SYDNEY, Jan. 21, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Siltrax, a leader in high-performance electrochemical innovation, has announced a definitive commercial milestone: the G-100 Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) Fuel Cell Stack has officially attained TÜV certification.

Validating compliance with IEC 62282-2-100, this certification confirms the G-100’s safety architecture, manufacturing consistency and readiness for immediate integration into regulated global markets. A copy of the certificate is available here.

For Tier-1 system integrators and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), this certification is a significant commercial accelerator. By providing validated, component-level safety evidence, Siltrax materially reduces “certification friction,” allowing partners to bypass redundant testing and accelerate the deployment of hydrogen-powered systems.

From Record-Setting Performance to Certified, Repeatable Hardware

This certification builds on Siltrax’s previously announced G-100 performance milestone, where independent third-party testing by TÜV Rheinland verified record-setting fuel-cell power density results from Siltrax’s silicon-based architecture. In that testing, the G-100 achieved up to 9.77 kW/L volumetric power density and up to 9.7 kW/kg gravimetric power density, establishing a new benchmark for size, weight and performance in hydrogen fuel cell stacks.

Siltrax is now translating that breakthrough into a certified, production-ready platform designed for real-world duty cycles and regulated markets.

Solving Downstream Challenges with Silicon Technology

For aviation, heavy transport and other high-duty and weight-critical applications, hydrogen adoption is often constrained by hardware limitations at the stack level. Siltrax’s proprietary silicon-based bipolar plate architecture — the first of its kind —directly addresses these constraints:

• Optimizing Power-to-Weight Ratios: The G-100 achieves a volumetric power density and gravimetric power density of 9.77 kW/L and 9.4 kW/kg, respectively. In mass-sensitive sectors like aerospace, this efficiency translates directly into increased payload capacity and extended operational range.
• Enhanced Durability and Reduced Downtime: Silicon substrates offer high thermal conductivity and structural rigidity, reducing thermal gradients and mechanical stress that commonly drive degradation in graphite- and metal-plate designs under sustained high-load operation.
• Certification-Ready Hardware: TÜV certification allows integrators to reuse component-level safety evidence, reducing the time and costs associated with downstream qualification and system-safety cases.

Notably, Siltrax’s record-setting test results were achieved using commercially available, off-the-shelf components beyond Siltrax’s proprietary bipolar plate and flow channel design, underscoring additional headroom for future gains as the company integrates tailored gas diffusion layers and membranes optimized for its high-precision architecture.

Power Density That Unlocks New Markets

Siltrax’s G-100 performance exceeds key long-term international targets that many in the industry are still working toward. For example, the G-100’s demonstrated volumetric power density surpasses Japan’s NEDO targets across multiple time horizons, and its stack-specific power outperforms U.S. Department of Energy USDRIVE targets for stack specific power. That combination of performance credibility and certification readiness enables faster commercial adoption in applications where every kilogram and cubic centimeter counts.

A Platform for Real-World Use Cases

“The TÜV certification is a critical business enabler,” said Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Siltrax CEO. “We aren’t just building a more efficient fuel cell —we are providing a certified, safe and repeatable hardware platform. This allows our partners to bypass regulatory uncertainty and move straight to commercial application with full confidence in the product’s reliability.”

Siltrax is now actively scaling its operations to support deployment in three core business sectors:

• Aviation & Drones: Delivering the weight efficiencies required for viable commercial hydrogen-electric flight.
• Heavy Transportation: Enabling long-haul trucking and maritime fleets to meet emissions targets without sacrificing cargo volume.
• Distributed Energy Infrastructure: Providing modular, certified onsite power for mission-critical assets, including data centers and EV mega-charging hubs.

Manufacturing Readiness

Siltrax is scaling manufacturing with a focus on repeatability, quality controls and supply continuity. The company is now offering G-100 evaluation units to qualified OEMs and integrators, with evaluation units available now.

For more information or to request an evaluation unit or the certification evidence pack, contact Daniel Zafir (dzafir@siltrax.net).

About Siltrax

Siltrax re-engineers the economics of power through electrochemical innovation. By utilizing proprietary silicon-based bipolar plates, we leverage the mature industrial foundations of the photovoltaic industry to deliver next-generation PEM fuel cells with leading power density and longevity, translating directly into higher payloads, longer uptimes, and lower total cost of ownership. Headquartered in Sydney, Siltrax provides the high-intensity energy required to transform demanding industrial operations into high-efficiency, zero-emission assets.

PR Contact:
Leah Wilkinson
Wilkinson + Associates for Siltrax
leah@wilkinson.associates

– Published by The MIL Network

Source: BestBrokers.com

Paul Hoffman
August 4, 2026

The world’s billionaires continue to accumulate wealth on an extraordinary scale, with many of the world’s richest individuals seeing their fortunes grow by hundreds of billions of dollars in a single year. Others were not so lucky, shedding significant chunks of their net worth over the past twelve months. While the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and technology has created striking gains for some of the world’s most prominent entrepreneurs, billionaire wealth creation extends far beyond tech, spanning industries from finance and manufacturing to retail, energy, and real estate.

This is what inspired the team at BestBrokers to analyse the Forbes Real-Time Billionaire List as of 27 July 2026. To establish an accurate year-on-year comparison, we used the Wayback Machine to retrieve an archived version of the Forbes list dated 27 July 2025 and recorded each billionaire’s real-time net worth. We tracked how each individual’s fortune changed over the year to identify the biggest increases and declines in wealth, while also examining how billionaire wealth is currently distributed across countries and industries.

Where the World’s Billionaires Live

There are currently 3,356 billionaires in the world, with a disproportionate share concentrated in just a handful of countries. The world’s most populous nations are, perhaps unsurprisingly, also home to some of the largest billionaire populations. The United States leads by a considerable margin, with 990 billionaires, accounting for 29.5% of the global total. The country is also home to nine of the world’s ten richest people, including Elon Musk, Larry Page and Michael Dell. Collectively, U.S. billionaires are worth a staggering $8.43 trillion. Canada ranks second in North America with 78 billionaires worth $449.5 billion, with cryptocurrency entrepreneur Changpeng Zhao standing out as the country’s richest billionaire with a net worth of $107.6 billion. Mexico is home to 24 billionaires with a combined fortune of $258.6 billion, led by business oligarch and investor Carlos Slim Helú, whose $125.4 billion fortune makes him the richest person in Latin America.

China is Asia’s largest billionaire hub and the country with the second-most billionaires globally, with 511 billionaires collectively worth an estimated $2.06 trillion. Much like the U.S., China’s wealthiest billionaires are heavily concentrated in the technology sector, led by ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming, the country’s richest person with a net worth of $69.3 billion. Hong Kong is home to a further 69 billionaires, whose combined wealth stands at $410.4 billion. India’s billionaire wealth is spread across a much wider range of industries, from conglomerates and infrastructure to pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, retail and telecoms, with Mukesh Ambani ($86.8 billion) and Gautam Adani ($85.2 billion) leading the country’s wealth rankings. Other major billionaire hubs in Asia include Taiwan, which is home to 63 billionaires worth $272.2 billion, led by art collector and businessman Pierre Chen ($17.6 billion), and Singapore, with 57 billionaires worth a combined $155.4 billion, led by businessman Jason Chang with a net worth of $20.3 billion.

Germany has Europe’s largest billionaire population, with 205 billionaires whose combined fortunes total $944.8 billion. The country’s richest is Lidl chairman Dieter Schwarz, worth $59.1 billion. Italy is next with 80 billionaires worth $465.0 billion, with cryptocurrency entrepreneur Giancarlo Devasin in the lead, whose $89.3 billion fortune makes him Italy’s richest person. The UK has 60 billionaires worth a combined $278.6 billion, led by hedge fund manager Michael Platt with $20.9 billion. France, despite having fewer billionaires than the UK with 53, has more than twice its combined billionaire wealth at $574.6 billion. The difference is largely driven by the country’s concentration of major fashion and luxury fortunes, with just four billionaires: Bernard Arnault (LVMH), Françoise Bettencourt Meyers (L’Oréal), Alain and Gérard Wertheimer (Chanel) holding a combined net worth of $311.7 billion, or 54.2% of France’s total billionaire wealth.

South America’s billionaire population is overwhelmingly concentrated in Brazil, which is home to 73 billionaires worth a combined $269.3 billion. The country’s richest is Facebook co-founder Eduardo Saverin, worth $33.1 billion, followed by banking heiress Vicky Safra at $25.3 billion and investment veteran Jorge Paulo Lemann at $19.8 billion. Colombia has six billionaires worth $63.8 billion, led by banking and infrastructure tycoon Jaime Gilinski Bacal with $16.9 billion, while Argentina’s five billionaires are worth $20.7 billion, led by Mercado Libre founder Marcos Galperin with $7.4 billion.

Australia is home to 57 billionaires worth a combined $242.8 billion, led by mining magnate Gina Rinehart with a fortune of $25 billion, followed by property developer Harry Triguboff and mining billionaire Andrew Forrest. Africa is home to 29 billionaires across eight countries, with a combined fortune of $143.2 billion. Nigeria leads the continent with four billionaires worth $53 billion, and it is also home to Africa’s richest person, businessman Aliko Dangote, whose $31.2 billion fortune accounts for more than half of the country’s billionaire wealth. South Africa follows with seven billionaires worth $42.7 billion, led by luxury goods magnate Johann Rupert at $17.6 billion. Egypt has six billionaires worth $23.9 billion, while Morocco has three worth $4.7 billion.

Billionaires Who Gained the Most Wealth in One Year

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person, also recorded the largest increase in net worth between 2025 and 2026. After briefly becoming the world’s first trillionaire following the initial public offering of SpaceX, his net worth stood at $725.1 billion on 27 July 2026, up from $405.6 billion a year earlier. This means that his net worth increased by $319.5 billion over the past year, equivalent to roughly $875 million in additional wealth every day since last year.

Dell Technologies founder and CEO Michael Dell recorded the second-largest increase, adding $107.6 billion to his fortune over the same period. Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin ranked third and fourth, increasing their net worths by $104.3 billion and $91.2 billion, respectively. The scale of these gains highlights just how strongly the world’s largest technology companies have contributed to billionaire wealth creation over the past year, with soaring valuations and investor enthusiasm translating into enormous increases in the fortunes of their founders and major shareholders.

Crypto also produced some of the year’s biggest individual wealth gains. Italian businessman Giancarlo Devasini, whose fortune is closely tied to stablecoin giant Tether, saw his net worth rise from $22.4 billion in 2025 to $89.3 billion in 2026, an increase of $66.9 billion. Other major cryptocurrency billionaires also recorded substantial gains, including Binance founder Changpeng Zhao and Tether executives Jean-Louis van der Velde and Paolo Ardoino, who added $36.4 billion and $29 billion to their net worths over the course of a year, respectively.

DeepSeek Founder Is the Person With the Fastest Growing Fortune

It is one thing to have billions of dollars at your disposal and steadily grow that fortune through smart investments, business expansion and rising asset values. It is another thing entirely to build a multibillion-dollar fortune in the space of just one year. Yet some of the world’s billionaires have seen their net worth increase at extraordinary rates between 2025 and 2026, with the fastest-growing fortunes expanding ten-fold or even more.

Artificial intelligence is at the centre of some of the most dramatic increases. As investment and demand continue to pour into AI models, infrastructure, and applications, the founders and early backers of some of the sector’s most closely watched companies have seen their fortunes surge. Chinese AI entrepreneur Liang Wenfeng is perhaps the clearest example. The founder of DeepSeek, the high-performance AI chatbot that reached impressive compute power at a fraction of the price of leading U.S. large-language models last year, saw his estimated net worth skyrocket from just $1 billion in 2025 to $39.5 billion in 2026 – representing an extraordinary 3,850% increase in a single year, placing him in the top 50 richest people in the world.

The founders of Claude maker Anthropic have experienced a similarly dramatic revaluation. Tom Brown, Jack Clark, Sam McCandlish, Jared Kaplan, Daniela Amodei, Dario Amodei, and Christopher Olah all saw their estimated fortunes rise from $1.2 billion to $15.5 billion, an increase of 1,191.67%. The surge reflects the extraordinary rise in the valuation of the AI company, as investors have poured billions of dollars into the race to develop increasingly capable foundation models and AI applications.

Brett Adcock, founder and CEO of robotics company Figure AI, saw his fortune climb from $1.5 billion to $19.1 billion, an increase of more than 1,170%. Figure AI’s focus on humanoid robots places Adcock at the intersection of two of the fastest-growing areas of technology, as investors increasingly bet on the convergence of artificial intelligence and physical automation.

The gains are also spreading further down the AI supply chain. Chinese telecom and optical component manufacturers have become increasingly important to the infrastructure supporting the AI boom, helping provide the high-speed networking and connectivity required by increasingly powerful data centres. Wang Weixiu, whose fortune is tied to Zhongji Innolight, saw his net worth increase from $4.5 billion to $26.4 billion, a 486.67% increase. Meanwhile, Zou Zhinong of ZTE had his fortune rise from $2.9 billion to $12.5 billion, a 331.03% increase.

But the fastest-growing billionaire fortunes were not exclusively linked to artificial intelligence or technology. Hamdi Ulukaya, founder and CEO of Greek yoghurt brand Chobani, reached $12.5 billion in estimated net worth (up 443.48% from 2.3 billion in 2025), while metal-processing entrepreneur Yuan Fugen saw his fortune rise from $3.4 billion to $17.4 billion, up 411.76% in one year. Patrizio Vinciarelli, whose wealth comes from power electronics manufacturer Vicor, more than tripled his fortune, from $1 billion to $4.5 billion (up 350%).

Larry Ellison’s Wealth Was Cut Nearly in Half in a Single Year

On the other end of the scale, Larry Ellison, CEO of U.S. cloud company and tech conglomerate Oracle, recorded the largest one-year decline. His net worth fell from $290.60 billion to $151.90 billion, a drop of $138.7 billion, equivalent to roughly $380 million wiped from his fortune every day over the past year. The decline reflects growing scepticism on Wall Street over Oracle’s aggressive AI spending plans and mounting debt load, with investors increasingly questioning whether the company’s cloud infrastructure growth can justify the scale of its investment.

Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg recorded the second-largest decline, with his net worth falling from $245.9 billion to $204.3 billion, a $41.6 billion drop equivalent to roughly $114 million a day. The decline came as investors grew increasingly concerned about Meta’s enormous AI spending, with the company expected to spend as much as $145 billion on capital expenditure in 2026.

Elsewhere, India’s richest man Mukesh Ambani lost $18.5 billion as shares in Reliance Industries weakened, with the conglomerate facing weaker-than-expected earnings, slower growth in its retail business and pressure on its refining operations. Colin Huang’s $12.6 billion decline reflects continuing pressure on PDD Holdings, the parent company of Temu, as the business faced intensifying competition in China and increasing regulatory and trade-policy challenges in international markets. Indonesian tycoon Prajogo Pangestu also saw his fortune fall by $17 billion amid weakness in the shares of companies including Barito Renewables and other businesses in his energy empire; Indonesian stocks linked to Pangestu came under additional pressure after Morgan Stanley Capital International and FTSE Russell both raised concerns around transparency and concentrated ownership.

The Industries Mining Billionaires

Tech is by far the biggest driver of billionaire wealth in 2026, with 511 of the world’s 3,356 billionaires, around 15% of the global total, deriving their fortunes from the sector. Finance & Investments follows with 449 billionaires, while Manufacturing accounts for a further 408. Diversified and conglomerate businesses rank fourth with 267 billionaires, followed by Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare with 256 and Food & Beverages with 241.

The concentration of billionaires in technology is reflected even more strongly in the amount of wealth held by the sector’s billionaires. Collectively, tech billionaires are worth $5.30 trillion in 2026, more than double the combined wealth of Finance & Investments tycoons who collectively own $2.39 trillion. Technology is also home to eight of the world’s ten richest people, including Elon Musk, Larry Page and Jeff Bezos, highlighting the extraordinary fortunes that can be generated by the world’s largest technology companies.

Finance & Investments remains one of the most established routes to billionaire status, with 449 billionaires collectively worth $2.39 trillion. Manufacturing also has a substantial billionaire population, with 408 billionaires and a combined fortune of $1.37 trillion. Meanwhile, diversified businesses and conglomerates account for 267 billionaires worth $1.69 trillion, reflecting the fortunes built across multiple industries and asset classes rather than around a single business sector.

Beyond these leading categories, Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare, Food & Beverages, Real Estate & Infrastructure, and Retail each account for more than 170 billionaires. Together, these sectors demonstrate that billionaire wealth remains highly diverse, spanning everything from healthcare and consumer goods to property and retail, even as technology continues to dominate at the very top of the wealth rankings.

The distribution of billionaire wealth has also shifted significantly over the past year. Technology recorded by far the largest increase, with the combined fortunes of its billionaires rising from $4.28 trillion in 2025 to $5.30 trillion in 2026, an increase of more than $1 trillion in just one year. Finance & Investments followed, with combined billionaire wealth increasing by $263.5 billion, while Manufacturing recorded a $328.3 billion increase, taking the sector’s total from $1.04 trillion to $1.37 trillion.

Several other industries also recorded substantial gains. Cryptocurrency & Blockchain saw one of the fastest expansions in percentage terms, with combined billionaire wealth rising from $189.8 billion to $346.6 billion. Mining & Commodities, Logistics & Transportation, and Telecom also recorded sizeable increases as the fortunes of billionaires across these industries grew during the year.

Not every industry became wealthier over the past year, however. Media & Entertainment was one of the few major sectors to record a decline, with combined billionaire wealth falling from $506 billion to $499.2 billion. The biggest decline came from Canadian billionaire Sherry Brydson, whose fortune fell by $7.6 billion over the year. Her wealth is largely tied to Thomson Reuters, whose shares fell by nearly 18% in February amid concerns over the potential impact of new AI tools on its legal and professional-information businesses.

Consumer Products also declined slightly, from $109.4 billion to $106.8 billion, with Chinese billionaire Chen Zhiping recording the largest individual loss in the sector. The chairman and CEO of vaping-device maker Smoore International saw his fortune fall by $3 billion, from $5.5 billion to $2.5 billion, as the company’s profits fell despite strong revenue growth, with higher costs and increased spending on its own-brand products weighing on its bottom line.

Methodology

To analyse the changing fortunes of the world’s billionaires, the team at BestBrokers analysed data from the Forbes Real-Time Billionaires List as of 27 July 2026. To establish a consistent year-on-year comparison, we used the Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to retrieve an archived version of the Forbes list from 27 July 2025 and recorded the estimated net worth of the same billionaires at that point in time. This allowed us to calculate how much each individual’s fortune increased or decreased over the one-year period.

Using these datasets, we identified the biggest absolute net worth and percentage gains over a 1-year period, while also calculating how much billionaires’ wealth has increased or shrunk on average every day over the past year. We analysed billionaires by country or territory to compare their numbers and combined wealth, and standardised their primary sources of wealth into 24 industry categories. This allowed us to analyse both the distribution of billionaires globally and how combined billionaire wealth changed across industries between 2025 and 2026.

All figures represent estimates based on Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List and archived Forbes data available through the Wayback Machine. Billionaire net worths can fluctuate significantly with changes in public and private company valuations, asset prices and other market conditions, meaning the figures represent a snapshot of estimated wealth on the specified dates. All calculations and comparisons were based on the same methodology and dates to provide a consistent measure of changes in billionaire wealth over the year.

Read the original report from BestBrokers.com

MIL OSI

Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

Fire and Emergency New Zealand is deploying six incident management specialists to Canada this week to support the country’s response to extensive wildfires.

The six personnel are part of an Australasian team requested by the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre under a long-standing agreement between Canada, the United States of America, Australia and New Zealand to provide mutual assistance with wildfire suppression.

A Liaison Officer left for Winnipeg yesterday and the other five depart tomorrow for Vancouver, where they will be assigned to incident management teams working on fires in British Columbia.

Each is a specialist in aspects of managing large-scale wildfires. Two will be filling Division Commander positions and the others will be stepping into roles as Logistics Chief, Safety Officer and Helicopter Supervisor.

Canada is currently experiencing extreme wildfire activity with 484 active wildfires and over 2 million hectares affected. Our specialist team will provide much needed relief and assistance to the local resources.

This is New Zealand’s second deployment to North America this fire season. Five incident management team members travelled to the United States last month and are working on fires in Idaho. An indicative request has been received from the US for a second contingent and Fire and Emergency is considering availability of personnel in case that request is formalised.

Deputy National Commander Megan Stiffler said that Fire and Emergency was able to provide support to other countries without diminishing its capability to respond to any large-scale emergencies at home.

Wildfire deployments to North America take place during the southern winter and by joining with Australia to make up incident management teams, New Zealand’s contribution was proportionate to its resources. Partner agencies including Department of Conservation, NZ Defence Force and the forestry industry also regularly contribute their staff to international wildfire deployments.

“The international agreements we have in place allow us to be a good global citizen and lend support where we can. In return our people bring back valuable experience that enhances New Zealand’s own capability to manage large-scale incidents,” Megan Stiffler said. “Given the predictions for a challenging fire season here, these opportunities to be part of wildfire management in Canada and the US couldn’t be more timely.”

MIL OSI

Source: Flinders University

An international study led by Flinders University has found a fertile area of inspiration to explain an important step in evolution – and it’s a whole lot of poop.

The new study describes the ‘faecal revolution’ to explain a crucial turning point in animal and environmental evolution on Earth.

In a new article in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, fossil and evolutionary experts credit the buildup of lowly excrement for being a key cause for the ‘Cambrian Explosion’ about 540 million years ago, a brief period when the first marine ecosystems developed and most of the major animal groups started to appear.

The scientists from Australia and Germany describe how these pieces of fossilised pellets or ‘coprolites’ deposited by primitive sea creatures in the early Cambrian times played a vital part in evolution, encouraging marine life to evolve and diversify.

The new research, to be published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution, gives an alternative view to this remarkable diversification.

“Next to rising oxygen levels and other contributing factors, the importance of faeces in ancient ecosystems is often overlooked,” says Dr Russell Bicknell, an Australian Research Council Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) fellow at Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering.

“We have considered these ancient diets, increasingly sophisticated digestive systems and trophic interactions as part of a much bigger picture to help explain how more organic matter and nutrients poured into the ancient oceans to accelerate ecosystem development at the end of the Ediacaran and early Cambrian periods.”

After the earliest animals appeared around 600 million years ago during the Ediacaran Period, more complex digestive systems and the first fossilised coprolites start to appear at the onset of the Cambrian Period.

Dr Bicknell, with lead author Dr Julien Kimmig from Germany’s Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), says the complexity, shapes and sizes of coprolites and fossil gut systems increased as the Cambrian progressed – with evidence of this from more than 35 deposits around the globe.

“The faecal matter includes microscopic pellets through to centimetre-scale coprolites containing shells and other animal fragments,” says Dr Bicknell, an evolutionary biologist and palaeobiologist who specialises in arthropods.

“With this shift, we see increasingly complex digestive systems, particularly in early anthropods which evolve specialised foreguts and digestive glands capable of processing a wider variety of food.

“It becomes clear in the fossil record that the evolution of feeding strategies aligns with the production and distribution of organic carbon and nutrients to start creating conditions we see in modern oceans and later on land where fertiliser today is used to produce our food,” adds Dr Bicknell.

The review article – ‘The Cambrian fecal revolution: Fueling the Cambrian Radiation’ (2026) by Julien Kimmig and Russell DC Bicknell has been published in Trends in Ecology & Evolution (CellPress). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2026.06.013

Funding: This research was funded through an Australian Research Council (grant DE250100256) and a MAT Program Postdoctoral Fellowship – both to Dr Bicknell.

MIL OSI

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and future potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies. For more information, visit www.oceanx.organd follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, LinkedIn, and YouTube.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

New national pavilions, first-time exhibitors spanning wild-capture fisheries to smart aquaculture technology, and a dedicated Seafood Processing Asia showcase the growing appetite for global suppliers to build strategic relationships across Asia

SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 August 2026 – Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, organized by Diversified, will take place 2–4 September 2026 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Seafood suppliers from around the world and across the supply chain will converge to debut products, build relationships and learn about the industry’s most timely opportunities and challenges. First-time exhibitors and new national and regional pavilions spanning four continents signal the importance of the event in positioning them strategically at the center of Asia’s growing marketplace.

“Seafood Expo Asia is an important platform for the B.C. Dive Fisheries to continue to strengthen our relationships with buyers across Southeast Asia,” said Lawrence Anderson, Director of Pacific Sea Cucumber and Urchin Harvesters Associations (Canada). “It’s an excellent platform to showcase our sustainably harvested premium quality seafood products.”

New Regional and National Pavilions Demonstrating Global Influence

New regional and national pavilions with a growing number of companies will take advantage of the growing demand for seafood across Asia and connect suppliers across the supply chain with buyers in Asia. New pavilions to this year’s event include British Columbia Government (Canada), Jeju Technopark (South Korea), Ministero dell’Agricoltura della Sovranità Alimentare e delle Foreste (MASAF) (Italy) and The French Chamber of Commerce Singapore (France/Singapore).

Returning pavilions include Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (United States), Beijing Yinqicheng International Exhibition Co., Ltd. (China), CAPPMA (China), Dalian Huihetong Exhibition & Display Co., Ltd (China), Food Export USA – Northeast (United States), Hainan Fuchang Exhibition Service Co., Ltd (China), Japan Farmed Fish Export Association (Japan), Kochi Seafood Export Promotion Association (Japan), National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives (South Korea), Seafood Industries Association Singapore (Singapore), Southern United States Trade Association – SUSTA (United States) and Valuedshow Management LLC (China).

New Exhibitors From Around the World

Beyond pavilions, first-time exhibitors are arriving from Ecuador, Chile, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia and China, adding new voices, products and solutions to the exhibit hall. Blumar Asia Ltd, the Asia arm of Chile’s Blumar, will exhibit fresh and frozen Chilean Atlantic salmon alongside its jack mackerel and fishmeal lines. Jeju Technopark, a South Korean government-backed research and innovation center, develops smart land-based aquaculture technology for seaweed and laver cultivation using Jeju Island’s mineral-rich lava seawater. Xinjiang Tianyun Organic Agriculture Co., Ltd. farms salmon and trout at a base fed by glacial water in the Tianshan Mountains and holds BRC Global Food Safety and NSF antibiotic-free product certifications. Foodman Optoelectronic (Zhongshan) Co., Ltd. specializes in food safety and quality-control equipment for seafood processing, including X-ray inspection systems that detect fish bones and foreign objects on the line.

From Ocean to Table: A Full Supply Chain Event

Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia is deliberately designed to reflect the full breath of the seafood industry. Alongside the new exhibitors, returning participants include AquaChile, Austral Fisheries, Vinh Hoan Corporation, Marennes Oleron Oyster PGI and Omarsa S.A., among others. Processing equipment and solutions companies — including BAADER, Gucheng Shouan New Material Technology, Guy Cotten and Silikal GmbH — ensure that buyers sourcing automation, packaging, cold chain and aquaculture infrastructure reach their business goals in one location.

The 2026 exhibit hall will feature all types of seafood products — fresh, frozen, canned, preserved, value-added, processed and packaged — alongside solutions spanning processing and automation, aquaculture systems, cold chain infrastructure and advanced packaging. This full-spectrum lineup means that a hotel procurement manager, a supermarket buyer, a processing plant manager and a hatchery operator can each attend the same event and leave with new suppliers and new partnerships.

Business Matchmaking, New Products and Educational Opportunities

Beyond the exhibit hall, the event delivers a full program of business opportunities. Qualified high-volume importers and retail/foodservice buyers can participate in the Business Matchmaking Program, which facilitates structured, pre-scheduled one-on-one meetings with exhibiting suppliers. The Seafood Excellence Asia Awards, the expo’s product competition, celebrates the best new seafood products on the market, giving innovative suppliers direct visibility with buyers and press at an evening reception.

An educational conference will bring together industry leaders to address seafood consumption trends and market outlook, AI in the supply chain, sustainability certification, RAS fish farming, processing trends across Asia and more. Rounding out the experience, live culinary demonstrations and open product tastings will bring seafood to life on the event floor, connecting buyers directly with the products they are sourcing.

Learn More & Register to Attend

Seafood industry professionals can learn more about Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia, find information on the conference program and other special events, and register to attend for free by visiting www.seafoodexpo.com/asia.

To register as media/press, please visit the press center.

Hashtag: #SEASIA26

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Seafood Expo Asia/Seafood Processing Asia

About Diversified

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: D-Link ANZ

SYDNEY, 4 August 2026 – D-Link ANZ has unveiled its expanded Industrial Switch Range, delivering enterprise-grade networking solutions purpose-built for Australia’s and New Zealand’s harshest operational environments.

From factory floors and transport networks to outdoor surveillance deployments and remote utility sites, the new range gives systems integrators, IT managers and operations leaders the durability, speed and intelligence they need to maintain mission-critical connectivity where standard enterprise equipment simply cannot survive.

DIS-310G-24X Layer 3 Managed Switch

The expanded portfolio comprises four new models: the flagship DIS-310G-24X Layer 3 Managed Switch, the smart-managed DIS-210G-12 and DIS-210G-12UP PoE switches, and the compact, cost-effective DIS-100E-05 entry-level model. Together they span the full spectrum of industrial networking requirements from high-density aggregation to simple edge connectivity.

As Australian and New Zealand industries accelerate digital transformation, edge networks are being pushed into environments they were never designed for. Extreme temperatures, electrical noise, vibration and power surges are daily realities in manufacturing plants, mining operations, agricultural facilities and outdoor CCTV deployments.

Consumer-grade and even standard commercial switches fail quickly in these conditions, causing costly downtime, data loss and maintenance headaches. D-Link’s Industrial Switch Range addresses these pain points with IP40-rated metal housings, fan-less thermal designs, 6kV surge protection across all Ethernet ports, and operating temperature ratings from –40°C to +75°C.

The flagship DIS-310G-24X is a 24-port Gigabit Industrial Managed Layer 3 Switch designed for larger-scale industrial networks that demand both high availability and advanced traffic management.

It features 16 x 10/100/1000BASE-T copper ports, 4 x Gigabit SFP fibre uplinks, and 4 x 10G SFP+ ports for high-speed backbone or aggregation connectivity, all packed into a compact 100 x 140 x 170 mm chassis that maximises cabinet space.

DIS-310G-24X Key Features

• Layer 3 management with advanced routing, security and QoS functions
• 16 Gigabit copper + 4 Gigabit SFP + 4 x 10G SFP+ ports
• Fan-less design with ruggedised metal housing rated for –40°C to +75°C operation
• 6kV surge protection on all Ethernet ports
• DIN-rail clip and wall-mount options for fast deployment
• Loopback detection and cable diagnostics for rapid troubleshooting
• ERPS ring support for sub-50ms failover redundancy

For enterprise and government customers deploying outdoor surveillance, smart transport networks or large-scale industrial automation, the DIS-310G-24X delivers the performance of a data-centre switch with the resilience of hardened infrastructure. Its 10G uplinks eliminate bandwidth bottlenecks when aggregating multiple high-definition camera streams or sensor arrays, while Layer 3 intelligence enables secure segmentation of operational-technology (OT) and information-technology (IT) traffic.

The DIS-210G-12 is a 12-port Gigabit Industrial Smart Managed Switch that strikes the ideal balance between capability and simplicity for mid-sized deployments. It offers 8 x Gigabit copper ports plus 4 x SFP fibre uplinks, smart management via an intuitive web interface and ERPS ring protection to keep networks running even if a cable is severed.

DIS-210G-12 Key Features

• 8 x 1000BASE-T + 4 x SFP Gigabit uplinks
• Web-based smart management – no command-line expertise required
• 6kV surge protection and IP40-rated metal housing
• –40°C to +75°C operating range
• ERPS ring topology for continuous monitoring and failover
• Fan-less, silent operation ideal for noise-sensitive environments

This switch is purpose-built for city surveillance projects, warehouse automation and distributed building-management systems. The combination of fibre uplinks and smart management means integrators can run long-distance links back to a central site while retaining remote visibility and control over each edge switch, reducing truck rolls and speeding up fault resolution.

The DIS-210G-12UP takes the smart-managed foundation of the DIS-210G-12 and adds High-Power PoE capability, making it the go-to switch for deployments where both data and power must be delivered over a single cable to remote devices.

DIS-210G-12UP Key Features

• 8 x Gigabit ports: 6 x PoE+ (30W) and 2 x PoE++ (up to 60W per port)
• 4 x Gigabit SFP fibre uplinks for long-distance backhaul
• Total PoE budget supports multiple high-draw devices simultaneously
• IP40 housing, 6kV surge protection and –40°C to +75°C rating
• ERPS ring support for uninterrupted surveillance and automation
• Ideal for PTZ cameras, access control, IP intercoms and IoT gateways

With two PoE++ ports capable of delivering 60W each, the DIS-210G-12UP can power the latest generation of pan-tilt-zoom (PTZ) cameras, high-gain wireless access points and door-entry systems without requiring separate power injectors or 240V outlets at every device location. For smart-building and safe-city projects, this slashes installation costs, reduces cable clutter and simplifies maintenance.

The DIS-100E-05 is a 5-port unmanaged industrial switch that proves hardened networking doesn’t have to break the budget. With five Fast Ethernet ports, a fan-less metal casing and DIN-rail mounting, it delivers plug-and-play connectivity for small sensor clusters, remote monitoring nodes and legacy equipment retrofits.

DIS-100E-05 Key Features

• 5 x 10/100BASE-T Fast Ethernet ports
• Unmanaged plug-and-play operation – zero configuration
• Fan-less, silent design with Energy-Efficient Ethernet (EEE)
• 6kV surge protection on all ports
• 12–55V DC dual-input terminal block for redundant power
• Metal housing, DIN-rail mount, –40°C to +75°C rated
• RRP under $150 makes hardened networking accessible to any budget

For agricultural sensor networks, remote telemetry cabinets and small-scale automation projects, the DIS-100E-05 removes the traditional cost barrier to industrial-grade reliability. Its EEE support reduces power draw during low-activity periods, while the dual DC input allows a redundant power supply to be connected for extra peace of mind.

D-Link’s expanded Industrial Switch Range is more than a product refresh, it is a toolkit that directly addresses the operational and financial pressures facing local industries today.

With 6kV surge protection, wide thermal ratings and ERPS ring failover, these switches keep production lines, surveillance feeds and control systems online through electrical storms, summer heatwaves and freezing winter nights. Less downtime means higher output, safer worksites and lower emergency-repair costs.

Fan-less designs eliminate a common point of mechanical failure, reducing maintenance schedules and extending service life. PoE++ models cut installation costs by delivering power and data over one cable, while smart-management features allow remote diagnostics that stop minor issues becoming major outages.

Whether a site needs five ports today or plans to scale to hundreds of cameras and sensors tomorrow, the range offers a growth path. The DIS-310G-24X’s 10G uplinks and Layer 3 intelligence provide headroom for years of expansion, while the consistent management interface across models simplifies staff training and inventory planning.

Industrial-grade EMC endurance and safety certifications help organisations meet workplace health and safety obligations, particularly in mining, energy and heavy manufacturing where equipment reliability is regulated. Using purpose-built industrial switches demonstrates due diligence in risk management.

All models are available now in Australia and New Zealand via D-Link Australia, D-Link New Zealand and authorised D-Link business resellers, including major IT distributors and systems-integration partners at the following RRPs:-

DIS-310G-24X – AUD$2799.95, NZ$3499.99
DIS-210G-12 – AUD$899.95, NZ$1099.99
DIS-210G-12UP – AUD$1799.95, NZ$2199.99
DIS-100E-05 – AUD$149.95, NZ$179.99

About D-Link

D-Link, a global leader in the networking industry, began expanding worldwide in 1986 and was officially established as D-Link Corporation in 1987. With 90 operational and sales locations across 43 countries, D-Link provides innovative and reliable networking equipment, AI-powered cloud management services, and complete infrastructure solutions for individuals, homes, businesses, and industries.

Copyright © 2026 D-Link Australia. All Rights Reserved.

MIL OSI

Source: Gen Digital Inc.

New Cyber Safety intelligence hub gives Kiwis a live, daily view of the scams and cyber threats shaping online life in NZ and around the world

Auckland, August 4, 2026 – Gen (NASDAQ: GEN), a global leader dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its family of trusted consumer brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock and MoneyLion, today launched the Fearless Planet Index (FPI), a continuously updated Cyber Safety intelligence hub that provides real-time insights into scams, cyber threats and identity risks, helping people understand where threats are emerging and how to protect themselves.

Visit the Fearless Planet Index at https://fpi.gendigital.com/

A Regional Weather Map for Digital Risk

People check the weather before deciding what to wear or whether it’s safe to travel. Until now, there hasn’t been an equivalent way to understand the digital risks forming around us. Powered by telemetry from the Gen Threat Labs, the Fearless Planet Index transforms billions of real-world security signals into an interactive view of today’s digital threat landscape. Like weather radar tracking storms as they develop and move, the FPI helps Kiwis see where digital risks are emerging in New Zealand, which scams are most active and how those patterns evolve over time.

With the FPI, people can:

• Select a country to explore its most prominent scams, malware threats and identity alerts
• See whether each threat or alert has increased, decreased, remained stable or appeared as new since the previous day
• Open detailed profiles explaining each threat or alert and, where applicable, providing practical guidance to help people protect themselves

One of the most active threats in New Zealand is fake shopping scams.

Storms Brewing: Online Shopping Scams in New Zealand

In New Zealand, online shopping scams rank among the most prevalent consumer scams tracked by the FPI in July, as cybercriminals increasingly impersonate trusted retailers through fake websites, sponsored social media ads, search results and promotional emails offering products at unusually low prices.

The FPI identify the scams and threats people should look out for and gives practical advice on how to protect yourself. For example, for those Kiwis who are getting ready to shop online for winter clearance sale, tips include:

• Shop with retailers you know or research unfamiliar websites by checking independent reviews before making a purchase.
• Look closely at the website. Check the URL for misspellings, and make sure the site includes legitimate contact information, shipping details, and a clear return or refund policy.
• Pay with a credit card or another payment method that offers buyer protection. Avoid paying by bank transfer, cryptocurrency, gift cards or other irreversible payment methods.

Fearless Planet Index Reveals Phishing as the Primary Scam Threat Worldwide

The FPI tracks the most prominent threats across 245 countries and territories. Early insights show phishing as the most prevalent scam category globally. Specific threats, including online shopping, dating, tech support and financial scams, vary considerably between countries. This country-level variation allows people to look beyond the global picture and understand which threats are currently most prominent where they live.

At launch, the FPI shows:

• 120M+ phishing attacks detected in the latest 30-day snapshot
• 80%+ of categorised threats were scams or malicious advertising rather than traditional malware
• Online shopping scams rank among the most prevalent named scams across New Zealand, Australia and other parts of the world, reflecting how cybercriminals increasingly target everyday online purchases
• While phishing is the leading scam globally, the mix of threats varies by country and region, giving people a localised view of the digital risks they are most likely to encounter
• North America recorded the highest average digital risk (29.6%), followed closely by Europe (28.5%), Asia-Pacific (27.4%), Middle East & Africa (25.6%), and Latin America (22.0%)

About Gen

Gen (NASDAQ: GEN) is a global company dedicated to powering Digital Freedom through its trusted consumer brands including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, MoneyLion and more. The Gen family of consumer brands is rooted in providing financial empowerment and cyber safety for the first digital generations. Today, Gen empowers people to live their digital lives safely, privately and confidently for generations to come. Gen brings award-winning products and services in cybersecurity, online privacy, identity protection and financial wellness to nearly 500 million users in more than 150 countries. Learn more at https://www.gendigital.com/.

About the Gen Threat Labs

Gen Threat Labs is the Cyber Safety research team within Gen, focused on uncovering and analysing the latest digital threats and scams worldwide. Rooted in data, research, and technical expertise, the team identifies patterns and risks that shape the evolving cyber landscape. Their insights power the security technologies that protect people across Gen’s portfolio of trusted brands, including Norton, Avast, LifeLock, and others.

MIL OSI

Highlights 

• Proposed U.S. redomiciliation: IperionX intends to redomicile its ultimate parent company to Texas, subject to shareholder, court, regulatory and other customary approvals, to align the Company’s legal and capital-markets structure with its integrated U.S. manufacturing, critical minerals and technology operations.
• Simplified Nasdaq structure: Subject to final structuring and exchange approvals, common stock in the new U.S. parent is expected to be listed directly on Nasdaq, replacing IperionX’s existing ADS structure.
• Continuity of operations and strategy: The proposed redomiciliation is not expected to change IperionX’s underlying assets, operations or strategic priorities.
• Building a fully American titanium supply chain: IperionX is developing an integrated U.S. platform extending from domestic titanium minerals and recycled titanium feedstocks through low-cost titanium metal production to advanced manufactured products and components.
• Board strengthened for industrial scale-up: Michael J. Loparco, an accomplished advanced-manufacturing, technology and global supply-chain executive, has been appointed as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.

SOUTH BOSTON, Va., Aug. 03, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — IperionX Limited (IperionX) (NASDAQ: IPX, ASX: IPX) is pleased to announce two aligned strategic actions to support its next phase of growth as an American titanium metal and critical materials business.

IperionX intends to pursue a redomiciliation to the United States through the establishment of a Texas-incorporated ultimate parent company. The Company has also appointed Mr. Michael J. Loparco, an experienced advanced-manufacturing, industrial technology and global supply-chain executive, as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.

Together, these initiatives are intended to align IperionX’s corporate structure, capital-markets framework and Board capabilities with the Company’s evolution into a fully integrated American titanium and critical materials company.

IperionX is developing a domestic titanium supply chain designed to extend from titanium minerals and recycled feedstocks through titanium metal production to advanced manufactured products for defense and other strategically important U.S. industries.

The Company’s U.S. operating platform comprises:

• the integrated Atlas-Titan critical minerals platform in Tennessee;
• titanium metal production and advanced manufacturing in Virginia; and
• titanium technology research and development in Utah.

The proposed redomiciliation is reflective of the majority of IperionX’s customers, strategic relationships and government-supported programs being based in the United States. 

Appointment of Mr. Michael J. Loparco as Non-Executive Director

IperionX has appointed Mr. Michael J. Loparco as an independent non-executive director, effective August 3, 2026.

Mr. Loparco is a highly accomplished executive with more than 25 years of leadership experience across advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, automation, global supply chains, corporate transactions and public-company governance.

He currently serves as Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of OrcaWorcs.ai, an AI-native operating platform focused on workflow orchestration and compliance across legal, financial services and industrial markets.

Mr. Loparco previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Symbotic Inc. (NASDAQ: SYM), where he led the company through its 2022 public listing.

Prior to Symbotic, Mr. Loparco spent more than two decades at Jabil Inc., one of the world’s leading manufacturing services companies. During his time at Jabil, he held a series of senior leadership roles, including Chief Executive Officer of Jabil Electronics Manufacturing Services and Executive Vice President, with responsibility for global manufacturing, supply-chain and technology operations across 25 countries.

Earlier in his career, Mr. Loparco practiced as a corporate attorney with Holland & Knight LLP. He currently serves on the Board of Sanmina Corporation (NASDAQ: SANM) and has previous board experience with established public companies and newly listed businesses. Mr. Loparco holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Business from Eckerd College and a Juris Doctor, cum laude, from Stetson University College of Law. 

Mr. Loparco said:

“IperionX has assembled a leading combination of domestic resource security, proprietary titanium technology and advanced-manufacturing capability within one U.S. platform.

IperionX brings together three capabilities that are rarely found within a single U.S. company: proprietary titanium technologies, an expanding advanced-manufacturing platform and a large-scale domestic critical minerals project. That combination creates a compelling opportunity to build a more resilient, competitive and secure American titanium supply chain.

I look forward to working with the Board and management team as IperionX scales its manufacturing operations, expands commercialization and advances its position as a strategically important supplier to U.S. industry.”

IperionX Executive Chairman, Todd Hannigan, said:

“Michael is an exceptional addition to the IperionX Board. He has extensive experience leading complex manufacturing organizations, scaling advanced technology platforms, managing global supply chains and guiding public companies through periods of significant transformation.

That combination of industrial, technology, commercial and capital-markets experience is directly relevant to IperionX’s next phase as we scale our U.S. manufacturing operations, expand our product capabilities and progress from capacity development into larger-scale commercialization.”

Proposed Domiciliation to the United States

IperionX intends to pursue a redomiciliation under which a newly incorporated Texas corporation would become the ultimate parent company of the IperionX Group. The proposed redomiciliation remains subject to shareholder approval, court approval, regulatory approvals, exchange approvals and other customary conditions.

Subject to final structuring and exchange approvals, IperionX expects the common stock of the new U.S. parent company to be listed directly on Nasdaq, replacing the Company’s existing ADS structure.

The proposed redomiciliation would align IperionX’s legal domicile and capital-markets structure with its:

• principal operating assets in Virginia, Tennessee and Utah;
• U.S.-based workforce and management activities;
• U.S. customers and strategic industrial relationships;
• extensive U.S. Government-supported programs; and
• strategic objective to rebuild secure American titanium and critical materials supply chains.

Against this operating and strategic background, the proposed redomiciliation is intended to complete the alignment of an American operating business with an American legal and capital-markets structure. A U.S. domicile and direct U.S. listed common-stock structure are also intended to provide a simpler and more accessible investment framework for U.S. institutional, sector-specialist and strategic investors.

The proposed structure has the potential to:

• broaden IperionX’s addressable U.S. investor base;
• deepen trading liquidity and price discovery;
• simplify participation by strategic and sector-specialist investors; and
• enhance access to larger and more diverse pools of U.S. growth capital.

The proposed redomiciliation is not expected to change IperionX’s underlying assets, operations or strategic priorities.

IperionX CEO, Taso Arima, said:

“IperionX is an American industrial company in every operational and strategic sense. Our critical mineral platform is in Tennessee, our titanium production and advanced-manufacturing operations are in Virginia, our technology research and development is in Utah, and our customers, strategic relationships and government-supported programs are located in the United States.

The proposed redomiciliation would complete that alignment at the corporate level. It would create a simpler investment structure for U.S. investors and better position IperionX to access the capital, market visibility and strategic relationships required to scale a fully American titanium supply chain.

Importantly, this proposal does not change our underlying business or strategy. It creates a corporate structure that more accurately reflects the American business we have already built and the substantially larger U.S. industrial company we intend to become.”

About IperionX

IperionX is a leading American titanium metal and critical materials company – using patented metal technologies to produce high performance titanium alloys, from titanium minerals or scrap titanium, at lower energy, cost and carbon emissions.

Our Titan critical minerals project is the largest JORC-compliant mineral resource of titanium, rare earth and zircon minerals sands in the United States.

IperionX’s titanium metal and critical minerals are essential for advanced U.S. industries including space, aerospace, defense, consumer electronics, hydrogen, automotive and additive manufacturing.

Forward Looking Statements

Information included in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. Often, but not always, forward looking statements can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking words such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “plan”, “estimate”, “anticipate”, “continue”, and “guidance”, or other similar words and may include, without limitation, statements regarding plans, strategies and objectives of management, anticipated production or construction commencement dates and expected costs or production outputs.

Forward looking statements inherently involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results, performance, and achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance, or achievements. Relevant factors may include, but are not limited to, changes in commodity prices, foreign exchange fluctuations and general economic conditions, increased costs and demand for production inputs, the speculative nature of exploration and project development, including the risks of obtaining necessary licenses and permits and diminishing quantities or grades of reserves, the Company’s ability to comply with the relevant contractual terms to access the technologies, commercially scale its closed-loop titanium production processes, or protect its intellectual property rights, political and social risks, changes to the regulatory framework within which the Company operates or may in the future operate, environmental conditions including extreme weather conditions, recruitment and retention of personnel, industrial relations issues and litigation.

Forward looking statements are based on the Company and its management’s good faith assumptions relating to the financial, market, regulatory and other relevant environments that will exist and affect the Company’s business and operations in the future. The Company does not give any assurance that the assumptions on which forward looking statements are based will prove to be correct, or that the Company’s business or operations will not be affected in any material manner by these or other factors not foreseen or foreseeable by the Company or management or beyond the Company’s control.

Although the Company attempts and has attempted to identify factors that would cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those disclosed in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that could cause actual results, performance, achievements, or events not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended, and many events are beyond the reasonable control of the Company. Accordingly, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward looking statements. Forward looking statements in these materials speak only at the date of issue. Subject to any continuing obligations under applicable law or any relevant stock exchange listing rules, in providing this information the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements or to advise of any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Contacts

Anastasios (Taso) Arima, Founder and CEO
Toby Symonds, President
Dominic Allen, Chief Commercial Officer

Investors: investorrelations@iperionx.com
Media: media@iperionx.com

+1 980 237 8900
www.iperionx.com

– Published by The MIL Network

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

GOLD COAST, Australia, July 31, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Sparke Films has revealed that San Francisco 49ers tight end and NFL star George Kittle is set to make his acting debut in Dinosaurs of the Wild West, the original eight-part cinematic frontier series from filmmaker Luke Sparke, creator of Primitive War (Currently streaming on Hulu).

Kittle will play an original character in the new frontier, complete with his own dinosaur, marking his first on-screen acting role.

Joining Kittle in the series are Jesse Kove (Cobra Kai) in a villainous role, Martin Kove (The Karate Kid, Cobra Kai) as an important figure in the America of this time, and Rachael Pizzolatto (MythBusters Jr) as ‘The Heiress’.

The three principal hero roles remain in active casting along with other key roles, with an extraordinary outpouring of interest from actors worldwide following the trailer’s release. Auditions are currently underway.

“Since the trailer dropped, we’ve had an incredible response from the acting community. Performers from all over the world reaching out because they want to be part of this crazy-ambitious idea,” said writer/director Luke Sparke. “George is someone who discovered Primitive War on his own and talked about it publicly and that’s what brought us together. His passion for this kind of storytelling is completely authentic, and that energy is exactly what the frontier needs. Having him, the Koves and Rachael together so far is the kind of ensemble that gets built around a story worth telling.”

The announcement comes as the Dinosaurs of the Wild West Kickstarter campaign, officially named a Kickstarter “Projects We Love” selection, targets over the 60% mark of its goal with 10 days remaining. The official trailer and teaser have generated over 20 million views across official social channels alone, with millions more through press coverage and community sharing.

Dinosaurs of the Wild West represents the new model for independent entertainment: Creator-led, direct to fans, bypassing the traditional systems entirely. Rather than waiting for a greenlight that may never come, the production is going directly to the audience that wants it to exist, allowing fans to pre-order the series and collectively bring it to life.

“We’re past the point of asking permission,” said Sparke. “The audience has already shown interest in extraordinary numbers. This is a new way of making ambitious content, with creators going directly to the fans who want it by building their own audience. If enough people pre-order it, we make it. It’s that simple. Now it’s just educating this new system and turning those millions of views into pre-orders.”

Set in an alternate 1879, Dinosaurs of the Wild West imagines a frontier where humans and dinosaurs built civilisation together. Massive Brontosaurs haul entire towns across the plains. Raptors are ridden into battle. Pterosaurs rule the skies. The series follows pioneers, outlaws and adventurers navigating a dangerous land where every journey, every town and every war depend on the giant creatures that shaped civilisation itself. It’s pitched as ‘House of the Dragon’ meets ‘Tombstone’.

The Kickstarter campaign is live now and closes on August 7^th. The ONLY way to watch this series (currently) is to pre-order.

BACK THE CAMPAIGN: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/sparkefilms/dinosaurs-of-the-wild-west-series
WATCH THE TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OfsgDuvv_t0

ABOUT THE PROJECT
Dinosaurs of the Wild West is an original cinematic universe created by filmmaker Luke Sparke and developed alongside the team behind Primitive War with Sparke Films and Let it Be entertainment. Produced by Carmel Imrie, Carly Sparke and Luke Sparke with Executive Producers Geoff Imrie, Eric Weick, Colin Hurdle and Kelly Clifford and Creative Executive Brooke Marsden. Original score for the trailers by composer Frederik Wiedmann and employing VFX artists through Sparke Effects.

MEDIA CONTACT:
jennifer@magnovapr.com
production@dinosofthewest.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a00314f5-d73a-4964-acd8-87d0122301f6
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c9fc45a4-b977-4547-86de-1cb4b0a452c8
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d1c1f177-4e7c-4c6e-94ea-0cc1a25199a0
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3213554a-fe76-4427-9dbe-84d9be730aeb

 A video accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4bbcd78f-9bd2-4f37-bb19-e3d7927fb1b2

– Published by The MIL Network

Source: Earth Sciences New Zealand

Outlook Summary

Regional predictions for the next three months:

• Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty
• Central North Island, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wellington
• Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa
• Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Buller
• West Coast, Alps and foothills, inland Otago and Southland Coastal Canterbury, east Otago.

Outlook Summary

• El Niño conditions persist in the tropical Pacific atmosphere and ocean, and by all measures the event has strengthened over the last month – including the strongest atmospheric measurements on record for July. We remain in its early stages; impacts on New Zealand’s weather patterns are yet to be fully felt, but are anticipated during this outlook period.

• Air flow patterns are expected to eventually favour a prevailing westerly direction, characteristic of El Niño conditions, as the season progresses. This is expected to be more apparent from mid-spring onwards.

• Seasonal air temperatures for August – October 2026 are most likely to be near average for the east of the North Island. They are about equally likely to be near average or above average for all other New Zealand regions. This does not preclude occasional cold outbreaks, for example in early August, which are a typical aspect of late winter and spring weather patterns.

• Rainfall totals for August – October 2026 are about equally likely to be near normal or below normal for the north and east of the South Island, and the east of the North Island. Rainfall is most likely to be below normal for the remainder of the North Island. Meanwhile, rainfall is most likely to be above normal for the west of the South Island.

• New Zealand has experienced several heavy rain events from the north over the past year.

These northerly rain events have already reduced in frequency in recent months, and this trend is expected to continue. The main heavy rain threat instead is expected to shift toward the western and lower South Island.

• The likelihood of below normal rainfall in several regions is likely to translate to below normal groundwater recharge, creating challenges for water-reliant sectors.

• During August – October 2026, soil moisture levels and river flows are expected to be near normal or below normal for the east and north of both islands, the west of the North Island, and the north of the South Island. In the west of the South Island, they are expected to be near normal or above normal.

• Warmer-than-average subsurface ocean temperature anomalies have continued to strengthen and expand across the tropical Pacific, providing clear support for El Niño to intensify further and reach the very strong category in the coming months. Dynamical and statistical forecast guidance concurs, with approximately a 90% likelihood that the event will reach or exceed very strong intensity during the outlook period.

• Peak El Niño conditions are most likely to occur during the austral summer of 2026–27, with the potential for this event to have significant impacts. It is likely to develop into one of the strongest in recent history, as anticipated over the last few months (see El Niño declared, expected to intensify into one of the strongest on record).

• El Niño-related influences on regional weather patterns are expected to become more apparent later during spring as ENSO signals continue to strengthen. In New Zealand, this is expected to favour periods of active westerlies, bringing an increased risk of unusually windy conditions and notable temperature variability. How widespread and persistent these conditions become will depend on the location and strength of nearby high-pressure systems.

• Other climate drivers and intraseasonal oscillations, for example, the Indian Ocean Dipole, the Southern Annular Mode and the Madden Julian Oscillation will still contribute to New Zealand weather patterns, though El Niño is expected to be most dominant. In general, these other drivers are moving into phases which support El Niño-like impacts.

• Sudden Stratospheric Warmings (SSW) are historically rare in the Southern Hemisphere, but in recent years have become more common. Predictability is limited, but there is justification for enhanced monitoring over the coming weeks. If an SSW does occur, its impacts on New Zealand weather patterns can be delayed by a month or more.

• Out-of-season Southwest Pacific tropical cyclones (July–October) are extremely rare. When they do occur, it is almost always under El Niño conditions. This remote risk does not currently factor into New Zealand’s current Seasonal Climate Outlook, although active monitoring remains in place.

Regional predictions for August – October 2026

The tables below show the probabilities (or percent chances) for each of three categories: above average, near average, and below average. In the absence of any forecast guidance there would be an equal likelihood (33% chance) of the outcome for any of the three categories. Forecast information from local and global guidance models is used to indicate the deviation from equal chance that is expected for the coming three-month period. All outlooks are for the three months averaged as a whole. During these three months, there will inevitably be relatively wet and dry periods, as well as hot and cold periods. The exact range in temperature and rainfall within each of the three categories varies with location and season. However, as a guide, the “near average” or middle category for the temperature predictions includes deviations up to ±0.5°C relative to the long-term mean, whereas for rainfall the “near normal” category lies between 80 percent and 120 percent of the long-term (1991-2020) mean.

Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be above average (40% chance) or near average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are most likely to be below normal (50% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

Central North Island, Taranaki, Whanganui, Manawatu, Wellington

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels are equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

• River flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40 – 45% chance).

Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are most likely to be near average (45% chance).

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (45% chance) or near normal (40% chance) for the outlook period as a whole.

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40% chance).

Tasman, Nelson, Marlborough, Buller

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (40% chance). The likelihood of increased temperature variability, including larger swings between warm and cool conditions, as well as periods of unusually windy weather, is expected to increase during spring.

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (45% chance).

West Coast, Southern Alps and foothills, inland Otago, Southland

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (40% chance).

• Rainfall totals are most likely to be above normal (50% chance). The risk of active weather events, including heavy rainfall and strong winds, is forecast to increase during spring.

• Soil moisture levels are most likely to be near normal (50% chance).

• River flows are equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or above normal (40% chance).

Coastal Canterbury and the nearby plains, east Otago

Probabilities are assigned in three categories: above average, near average, and below average.

• Temperatures are about equally likely to be above average (45% chance) or near average (40% chance). The likelihood of increased temperature variability, including larger swings between warm and cool conditions, as well as periods of unusually windy weather, is expected to increase during spring.

• Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be below normal (40% chance) or near normal (35% chance).

• Soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal (45% chance) or below normal (40% chance).

The full probability breakdown is:

Graphical representation of the regional probabilities

Background

During July 2026, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) trended strongly negative, reaching its most negative July value on record since 1951, consistent with El Niño conditions. Based on daily observations through 29 July, the monthly SOI value was -3.4.

Sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific continued to strengthen during July 2026, with positive anomalies now extending along the entire Equator east of the International Date Line. The Relative Niño 3.4 Index (RONI) averaged +1.4°C over the 30 days ending 29 July, well above the El Niño threshold. During August, the RONI is forecast to exceed +1.5°C, the threshold for a strong El Niño event. The current pattern of equatorial SST anomalies is consistent with the rapid development of a canonical El Niño event, similar to those of 1997/98 and 1982/83, in which the strongest warming is concentrated in the eastern rather than central Pacific.

During July, subsurface ocean temperatures across the equatorial Pacific were markedly above average and intensified further, particularly in the eastern Pacific (east of ~160°W). Temperature anomalies locally exceeded +8°C, occurring between depths of around 150 m (centred near 150°W) and 50 m (close to the South American coast). These subsurface anomalies are also continuing to be expressed at the surface, hence the continuing increases in the Relative Niño 3.4 Index.

Positive upper-ocean heat content anomalies (0-300 m) remain firmly established along the Equator east of the International Date Line. The magnitude of this subsurface heat reservoir is consistent with other observed indicators and with dynamical and statistical forecast guidance which together suggest that the ongoing El Niño is likely to reach very strong thresholds during the outlook period, and most likely continuing to strengthen further later in spring.

Rainfall and Convection: During July, enhanced convection and rainfall – indicated by negative outgoing longwave radiation (OLR) anomalies – was focused around the intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) through the equatorial Pacific. Suppressed convection and rainfall – indicated by positive OLR anomalies – persisted across the Indian subcontinent and the maritime continent. This pattern of tropical rainfall anomalies was strongly consistent with an El Niño state and closely resembled a canonical El Niño configuration.

Trade winds remained dramatically weakened across the Pacific, and reversed entirely at times, characteristic of El Niño.

In summary, oceanic conditions are in an El Niño configuration, and setting the stage for further development during the outlook period, with particularly significant warmth (positive heat content anomalies) stored in the ocean along the Equator in the Pacific. These signals are only growing ever-stronger with time. Meanwhile, the atmosphere is also increasingly resembling El Niño. A fully-coupled El Niño has therefore emerged, although stronger ocean and atmospheric responses are anticipated as the event develops further.

The Relative Oceanic Niño Index forecasts indicate a 100% chance for El Niño conditions over the next three-month period (August – October 2026). The IRI/CPC forecasts also support this outlook. Further strengthening of the event is likely beyond the outlook period, and it is increasingly probable that the event will peak as one of the strongest on record.

The Southern Annular Mode (SAM) decreased from near record high values late in June, and showed a mixture of negative and positive modes throughout July. During August, the negative SAM mode is expected to be more common than it has been over the last two months, though occasional positive spells may still occur.

The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) value for July is neutral (+0.2°C). Forecasts from the Australian Bureau of Meteorology indicate that the IOD is likely to become positive over the next three month period, and is forecast to reach thresholds (+0.4°C) required to declare a positive IOD event during the spring season.

In the first week of July, the Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) moved into the western Pacific, likely contributing to the low-pressure systems experienced in New Zealand. It then moved slowly eastwards, acting in concert with the El Niño. After making minimal impact in the Indian Ocean, it should emerge into the western Pacific again early in August, likely having some influence again on New Zealand weather patterns.

With the MJO in the western Pacific, it can also contribute to both oceanic and atmospheric components of El Niño strengthening further.

Local Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are near average or above average around the majority of the country, and marine heatwave (MHW) conditions are continuing around much of the South Island and Tasman Sea. Forecasts from coupled ocean-atmosphere models for the next three-month period (see Sea Surface Temperature Update | Earth Sciences New Zealand | NIWA) indicate SSTs should continue to warm around the coastal waters of the country, especially around the South Island.

North NI +0.55°C

West NI +0.38°C

East NI +0.09°C

North SI +0.61°C

West SI +0.89°C

East SI +0.83°C

NZ 30-day coastal SST anomalies

(to 29 Jul 2026)

Figure 1: Latest 30 days SST anomalies to the 29 th July 2026, calculated with respect to the 1991-2020 climatological period.

* The Relative Oceanic Niño 3.4 Index (RONI) is a modern way of measuring oceanic El Niño and La Niña that is complementary to traditional oceanic indices. While traditional oceanic indices like the Niño 3.4 Index monitor SSTs in one region, the RONI compares the average SST in the central equatorial Pacific with the average SST across the global tropics. Since tropical rainfall patterns respond to changes in ocean temperatures, this new relative index can help forecasters better determine if the equatorial Pacific is warmer or cooler than the rest of the global tropics, which has become more challenging to discern as seas warm because of climate change.

Forecast Confidence

Temperature

Forecast confidence for temperatures is Medium. Cold weather in early August should then trend steadily towards milder conditions, ultimately influenced by the developing westerly conditions and warm seas

surrounding the country. Periodic cold outbreaks will still occur, as is normal for spring.

Rainfall Forecast confidence for rainfall is Medium-High. El Niño influenced rainfall patterns are expected to dominate the latter parts of the outlook period. Compared with previous outlooks, confidence is higher that any uncharacteristic rain events, such as in mid-August, will not upset the overall rainfall pattern over the three month period.

Notes

1. Earth Sciences New Zealand outlooks indicate the likelihood of climate conditions being at, above, or below average for the season as a whole, relative to the 1991-2020 average. They are not ‘weather forecasts’ as it is not possible to forecast precise weather conditions three months in advance.

2. The outlooks are the result of the expert judgment of scientists and forecasters. They take into account observations of atmospheric and ocean conditions and output from global and local climate models. The presence of El Niño or La Niña conditions and the sea surface temperatures around New Zealand can be useful indicators of likely overall climate conditions for a season.

3. The outlooks state the probability for above average conditions, near average conditions, and below average conditions for rainfall, temperature, soil moisture, and river flows. When a particular probability reaches or exceeds 60%, we conclude it is “very likely”.

4. This three-way probability means that a random choice would be correct only 33 per cent (or one-third) of the time. It would be like randomly throwing a dart at a board divided into three equal parts, or casting a dice with three numbers on it.

5. Where probabilities are within 5% of one another, the term “about equally” is used.

6. All outlooks are for the three months as a whole. There will inevitably be relatively wet and dry days, and hot and cold days, within a season. The exact range in temperature and rainfall within each of the three categories varies with location and season. However, as a guide, the “near average” or middle category for the temperature predictions includes deviations up to ±0.5°C for the long-term mean, whereas for rainfall the “near normal” category lies between 80 per cent and 120 per cent of the long-term mean.

7. The seasonal climate outlooks are an output of Predicting climate variability and change, a scientific research programme supported through Earth Sciences New Zealand’s Strategic Science Investment

Fund.

8. The forecast confidence meter for temperature and rainfall represents the expert judgement of Earth Sciences New Zealand climate scientists. It aims to synthesize various forecast elements, such as global and local climate drivers, in order to clearly communicate forecaster confidence in how all the evidence has aligned for the seasonal outlook.

MIL OSI

Source: University of Auckland

Friday, July 31, 2026

When a new drug shows a 30 to 60 percent cure rate in laboratory models of cancer, there’s cause for excitement.

A New Zealand team has carried out early experiments on a new cancer drug that displays that level of promise.

The research is led by University of Auckland Associate Professors Jeff Smaill and Adam Patterson from the Department of Cancer Sciences, and Malaghan Institute Professor Ian Hermans.

“It’s early days, but we’re seeing long-term eradication of cancer in lab experiments using this new drug,” says Smaill.

“It’s exciting to see that once the cancer is cured, if we try to reintroduce the same type of cancer, it won’t establish a second time.

“So this treatment looks promising in terms of preventing relapse.”

The drug gives a unique boost to the body’s immune defences, mobilising them inside tumours to help fight cancer, says Patterson.

While the new treatment is currently being targeted at lung cancer, it could be used to increase the chances of surviving many types of cancer, Patterson says.

To further develop the drug, the team has just launched a new company, Stave Therapeutics, which has attracted investment from Unruly Partners.

The scientists hope to optimise the drug’s potential, before launching world-first clinical trials with cancer patients within the next two years.

Over the past 15 years, immunotherapy drugs have been created that help treat about 20 different cancers. However, they are only effective long-term for about 20 to 25 percent of lung cancer patients and for about 5 to 15 percent of patients with other major types of cancer.

Smaill says the team is “like a dog with a bone”, relentlessly looking for ways to develop treatments that are more effective for more patients.

Their innovative approach involves turning ‘cold tumours’, which few immune cells have infiltrated, into ‘hot tumours’, which are inflamed by armies of immune cells attacking the cancer, says Hermans.

“We’ve been working on a way to stimulate immune cells in the tumour, even if there are very few of them.

“We want to get them to release the signalling molecules that make a tumour hotter, more inflamed, that attract immune cell penetration into the tumour,” says Hermans.

Trials in laboratory models that don’t respond to existing immunotherapy drugs have been promising, says Patterson.

They show the new drug stimulates the body’s immune defences and increases the number of T cells entering the tumour to fight cancer cells.

Stronger immune responses are activated when the new compound is used in combination with existing immunotherapy drugs that stop cancers turning off the body’s immune defences, says Patterson.

“We think converting tumours from cold to hot is going to be the real way to get immunotherapy working better.

“If we can achieve this, we can make a big impact on treating a lot of different cancers,” Patterson says.

Over the past 30 years at the University’s Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, Smaill and Patterson have created six new cancer drugs that have reached the stage of clinical trials.

Smaill worked with pharmaceutical company Pfizer to discover dacomitinib, a lung cancer treatment that gained global approval for patient use in 2018.

Two new drugs the pair have developed to treat a range of cancers are undergoing phase one clinical trials in Europe and China. They developed a third cancer drug, tarloxotinib, which has advanced to phase two clinical trials in the United States, Australia, Canada and Hong Kong.

In 2021, funding from Maurice Wilkins Centre helped launch their latest research, followed by a $1.2 million Health Research Council grant. Last year the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment granted more than $5 million over three years for the project. Cancer Society Auckland Northland has also provided significant funding supporting Smaill and Patterson’s research.

Over the next 18 months, Stave Therapeutics plans to test hundreds of compounds to optimise the treatment’s potency and reduce potential side effects.

“It’s still early days, but we’re pretty amped up about this one,” says Smaill.

“When you’re designing new molecules the universe has never seen before and you’re controlling the chemical structure to make things happen in ways you can predict, it’s a real buzz.

“There’s always a rush when you go: We’ve doubled the potency, or we’ve increased the selectivity, or we’re seeing a 60 percent cure rate in our lab experiments.”

MIL OSI

Source: Consumer NZ

31 July 2026

Consumer NZ is warning that gaps in Aotearoa’s product safety system are leaving shoppers exposed, after finding a toy banned in the United Kingdom can still be bought here through online marketplaces.

A number of “Squeezy Dumplings” were recalled in the UK in June after testing found benzene in the outer layer. Benzene can irritate the skin and, where exposure is significant, cause a burning feeling throughout the digestive tract.

The recalled toy is an imitation of the popular “Squishy Dumpling”, originally made by UK company RMS. While several similar toys are available in New Zealand, including at The Warehouse and Kmart, Consumer NZ did not find the recalled version in those stores.

However, the organisation successfully ordered what it believes to be a banned “Squeezy Dumplings” toy from AliExpress in July, after the UK product safety recall. Head of Research and Advocacy Gemma Rasmussen says the availability of potentially dangerous toys through online marketplaces exposes a fundamental weakness in how product safety is managed in New Zealand.

“Shoppers shouldn’t have to wonder whether a toy is safe. Yet for many products sold online, there has been no independent testing before they reach New Zealand homes. Our product safety laws have not been significantly updated in decades, while our in-store and online marketplaces have changed dramatically.

“We have strong concerns that the toy we ordered contains benzene, but we do not know for sure because chemical testing is prohibitively expensive.”

Shoppers may assume there is a level of independent testing before products wind up on shelves or in online baskets, but the reality is that manufacturers themselves are often allowed to decide whether products comply with safety requirements.

New Zealand has a product safety standard for children’s toys enforced by the Commerce Commission which does take action periodically. The system is far from watertight and there remains a risk that unsafe products cross our borders every day.

“That system only works if manufacturers are doing the right thing and problems are identified quickly,” Rasmussen says. “Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.”

Consumer NZ says recent local incidents have raised broader questions about the reliability of supplier safety assurances. Earlier this month, research by Auckland University of Technology confirmed asbestos was present in some children’s play sand sold in New Zealand and that airborne fibres could be released during normal play. The safety regime used by New Zealand and Australian regulators is often heavily reliant on risk assessments commissioned by product suppliers, rather than independently verified testing.

“Whether it’s asbestos in play sand or benzene in a toy, these cases demonstrate why we cannot rely solely on manufacturers’ own safety claims. We need our government to introduce a product safety system in Aotearoa that reflects the risks we currently face in our marketplaces,” says Rasmussen.

MBIE advice before buying a squishy toy:

• Inspect the product for strong chemical smells, leaking liquid or gel, tears, cracks, weak seams, or loose or detachable small parts that could choke a small child.
• Buy from reputable retailers and established brands.
• Ask the retailer for evidence or confirmation that the toy has been safety tested.
• Check the toy has clear age recommendations and safety instructions.

To avoid harm:

• Do not allow children to chew, bite, puncture, or cut open squishy toys.
• Never microwave, heat, freeze, or alter the toy.
• Remove and dispose of any toy that becomes torn, damaged, leaks, or develops a strong chemical smell.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and age recommendations.
• Supervise younger children during play.
• Keep damaged toys away from young children and pets.

MBIE product guide: https://www.productsafety.govt.nz/keeping-kids-safe/product-guides/viral-squishy-toys

About Consumer

Consumer NZ is an independent, non-profit organisation dedicated to championing and empowering consumers in Aotearoa. Consumer NZ has a reputation for being fair, impartial and providing comprehensive consumer information and advice.

MIL OSI

Board committed to a NASDAQ listing and is evaluating pathways, including a NASDAQ compliance listing, in parallel with PCAOB audit work led by BDO, conversion of Halleck Creek resources to SEC S-K 1300, and the engagement of a leading North American financial advisor.

HIGHLIGHTS

• American Rare Earths is committed to a NASDAQ listing and is examining pathways to achieve it including a compliance listing as well as other transaction structures
• The Company is working with a leading North American financial advisor on listing options and transaction structuring
• PCAOB audit process is progressing under BDO, previously appointed to lead the Company’s PCAOB audit workstream
• Halleck Creek resources are being converted to SEC S-K 1300 reporting standards to support U.S. disclosure requirements
• Strategy remains aligned with the scale and strategic importance of the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project as a future domestic source of rare earths for defense, energy and advanced manufacturing supply chains
• Recently signed Executive Order 14415 “Securing America’s Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials” restricts waivers of the 10 U.S.C. § 4872 covered-materials prohibition from January 1, 2027, requires prime defense contractors to qualify domestic alternative sources, and expressly protects acquisitions from U.S. Government–supported critical minerals projects; materially strengthening the demand backdrop for Halleck Creek and reinforcing the strategic rationale for a U.S. listing

DENVER, July 30, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – American Rare Earths Limited – (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) (“ARR” or “the Company”) is pleased to provide an update on the advancement of its NASDAQ listing strategy. The Board has reaffirmed its commitment to listing on NASDAQ and, together with its advisors, is examining all viable pathways to achieve that objective on terms that best serve shareholders.

COMMITMENT TO A NASDAQ LISTING

The Board of American Rare Earths is committed to a NASDAQ listing and is evaluating a range of pathways to achieve it. Consistent with previous disclosure, a NASDAQ compliance listing remains one option under consideration. The Company is examining that pathway alongside other structures that may be available to a U.S.-focused rare earths developer, with the objective of selecting the route that delivers the strongest access to U.S. institutional and retail capital, the most efficient execution timetable, and the greatest long-term flexibility for the Company and its shareholders.

The Company has retained a leading North American financial advisor to support the Board and management in assessing potential U.S. listing transaction structures, market timing, and investor-positioning considerations across each of the pathways under review.

PATHWAYS UNDER REVIEW

The Board and management are working with the Company’s advisors to assess pathways to a NASDAQ listing, including but not limited to:

• a NASDAQ compliance listing, as previously announced¹;
• a U.S. initial public offering and concurrent NASDAQ listing;
• alternative U.S. listing structures available to a company with U.S.-based critical minerals assets.

No decision has been made on the specific pathway, and there is no assurance that any particular transaction will proceed. The Company will update the market as and when material decisions are made.

PCAOB AUDIT WORKSTREAM

The Company continues to progress its Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) audit workstream, a prerequisite for a U.S. listing on NASDAQ. As previously announced, BDO Audit Pty Ltd (BDO) has been appointed to lead the PCAOB audit process. Work under BDO’s direction is advancing in parallel with the pathway assessment described above so that the Company is positioned to move promptly once a preferred structure has been selected.

CONVERSION OF RESOURCES TO SEC S-K 1300

In support of a NASDAQ listing, American Rare Earths is converting its Halleck Creek mineral resource and reserve reporting to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Regulation S-K subpart 1300 (S-K 1300) standard. S-K 1300 is the mineral property disclosure framework required for SEC registrants and is the U.S. counterpart to the JORC Code used for ARR’s existing ASX disclosures. Preparing S-K 1300 compliant technical reporting for Halleck Creek gives U.S. investors, analysts and regulators a disclosure package prepared to the standards they expect and supports the Company’s readiness for a NASDAQ listing under any of the pathways under review.

EXECUTIVE ORDER 14415: A STRATEGIC TAILWIND FOR HALLECK CREEK

On July 20, 2026, the President signed Executive Order 14415, “Securing America’s Defense Supply Chains and Ensuring Domestic Acquisition of Critical Materials”, published in the Federal Register on July 23, 2026. The Order directs the Secretary of War and the military departments to cease issuing waivers of the 10 U.S.C. § 4872 covered-materials prohibition from January 1, 2027, except under a formal, accepted mitigation plan supported by exhaustive evidence that compliant material was unavailable. Section 4 of the Order further directs defense prime contractors and subcontractors to qualify and utilize alternative domestic sources for material or components currently supplied by unreliable foreign suppliers, with failure to do so providing grounds for the Secretary to suspend or terminate contracts.

The Company believes Executive Order 14415 is highly significant for American Rare Earths and Halleck Creek, for four reasons:

• Closes the waiver loophole. Section 232 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2019, codified at 10 U.S.C. § 4872, has long restricted defense acquisition of rare earth magnets, samarium-cobalt and neodymium–iron–boron magnets, and specialty metals sourced from covered nations (China, Russia, Iran and North Korea), but broad waiver practice has allowed continued reliance on non-compliant supply. EO 14415 restricts that waiver authority and forces prime defense contractors to move to compliant, domestic sources.
• Creates enforceable demand for U.S.-mined and U.S.-processed rare earths. Halleck Creek is being developed as an integrated U.S. mine-to-oxide platform in Wyoming, positioned to supply exactly the domestic, allied-friendly material the Order requires prime defense contractors to qualify. Section 4’s domestic-source qualification requirement, backed by contract-termination remedies, converts long-standing policy preference into an enforceable procurement obligation.
• Recognizes U.S. Government–supported projects as a preferred pathway. Section 6 of the Order expressly protects the U.S. Strategic Critical Minerals Reserve (“Project Vault”) and acquisitions from projects receiving support from the Departments of State, War, Commerce or Energy, and from the Export-Import Bank of the United States and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. This creates a clear line of sight for Halleck Creek to participate in the defense-linked supply chain as it advances its U.S. Government engagement, Wyoming State support and permitting workstreams.
• Reinforces the strategic case for a NASDAQ listing. The Order sharpens the profile of U.S.-listed critical minerals developers with a qualifiable domestic supply. A NASDAQ listing positions American Rare Earths alongside the U.S. peer group most likely to benefit from EO 14415, and improves the Company’s ability to be assessed, followed and owned by the U.S. institutional investor base focused on the defense industrial base and critical minerals security of supply.

The Company will continue to engage with U.S. Government stakeholders on the implementation of Executive Order 14415, including the supply-chain mapping regulations required under Section 3 and the domestic-source qualification strategy required under Section 4, both of which are expected to be developed over the next 90 to 180 days.

WHY THE STRATEGY MATTERS

The Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project is a U.S.-based, U.S.-strategic asset. Listing on NASDAQ is intended to align the Company’s primary trading venue with the market in which its flagship asset is located and where the deepest pool of relevant long-term capital for U.S. critical minerals developers resides. A NASDAQ listing is also expected to broaden access for U.S. institutional investors, index funds and sector analysts, and to support the Company’s ongoing engagement with U.S. government stakeholders in defense, energy and advanced manufacturing supply chains; a channel made materially more consequential by Executive Order 14415.

“NASDAQ is the right home for American Rare Earths. Our flagship Halleck Creek project is a U.S. asset of strategic national significance, and our listing platform should reflect that. The Company is committed to a NASDAQ listing and, with a leading North American financial advisor, we are actively examining all viable pathways to identify the structure that best serves shareholders. In parallel, BDO is leading our PCAOB audit workstream and we are advancing the conversion of our Halleck Creek resources to SEC S-K 1300 so that we are ready to move promptly once a pathway is selected. The recent signing of Executive Order 14415 sharpens the strategic case for that work: by restricting waivers of the 10 U.S.C. § 4872 covered-materials prohibition and requiring prime defense contractors to qualify domestic sources, the Order reinforces the demand outlook for U.S.-based rare earths projects like Halleck Creek and the value of being listed and followed in the U.S. market.”

– Mark Wall, Chief Executive Officer, American Rare Earths

The Company remains focused on advancing Halleck Creek through feasibility studies, permitting and development activities, recognizing that project execution remains fundamental to long-term shareholder value creation.

This announcement has been authorized for release by the Board of American Rare Earths Limited.

ABOUT THE HALLECK CREEK RARE EARTHS PROJECT

The Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project, located in Wyoming, hosts the largest known rare earth deposit in the United States on a total rare earth oxide (TREO) basis². The Cowboy State Mine area within Halleck Creek offers cost-efficient open-pit mining methods on Wyoming State land, benefiting from a mature permitting framework in Wyoming. The project is currently progressing feasibility-stage drilling alongside a Whole of Property Development Assessment awarded to a leading U.S. engineering firm.

Halleck Creek is strategically positioned to reduce U.S. reliance on rare earth imports, predominantly from China, while meeting growing domestic demand from defense, advanced manufacturing, electric vehicles, wind energy, and semiconductor industries. The project includes plans for onsite mineral processing and separation facilities, and the Company is engaged with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies.

ABOUT AMERICAN RARE EARTHS LIMITED

American Rare Earths (ASX: ARR | OTCQX: ARRNF | ADR: AMRRY) is a critical minerals company at the forefront of reshaping the U.S. rare earths industry. Through its wholly owned subsidiary, Wyoming Rare (USA) Inc. (WRI), the Company is advancing the Halleck Creek Project in Wyoming, a world-class rare earth deposit with the potential to secure America’s critical mineral independence for generations.

American Rare Earths is committed to environmentally responsible mining practices and continues to collaborate with U.S. Government-supported R&D programs to develop innovative extraction and processing technologies for rare earth elements. The Company is progressing toward a NASDAQ listing in 2026. Further information is available at www.americanree.com.

INVESTOR CONTACT

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
This announcement contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the Company’s intention to list on NASDAQ; the pathways under review to achieve that listing, including a NASDAQ compliance listing, a U.S. initial public offering and other structures; the Company’s engagement of an advisor on listing options; the PCAOB audit workstream led by BDO; the conversion of Halleck Creek mineral resource and reserve reporting to SEC Regulation S-K subpart 1300; and the advancement of the Halleck Creek Rare Earths Project through PFS, feasibility studies, permitting and toward construction. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied, including without limitation: the Board’s ultimate selection among the pathways under review; failure to complete a NASDAQ listing on the timelines described or at all; changes in market conditions or investor demand; delays or adverse findings in the PCAOB audit process; delays or changes in the S-K 1300 technical reporting process; the scope, timing, interpretation and implementation of Executive Order 14415 and its implementing regulations, including the availability of domestic-source qualification pathways for the Company’s products and the treatment of U.S. Government–supported projects; delays in permitting or regulatory approvals; changes in commodity prices; capital cost variances; changes in technology or processing pathways; and general economic conditions. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by applicable law.

________________

¹ ASX Announcement dated May 13, 2026
² Refer ASX announcement dated February 4, 2025

– Published by The MIL Network

WRISE’s initial HKD30 million investment accelerates WRISE AI Labs while the appointment of Dr. Jeffrey Wu as Group Chief Scientist and a strategic collaboration with Panorama reinforces the Group’s long-term AI-native wealth management strategy

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

• Afghan refugees in Pakistan are living under constant fear of detention, loss of livelihood, and deportation
• The Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan’s (IFRP’s) impact on refugees’ access to healthcare is concerning, as refugees are delaying or foregoing medical care out of fear of arrest
• MSF urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure refugees are not forcibly returned to Afghanistan under the IFRP and further urges countries hosting Afghan refugees to halt all involuntary returns to Afghanistan.

30 July 2026 – Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors without Borders (MSF) urges the Government of Pakistan to ensure refugees are not forcibly returned to Afghanistan under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP) and to establish formal exemptions for individuals with international protection needs.

MSF is deeply concerned about the IFRP’s impact on refugees’ access to healthcare. Refugees told MSF teams they are delaying or foregoing medical care out of fear of arrest and to avoid documentation checks at health facilities. This has led to preventable health issues, including cases of malnutrition and pregnancy complications.

MSF spoke with Najib*, an Afghan refugee arrested during a police raid on his home, despite showing his Proof of Registration (PoR) card.

“My wife was three months pregnant when the police took me. When I was released and came home the next day, she was still out of her mind. She told me that she had started bleeding very heavily because of stress and deep sadness. My mind was filled with so many images: the picture of the arrest, the trauma, the mental anguish from the previous night—everything was racing through my brain. But, just to save my wife’s life, I acted despite the fear. I finally decided I had to go to the hospital, but I was terrified that they would arrest me again. I rushed her to the doctor, but we were too late. My wife had already had a miscarriage.”

The policy has undermined people’s ability to provide for their families, as people lose work and income amid fears of arrest and deportation. In early 2026, MSF ran mobile clinics for communities with no access to healthcare in Quetta, Balochistan, and identified a high burden of acute malnutrition among children seeking care, with 33.3% meeting the criteria for global acute malnutrition. Among those screened, 7.6 percent had severe acute malnutrition and 25.7 percent had moderate acute malnutrition. Nearly 90 percent of malnourished patients were Afghan refugees, most of them women and children.

The Government of Pakistan began implementing the IFRP in November 2023, initially targeting undocumented Afghan nationals and later extending to documented refugees holding Afghan Citizen Cards (ACC) or Proof of Registration (PoR)—many of whom had lived in the country since 1979. In a July 10, 2026 directive, Pakistan authorities ordered the immediate arrest and accelerated deportation of all Afghan nationals without a valid visa.

“Pakistan has hosted Afghan refugees for over 45 years despite limited international support,” says den Hartogh. “Yet Afghan refugees live under constant fear of arrest, detention, eviction, loss of livelihood, and deportation. This makes it unlikely that many of the returns to Afghanistan are truly voluntary”. Over 2.5 million Afghans have returned to Afghanistan under the IFRP so far, many involuntarily, according to UNHCR. The UN recently identified over 70,000 Afghan refugees at imminent risk if returned. “It is critical that individuals with protection needs are not deported and that returns are voluntary, safe, and dignified,” says den Hartogh.

Between 2023 and 2026, roughly 6 million Afghans returned from Iran and Pakistan, straining Afghanistan’s fragile healthcare system. The systematic erasure of women and girls from public life, sweeping U.S aid cuts and wider funding declines, an overstretched health system, and a deepening economic crisis compound the challenges returnees face to reintegrate.

MSF assessments of informal returnee settlements in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province in October 2025 and April 2026 found a lack of basic healthcare, inadequate shelter, undernutrition, and poor sanitation—increasing outbreak risk.

MSF urges countries hosting Afghan refugees to halt all involuntary returns to Afghanistan and ensure return processes do not undermine the protection and safety of refugees.

“We urge the Government of Pakistan to renew its long-standing solidarity with refugees and formally adopt mechanisms to identify and protect those at risk of harm upon return,” says Marko den Hartogh, MSF’s Head of Mission in Pakistan. “This must include women and girls, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, those needing urgent or long-term medical care, refugees awaiting resettlement, and others at heightened risk of marginalization, discrimination, or persecution.”

*Name changed to protect confidentiality and privacy

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au

MIL OSI

Source: New Zealand Defence Force

30 July 2026

Eight New Zealand Army instructors have deployed to Timor-Leste where they will help build foundational soldier skills in an all-female Timor-Leste Defence Force (F-FDTL) platoon group.

The New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) was invited by the F-FDTL to contribute eight personnel to help deliver training at Baucau Military Base.

The training course has been developed with Australia’s in-country Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) and will be delivered by instructors from the F-FDTL, Australia’s DCP and the NZDF.

Land Component Commander, Brigadier Jason Dyhrberg, says the invitation to provide NZ Army instructors was a great opportunity for the NZDF to maintain the strong connection that it has with Timor-Leste, and to help F-FDTL soldiers enhance their warfighting skills.

The eight personnel are all current instructors in New Zealand.

Senior contingent representative, Sergeant Tinelle Walker, says they are looking forward to sharing their knowledge and experience.

“Our main goal is to train and develop the individual foundation warfighting skills required of a section member within a platoon operating environment which will strengthen F-FDTL capability,” Sergeant Walker said.

This will include instructing the F-FDTL soldiers in weapon handling, section battle drills, radio telephone procedures, navigation, and other essential soldiering skills.

“The deployment provides an opportunity to work alongside partner nations, share knowledge, and further strengthen the relationship between New Zealand, Australia and Timor-Leste,” she said.

As none of the New Zealand team members have previously deployed to Timor-Leste, they were looking forward to representing the NZDF to a high standard, demonstrating the professionalism and values of the NZDF while also taking the opportunity to learn more about the country’s culture, traditions, and customs.

MIL OSI

MIL OSI

Source: OFX

Currency markets are set for another volatile month as resilient US economic data, diverging central bank policies and geopolitical uncertainty continue to weigh on investor confidence, according to OFX’s latest Monthly Currency Outlook.

The report highlights renewed US dollar strength and central banks each exploring different policy options as the key themes shaping foreign exchange markets, with investors closely monitoring economic data and monetary policy signals for further direction.

OFX Director, Luke Czirok, said currency markets are likely to remain highly sensitive to interest rate expectations and economic data.

“While inflation has eased in many economies, central banks are taking very different approaches to monetary policy, creating ongoing volatility across major currency pairs.

“The key challenge for businesses and individuals is navigating uncertainty. Currency markets can move quickly when expectations around interest rates or economic growth change, which is why staying informed and having a strategy in place can be critical when managing international payments,” he said.

The OFX Monthly Currency Outlook reports the US dollar remains well supported after stronger-than-expected economic data reinforced expectations that US interest rates will remain higher for longer. This has strengthened demand for the greenback while placing pressure on many major currencies, including the euro, Australian dollar, New Zealand dollar and Japanese yen.

At the same time, differing approaches from the world’s major central banks – particularly the US Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of Japan and Bank of England – are creating greater uncertainty for investors and businesses exposed to international markets.

The euro weakened throughout June as markets increasingly anticipated the European Central Bank (ECB) would leave interest rates unchanged while the US Federal Reserve maintained a more hawkish outlook. Investors will closely watch the ECB’s July meeting, along with fresh Eurozone economic data, for signs of improving growth.

In the United Kingdom, political developments are also expected to remain in focus following the appointment of Andy Burnham’s as Prime Minister and the formation of his cabinet, including the appointment of John Healey as Chancellor. While uncertainty initially weighed on sterling, expectations of a smooth leadership transition have helped the pound recover some recent losses.

The Australian dollar recorded mixed performance in June, weakening against the US dollar while remaining resilient against several trading partners thanks to stronger commodity prices and improving global risk sentiment. China’s economic outlook, commodity markets and global interest rate expectations are expected to remain the key drivers for the currency.

Similarly, the New Zealand dollar came under pressure from broad US dollar strength, softer commodity prices and reduced expectations for further domestic interest rate increases.

Meanwhile, the Japanese yen remains near multi-decade lows against the US dollar as investors continue to favour higher-yielding US assets despite the Bank of Japan’s gradual policy normalisation. Markets are watching closely for any signs of further policy tightening or potential government intervention to support the currency.

The Canadian dollar, Singapore dollar and Hong Kong dollar also remain heavily influenced by US dollar strength, with investors closely monitoring upcoming central bank decisions and economic data releases for further direction.

With central banks entering another critical policy period and global economic uncertainty persisting, OFX expects foreign exchange markets to remain highly responsive to incoming economic data throughout July.

For further information and access to the full OFX Currency Outlook see OFX websiteen-au/blog/currency-outlook/”>OFX Monthly Currency Outlook

Notes to editors:

OFX expected trading ranges, July 2026

• EUR/USD: 1.1200-1.1620
• EURGBP 0.8510-0.8730
• GBP/USD: 1.3100-1.3515
• GBPEUR 1.1455-1.1750
• AUDEUR 0.6036-0.6082
• AUDGBP 0.51648-0.52194
• AUDNZD 1.2132-1.2213
• AUD/USD: 0.6883-0.6960
• NZDEUR 0.4964-0.4998
• NZDGBP 0.4248-0.4289
• NZDAUD 0.8188-0.8243
• NZD/USD: 0.5658-0.5727
• USD/JPY: ¥158-¥164
• DXY: 100.300-101.200
• CADUSD 0.7000-0.7350
• USDSGD 1.2850-1.3020
• USDHKD 7.8350-7.8480

About OFX:

OFX is a leading financial operations company providing businesses and accounting firms with real-time financial control and visibility to do business anywhere in the world. With an innovative platform and 24/7 human support, OFX automates and simplifies doing business across borders, reducing risk and eliminating routine operational tasks. Offering global business accounts, payments to 180 countries in 30+ currencies and currency risk management solutions to simplify global payments. OFX further enhances business operations by providing corporate cards with spend management, bill payments, vendor management, and integrations with popular accounting and HRIS software, to help achieve better business solutions so accounting firms and businesses thrive.

Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, with offices globally, in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore and Hong Kong. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified globally, 700+ employees, listed on the ASX since 2013, licensed in 50 jurisdictions and regulated by over 50 regulators globally. OFX has been a trusted innovator in global money movement for over 25 years.

For more information about OFX and its financial automation solutions, visit OFX website

MIL OSI

Source: Environmental Protection Authority

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) is seeking feedback on a proposal to amend the Graphic Materials Group Standard 2020, following a request from the New Zealand Toy Distributors Association and the Australian Toy Association.

Group standards set rules for managing groups of hazardous substances with similar characteristics or uses. The Graphic Materials Group Standard applies to art materials like paints and crayons that are imported or made in New Zealand, particularly products used by children.

The proposal aims to clarify and make it easier to comply with the group standard while continuing to manage risks in line with recognised overseas regulators.

Dr Shaun Presow, Manager Hazardous Substances Reassessments, says “The main change we are proposing is removing pens, pencils, and similar products from the standard because they pose a negligible risk to children.”

Safeguards will remain in place as these products are covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act and the Fair-Trading Act.

Dr Presow says, “We are also proposing to reduce the age definition for children under the group standard. We welcome feedback on what age people consider appropriate, noting that studies show children are at much lower risk from graphic materials once they are around eight years old.”

We propose updating wording in the group standard to clarify that products with hazardous ingredients still need to follow the group standard rules, even if the products themselves are not classified as hazardous.

The EPA is looking for feedback on element leaching limits and on a number of other proposed changes as well.

“We want to hear from iwi/hapū representatives, importers and manufacturers, researchers, parents and people in charge of children, and anyone with an interest in art materials and this proposal. We’ll use this feedback to help decide what changes should be made,” says Dr Presow.

Public consultation opens on 29 July and closes on 29 September 2026.

Find out more and have your say: https://www.epa.govt.nz/public-consultations/open-consultations/proposed-amendments-to-the-graphic-materials-group-standard/

MIL OSI

Source: Oxfam Aotearoa

• Top six fossil fuel corporations expect Q2 profits to nearly double Q1 levels. Annual profits for 2026 are set to exceed the previous 21 months combined.
• Emissions from five fossil fuel corporations were enough to cause about 1 in 4 heatwaves between 2000 and 2023, which would have been virtually impossible without climate change.
• A tax on the richest oil and gas corporations could raise up to $400 billion in its first year, enough to cover annual climate adaptation costs in low- and middle-income countries.

The world’s six biggest fossil fuel corporations are expected to nearly double their combined net income in the second quarter of 2026, jumping from $23 billion in the previous quarter to $45 billion, reveals new Oxfam analysis ahead of their earnings announcements. New data also finds that the emissions of these corporations have significantly magnified the frequency and severity of heatwaves this century.

The projected full-year profits of BP, Chevron, Eni, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies amount to $147 billion, more than their combined profits over the previous 21 months (Q2 2024 to Q4 2025). Among the biggest winners, Chevron is expected to report that it has quadrupled its profits to $1,200 a second in the last three months, while ExxonMobil’s profits are expected to have tripled to $1,800 a second.

Oil and gas corporations share an outsized responsibility for the climate crisis. New Oxfam analysis of academic data published in Nature finds that the emissions from BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell and TotalEnergies were sufficient to cause around 1 in 4 heatwaves reported globally between 2000 and 2023 – heatwaves that would have been virtually impossible without human-made climate change. Using S&P Capital Trucost data, Oxfam estimates that Big Oil was responsible for $60 billion in environmental damage last year.

The findings come as record-breaking heatwaves scorch South Asia, Europe and North America, killing tens of thousands of people. Meanwhile, West African countries are struggling with devastating monsoons and floods that have upended thousands of lives and destroyed vital infrastructure across the region.

Yet rather than scaling back fossil fuel production and accelerating the transition to renewable energy, the six largest fossil fuel corporations plan to increase oil and gas production by 14 percent by 2030 compared to 2024 levels, equivalent to pumping an additional 2.5 million barrels of oil a day.

“Fossil fuel corporations are making a killing, literally and figuratively. As extreme heat, floods and storms devastate communities across the world, the industry is preparing another bonanza of profits. Families are paying the price three times over: through destroyed homes and harvests, through soaring energy prices, and through a cost-of-living crisis worsened by dependence on fossil fuels. Big Oil’s greed is incompatible with a livable planet and unless governments rein it in, they will make a mockery of international climate targets,” said Oxfam’s Climate Policy Lead Mariana Paoli.

Oxfam estimates that a tax on the profits of the largest fossil fuel corporations could raise up to $400 billion globally in its first year, enough to cover annual climate adaptation costs in the Global South. An additional excess profits tax on all corporations could generate up to $681 billion globally.

“While Big Oil fuels extreme weather events, rich countries are refusing to increase the public climate finance that poorer countries urgently need to cope with the climate crisis,” said Paoli. “Until governments make the richest polluters pay, fossil fuel corporations will keep driving us deeper into climate chaos. Taxing the richest polluters could help close the gap in funding for climate adaptation and speed the transition towards renewable energy. Fossil fuel corporations must feel the heat, not us.”

Political momentum for taxing the richest polluters is growing. Italy, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Austria have called for a new windfall tax on energy profits. In Australia, where Oxfam research found that one in three coal, oil and gas corporations are paying no corporate income tax, many members of Parliament are speaking out in support of a 25 percent export tax on gas, with strong public support.

Research in 60 countries found that 28 percent of them have implemented a temporary windfall tax on excess profits from fossil fuel companies in recent years, with a further 13 percent supportive. Just 12 percent are explicitly against the measure.

Oxfam Aotearoa’s Advocacy and Policy Lead, Nick Henry, said, “Fossil fuel companies have a global responsibility for climate change. The New Zealand Government should be holding these rich polluters to account and making them pay the cost of their climate damage.”

Oxfam’s research is based on S&P Capital IQ’s consensus estimates compiled from financial analysts’ forecasts. The six largest fossil fuel corporations are due to publish their second-quarter earnings over the coming week. The projected surge in profits reflects the sharp rise in oil prices following the unlawful US and Israel war against Iran.

Methodology note

Comprehensive investigation

Peer-reviewed analysis

Heatwave deaths and West African flooding

Oxfam estimate

UNEP Adaptation Gap Report 2025

Oxfam’s rich polluter profit tax model

EU finance ministers’ letter

Oxfam Australia’s Freeloaders report

Government-support country mapping

MIL OSI

HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 27 July 2026 – Pacific Place is delighted to announce juju world, a summer collaboration with internationally acclaimed Australian artist CJ Hendry, running from 23 July to 16 August 2026. Conceived and produced in partnership with creative house Pen & Paper, the event marks Hong Kong’s first large-scale juju experience, transforming the shopping destination into an immersive world inspired by Hendry’s collectible character. The event will feature a Hong Kong exclusive merchandise collection, a wide range of interactive experiences, and seasonal shopping rewards. Pacific Place is set to be the city’s most talked-about cultural and retail destination this summer.

Who is juju?

Created by CJ Hendry, juju is a collectible character recognised for its floppy ears, flower eye and playful personality. Occupying a unique space in contemporary collectible culture, juju is both an objet d’art and an emotional companion. This summer, juju arrives in Hong Kong in a spectacular new form.

A Planet Has Landed at Pacific Place

At the heart of this whimsical universe is the juju Planet, a vibrant centrepiece surrounded by a colourful wonderland of oversized trees and fluffy clouds of pom-poms, with larger-than-life juju characters welcoming you with open arms. Touch, explore and trigger surprises — every interaction transforms juju world into an unforgettable, multi-sensory adventure for dreamers of all ages.

juju world

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 10am – 10pm
Location: Garden Court, Level LG1
Entry: No registration required

CJ Hendry Unveils Hong Kong-Exclusive juju Collectibles

Created exclusively for Pacific Place, the shimmering collection introduces iridescent juju inspired by the city’s vibrant energy. On top of the nine standard versions, five additional secret versions will be added to the collection as a delightful surprise. Available in limited-edition blind boxes, each is housed in a specially designed shiny collectible tin, turning the act of unboxing into a unique experience. The fun continues as visitors unlock surprise accessories at the Capsule Toy Station and customise their juju with interchangeable flower eyes, outfits and more.

juju world Merchandise Store & Capsule Toy Station

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 11am – 9pm
Location: Level L1, near Lane Crawford
Entry: Through member entry booking or on-site queue tickets (see details below)

A Summer Full of Rewards

juju world is the centrepiece of a summer season at Pacific Place designed to delight at every turn. From 23 July to 16 August, shopping at Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct also unlocks the ‘Dreamlike Summer’ rewards programme, offering exclusive Pacific Place shopping e-Vouchers with designated same-day electronic spending, with eligible UnionPay cardholders enjoying additional rewards on top.

*General shoppers and eligible UnionPay users are required to join the Pacific Place Loyalty Programme – above and meet the accumulated same-day spending requirement by electronic payment during the Promotion Period in order to be entitled to redeem General Rewards and UnionPay Users Extra Rewards.

^#To redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards, shoppers must settle the relevant transaction(s) with UnionPay Credit and ATM Cards with the UnionPay logo, UnionPay Mobile Payment (including but not limited to Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, Huawei Pay) or UnionPay QR Code (including UnionPay App or other App supporting UnionPay QR Code Payment), except the RMB cards issued by specific Hong Kong and Macau card issuing institutions. The qualified transaction(s) must be settled via the UnionPay network in full. WeChat Pay, Alipay and AlipayHK are not eligible for this Promotion. During the Promotion Period, UnionPay users are entitled to redeem the UnionPay Users Extra Rewards up to 5 times. UnionPay users must settle their payment by UnionPay when using the Shopping e-Vouchers from the Extra Rewards. Each shopper is entitled to a maximum of ONE redemption of Rewards per day. The Rewards are limited in quantity and are available on a first-come, first-served basis while stocks last.

Terms and Conditions apply.

Dates: 23 July – 16 August 2026
Time: 11am – 10pm
Location: Gift Redemption Counter on Level L2 (near Joyce)

This summer, Pacific Place becomes something more than a destination. It becomes a world. And juju can’t wait to welcome you in.

Hashtag: #jujuworldHK #ThePlaceForCollectibles #ThePlaceForjuju #PacificPlaceHK #CJHendry #juju

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

– Published and distributed with permission of Media-Outreach.com.

27 July, 2026:

“We are deeply alarmed by reports coming out of Nablus in the last days including that of Israeli forces storming Nablus Specialised Hospital, alongside clashes elsewhere in the governorate that have killed four Palestinians and two Israeli soldiers.

These violent incidents in Nablus are not isolated. They sit within a wider pattern of Israeli raids, state-sponsored settler violence, the disruption of essential services, and mounting pressure on civilians and healthcare.

When armed forces enter a hospital, the impact is immediate: fear, interruption of care, delayed treatment, and added risk for already vulnerable patients.

The protection of healthcare facilities must be respected. They must remain accessible to people in need. It is unacceptable for hospitals, ambulances, staff, and patients to be targeted by violence anywhere in Palestine.”

Filipe Ribeiro, Head of Mission, MSF Palestine

For more context on MSF’s work in the West Bank read: “The impossible reality of life in the West Bank”

MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au

MIL OSI

SYDNEY, July 26, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BYD, the world’s leading manufacturer of new energy vehicles, and Smart, Australia’s leading salary packaging and novated leasing provider, today announced a strategic partnership to make electric vehicle (EV) ownership more accessible and affordable to Australians.

As the strategic partner to BYD and its premium brand DENZA, Smart provides access to more than 2.5 million Australians employed by Smart’s clients across the government, healthcare, education, corporate and not-for-profit sectors. This creates a direct pathway for eligible employees to consider a BYD or DENZA new energy vehicle through a Smart novated lease at the point of purchase, while helping customers understand affordability, tax savings and total cost of ownership.

The partnership provides customers access to specific tax savings for EVs through the government’s electric car discount, and comes as EV adoption continues to accelerate in Australia.

In June 2026, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) accounted for 23 per cent of the new vehicle market, according to official VFACTS data. BYD Australia’s growth has been rapid, with year-to-date sales at the end of June reaching 52,335 vehicles, more than double the figure recorded at the same point last year.

As Australia’s largest salary packaging and novated leasing provider, Smart supports more than 580,000 salary packaging customers and has more than 120,000 novated lease and fleet vehicles under management. The new collaboration with Smart will give BYD customers access at the point of sale to salary packaging support and potential tax advantages available through a novated lease, including those available under current government policy settings.

BYD Australia General Manager, Wing You, said:

“As BYD continues to grow in Australia, we are focused on making new energy vehicle ownership as simple and accessible as possible for our customers.”

“Partnering with Smart allows us to integrate novated leasing support into the dealership experience, helping customers understand affordability, savings and ownership options at the point of sale.”

Smart’s Group Executive, Novated Leasing and Electric Vehicle Services, Sid Jha, said:

“This partnership brings together two market leaders with a shared ambition to accelerate Australia’s transition to electric vehicles. BYD has transformed the Australian market by making EVs more accessible, and Smart can now help remove another major barrier by integrating novated leasing into the customer journey.”

“Smart reaches more than 2.5 million Australians through employers nationally. By integrating salary packaging into the BYD customer journey, we can remove friction at a critical point in the purchase process and give customers a clearer view of cost, savings and ownership options before they make a decision.”

“For eligible Australians, this is about making EV ownership more attainable, not simply offering another way to finance a car. We can help customers understand whether a BYD through a Smart novated lease works for them, compare the cost of owning and running an EV, and give them the confidence to make the switch to electric.”

Contact

Michael Fairbairn | michael.fairbairn@smartgroup.com.au | 0448 524 731

Paul Ellis | paul.ellis@byd.com | 0455 344 431

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/994dc6e1-43f8-4082-b8cf-2fecf9fdd180 

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/198dba46-6337-4df9-b6c7-a85d30e60858

– Published by The MIL Network