developers, and policymakers see the costs and benefits of AI. AI tools like ChatGPT and Gemini will keep changing tech markets. They will also influence talks about sustainability in our digital world.

MUST READ: AI Drives a Transformative Wave in Global Data Centers – and Energy Is the Real Bottleneck

Bain & Company Inks First Direct Air Capture Carbon Removal Deal With Oxy’s 1PointFive

Jennifer L

-

January 15, 2026

0

Bain & Company Inks First Direct Air Capture Carbon Removal Deal With Oxy’s 1PointFive

Bain & Company and Oxy’s 1PointFive announced a new agreement for direct air capture carbon removal credits. Under the deal, Bain & Company will purchase 9,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) credits over three years. The credits will come from direct air capture (DAC) technology developed by 1PointFive at its large STRATOS facility in Texas.

This deal marks an important step in how companies address climate change by removing carbon dioxide (CO₂) directly from the air. It also highlights the increasing importance of advanced technologies that pull CO₂ from the air and store it permanently.

How DAC Removes CO₂ from the Atmosphere

Direct Air Capture is a type of technology that pulls CO₂ out of the atmosphere. A machine uses fans and chemical processes to separate CO₂ from the air. Once CO₂ is removed, it is compressed and stored so that it will not return to the atmosphere. This process is a form of carbon dioxide removal that targets emissions already in the air, rather than preventing new emissions at the source.

The CO₂ captured by DAC can be stored deep underground in rock formations. This process is called geologic sequestration. It is one of the most secure ways to keep CO₂ out of the atmosphere for long periods of time.

Direct air capture differs from other carbon strategies like energy efficiency, renewable energy, or planting trees. DAC can take out carbon that’s already in the air. The technology focuses on removing existing carbon, unlike other methods that reduce future emissions or naturally capture some carbon. This helps address what scientists call “hard-to-abate” emissions.

Inside the Bain & Company Carbon Removal Agreement

Bain & Company has taken a significant step in its climate strategy through a new agreement with 1PointFive. This is Bain’s first purchase of carbon removal credits from direct air capture technology, which shows its increasing commitment to innovative carbon solutions.

Key points of the agreement include:

Total Credits: 9,000 metric tons of CO₂ to be removed.
Timeframe: Delivered over three years.
First DAC Purchase: Bain’s initial engagement with direct air capture technology for carbon removal.
Climate Strategy Alignment: Supports Bain’s goal to maintain a net-negative carbon impact each year.
Emissions Offset Visualization: The 9,000 metric tons of CO₂ are equivalent to the emissions from about 10,000 long-haul round-trip flights for one economy-class passenger.

Sam Israelit, Bain’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“We are proud to partner with 1PointFive and add them to our portfolio of engineered carbon removal technologies. Their track record for developing DAC technology coupled with their deep understanding of what it takes to deliver large-scale infrastructure projects uniquely positions them to be a leader in this emerging segment.”

STRATOS and the Scale-Up of Engineered Carbon Removal

1PointFive is a carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration (CCUS) company. It is a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum (Oxy). 1PointFive aims to scale direct air capture tech. This will help remove CO₂ from the atmosphere at commercial levels.

The carbon credits that Bain will purchase are produced by the STRATOS facility. This plant is a large DAC installation in Ector County, Texas. Once fully operational, STRATOS is expected to be one of the largest DAC facilities in the world. It is designed to remove up to 500,000 metric tons of CO₂ per year when fully running.

STRATOS is still in a start-up phase. It hasn’t started full commercial operations yet. However, it’s moving through initial testing and ramp-up activities.

The CO₂ captured at the DAC facility will be stored underground through geologic sequestration. This means the carbon will be injected into deep rock formations where it stays permanently.

RELATED: Occidental and ADNOC’s $500M Texas DAC Deal Marks a Global Milestone in Carbon Removal

Why Carbon Removal Credits Are Gaining Corporate Attention

Carbon removal credits are becoming more important for businesses. Each credit shows that one metric ton of CO₂ has been removed from the air and stored safely. Companies can buy these credits to offset emissions they cannot reduce through normal operations.

Key reasons why carbon removal credits are important for companies:

Offset emissions: Helps companies balance emissions they cannot cut directly.
Supports climate goals: Companies can invest in removal technologies while aiming for net-zero or net-negative targets.
Long-term impact: Credits help firms create lasting, innovative ways to cut atmospheric carbon. Direct air capture is one such technology that grows in use as firms seek durable solutions.

CDR purchases are growing by 750% from 2022 to 2023, and 2024 volumes are exceeding prior years. Analysts project the CDR market could expand from about $3.4 billion in 2024 to $25 billion by 2029.

Durable engineered CDR credits, including DAC, alone may generate over $14 billion by 2035. By 2030, annual demand for durable CDR credits could reach up to 100 million tonnes of CO₂ because of corporate climate targets and emerging policies.

CDR credits demand annually 2030 — Source: McKinsey & Company

By buying removal credits, companies can manage their carbon footprint while investing in climate technologies that have a real, measurable effect on the atmosphere.

What This Means for Bain & Company’s Climate Goals

For Bain & Company, this agreement aligns with its established climate commitments: net zero across value chains by 2050. Bain has pledged to maintain a net-negative carbon footprint annually.

Bain & Company net zero roadmap to 2050 — Near-term target (2026) vs Long-term (2050), Source: Bain & Company

To achieve this, it aims to reduce emissions and invest in credible carbon removal solutions. The 9,000 metric tons of direct air capture credits will help offset Bain’s leftover operational emissions. These emissions are what remain after all possible reductions.

The company has invested in high-integrity carbon removal credits before. They have supported over 1.1 million metric tons of removal credits from different technologies in the last five years. This indicates Bain’s long-term engagement with carbon removal beyond this new agreement.

By adding DAC-enabled credits from STRATOS, Bain aligns its portfolio with advanced engineered removal methods. These methods are often seen as more durable and reliable in the long run than some natural removal methods.

A Signal for the Carbon Removal Market

The market for carbon removal and carbon credits has grown rapidly. Companies from many industries are purchasing removal credits as part of climate strategies.

In 2023 and 2025, 1PointFive made deals with big companies to buy carbon removal credits. These include deals with major firms such as Amazon and JPMorgan Chase for 250,000 and 50,000 metric tons of CDR credits, respectively. These deals show the rising global interest in DAC-enabled carbon removal.

Carbon removal credits also play a role in voluntary carbon markets. These markets allow companies to buy credits to offset emissions beyond regulatory requirements. As more firms commit to climate goals, demand for high-quality removal credits grows.

The Future of Direct Air Capture and Carbon Removal Credits

The agreement between 1PointFive and Bain & Company reflects a broader trend in climate action. More businesses are using tech-driven carbon removal in their climate plans. As DAC projects like STRATOS scale up, removal credits may become more widely available and standardized.

As companies build portfolios of carbon removal credits, technologies like DAC may play a larger role in global efforts to limit climate change. Experts believe that removing CO₂ from the atmosphere will be necessary alongside rapid emission cuts to meet climate goals.

A boom in DAC credit agreements like the 1PointFive and Bain & Company’s deal may reflect this emerging reality. As the world faces the challenge of reducing atmospheric CO₂ levels, partnerships like this show how the private sector can contribute to climate mitigation through innovative technology and long-term strategies.

READ MORE: Google, Meta, and Others Invest $41M in Carbon Removal Credits

Microsoft Buys 2 Million Tons of Carbon from Rubicon Carbon’s Uganda Forestry Project

Jennifer L

-

January 14, 2026

0

Microsoft Buys 2 Million Tons of Carbon from Rubicon Carbon’s Uganda Forestry Project

Microsoft has agreed to buy 2 million carbon removal credits from a forestry project in Northern Uganda. The credits come from the Kijani Forestry Smallholder Farmer Forestry Project. They will be delivered over about 9 years under a wider agreement with Rubicon Carbon. The deal supports Microsoft’s plan to cut its carbon footprint and invest in nature-based climate solutions.

These credits are known as Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) credits. They represent carbon that has been removed from the atmosphere and stored in trees and forests. This type of credit helps fight climate change while also supporting local farmers.

Phillip Goodman, Director of Carbon Removal at Microsoft, said:

“We are pleased to support Kijani’s work in strengthening farmer livelihoods while restoring ecosystems in Northern Uganda. The framework with Rubicon Carbon streamlines the contracting process, while ensuring project quality and unlocking financing for nature-based removals.”

Trees as Carbon Banks: The Uganda Deal

The Smallholder Farmer Forestry Project in Northern Uganda works with more than 50,000 smallholder farmers. Together, they plant and manage woodlots on land that was previously degraded. By early 2026, the project had planted over 30 million trees with the help of local growers.

Under the agreement, Microsoft will receive 2 million ARR carbon removal credits from the project. Rubicon Carbon could supply Microsoft with up to 18 million tonnes of high-quality carbon removal credits by 2035.

The Uganda forestry project is one of the first approved under Uganda’s Climate Change Mechanisms Regulations. This gives it official local recognition. Credits will be given as trees grow and take in carbon, following a science-based method to measure and verify results.

How Carbon Credits Work

Carbon credits represent measured reductions in greenhouse gas emissions or the removal of carbon from the air. One carbon credit usually equals one metric ton of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). In forest projects like ARR, credits are created as trees grow and store carbon in their wood, roots, and soil.

Companies can buy carbon credits to offset emissions they cannot yet eliminate. Microsoft uses credits as part of its wider climate strategy.

The voluntary carbon market (VCM) is where companies choose to buy credits. This market is different from compliance markets, where governments require companies to cut emissions. In the voluntary market, many project types generate credits. These include forestry, soil carbon, clean energy, and methane reduction.

The VCM has grown strongly over the past decade. More companies are making net-zero and climate pledges. Many rely partly on carbon offsets and removal credits to meet those goals.

Forest projects that issue ARR credits must follow strict rules for measurement, reporting, and verification. These rules help ensure the carbon removals are real, additional, and long-lasting. Once verified, credits can be sold or retired by companies to meet climate commitments.

Why Microsoft Is Investing in Carbon Credits

Microsoft, the world’s biggest buyer of CDR credits, has set long-term environmental goals. These include becoming carbon negative by 2030 and removing more carbon than it has emitted since its founding by 2050.

To reach these goals, the tech giant invests in many types of carbon removal solutions. These include both nature-based and engineered approaches.

Microsoft’s removal credit commitments have surged. They’ve expanded from small contracts in 2023 to large, long-term deals by 2025. The largest commitments in 2025 include:

Rubicon Carbon framework (18 million tonnes): nature-based forestry ARR credits over 15–20 years.
AtmosClear BECCS (6.75 million tonnes): one of the biggest permanent engineered removal agreements.
Anew Climate / Aurora Forestry (4.8 million tonnes): improved forest management, nature-based credits.

Other smaller contracts are:

Agoro Carbon Alliance (2.6 million tonnes): soil carbon removal,
CO₂ Limited (reported sector figure): ~3,685,000,
Stockholm Exergi (2024–35 delivery): ~3,300,000,
Exomad Green: 1,240,000,
Arca: 300,000, and
Carba: 44,000.

microsoft carbon removal contracts 2023-2025 — Source: Data from Microsoft

Total for 2025, including all major disclosed contracts: 45+ million tonnes. Some contracts span many years (up to 20 years) and may deliver credits over time. These numbers reflect contracted commitments of Microsoft, not necessarily credits delivered in a single year.

These actions make Microsoft one of the largest corporate buyers of voluntary carbon removal credits. Corporate demand funds various removal methods. These include better land use, soil carbon storage, engineered solutions, and forest restoration.

Farmers in Focus: Local Benefits

The Uganda forestry project offers benefits beyond carbon removal. It supports smallholder farmers by helping them plant woodlots that generate income.

As trees mature, farmers can earn money from sustainable timber and charcoal. They may also benefit from future carbon revenues linked to the project.

The project also helps restore degraded land and expand forest cover. Healthy forests improve soil quality, help regulate water flows, and support wildlife. These environmental benefits are common in nature-based carbon projects.

The financing model behind the project also helps attract long-term investment. Microsoft’s purchase creates steady demand. This can lead to more funding for forestry and other nature-based solutions. This can help scale carbon removal efforts over time.

Scaling Up Nature-Based Solutions

The global carbon credit market has expanded rapidly, though traded volume has gone down year-over-year since 2022. Companies bought more avoided-emission and carbon removal credits.

Removal-type credits (those that remove carbon from the atmosphere) were priced on average 381% higher than traditional emission-reduction credits in 2024. This reflects strong corporate interest in durable climate action.

Afforestation and reforestation remain among the largest categories in the voluntary market. Under the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS), more than 1.3 billion credits have been issued across sectors. These include forestry and other land-use projects, with over 776 million credits retired to date, showing heavy participation by land-based nature projects. These projects span regions across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

Microsoft’s large ARR credit purchase reflects a wider trend. Many companies now include voluntary carbon credits in their climate plans. Major buyers include technology firms, airlines, consumer goods companies, and energy producers.

MUST READ: Voluntary Carbon Market in 2026: Top Forecasts and What They Mean for Investors

On the project level, a Rubicon Carbon spokesperson shares exclusive insights with the CarbonCredits.com team on the following questions:

How does Rubicon Carbon ensure the long-term permanence of the carbon removals from the Kijani Forestry Project, and what monitoring or verification systems are in place to track carbon storage over time?

R: The project utilizes a comprehensive, site-specific monitoring technology stack. Each farmer’s plot of land is tagged with GPS coordinates and location-tagged photos for ongoing survival checks. In addition, Rubicon Carbon’s asset management approach includes regular monitoring of projects using remote sensing data to supplement the data shared by project developers.

Can you provide details on how the smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda benefit financially from this project, and what percentage of project revenues is allocated to local communities?

R: The project is structured so that smallholder farmers directly benefit through shared carbon revenues, sustainable timber and sustainable charcoal offtake, and the provision of all planting inputs and training at no upfront cost. A portion of project revenue is reserved for long-term tree maintenance and stewardship, while farmers earn additional income through annual survival payments that begin in the first year and sustainable charcoal and timber production over time.

How does Rubicon Carbon plan to scale this model in other regions or forestry projects, and what challenges do you foresee in meeting large corporate demand for verified carbon removal credits?

R: The Kijani project is exceptionally well-tailored to meet the needs of farmers and communities in Northern Uganda, where illegal charcoal production is a driver of deforestation and a common income-generating activity in rural areas. The project offers multiple alternative revenue streams for farmers and clear benefits for carbon sequestration.

Its success has been driven by deep local relationships and strong farmer engagement, demonstrating how a community-based approach can succeed at scale. We see this project as a compelling example of what’s possible when we combine carbon finance with nature reforestation. We look forward to bringing similar project tools and capabilities to other parts of Africa with strong partners like the Kijani Forestry team.

Looking Ahead: Challenges, Outlook, and Scale

Despite this growth, challenges remain. High-quality credits require strong verification. Past reviews show that some credits did not always deliver real climate benefits without strict oversight. Thus, the volume of credits traded has fallen.

As the market grows, buyers and standards bodies are placing more focus on transparency, quality, and long-term monitoring.

The voluntary carbon market continues to change as expectations for quality rise. Forestry projects face risks such as fires, disease, and land-use changes. These risks can affect how long carbon stays stored in forests.

Policy changes may also influence future demand. Some governments are thinking about new climate rules. These rules might change how carbon credits are counted in national records and corporate reports. Such changes could impact prices and demand for nature-based credits.

At the same time, companies like Microsoft are expanding long-term carbon removal contracts. Many of these agreements last for years or decades. This helps projects secure early funding while trees and other systems take time to store carbon.

The deal shows how important nature-based solutions are becoming in corporate climate plans. It is part of a larger agreement with Rubicon Carbon that could deliver up to 18 million tonnes of removal credits over the coming decade. As demand for high-quality carbon credits grows, partnerships like this may support climate action while also driving local economic development.

READ MORE: Carbon Credit Market Heads Toward $270 Billion by 2050 as Quality Reshapes Demand

Silver’s New Role in the Clean Energy Era – and What It Means for Sierra Madre Investors

Jennifer L

-

January 14, 2026

0

Silver’s New Role in the Clean Energy Era – and What It Means for Sierra Madre Investors

Disseminated on behalf of Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd.

Silver is prized for its beauty and use in jewellery, but its true value today lies in technology. Silver is now a key material as the world shifts to renewable energy, electric vehicles, and advanced electronics. Its high conductivity and reflectivity make it essential for solar panels, EV batteries, and 5G networks.

For investors, this shift marks a new chapter for the silver market – one driven less by fashion and more by function. Companies like Sierra Madre Gold & Silver are ready to meet this growing demand for industrial and investment needs.

Rising Demand from the Green Transition

The clean energy transition is rapidly changing how silver is used. The Silver Institute reports that global silver demand hit a record 1.2 billion ounces in 2024. More than 30 percent of this was for industrial uses, mainly in solar power and electronics. That figure is set to rise as countries expand renewable energy capacity.

In 2024, industrial silver use hit an all-time high of 680.5 million ounces, driven by solar manufacturing, electric vehicles, and electronics. Solar energy alone now accounts for more than 30 percent of industrial demand.

Each photovoltaic (PV) panel has 15–25 grams of silver. By 2030, solar installations may top 500 gigawatts each year. This could mean the sector needs 250 million ounces of silver annually.

Electric vehicles are another major source of growth. A single EV uses up to 50 grams of silver, roughly twice that of a traditional car. As production expands, the automotive sector’s silver demand could triple by 2030.

These trends are tightening the global silver market. Inventories are falling, and analysts warn of persistent supply deficits through the end of the decade.

RELATED: Silver Price Nears Highest Level Since 2011 Amid Precious Metals Rally

The Supply Challenge: Falling Mine Output

While demand surges, mine output is not keeping pace. The Silver Institute estimates global silver production at about 819.7 million ounces in 2024, up less than 1 percent from the previous year.

Even with this small rise, the world will have a 117.6 million-ounce supply deficit in 2025. This shows ongoing long-term shortages.

Mexico remains the world’s largest silver producer, contributing about 23 percent of global output. But much of this comes from aging or polymetallic mines, where silver is a by-product. New producers like Sierra Madre Gold & Silver attract investors. They blend modern exploration with production. This is happening in one of the richest silver belts on Earth.

Sierra Madre’s Portfolio: Reviving Proven Silver Assets

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd. (TSXV: SM, OTCQX: SMDRF) is advancing two key projects in Mexico’s Sierra Madre mineral belt: La Guitarra and Tepic. Together, they represent a blend of production and exploration upside.

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver projects — Source: Sierra Madre Gold & Silver

La Guitarra Mine (State of Mexico):
La Guitarra, acquired from First Majestic Silver Corp., is a fully permitted and producing underground operation. It already has processing infrastructure in place. The company reached commercial production at 500 tonnes per day in January 2025, with plans to expand to up to 1,500 tonnes per day by 2027. La Guitarra could restore one of Mexico’s best-known silver mines to its former prominence.
Tepic Project (Nayarit):
Tepic is a high-grade epithermal gold-silver deposit. It has near-surface mineralization, which means there’s great exploration potential. This also allows for options for future growth.

Sierra Madre cuts costs and timeline risks by targeting assets with established infrastructure and clear development paths. This approach is safer than working with early-stage explorers.

Positioned for the New Industrial Cycle

The global shift to cleaner energy sources is reshaping the silver market into something closer to a strategic commodity. Governments and industries now view silver as vital to achieving energy-transition goals. As demand outpaces supply, producers with near-term restart potential stand to benefit most.

Sierra Madre fits neatly into that narrative. The La Guitarra project has restarted production much quicker than greenfield developments. Those often need years for permits and construction. At the same time, its exploration project adds scalability and long-term growth potential.

Mexico has a strong mining infrastructure and a skilled workforce. It’s also close to North American industrial hubs. This gives Sierra Madre a big logistical advantage. The U.S. is putting policies in place to secure supply chains for key materials. This makes Mexico a more important and reliable supplier.

Market Dynamics: Silver as a Strategic Metal

Silver’s 2025 price action underscores profound shifts in its role within both industrial and investment spheres. After climbing nearly 25 percent year-to-date, silver shattered previous records by reaching its all-time high of $54.24 per ounce in October before correcting and settling in the high-$40 range.

Major analysts such as Metals Focus project that prices could breach the US$60 mark by late 2026 if current supply deficits and clean energy demand trends persist, citing strong industrial momentum – particularly in solar and electronics – as critical drivers.

Supporting this rally, silver exchange-traded products (ETPs) absorbed 95 million ounces in the first half of 2025, pushing global holdings to 1.13 billion ounces – just 7 percent below their all-time peak.

According to data from the World Silver Survey 2025, industrial fabrication demand reached a new record of 680.5 million ounces in 2024, maintaining upward momentum through 2025. The supply side remains structurally tight: analysts project a market deficit of roughly 149 million ounces this year, marking five consecutive years where demand has outpaced annual mine production.

Why Sierra Madre Stands Out

Production: La Guitarra restart completed, targeting output ramp-up in 2026 and 2027.
High-Quality Assets: Two projects in Mexico’s most productive silver-gold belt.
Operational Readiness: A fully permitted plant and infrastructure at La Guitarra reduced start-up costs.
Strong Market Tailwinds: Silver demand from solar, EVs, and electronics continues to set records.
Experienced Leadership: Proven management team with expertise in Mexican mining operations.

These factors make Sierra Madre a unique mix of production, exploration, and expansion potential, and access to one of the fastest-growing industrial metals globally.

A New Chapter for Silver – and for Sierra Madre

Silver’s growing role in the clean-energy transition marks a turning point for the mining industry. Once seen mainly as a precious metal, it is now a cornerstone of the technologies driving global decarbonization.

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver is one of the few junior miners that successfully restarted a permitted mine in Mexico’s silver heartland and is planning a near-term expansion. This positions them well to benefit from the current structural shift. With rising demand and limited supply, the company is ready to continue with its strategy for La Guitarra. This move connects Mexico’s rich mining history with a clean-energy future.

READ MORE: Reviving Mexico’s Silver Belt: How Sierra Madre’s La Guitarra Mine Is Leading the Comeback

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. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $25,000 to provide marketing services for a term of one 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 of the companies mentioned.

This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It 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 arbitrarily chosen time periods 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 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 reviewing the companies’ SEDAR+ and SEC filings, press releases, and risk disclosures.

It is our policy that the 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 them.

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,” “plan,” 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 those anticipated.

These factors include, without limitation, statements relating to the Company’s exploration and development plans, the potential of its mineral projects, financing activities, regulatory approvals, market conditions, and future objectives. 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 financial markets for the Company’s securities, fluctuations in commodity prices, operational challenges, and changes in business plans.

Forward-looking information is based on several key expectations and assumptions, including, without limitation, that the Company will continue with its stated business objectives and will be able to raise additional capital as required. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, 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. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Additional information about risks and uncertainties is contained in the Company’s management’s discussion and analysis and 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 available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

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.

Gold’s Enduring Value: How Sierra Madre Is Advancing Mexico’s Next Generation of Gold Projects

Saptakee S

-

January 14, 2026

0

Gold’s Enduring Value: How Sierra Madre Is Advancing Mexico’s Next Generation of Gold Projects

Disseminated on behalf of Sierra Madre Gold & Silver Ltd.

Sierra Madre Gold & Silver is building a strong position in Mexico’s growing precious metals industry. The company is creating long-term value through smart growth, low costs, and balanced exposure to both gold and silver. With gold prices at record highs, Sierra Madre is turning opportunity into steady progress.

Its main operation, the La Guitarra Mine Complex, reached commercial production in January 2025 after being acquired from First Majestic Silver. Alongside this, the company holds the Tepic Project, expanding Mexico’s gold and silver frontier. By combining efficient mining with new exploration, Sierra Madre is proving that gold’s value still shines bright in today’s market.

Gold’s Strength in a Changing World

Gold remains a trusted safe-haven asset in uncertain times. Central banks are buying more gold, and geopolitical tensions are pushing demand higher. JP Morgan expects gold prices to average $3,675–$4,000 per ounce by mid-2026. State Street Global Advisors sees gold holding above $3,000/oz, showing that strong prices are here to stay.

The Demand and Supply Side

As per the World Gold Council, in Q2 2025, total gold demand reached 1,249 tonnes, up 3% year-over-year. Its value surged 45% to a record US$132 billion, driven by strong investment demand. Gold-backed ETFs, bars, and coins saw the biggest gains amid geopolitical tensions and trade uncertainty. Central banks added 166 tonnes to reserves, though at a slower pace than in previous quarters.

On the supply side, total gold output also rose 3% to 1,249 tonnes, with mine production hitting a Q2 record of 909 tonnes.

gold demand supply — Source: Sources: Metals Focus, Refinitiv GFMS, World Gold Council

This environment supports Sierra Madre’s growth strategy. The company is using these high prices and Mexico’s low operating costs to boost production and deliver stronger returns to shareholders.

Driving Gold Growth at La Guitarra

The La Guitarra Mine Complex is Sierra Madre’s key asset. Located in Mexico’s historic Temascaltepec district, it currently produces 500 tonnes per day. The company plans to double that to 1,200 t/d to 1,500 t/d by late 2027.

In April 2025, Sierra Madre started underground mining at the high-grade Coloso vein within the La Guitarra property. This new zone should increase gold output and improve overall grades. At the same time, the company is upgrading its milling systems to raise recovery rates and lower costs.

Tepic Project: Expanding Mexico’s Gold and Silver Frontier

The Tepic Project adds exciting exploration upside. It sits in Mexico’s Sierra Madre Geologic Province and hosts low-sulfidation epithermal gold and silver mineralization. Multiple zones stretch over one kilometer long and 200 meters wide.

Once the flagship project of Cream Minerals, Tepic has a historic resource estimate outlined in a 2020 Technical Report. Past drilling covered 31,537 meters across 149 holes. However, with a 76% core recovery rate, grades may have been underestimated.

Recent exploration shows the Dos Hornos breccia veins remain open both along strike and at depth. This finding suggests strong potential for expanding resources in future drilling phases.

Core Drilling Highlights

Sierra Madre gold and silver — Source:https://sierramadregoldandsilver.com/presentations/corporate_presentation.pdf

Location and Infrastructure Benefits

Tepic is just 22 km from Tepic City, the capital of Nayarit, and 120 km from Puerto Vallarta Airport. The project has excellent access to roads, power, and local services. A skilled mining workforce and nearby fabrication shops make operations easier and more cost-efficient.

The project covers 2,612.5 hectares across five mining concessions and is 100% owned by Sierra Madre. Being in a mining-friendly region of Mexico gives the company a stable environment to advance this asset.

Strong Gold Production and Steady Revenue

Sierra Madre’s production results show steady progress and solid performance:

Q2 2025 gold sales: 1,096 ounces.
H1 2025 gold sales: 2,118 ounces; production totaled 2,049 ounces.
Average realized price: $3,271/oz in Q2 and $3,058/oz for H1.
Gold recovery: around 78% during the first half of 2025.

Gold revenues reached $3.59 million in Q2 2025, up from $2.89 million in Q1. For the first half of 2025, gold generated $6.48 million in total revenue. Cash costs per silver-equivalent ounce sold were $23.32, showing strong cost control.

As the Coloso mine continues to deliver higher-grade mineralization, Sierra Madre expects better margins and lower costs in the coming quarters.

Financing Growth and Exploration Plans

In mid-2025, Sierra Madre raised C$19.5 million (US$19.5 million) through a private placement. The funds are being used to:

Expand throughput at La Guitarra.
Launch a +20,000-meter exploration program across 59 km of structures mapped to date.
Target new high-grade zones in the East District.

This financing strengthens the company’s ability to expand production and extend mine life while continuing to explore new areas.

Moving on, Sierra Madre has also begun underground development at the Nazareno silver-gold mine in the La Guitarra complex, Estado de Mexico. The team has delivered over 700 tonnes of mineralized material, not included in the current resource estimate, to the Guitarra mill. Workers are blasting existing workings and advancing the sill drive to test long-hole mining feasibility in the closely spaced veins.

Reconciliation with the 2023 Nazareno resource model shows silver grades 40% higher and gold grades 30% higher than estimated, signaling strong potential to expand the resource.

Taking Advantage of Record Metal Prices

Gold is trading above $4,000 per ounce, giving Sierra Madre a strong tailwind. Its mix of gold and silver exposure provides a natural balance – gold supports financial stability, while silver adds growth potential.

Analysts also believe that Silver is expected to face a structural deficit for the seventh straight year, due to rising demand from the clean energy and technology sectors. This gives Sierra Madre’s dual-metal strategy even more value in the current market.

Two Metals, One Strong Strategy

Sierra Madre’s dual focus sets it apart. Gold anchors the company’s stability as a safe-haven asset, while silver brings growth potential through its industrial uses — from solar panels to electric vehicles.

With a combination of efficient operations, strong assets, and focused execution, Sierra Madre is redefining what a modern Mexican mining company looks like one that blends stability with growth potential.

FURTHER READING: Silver’s New Role in the Clean Energy Era – and What It Means for Sierra Madre Investors

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. Sierra Madre Gold and Silver Ltd. (“Company”) made a one-time payment of $25,000 to provide marketing services for a term of one 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 of the companies mentioned.

This article is informational only and is solely for use by prospective investors in determining whether to seek additional information. It 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 arbitrarily chosen time periods 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 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 reviewing 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 them.