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Lundin Mining (TSX:LUN,OTC Pink:LUNMF) has released an initial resource estimate for the Filo del Sol sulfide deposit, as well as updated resources for the Filo del Sol oxide deposit and the Josemaria deposit.

Held in a 50/50 joint venture between Lundin and BHP (ASX:BHP,NYSE:BHP,LSE:BHP), the Argentina-based assets are collectively referred to as the Vicuña resource. The new data reportedly makes Vicuña one of the world’s largest copper, gold and silver resources, and places it among the top 10 copper resources worldwide by size.

‘Filo del Sol has been one of the most significant greenfield discoveries in the last 30 years and an amazing journey for all those that have been involved,’ said Lundin Mining President and CEO Jack Lundin in a press release.

“The initial mineral resource has highlighted the potential for one of the highest grade undeveloped open pit copper projects in the world and one of the largest gold and silver resources globally.”

According to Lundin, the Vicuña resource includes:

  • 13 million metric tons (MT) of contained copper in the measured and indicated category, and an additional 25 million MT in the inferred category.
  • 32 million ounces (Moz) of contained gold in the measured and indicated category, and 49 Moz inferred.
  • 659 Moz of contained silver in the measured and indicated category and 808 Moz inferred.

The Filo del Sol and Josemaria deposits are in close proximity to one another, which Lundin says offers a strategic advantage for infrastructure sharing, economies of scale and phased development planning.

The high-grade mineralization at both deposits is particularly notable:

  • Filo del Sol’s high-grade core has 606 million MT in the measured and indicated category at 1.14 percent copper equivalent for contained metal of 4.5 million MT of copper, 9.6 Moz of gold and 259 Moz of silver.
  • Josemaria’s near-surface high-grade material contains 196 million MT in the measured and indicated category at 0.73 percent copper equivalent for contained metal of 978,000 MT of copper, 2.4 Moz of gold and 11 Moz of silver.

Lundin emphasizes the potential for future growth, noting that mineralization remains open at depth, and saying drilling at the nearby Flamenco zone has intercepted new mineralized zones beyond the current resource boundary.

The scale of the discovery has led to a substantial boost in Lundin’s portfolio.

The company reported a 29 percent increase in its measured and indicated contained copper resource, and a staggering 650 percent increase in its inferred contained copper resource, attributable to its stake in Vicuña.

“We see the potential for Vicuña to be not only a significant copper producer but also one of the world’s largest gold and silver mines as well,” Lundin said, highlighting its “truly unique asset” status.

An integrated technical report combining the deposits into a single project is expected in the first quarter of 2026.

Lundin and BHP intend to develop the site into a “globally ranked mining complex,” signaling long-term commitment to unlocking the full potential of the Vicuña district.

The announcement comes amid growing global demand for copper and critical minerals used in renewable energy and electrification technologies. Projects like Vicuña could play a central role in meeting that demand — particularly if high-grade, open-pit deposits can be brought online at competitive cost.

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

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Here’s a quick recap of the crypto landscape for Wednesday (May 7) as of 9:00 p.m. UTC.

Get the latest insights on Bitcoin, Ethereum and altcoins, along with a round-up of key cryptocurrency market news.

Bitcoin and Ethereum price update

Bitcoin (BTC) was priced at US$96,171.23 as markets closed, up 1.3 percent in 24 hours. The day’s range has seen a low of US$95,967.46 and a high of US$97,387.02.

Bitcoin performance, May 7, 2025.

Bitcoin performance, May 7, 2025.

Chart via TradingView.

Bitcoin showed signs of a bullish reversal leading up to the US Federal Reserve’s Wednesday interest rate decision. Roughly US$83.6 million in short Bitcoin positions were liquidated on Wednesday, significantly more than the US$15 million in long liquidations, indicating strong upward momentum. Bitcoin open interest has also increased by a notable percentage over the last 24 hours, adding to a nearly 30 percent increase over the last 30 days.

Analysts have noted that holding above US$95,000 will be crucial for a potential climb towards Bitcoin’s all-time high, while dropping below risked a significant fall. The next target is near US$98,000, with a longer-term target around US$100,200 if that resistance breaks. However, analysts for CryptoQuant have also pointed to significant profit-taking as a potential headwind that could interrupt this upward trend.

Ethereum (ETH) finished the trading day at US$1,797.11, a 0.6 percent increase over the past 24 hours. The cryptocurrency reached an intraday low of US$1,792.06 and saw a daily high of US$1,831.84.

Altcoin price update

  • Solana (SOL) hit a value of US$145.86 at the end of the day, up 0.7 percent over 24 hours. SOL experienced a low of US$145.24 and a high of US$147.32
  • XRP was trading at US$2.11, reflecting a 1.2 percent decrease over 24 hours and its lowest point of the day. The cryptocurrency peaked this morning at US$2.14.
  • Sui (SUI) was priced at US$3.26, showing an increaseof 0.8 percent over the past 24 hours. It achieved a daily low of US$3.24 and a high of US$3.38.
  • Cardano (ADA) is trading at US$0.6599, down 0.6 percent over the past 24 hours. Its lowest price of the day was US$0.6580, and it reached a high of US$0.6754.

Today’s crypto news to know

New Hampshire becomes first state to launch crypto reserve

New Hampshire has officially become the first US state to greenlight a cryptocurrency reserve after Governor Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 302 into law.

The measure authorizes the state treasurer to invest up to 5 percent of public funds in digital assets with a market cap above US$500 billion — effectively limiting the scope to Bitcoin for now.

The assets, along with precious metals, will be held either via a secure custodian or an exchange-traded product. The law goes into effect in 60 days and marks a significant milestone in state-level crypto adoption.

Unlike the federal government’s stagnant plans for a bitcoin reserve, New Hampshire is moving ahead with direct investment. Advocates hope the move will inspire similar initiatives in other states and potentially drive further institutional interest in Bitcoin.

Trump’s crypto projects spark legislative gridlock on Capitol Hill

President Donald Trump’s growing involvement in the crypto sector is intensifying partisan divisions in Congress and jeopardizing progress on digital asset legislation.

A hearing that was set to lay groundwork for crypto market regulation was abruptly cancelled after Rep. Maxine Waters voiced strong objections, citing Trump’s self-promotional crypto ventures as a conflict of interest.

Trump’s $TRUMP meme coin and his partial ownership of World Liberty Financial have drawn criticism from ethics experts and lawmakers alike. Democrats argue that advancing regulation while the former president promotes personal crypto investments creates a perception of impropriety.

Meanwhile, the administration defends the projects, stating Trump’s assets are held in a trust and pose no conflict. Nonetheless, legislative momentum on crypto has clearly slowed, with bipartisan collaboration now under strain.

Crypto gains traction in New Jersey democratic primary

Democratic gubernatorial hopefuls in New Jersey are leaning into crypto policy as a key plank of their campaigns, signaling a broader political shift.

A Bloomberg exclusive reports that leading candidates like Rep. Mikie Sherrill and Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop have publicly endorsed integrating digital assets into state governance.

Fulop even proposes allocating part of the state’s pension fund to Bitcoin ETFs, a move he previously advanced at the city level. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, another contender, has framed crypto as a driver of economic growth and has backed federal legislation aimed at regulating the industry.

With Donald Trump having successfully capitalized on crypto enthusiasm in his reelection campaign, Democrats are recalibrating their stance to stay competitive.

The growing acceptance of digital assets among candidates suggests crypto will remain a prominent topic in the 2025 election cycle.

Pectra upgrade goes live

Ethereum’s Pectra upgrade, featuring the Prague execution layer hard fork and the Electra consensus layer upgrade, went live on the Ethereum mainnet at about 10:00 am UTC on Wednesday at the start of epoch 364032.

The three main Ethereum improvement proposals (EIPs) included are EIP-7702, EIP-7251 and EIP-7691, which aim to improve user-friendliness and efficiency.

EIP-7702 will enable externally owned accounts to function like smart contracts, handling gas fees and payments in various tokens. EIP-7251 will raise the validator staking limit to 2,048 ETH, streamlining operations for large stakers. Lastly, EIP-7691 will increase data blobs per block, enhancing layer-2 scalability and potentially lowering transaction costs.

The change comes as the growth of Ethereum’s total value locked has lagged behind that of Solana and BNB Chain this year. Artemis data reveals a net outflow of US$50.7 billion for Ethereum year-over-year, contrasting with US$8.3 billion for Base and US$5.8 billion for Solana. However, in the month leading up to the upgrade, Ethereum experienced higher inflows than both Base and Solana.

BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF outpaces gold funds in 2025 Inflows

Despite gold outperforming bitcoin in price appreciation this year, BlackRock’s spot Bitcoin ETF (IBIT) has outshined traditional gold funds in net inflows.

Since January, IBIT has drawn nearly US$7 billion, surpassing the SPDR Gold Trust, which brought in US$6.5 billion over the same period.

The ETF’s success comes even as Bitcoin prices have lagged behind gold’s recent surge, reflecting institutional faith in digital assets’ long-term value.

Analysts say this trend underscores a shift in investor behavior, with many viewing Bitcoin as a digital complement — or even replacement — for gold.

Analysts now believe bitcoin ETFs could triple gold’s assets under management within the next five years.

Strive Asset Management to form Bitcoin treasury company

Strive Asset Management, an enterprise founded by former presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy, revealed plans to transition into a Bitcoin treasury company on Wednesday.

According to the announcement, the transition will be accomplished by a reverse merger with publicly traded Asset Entities (NASDAQ:ASST). The company will operate under the Strive brand, and will likely continue to trade on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol ASST for the foreseeable future. The merged entity will leverage its combined stock value and access to public equity markets to fund further Bitcoin acquisitions.

“Strive Asset Management intends to use all available mechanisms to build a Bitcoin war chest in a minimally dilutive manner to common shareholders and build a long-term investment approach designed to outperform Bitcoin, by using Bitcoin itself as the hurdle rate for capital deployment,’ Strike said in its release.

Metaplanet increases Bitcoin holdings

Metaplanet (OTCQX:MTPLF,TSE:3350) purchased an additional 555 Bitcoin on Wednesday for US$53.4 million at an average price of US$96,134. The purchase is valued at over US$536 million at current prices.

The company now holds 5,555 BTC, purchased for US$481.5 million at an average price of US$86,672 per Bitcoin, according to CEO Simon Gerovich. The company also announced the issuance of another US$25 million in zero-coupon ordinary bonds to fund additional BTC buys.

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

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

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Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (TSXV: ALV) (OTCQX: ALVOF) announces an operational update, financial results for the three months ended March 31, 2025 and details for both our Q1 2025 earnings call and our upcoming annual general and special meeting.

All references herein to $ refer to United States dollars, unless otherwise stated and all tabular amounts are in thousands of United States dollars, except as otherwise noted.

President & CEO, Corey C. Ruttan commented:

‘A 41% increase in Q1 2025 sales volumes provides a strong start to the year and we are well positioned for an exciting organically funded 2025 capital program. We now have the ability to invest in high rate of return opportunities in Brazil and the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin. Our first two wells in Canada are exceeding expectations and we are looking forward to an expanding capital program including a strong inventory of oil drilling locations. These new opportunities further strengthen our disciplined capital allocation model, balancing returns to stakeholders and organic growth.’

Operational Update

April Sales Volumes

Natural gas, NGLs and crude oil sales:

April

2025

March

2025

Q1

2025

Brazil:

Natural gas (Mcfpd), by field:

Caburé

12,532

12,652

11,710

Murucututu

945

1,877

2,093

Total natural gas (Mcfpd)

13,477

14,529

13,803

NGLs (bopd)

126

146

135

Oil (bopd)

12

10

Total (boepd) – Brazil

2,372

2,580

2,446

Canada:

Oil (bopd) – Canada

90

Total Company – boepd (1)

2,462

2,580

2,446

(1)   Alvopetro reported volumes are based on sales volumes which, due to the timing of sales deliveries, may differ from production volumes.

April sales volumes in Brazil averaged 2,372 boepd, including natural gas sales of 13.5 MMcfpd and associated natural gas liquids sales from condensate of 126 bopd, based on field estimates. Murucututu sales volumes were impacted by downtime on the 183-A3 well to complete an intervention to enhance productivity through the isolation of lower intervals. In Canada , the two wells drilled in the first quarter of 2025 came on production in April (50% working interest). After the initial clean-up period, oil sales commenced contributing an additional 90 bopd net to Alvopetro in April and bringing the Company’s total sales to 2,462 boepd, based on field estimates, a decrease of 5% compared to March and an increase of 1% compared to Q1.

Quarterly Natural Gas Pricing Update

Effective May 1, 2025 , our natural gas price under our long-term gas sales agreement with Bahiagás has been adjusted to BRL2.08 /m 3 , a 7% increase from the February 2025 price of BRL1.95 /m 3 . All natural gas sales from May 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025 will be sold at BRL2.08 /m 3 ( $11.09 /Mcf, net of applicable sales taxes, based on average heat content to date and the April 30, 2025 BRL/USD exchange rate of 5.66).

Development Activities – Brazil

On our 100% Murucututu natural gas field, we spud the 183-D4 well targeting the Caruaçu Formation approximately 110 metres structurally updip of our 183-A3 success. Operational challenges associated with the drilling rig led to significant delays and while drilling the main target Caruaçu intervals we became differentially stuck ultimately resulting in the loss of the bottom hole assembly. We are currently drilling a sidetrack of the lower 680 metres of the well. We estimate total costs for the project of $7.7 million , of which $3.7 million was incurred in Q1 2025.

On the unitized area (the ‘Unit’) which includes the Caburé natural gas field, we have five development wells planned for 2025, with the first wells expected to be drilled starting this quarter.

Western Canadian Strategic Entry

On February 5, 2025 , we announced a new strategic entry into Canada (the ‘Farmin’). Under the Farmin we agreed to fund 100% of two earning wells in exchange for a 50% non-operated working interest in 12,243 acres of land focused on the Mannville Stack heavy oil resource in Western Saskatchewan . This is currently one of the leading plays in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin with high original oil place reservoirs that are being effectively exploited using open hole multilateral drilling technology. Our objective with the strategic entry into Canada was to expand our inventory of highly prospective opportunities but with a differentiated risk profile. The early results from our first two earning wells in Western Canada demonstrate this vision. Within 45 days of finalizing the Farmin, with our partner, we had obtained two well licenses, surface access, constructed two well pads and drilled two multilateral wells with a total of over 15 kilometres of open hole reservoir contact. When we completed the Farmin we had established a gross initial production rate target of 100 to 120 bopd per well. Both earning wells were on production by early April and both are exceeding our pre-Farmin expectations. We have further expanded our joint Mannville focused land base up to 15,861 acres (7,931 acres net) and are looking forward to drilling up to an additional four (2.0 net) multilateral wells through the rest of 2025.

Financial and Operating Highlights – First Quarter of 2025

  • Alvopetro’s updated long-term gas sales agreement came into effect on January 1, 2025 increasing our contracted firm volumes by 33%. As a result, our average daily sales increased to 2,446 boepd (1) in Q1 2025 (+44% from Q1 2024 and +41% from Q4 2024).
  • Our average realized natural gas price decreased to $10.44 /Mcf in Q1 2025 (-17% from Q1 2024 and -1% from Q4 2024), due mainly to the devaluation of the BRL relative to the USD, which depreciated 18% compared to the average rate in Q1 2024. Our overall averaged realized sales price was $63.67 per boe (-16% from Q1 2024).
  • With higher sales volumes, our natural gas, oil and condensate revenue increased to $14.0 million (+19% from Q1 2024 and +37% from Q4 2024).
  • Our operating netback (2) in the quarter was $50.77 per boe (- $15.39 per boe from Q1 2024 and – $4.32 per boe from Q4 2024), due mainly to additional royalties in the quarter as well as lower realized sales prices. Royalties in the quarter increased to $7.60 per boe due to the recognition of additional gross-overriding royalty (‘GORR’) applicable on certain properties held by Alvopetro. The computation of the GORR was in dispute with the GORR holders, mainly with respect to the computation on natural gas. Subsequent to March 31, 2025 , Alvopetro received the findings of the appointed arbitral tribunal wherein the tribunal found in favour of the GORR holders. Alvopetro has estimated the additional GORR owing pursuant to the decision and recognized such amount (including inflation) as additional royalties in Q1 2025 as well as the estimated interest owing on the balance outstanding as finance expense. The computation of the additional GORR remains subject to the approval of, and adjustment by, the tribunal.
  • We generated funds flows from operations (2) of $9.2 million ( $0.25 per basic share and $0.24 per diluted share), increases of $0.7 million compared to Q1 2024 and $2.3 million compared to Q4 2024 due mainly to higher sales volumes, partially offset by higher royalties and lower realized sale prices.
  • We reported net income of $6.1 million , an increase of $1.5 million compared to Q1 2024 due to higher revenues and foreign exchange gains (compared to foreign exchange losses in Q1 2024), partially offset by higher royalties and higher depletion and depreciation.
  • On February 5, 2025 , we announced the terms of a Canadian farmin agreement (the ‘Farmin’), pursuant to which Alvopetro agreed to fund 100% of two earning wells in exchange for a 50% non-operated working interest in 12,243 acres (6,122 net acres) of land in Western Saskatchewan . The two earning wells were drilled in the quarter at a total cost to Alvopetro of $2.6 million . With completion of the two earning wells, Alvopetro’s working interest share is now 50%.
  • Capital expenditures totaled $8.4 million , including costs for the two wells drilled in Canada , final costs on the 183-B1 re-entry, and costs associated with drilling the 183-D4 well on Alvopetro’s 100% Murucututu field.
  • Our working capital (2) surplus was $9.7 million as of March 31, 2025 , decreasing $3.4 million from December 31, 2024 .

(1)     Alvopetro reported volumes are based on sales volumes which, due to the timing of sales deliveries, may differ from production volumes.

(2)     Refer to the sections entitled  ‘ Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures ‘.

The following table provides a summary of Alvopetro’s financial and operating results for the periods noted. The consolidated financial statements with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis (‘MD&A’) are available on our website at www.alvopetro.com and will be available on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca .

As at and Three Months Ended

March 31,

2025

2024

Change (%)

Financial

($000s, except where noted)

Natural gas, oil and condensate sales

14,013

11,752

19

Net income

6,070

4,550

33

Per share – basic ($) (1)

0.16

0.12

33

Per share – diluted ($) (1)

0.16

0.12

33

Cash flows from operating activities

8,817

8,213

7

Per share – basic ($) (1)

0.24

0.22

9

Per share – diluted ($) (1)

0.23

0.22

5

Funds flow from operations (2)

9,222

8,513

8

Per share – basic ($) (1)

0.25

0.23

9

Per share – diluted ($) (1)

0.24

0.23

4

Dividends declared

3,643

3,296

11

Per share (1) (2)

0.10

0.09

11

Capital expenditures

8,375

2,439

243

Cash and cash equivalents

17,264

17,450

(1)

Net working capital (2)

9,742

15,047

(35)

Weighted average shares outstanding

Basic (000s) (1)

37,312

37,282

Diluted (000s) (1)

37,752

37,693

As at and Three Months Ended

March 31,

2025

2024

Change

Operations

Average daily sales volumes (3) :

Natural gas (Mcfpd), by field:

Caburé (Mcfpd)

11,710

9,236

27

Murucututu (Mcfpd)

2,093

430

387

Total natural gas (Mcfpd)

13,803

9,666

43

NGLs – condensate (bopd)

135

78

73

Oil (bopd)

10

12

(17)

Total (boepd)

2,446

1,701

44

Average realized prices (2) :

Natural gas ($/Mcf)

10.44

12.57

(17)

NGLs – condensate ($/bbl)

81.05

87.89

(8)

Oil ($/bbl)

64.96

65.06

Total ($/boe)

63.67

75.94

(16)

Operating netback ($/boe) (2)

Realized sales price

63.67

75.94

(16)

Royalties

(7.60)

(2.02)

276

Production expenses

(5.30)

(7.76)

(32)

Operating netback

50.77

66.16

(23)

Operating netback margin (2)

80 %

87 %

(8)

Notes:

(1)

Per share amounts are based on weighted average shares outstanding other than dividends per share, which is based on the number of common shares outstanding at each dividend record date. The weighted average number of diluted common shares outstanding in the computation of funds flow from operations and cash flows from operating activities per share is the same as for net income per share.

(2)

See ‘Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures’ section within this news release.

(3)

Alvopetro reported volumes are based on sales volumes which, due to the timing of sales deliveries, may differ from production volumes.

Q1 2025 Results Webcast

Alvopetro will host a live webcast to discuss our Q1 2025 financial results at 8:00 am Mountain time on Thursday May 8, 2025. Details for joining the event are as follows:

DATE: May 8, 2025
TIME : 8:00 AM Mountain/ 10:00 AM Eastern
LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83279531812   https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84476502014
DIAL-IN NUMBERS: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kcHhjt9Duj
WEBINAR ID
  : 844 7650 2014

The webcast will include a question-and-answer period. Online participants will be able to ask questions through the Zoom portal. Dial-in participants can email questions directly to socialmedia@alvopetro.com .

Annual General Meeting

Alvopetro’s annual general and special meeting (the ‘Meeting’) will be held on Wednesday, June 18, 2025 at the offices of Torys LLP (Suite 4600, 525 8 th SW, Calgary, Alberta ) beginning at 9:30 a.m. Mountain time. The management information circular and all related materials will be available on our website and www.sedarplus.ca later this month.

All interested parties are invited to attend the Meeting. We will also be broadcasting the meeting via live webcast for the interest of all shareholders. Please be advised that shareholders will not be able to vote any shares through this webcast format. Details for joining the event are as follows:

DATE: June 18, 2025
TIME : 9:30 AM Mountain/ 11:30 AM Eastern
LINK: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83279531812   https://us06web.zoom.us/j/89512204386
DIAL-IN NUMBERS:
https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kenh5nLlte
WEBINAR ID   : 895 1220 4386

Corporate Presentation

Alvopetro’s updated corporate presentation is available on our website at:
http://www.alvopetro.com/corporate-presentation .

Social   Media

Follow Alvopetro on our social media channels at the following links:

Twitter – https://twitter.com/AlvopetroEnergy
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/alvopetro/
LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/company/alvopetro-energy-ltd

Alvopetro Energy Ltd. is deploying a balanced capital allocation model where we seek to reinvest roughly half our cash flows into organic growth opportunities and return the other half to stakeholders. Alvopetro’s organic growth strategy is to focus on the best combinations of geologic prospectivity and fiscal regime. Alvopetro is balancing capital investment opportunities in Canada and Brazil where we are   building off the strength of our Caburé and Murucututu natural gas fields and the related strategic midstream infrastructure.

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

Abbreviations:

$000s

=

thousands of U.S. dollars

boepd

=

barrels of oil equivalent (‘boe’) per day

bopd

=

barrels of oil and/or natural gas liquids (condensate) per day

BRL

=

Brazilian Real

Mcf

=

thousand cubic feet

Mcfpd

=

thousand cubic feet per day

MMcf

=

million cubic feet

MMcfpd

=

million cubic feet per day

NGLs

=

natural gas liquids (condensate)

Q1 2024

=

three months ended March 31, 2024

Q1 2025

=

three months ended March 31, 2025

Q4 2024

=

three months ended December 31, 2024

USD

=

United States dollars

GAAP or IFRS

=

IFRS Accounting Standards

Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures

This news release contains references to various non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures as such terms are defined in National Instrument 52-112 Non-GAAP and Other Financial Measures Disclosure . Such measures are not recognized measures under GAAP and do not have a standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and might not be comparable to similar financial measures disclosed by other issuers. While these measures may be common in the oil and gas industry, the Company’s use of these terms may not be comparable to similarly defined measures presented by other companies. The non-GAAP and other financial measures referred to in this report should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than measures prescribed by IFRS and they are not meant to enhance the Company’s reported financial performance or position. These are complementary measures that are used by management in assessing the Company’s financial performance, efficiency and liquidity and they may be used by investors or other users of this document for the same purpose. Below is a description of the non-GAAP financial measures, non-GAAP ratios, capital management measures and supplementary financial measures used in this news release. For more information with respect to financial measures which have not been defined by GAAP, including reconciliations to the closest comparable GAAP measure, see the ‘ Non-GAAP Measures and Other Financial Measures ‘ section of the Company’s MD&A which may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca .

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Operating Netback

Operating netback is calculated as natural gas, oil and condensate revenues less royalties and production expenses. This calculation is provided in the ‘ Operating Netback ‘ section of the Company’s MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company’s MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations.

Non-GAAP Financial Ratios

Operating Netback per boe

Operating netback is calculated on a per unit basis, which is per barrel of oil equivalent (‘boe’). It is a common non-GAAP measure used in the oil and gas industry and management believes this measurement assists in evaluating the operating performance of the Company. It is a measure of the economic quality of the Company’s producing assets and is useful for evaluating variable costs as it provides a reliable measure regardless of fluctuations in production. Alvopetro calculated operating netback per boe as operating netback divided by total sales volumes (boe). This calculation is provided in the ‘ Operating Netback ‘ section of the Company’s MD&A using our IFRS measures. The Company’s MD&A may be accessed through the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . Operating netback is a common metric used in the oil and gas industry used to demonstrate profitability from operations on a per boe basis.

Operating netback margin

Operating netback margin is calculated as operating netback per boe divided by the realized sales price per boe. Operating netback margin is a measure of the profitability per boe relative to natural gas, oil and condensate sales revenues per boe and is calculated as follows:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2025

2024

Operating netback – $ per boe

50.77

66.16

Average realized price – $ per boe

63.67

75.94

Operating netback margin

80 %

87 %

Funds Flow from Operations Per Share

Funds flow from operations per share is a non-GAAP ratio that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital, divided by the weighted average shares outstanding for the respective period. For the periods reported in this news release the cash flows from operating activities per share and funds flow from operations per share is as follows:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

$ per share

2025

2024

Per basic share:

Cash flows from operating activities

0.24

0.22

Funds flow from operations

0.25

0.23

Per diluted share:

Cash flows from operating activities

0.23

0.22

Funds flow from operations

0.24

0.23

Capital Management Measures

Funds Flow from Operations

Funds flow from operations is a non-GAAP capital management measure that includes all cash generated from operating activities and is calculated before changes in non-cash working capital. The most comparable GAAP measure to funds flow from operations is cash flows from operating activities. Management considers funds flow from operations important as it helps evaluate financial performance and demonstrates the Company’s ability to generate sufficient cash to fund future growth opportunities. Funds flow from operations should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, cash flows from operating activities however management finds that the impact of working capital items on the cash flows reduces the comparability of the metric from period to period. A reconciliation of funds flow from operations to cash flows from operating activities is as follows:

Three Months Ended

March 31,

2025

2024

Cash flows from operating activities

8,817

8,213

Changes in non-cash working capital

405

300

Funds flow from operations

9,222

8,513

Net Working Capital

Net working capital is computed as current assets less current liabilities. Net working capital is a measure of liquidity, is used to evaluate financial resources, and is calculated as follows:

As at March 31

2025

2024

Total current assets

25,090

24,149

Total current liabilities

(15,348)

(9,102)

Net working capital

9,742

15,047

Supplementary Financial Measures

Average realized natural gas price – $/Mcf ‘ is comprised of natural gas sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s natural gas sales volumes.

Average realized NGL – condensate price – $/bbl ‘ is comprised of condensate sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s NGL sales volumes from condensate.

Average realized oil price – $/bbl ‘ is comprised of oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s oil sales volumes.

Average realized price – $/boe ‘ is comprised of natural gas, condensate and oil sales as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the Company’s total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).

Dividends per share ‘ is comprised of dividends declared, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the number of shares outstanding at the dividend record date.

Royalties per boe ‘ is comprised of royalties, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).

Production expenses per boe ‘ is comprised of production expenses, as determined in accordance with IFRS, divided by the total natural gas, NGL and oil sales volumes (barrels of oil equivalent).

BOE Disclosure

The term barrels of oil equivalent (‘boe’) may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A boe conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet per barrel (6 Mcf/bbl) of natural gas to barrels of oil equivalence is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the wellhead. All boe conversions in this news release are derived from converting gas to oil in the ratio mix of six thousand cubic feet of gas to one barrel of oil.

Contracted Natural Gas Volumes

The 2025 contracted daily firm volumes under Alvopetro’s long-term gas sales agreement of 400 e 3 m 3 /d (before any provisions for take or pay allowances) represents contracted volumes based on contract referenced natural gas heating value. Alvopetro’s reported natural gas sales volumes are prior to any adjustments for heating value of Alvopetro natural gas. Alvopetro’s natural gas is approximately 7.8% higher than the contract reference heating value. Therefore, to satisfy the contractual firm deliveries Alvopetro would be required to deliver approximately 371e 3 m 3 /d (13.1MMcfpd).

Well Results

There is no representation by Alvopetro that the information contained in this news release with respect to initial production data from the wells drilled in Canada is necessarily indicative of long-term performance or ultimate recovery. The reader is cautioned not to unduly rely on such data as such data may not be indicative of future performance of the well or of expected production or operational results for Alvopetro in the future.

Forward-Looking Statements and Cautionary Language

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘will’, ‘expect’, ‘intend’, ‘plan’, ‘may’, ‘believe’, ‘estimate’, ‘forecast’, ‘anticipate’, ‘should’ and other similar words or expressions are intended to identify forward-looking information. Forward‐looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors could cause actual results to vary significantly from the expectations discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect current assumptions and expectations regarding future events. Accordingly, when relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions, Alvopetro cautions readers not to place undue reliance on these statements, as forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties. More particularly and without limitation, this news release contains forward-looking statements concerning the expected natural gas price, gas sales and gas deliveries under Alvopetro’s long-term gas sales agreement, future production and sales volumes, plans relating to the Company’s operational activities, proposed exploration and development activities and the timing for such activities, capital spending levels, future capital and operating costs, the anticipated outcome of the GORR dispute, the timing and taxation of dividends and plans for dividends in the future, anticipated timing for upcoming drilling and testing of other wells, and projected financial results. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon assumptions and judgments with respect to the future including, but not limited to the success of future drilling, completion, testing, recompletion and development activities and the timing of such activities, the performance of producing wells and reservoirs, well development and operating performance, expectations and assumptions concerning the timing of regulatory licenses and approvals, equipment availability, environmental regulation, including regulations relating to hydraulic fracturing and stimulation, the ability to monetize hydrocarbons discovered, the outlook for commodity markets and ability to access capital markets, foreign exchange rates, the outcome of any disputes, the outcome of  redeterminations, general economic and business conditions, forecasted demand for oil and natural gas, the impact of global pandemics, weather and access to drilling locations, the availability and cost of labour and services, and the regulatory and legal environment and other risks associated with oil and gas operations. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Actual results achieved during the forecast period will vary from the information provided herein as a result of numerous known and unknown risks and uncertainties and other factors. Current and forecasted natural gas nominations are subject to change on a daily basis and such changes may be material. In addition, the declaration, timing, amount and payment of future dividends remain at the discretion of the Board of Directors. Although we believe that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because we can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. These include, but are not limited to, risks associated with the oil and gas industry in general (e.g., operational risks in development, exploration and production; delays or changes in plans with respect to exploration or development projects or capital expenditures; the uncertainty of reserve estimates; the uncertainty of estimates and projections relating to production, costs and expenses, reliance on industry partners, availability of equipment and personnel, uncertainty surrounding timing for drilling and completion activities resulting from weather and other factors, changes in applicable regulatory regimes and health, safety and environmental risks), commodity price and foreign exchange rate fluctuations, market uncertainty associated with trade or tariff disputes, and general economic conditions. The reader is cautioned that assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect. Although Alvopetro believes that the expectations and assumptions on which such forward-looking information is based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking information because Alvopetro can give no assurance that it will prove to be correct. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on factors that could affect the operations or financial results of Alvopetro are included in our AIF which may be accessed on Alvopetro’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca . The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and Alvopetro undertakes no obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, unless so required by applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Alvopetro Energy Ltd.

Cision View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/May2025/07/c6827.html

News Provided by Canada Newswire via QuoteMedia

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A flash of high-energy radiation that rippled through space in December 2004 may have quietly rewritten part of the story for how the universe forges its heaviest elements — including gold, platinum and uranium.

In a breakthrough building on two decades of satellite data and cutting-edge theoretical modeling, a group of astrophysicists has proposed that rare flares from magnetars may be responsible for producing significant quantities of the universe’s r-process elements, long thought to arise primarily from supernovae or neutron star collisions.

“It’s a substantial leap in our understanding of heavy elements production,” said Brian Metzger, professor of physics at Columbia University and senior research scientist at the Flatiron Institute’s Center for Computational Astrophysics.

“This is really just the second time we’ve ever directly seen proof of where these elements form,” he added.

The new research, published last week in ‘The Astrophysical Journal Letters,’ centers on a gamma-ray signal recorded by NASA and European Space Agency telescopes in 2004 — one that has defied explanation until now.

What are magnetars?

Magnetars are among the most extreme objects in the cosmos.

Born from the supernova deaths of massive stars, magnetars condense more mass than the Sun into a city-sized sphere just 12 miles across. Their magnetic fields are up to a thousand times stronger than those of ordinary neutron stars and trillions of times more intense than anything produced on Earth.

Occasionally, these hypermagnetic neutron stars experience “starquakes,” which are sudden, violent fractures in their crusts caused by internal magnetic stress. These quakes unleash giant flares of X-rays and gamma rays so powerful that they can interfere with satellites from halfway across the galaxy.

What remained unclear until now was if these outbursts could also manufacture heavy atoms. That possibility is no longer just theoretical. The clue came from a December 2004 flare, one of the brightest ever observed in our galaxy.

“When initially building our model and making our predictions back in December 2024, none of us knew the signal was already in the data,” Anirudh Patel, the paper’s lead author and a doctoral student at Columbia University, told CNN.

Team members reanalyzed archived data from the European Space Agency’s now-retired INTEGRAL (INTErnational Gamma-Ray Astrophysics Laboratory) mission and NASA’s RHESSI and Wind satellites.

To their surprise, they found a gamma ray glow appearing minutes after the initial burst — one that matched their predicted signature of freshly forged r-process nuclei cooling off.

Theoretical modeling had already suggested that material ejected during a magnetar flare could undergo rapid neutron capture (the r-process), creating heavy elements. The data now strongly suggests that this process had, in fact, occurred.

Making the universe’s bling

R-process elements like gold, platinum and uranium are too heavy to form in the fusion furnaces of normal stars. Instead, they require conditions with free-flying neutrons and intense heat — typically found in rare, cataclysmic events.

Until recently, the leading candidate was a kilonova: the merger of two neutron stars. A 2017 observation of such a collision provided direct evidence of heavy element formation and was dubbed a “cosmic gold factory.”

But kilonovas are relatively infrequent and tend to occur later in a galaxy’s evolution. Magnetars, on the other hand, may have been active much earlier — within a few hundred million years of the Big Bang.

Metzger and his colleagues estimate that a single magnetar flare could eject as many as 2 million billion billion kilograms of heavy atoms. Each flare acts as a kind of elemental forge. As the magnetar’s magnetic field snaps and reorganizes, it sends shock waves through the crust, hurling material into space. This ejected matter enters a crucible of extreme pressure and neutron density, triggering chain reactions that build up complex nuclei.

The conditions, researchers say, are just right for the formation of r-process elements — not just gold and platinum, but also uranium and other neutron-rich atoms.

More research needed

Not everyone in the astrophysical community is ready to declare magnetars the newest gold mine of the cosmos.

Dr. Eleonora Troja, an associate professor at the University of Rome who led the discovery of X-rays from the 2017 neutron star merger, urged caution while speaking to CNN.

“The production of gold from this magnetar is a possible explanation for its gamma-ray glow, one among many others as the paper honestly discusses at its end,” she said.

“I wouldn’t go so far as to say that a new source of gold has been discovered.”

She pointed out that magnetars are “very messy objects” whose flares can sometimes yield lighter elements like zirconium or silver instead of gold, depending on the specific conditions.

Astronomers now eagerly await the next giant magnetar flare, hoping to catch it in real time.

Future missions like NASA’s Compton Spectrometer and Imager, slated for a 2027 launch, promise greater sensitivity to detect and study these fleeting signals across multiple wavelengths.

For now, scientists have added one more explosive event to the list of stellar alchemists.

Whether magnetars are a main supplier of heavy elements or just one piece of the puzzle, they’ve earned a spotlight in the ongoing investigation into how the universe crafts some of its most valuable matter.

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

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The US Federal Reserve held its third meeting of 2025 from Tuesday (May 6) to Wednesday (May 7) against a backdrop of trade tensions, spurred on by the Trump administration’s tariffs.

The central bank met analysts’ expectations by holding its benchmark rate in the 4.25 to 4.5 percent range.

Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed’s dual mandate of maximum employment and stable pricing remains in balance, and noted that the US economy is solid. However, he also said that risks have risen and that there has been a sharp decline in consumer and expert sentiment due to the ongoing tariff situation.

The US has placed tariffs on key trading partners Canada, Mexico and the EU. It has also implemented 145 percent tariffs on China, while planning port fees of up to US$3 million per US port call for all Chinese-built ships.

Tariffs are already beginning to dramatically reduce imports into the US.

Activity at the Port of Los Angeles has fallen by 44 percent this week compared to last year. The Port of Seattle has also seen a 40 percent reduction, leading to warnings of empty store shelves and job losses.

The story was different in Q1 — Powell noted that imports spiked during the period as businesses attempted to make moves ahead of tariffs. That had an impact on GDP, which contracted by 0.3 percent in the first quarter.

Powell suggested tariff announcements have been larger than anticipated, also noting that uncertainty is elevated and that downside risks have risen, but have not materialized. Ultimately, this uncertainty led the FOMC to unanimously vote to leave rates at the current level while waiting for more clarity from future data.

“The labor market is solid, inflation is low — we can afford to be patient as things unfold. There is no real cost to our waiting at this point,” Powell said. The Fed’s next meeting is scheduled for June 17 to 18.

Following the Fed’s announcement, the gold price fell from session highs in the US$3,400 per ounce range to reach US$3,371.86. The silver price declined for most of the morning, trading at US$32.28 per ounce at 3:30 PM EST.

The S&P 500 (INDEXSP:INX) was flat, recording a 0.17 percent decline to 5,599. The Nasdaq-100 (INDEXNASDAQ:NDX) fell 0.2 percent to 19,751, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (INDEXDJX:.DJI) rose 0.32 percent to 41,950.

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

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Advanced Micro Devices CEO Lisa Su said China is a “large opportunity” market for the semiconductor and artificial intelligence industry even as export controls and evolving tariff plans loom over the world’s second-largest economy.

“There should be a balance between export controls for national security as well as ensuring that we get the widest possible adoption of our technology,” Su told CNBC’s “Squawk on the Street” on Wednesday. “That’s a good thing for U.S. jobs in the U.S. economy.”

She added that U.S. leadership in artificial intelligence and widespread adoption is the primary objective and a “really great position for us to be in.”

Su said there is a “balance to be played between” restricting and providing access to chips.

The comments come on the heels of the company’s fiscal first-quarter results. AMD topped earnings and expectations and issued strong guidance, but said it would see a $1.5 billion hit this year from China export controls. Last month, the company said it would incur up to $800 million in costs from shipping its MI308 products to China and other countries.

The U.S. government has cracked down on chip shipments to China in recent years, restricting the sale of more advanced AI processors to China that could be used to improve military capabilities and eat away at U.S. dominance.

President Donald Trump’s evolving tariff policies have added more turbulence to the sector in recent weeks, and many investors are combing for signs of demand pressure.

While AMD would “prefer a more certain environment,” Su said that the company is working to move manufacturing to the U.S. She added that the impact from tariffs on its portfolio is a minor blip and that the company saw “robust” sales in April.

“We’ve learned to become very agile through all of the things that have happened to the semiconductor supply chain, and we’re going to continue to watch all of these trends very carefully and make sure that we react appropriately going forward,” she said.

Other Ai chipmaking CEO have also called attention to the impact of chip restrictions in a rapidly expanding AI market. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang told CNBC’s Jon Fortt on Tuesday that getting pushed out of the the country would be a “tremendous loss.”

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National Basketball Association superstar Russell Westbrook is taking a shot off the court at simplifying funeral planning with artificial intelligence.

The famed Denver Nuggets point guard on Wednesday announced the launch of Eazewell, a startup that uses AI technology to streamline the process for coordinating funerals. Westbrook founded the venture with former Charlotte Hornets star Kemba Walker and childhood friend Donnell Beverly Jr., who serves as president of Russell Westbrook Enterprises and CEO and co-founder of Eazewell.

“My whole career, on and off the court, has been about stepping up decisively in the moments that matter most,” Westbrook wrote in a statement to CNBC. Westbrook and the Nuggets are currently facing the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Western Conference semifinals. “Eazewell is exactly that — a decisive solution to a very real problem.”

The Los Angeles-based company uses AI to curate funeral options catered to each user’s budgets and preferences. The platform assists with paperwork, budget planning, invitations and overlooked tasks such as canceling a deceased loved one’s utility bills and social media accounts. Eazewell currently has 11 employees and has already tested its beta platform with more than 1,000 families. 

Eazewell has not disclosed funding but has revenue agreements with partner services. The startup is also working on partnerships with finance and life insurance companies in the space. The service is free to use and does not have an ads component “at this stage,” a company spokesperson said.

“We’re trying to take the weight off people’s shoulders as much as we can, and make this process so much easier for people,” Walker told CNBC in a phone interview. Walker played college basketball with Beverly at the University of Connecticut.

Eazewell traces its origins to Westbrook and Beverly’s high school days, when their friend and basketball teammate Khelcey Barrs III passed away unexpectedly from an enlarged heart. Westbrook commemorates Barrs to this day by wearing a bracelet with the initials “KB3” in every NBA game he plays and on his signature Jordan Why Not Zer0.6 “Khelcey Barrs” shoe.

“It’s a reminder that life can change in an instant,” Westbrook said. “You don’t get to choose the moment, but you do get to choose how you respond.”

The experience left a lasting effect on the two friends, Beverly said, but it wasn’t until the death of Beverly’s parents that he experienced funeral planning hurdles firsthand. Beverly said the experience was “messy” and “grueling.”

Disillusioned and frustrated by the process after the death of his mother and father in 2016 and 2023, respectively, Beverly turned to his close friends to come up with the solution that became Eazewell.

“It just seems like the perfect time to really turn our shared pain into purpose,” Beverly said.

One of Eazewell’s most innovative features is its voice-activated AI agent that can gather cost quotes and call funeral homes on a user’s behalf.

Recent advancements in AI have only recently made it possible to automate tasks and create agents that can manage these jobs in an empathetic and compassionate manner, said Viviane Ghaderi, Eazewell’s tech chief and a former Amazon executive.

Stephen Stokols, an Eazewell investor and CEO of Tru Skye Ventures, an early-stage sports technology and wellness venture firm, said these “transformational” AI advancements helping bring the funeral industry out of the “dark ages” initially drew him to the project.

Walker said he hopes Eazewell can offer users the tools to navigate a topic that is not taught in school or early life.

“We know how important it is to have someone by your side to help with the details that come after a loss,” Westbrook said.

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President Donald Trump’s executive order ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in the federal government has returned financial power to the people, OJ Oleka, CEO of the State Financial Officers Foundation, told Fox News Digital. 

Oleka said there’s a ‘new sheriff in town’ and that Trump is ‘making good’ on his promise to eliminate DEI by shifting financial policies ‘away from the left and back to the center,’ empowering state financial officers and building trust with the American people. 

‘We know that when companies focus on business, their business does better. If their business does better, shareholders make more money, their employees have a better quality of life within their business and their consumers get a better product,’ Oleka told Fox News Digital at the State Financial Officers Foundation conference in Orlando, Florida. 

Oleka said focusing on financial returns and merit-based incentives over DEI or environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies creates ‘more money for shareholders, better culture in the office for employees and better products for consumers and customers,’ exactly what state financial officers have been asking for. 

‘The American people want every individual to succeed,’ Oleka said. ‘They want people to succeed on their merit, on their ability, on their skill. It’s very important to us as Americans. But what they don’t want is for people to get preferences just because of some political ideology.’ 

He said there are misconceptions about DEI ‘because people hear diversity, equity and inclusion, and they think, ‘Well, those are good things. I support diversity. I want people to be included, and people should have the resources that they need.’

‘To be very clear, when we’re talking about DEI, we’re saying that DEI is trying to provide racial or gender preferences for people based on past grievances. It effectively has nothing to do with merit or looking at somebody’s skill for a job or for an opportunity.’ 

Equal opportunity is giving people access to create their own opportunities, to try to be as successful as they can be with their skills, ability and merit, according to Oleka. 

Oleka explained that DEI is subjective because it prefers ‘folks based on what you think is important, based on your own politics.’

It’s bad to say, from a company’s perspective, ‘Let’s just hire people based on race, based on gender,’ as opposed to skill and ability,’ Oleka said.

‘It’s bad because it can harm the performance of what that company actually does with their business responsibilities. That matters to our financial officers because they invest in a lot of these companies. It’s their job as fiduciary leaders to make sure that the pensions that they invest, the public funds that they invest by virtue of their positions, are actually done so by companies and with funds where the returns are going to be high.

‘We can’t guarantee that the returns are going to be as high as they can be if the companies aren’t even focusing on their specific mandate, on their responsibility. Instead, they’re focusing on their politics and trying to force an ideology or social agenda through their businesses. That’s not what business is for.’ 

Oleka said his experience as someone with a Ph.D. in higher education who is also the son of Nigerian immigrants informs his rejection of political ideology or agendas in government-funded programs, including in public education, because these policies don’t improve students’ learning experience or academic performance. 

‘That doesn’t actually contribute to kids’ learning,’ Oleka said. ‘It doesn’t contribute to human flourishing. There really is no reason why people’s taxpayer dollars should be spent on that.’

Oleka told Fox News Digital the Orlando conference was critical to reminding state financial officers across the country they are not alone in pushing back against DEI and ESG policies that were promoted by former President Joe Biden’s administration. 

‘It goes back to what I think most Americans believe. Their state government is closer to them than the federal government,’ he said. ‘As a result, state leaders should have more power, as it relates to their finances, than the federal government, and what a state leader should do with that power is give it back to the people.’

By empowering state financial officers to focus on financial returns and fiduciary duty instead of ideology and politics, Oleka said more Americans are incentivized financially. 

‘It’s important that we have that same kind of leadership in the White House at the state level, making good on their promise to bring a Golden Age to America and to each state,’ he said. 

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