65+ new social homes on the way for Canterbury

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

More than 65 new social homes will be delivered in Canterbury by Community Housing Providers (CHPs), Housing Minister Chris Bishop says.

“Our Government backs social housing, and we’re determined to deliver it better. That means building the right homes, in the right places, with the right support, for the people most in need,” Mr Bishop says.

“Across New Zealand, CHPs and Kāinga Ora have delivered over 6,800 net new social homes since November 2023, with 837 of those places being in Canterbury.

“On top of that, the Government has committed funding for more than 2,000 additional homes to be delivered by CHPs over the next two years. Canterbury is one of the regions benefiting from this pipeline.”

The Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has allocated social homes based on regional need, which has been assessed using a range of factors including the housing register and emergency housing use.

“In Canterbury, the CHP projects are expected to deliver:

At least 65 new social homes through CHPs including Christchurch Methodist Mission and Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust
Homes located in suburbs including Lyttelton, Linwood, Merivale and Somerfield
More than 80 percent of these homes will be one- and two-bedroom units, which will help address the greatest gap in social housing supply in Canterbury

“Half of those waiting for a home nationally need a one-bedroom property, yet only 12 percent of Kāinga Ora’s stock meets that need. In Canterbury, 88 per cent of the housing register demand is for one- and two-bedroom places so these new homes will make a real difference,” Mr Bishop says.

“Every set of keys handed over is another person or family in a warm, dry social home. We’re focused not just on delivering more homes, but on delivering the right homes that match the needs of people and communities.

“The Government’s wider reset of the social housing system is already showing results. Recently the Community Housing Funding Agency achieved an A+ credit rating from S&P Global, and just yesterday we announced the introduction of a new loan guarantee scheme, reducing borrowing costs for CHPs and enabling them to deliver more homes.

“We’re simplifying the funding system so providers can get on with building homes, instead of navigating a confusing web of overlapping funds. These Canterbury projects are a good example of the progress being made.”

Four of the homes have already been delivered by the Christchurch Methodist Mission, and over 60 others will be delivered from early 2026 by Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust working in conjunction with construction partners of their choice.

MIL OSI

More overseas investment, faster, means jobs and growth

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Finance Minister David Seymour says overseas investment decisions being made more than twice as fast is a vital ingredient for businesses seeking capital to create jobs and pay higher wages.

“New Zealanders are paying the price for having one of the most restrictive overseas investment laws in the developed world – it’s resulted in less growth, fewer jobs, lower productivity, and stagnant wages”, says Mr Seymour.

“We’re fixing that by changing the Overseas Investment Act and making sure businesses can get quicker access to desperately needed capital.

“Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act. The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions.”

In the 12 months to 31 August:

LINZ has processed almost 87 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe
Processing times are 62 per cent faster than in financial year 2024. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days to less than 27 working days.

“The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently,” says Mr Seymour.

“By making an important government service more efficient, we’re getting better outcomes for New Zealanders.

“Also in the 12 months to 31 August, there were 131 applications for overseas investment, up from 122 between 1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications).

“Long waiting times for applications create uncertainty and reduce the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This impacts the New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital.

“Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

“Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

“LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

“The Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, currently at select committee, will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction.”

The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

“For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

“New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.”

MIL OSI

Passport processing times slashed by two-thirds

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden says that increased efficiency for passport processing has resulted in an 18-day improvement to wait times compared to when Labour was last in Government.

“This represents a dramatic improvement in passport processing efficiency with New Zealanders now receiving their passports three times faster than in October 2023,” says Ms van Velden.

“Standard passport applications that previously took 25 days are now processed in just 7 days.

“We are fixing what matters to Kiwis and their families. This enhanced efficiency demonstrates the Government’s commitment to delivering better value and service to New Zealanders.

“Currently, 99.5 per cent of all passport applications are processed within 10 working days from receipt of a completed and correct application.

“I am proud to see the Department of Internal Affairs [Department] consistently answering the call to boost efficiency and bring tangible benefits to Kiwis with the services it provides,” says Ms van Velden.

Improvements to processing times have been driven by internal processing changes, including a shift to more digital rather than paper-based application pathways, cross skilling of passport and citizenship processing staff and automating identity proofing services.

“These improvements come at a crucial time, as the Department expects passport application volumes to increase from December onwards when the first 10-year passports begin to expire, and I have asked the Department to find even further efficiencies.

“New Zealanders can now plan their travel with confidence, knowing their passport will arrive when they need it,” says Ms van Velden.

MIL OSI

AI-powered mental health support tool launched

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey and Sir John Kirwan today launched Ask Groov, Health New Zealand’s first endorsed AI powered wellbeing guide for adults.

“Access to mental health support should never be a barrier. With Ask Groov, faster access to support is available 24/7, when and where people need it,” Mr Doocey says.

“With this launch, we’re taking a significant step forward in making mental health support more accessible, practical, and personalised, helping New Zealanders take control of their own wellbeing.

“The Government’s mental health plan focuses on faster access to support, more frontline workers, and a better crisis response. Innovative tools like Ask Groov gives Kiwis faster access to support and allows us to get in early, preventing problems from escalating.

“The Ask Groov tool is designed to complement, not replace, the care provided by trained professionals. It helps people with mild to moderate needs manage everyday challenges such as stress, sleep issues, or relationship pressures before they escalate.

“Tools like Ask Groov equip people with practical strategies they can use to get through difficult times. By integrating innovative technology with expert clinical guidance, we are building a stronger mental health support system that reaches more people, faster.

“It’s especially great to be here today with Sir John Kirwan, who co-founded Groov alongside Adam Clark. John has been instrumental in breaking down stigma and supporting better mental health across the country.”

Sir John Kirwan highlighted to Minister Doocey that Ask Groov provides people with a safe space to ask their own questions in their own words and receive trusted, science-backed answers. He also notes that the tool has been specifically designed for Kiwis, with content that is reliable, evidence-based, and focused on wellbeing. He passed on this is the kind of support he wishes had been available when he was struggling.

“The tool has been deliberately designed with safety at its core. Ask Groov uses advanced AI techniques to ensure advice comes from information developed or approved by Groov’s clinical experts, so guidance is always safe. If a user needs more support, the tool automatically escalates them to human services such as 1737,” Mr Doocey says.

“Whether it’s you, your child, a friend, or a family member, this Government is committed to ensuring support is there.”

MIL OSI

Police presence for Hawke’s Bay gang tangi

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Police

Attribute to Hawke’s Bay Area Commander Inspector Lincoln Sycamore:

Police will have a visible presence across Hawke’s Bay today as a gang tangi travels from Napier to Waipukurau.

A large number of gang members and associates are expected to be in town for the tangi, and Police will have additional resources available to provide support to staff.

We are mindful of providing a space for whānau and friends to grieve peacefully while balancing the safety of the community.

Police have been in contact with local gang leaders to outline our expectations, including around the wearing or displaying of gang insignia in a public place, which Police will act upon.

Our focus is on the safety of everyone. We will not tolerate behaviour that aims to threaten or intimidate, and officers will be working to reduce disruption to the public.

Police will have additional patrols in place, including on the roads over the coming days. Even if we can’t take enforcement action on the day, staff will follow up on reports of illegal activity.

We urge anyone who witnesses illegal behaviour to call 111 immediately. If you are reporting matters after the fact, please make a report online or call 105.

ENDS

Issued by the Police Media Centre

MIL OSI

Government considering Chorus divestment

LiveNews Publisher

October 10, 2025

Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is exploring ways to free up capital locked in its investment in Chorus, to redirect into capital projects of more use to New Zealanders.

National Infrastructure Funding and Financing (NIFFCo) will investigate the feasibility of selling the debt and equity securities it holds in Chorus.

These debt and equity securities were purchased as the Crown’s funding contribution to the delivery of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative, that was completed in 2022.

Minister of Finance Nicola Willis says that with the completion of the Ultra-Fast Broadband initiative there is no longer a policy reason for the Crown to own these securities.

“Most New Zealanders were probably not aware the Government owns this investment in Chorus, nor feels any particular benefit from it.

“That’s why it is sensible and prudent to consider the feasibility of divestment to redirect the Government’s capital stored in Chorus into investments that New Zealanders can benefit from.

“The Government is continuously identifying opportunities to support its fiscal strategy and to drive economic growth. Early monetisation of NIFFCo’s Chorus securities is one opportunity that is worth exploring.”

Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop says he has asked NIFFCo to explore the feasibility of selling the securities to private investors in early 2026, rather than waiting another five to ten years for the securities to mature. This process will be done with oversight from the Treasury.

“If such a sale gains approval and goes ahead, the proceeds would return to the Crown and the cash would be made available for capital allocations – that’s hospitals, schools, and roads – in Budget 2026.

“That means Kiwis reaping the benefits of jobs, infrastructure and growth sooner.”

NIFFCo’s programme of work will include due diligence of the contractual terms of the securities, commercial valuation, testing of market appetite, and advice on an optimal sales process.

It’s expected advice on whether to proceed with the sale to go to the NIFFCo board and shareholding ministers by the end of 2025.

Ministers require that for any sale to gain approval, the decision to go to market – and the final sale price – will meet value-for-money expectations.

MIL OSI

NZ-AU: Global Clean Energy Surges Ahead as Breakthrough Technologies and New ESG Rules Redefine the Path to Net Zero

MIL OSI

October 10, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

San Francisco, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SAN FRANCISCO, CA October 09, 2025 – –

A sweeping wave of technological breakthroughs and regulatory shifts is accelerating the global energy transition, reshaping how governments, investors, and industries are approaching decarbonization and sustainability. New intelligence from EarlyBirds highlights how rapid advancements in renewable energy and storage technologies, combined with tightening environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks, are setting the pace for the next decade of climate and industrial transformation.

From the deployment of hydrogen transport and large-scale battery systems to the expansion of space-based solar power and the resurgence of carbon pricing policies, momentum across the energy ecosystem suggests that the long-anticipated convergence of innovation, investment, and regulation is finally taking form. The developments observed during the first week of October 2025 paint a picture of a world moving swiftly toward technological maturity in renewable systems, even as it faces the policy and market complexities of scaling them.

In Norway, a country long regarded as a global leader in electric vehicle adoption, new advances in nationwide charging infrastructure are providing a benchmark for seamless integration between mobility systems and renewable energy grids. The country’s model demonstrates how well-planned infrastructure can accelerate decarbonization in transport while strengthening energy resilience. In the storage domain, Sineng Electric’s turnkey battery systems are emerging as vital tools for stabilizing renewable energy supply, enabling diverse applications ranging from grid-scale deployment to localized microgrid support. The commissioning of Europe’s largest battery energy storage system, a 200 MW installation by ENGIE and Sungrow in Belgium, underscores how storage technology has evolved from experimental pilot projects into a mature and bankable asset class supporting the continent’s renewable integration goals.

Hydrogen continues to gain prominence as both an industrial feedstock and a scalable clean fuel. Duke Energy’s launch of the United States’ first fully integrated green hydrogen system in Florida represents a landmark project that combines production, storage, and power generation. The initiative demonstrates the viability of hydrogen as a dispatchable energy source capable of reinforcing grid stability and reducing dependence on fossil generation. In Asia, Isuzu and Toyota’s deployment of hydrogen buses marks a decisive moment in clean public transportation, while new hydrogen refueling infrastructure in North America is addressing one of the sector’s most persistent adoption barriers.

Complementing hydrogen’s rise, innovation in geothermal energy is proving that renewable baseload power can be both reliable and cost-efficient. XGS Energy’s 3,000-hour geothermal trial in California achieved sustained output and seamless grid integration, suggesting that geothermal energy could play a much larger role in the global energy mix. Hybrid projects that combine hydrogen, geothermal, and battery storage, such as those now being built in the western United States, point to an era of complementary renewable ecosystems that work together to meet round-the-clock demand.

Solar technology, meanwhile, is pushing into new frontiers. Scientists from the University of Delaware and Taizhou University recently shattered the long-standing efficiency ceiling for silicon solar cells, achieving conversion rates above 50 percent. This leap could dramatically lower the cost of solar energy and double the output from the same surface area. Japan’s national investment program in ultra-thin perovskite cells, alongside Namibia’s approval of a 3 gigawatt solar and hydrogen complex, underscores how major economies are turning laboratory breakthroughs into industrial-scale programs. Beyond Earth, the first commercial collaborations in space-based solar power, led by Space Solar, Thales Alenia Space, and Aetherflux, are exploring continuous orbital energy collection and laser transmission to Earth. If proven viable, such systems could eliminate the intermittency challenge entirely and redefine the logistics of global energy distribution.

On the investment front, capital deployment into clean energy and storage assets continues to climb, signaling growing market confidence in the economics of decarbonization. A $700 million joint venture between Larsen & Toubro and ACWA Power in Uzbekistan is set to deliver 1 gigawatt of combined solar generation and storage capacity, establishing Central Asia as a new player in renewable expansion. In Australia, ACCIONA’s $140 million acquisition of the East Rockingham Waste-to-Energy facility reinforces the circular economy trend, turning waste streams into valuable energy resources. In the United States, Enlight Renewable Energy’s $340 million Roadrunner solar and storage project near Tucson is backed by tax equity investors, reflecting the increasing alignment between sustainable finance and infrastructure growth. Even smaller firms such as Vivakor, investing $23 million in clean energy technologies, illustrate how diversified capital participation is sustaining sectoral momentum across scales.

While innovation accelerates, the regulatory landscape is tightening. Governments are now moving beyond voluntary ESG reporting toward binding climate compliance. Australia’s proposal to reintroduce carbon pricing and impose a tax on coal exports represents a decisive return to fiscal mechanisms for emission control. In the United States, the Environmental Protection Agency’s plan to phase out organics from landfills by 2040 is a significant measure against methane emissions and a potential catalyst for a new generation of circular waste solutions. Internationally, the International Maritime Organization’s forthcoming Net-Zero Framework will impose new emissions targets across global shipping, reshaping fuel supply chains and vessel design strategies. Europe’s environmental authorities have also renewed calls for deeper decarbonization, signaling stricter oversight of corporate climate disclosures and carbon accounting.

Together, these developments define a global inflection point in sustainability. Technological innovation is meeting regulatory ambition in a way that transforms compliance from an administrative function into a competitive advantage. Organizations able to anticipate policy changes and integrate advanced technologies — from AI-driven energy optimization to next-generation battery chemistries — will be best positioned to capture emerging markets and investor confidence. Conversely, industries slow to adapt face escalating operational costs, supply chain disruptions, and reputational risks as regulators and consumers demand measurable environmental progress.

According to EarlyBirds‘ analysts, the synergy between innovation and regulation will increasingly determine leadership in the energy transition. Nations and companies that align research, industrial deployment, and policy coherence are poised to dominate the green economy. As renewable systems become more efficient and interconnected, the boundaries between compliance, investment, and innovation are dissolving, creating a new ecosystem where technological agility equals resilience.

The first week of October 2025 encapsulates this transformation: governments tightening environmental policy, investors scaling clean energy commitments, and innovators surpassing long-held scientific limits. Together, these forces are rewriting the fundamentals of global energy economics. What was once a fragmented movement of isolated technologies and climate pledges is now coalescing into a unified, data-driven transition. The result is a race not just to decarbonize, but to reinvent how the world powers its future — continuously, sustainably, and intelligently.

###

For more information about EarlyBirds, contact the company here:

EarlyBirds
Mr Kris Poria
support@earlybirds.io
EarlyBirds USA Inc., 548 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94104 USA

– Published by The MIL Network

allnex to launch its European Defense Materials Program

MIL OSI

October 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

FRANKFURT, GERMANY – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2025 – allnex is taking a bold leap forward with the launch of its European Defense Materials Program. This initiative is designed to accelerate innovation and support Europe’s ambition for greater strategic autonomy in defense.

Europe’s defense sector is facing urgent challenges. New solutions must be developed faster, built to last longer, and perform reliably in the harshest environments. Leveraging allnex resin technology, the program focuses on boosting productivity in structural composite manufacturing and accelerating in-field repairs to ensure a rapid return to service. Meeting these demands calls for fresh thinking, stronger partnerships, and advanced materials that set a new industry standard.

“At allnex, we’re not entering this program with a list of ready-made solutions,” said Mirko Schnitzler, EVP EMEA. “We come with open ears and open minds. Our ambition is to work side by side with customers and partners across the value chain, uncover the roadblocks that hold back progress, and mobilize our best people to create answers together. If there are bottlenecks, we’ll break them. If there are barriers, we’ll remove them. Because only by rethinking the way we collaborate can we set new standards for the future of defense materials.”

A key part of this approach is exploring the advantages of high-speed curing technologies such as EBECRYL® and Radcure® UV/EB curing and AcureTM, which can dramatically accelerate production and repair cycles. In parallel, allnex is developing resin solutions that address critical defense requirements—from stealth and corrosion protection to high heat and chemical resistance. These innovations are built to extend the service life of next-generation solutions, reduce repair and production times, and ultimately deliver greater military performance and readiness.

“While the European chemical industry faces challenges, demand for a more self-sufficient defense ecosystem in Europe is creating strong momentum,” said Cedric D’Hulst, Marketing Director EMEA. “This momentum is driving a surge in demand for advanced defense materials and innovative coating solutions. With solid investments flowing into defense R&D and plant upgrades, the need for high-performance resin systems is growing rapidly. allnex has launched this program not only to meet this demand, but to lead innovation in industrial resin systems that will enable the next generation of defense solutions.”

With the launch of the European Defense Materials Program, allnex is making its position clear. The company is ready to listen, collaborate, and deliver breakthrough technologies that will shape the future of European defense. Now is the time to forge the partnerships and innovations that will secure Europe’s strength for decades to come.

Hashtag: #allnex

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

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

NZ-AU: BRE and Carester sign 10-year Heavy Rare Earth Offtake and Partnership to deliver BRE’s Rare Earth Separation Plant

MIL OSI

October 10, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-NZ-AU)

Long-term strategic partnership: Carester is a leading global rare earth processing specialist having played key roles in the design, commissioning and optimisation of rare earth production plants worldwide.
Binding 10-year heavy rare earth offtake agreement: Carester to purchase heavy rare earth feedstocks from BRE for an initial 10-year term. Supply offtake agreement will support up to 150 tpa of separated dysprosium and terbium (DyTb) oxide production at Caremag, Carester’s plant.
Caremag heavy rare earth supply chain: Carester is building one of the world’s largest heavy rare earth separation and recycling plants via its Caremag subsidiary, in Lacq, France. Caremag is backed by the French Government and Japanese partners (JOGMEC/Iwatani) and is targeting late-2026 operations. This leading rare earth production facility is expected to produce ~600 tpa of strategically vital heavy rare earth DyTb oxides at steady state operations.
Engineering and technical services agreement: Carester will provide engineering, construction and commissioning services for BRE’s planned integrated rare earth separation plant at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex in Bahia.

SYDNEY, Oct. 09, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) has executed strategic agreements with Carester SAS (Carester), a leading western rare earth processing specialist, for the supply of heavy rare earth feedstocks and to provide engineering and technical services for BRE’s planned integrated rare earths separation refinery at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex in Bahia.

These agreements underpin BRE’s strategy to establish Brazil as a leading hub for rare earth production, supplying high-value neodymium and praseodymium (NdPr) oxide, heavy rare earth concentrate (SEG+), separated dysprosium and terbium oxides and uranium. BRE has signed a binding 10-year heavy rare earth supply offtake with Carester that will underpin high-value DyTb oxide separation at the Caremag plant in France.

Carester is renowned for its expertise in rare earth processing technologies, having played key roles in the design, commissioning and optimisation of advanced rare earth separation facilities worldwide. Carester’s leading engineering and technical specialists will support the design, construction and commissioning of BRE’s planned rare earth separation plant in Brazil. This planned integrated rare earth production facility will be designed to process high-grade feedstock from BRE’s Monte Alto Rare Earths Project, one of the highest-grade rare earth deposits in the world with exceptional grades of heavy rare earths DyTb, NdPr, niobium, scandium, tantalum and uranium.

BRE’s Managing Director & CEO, Bernardo da Veiga:

“This strategic partnership with Carester validates our strategy: accelerate the development of our high-grade Brazilian rare earth assets, focus on heavy rare earths DyTb where global supply is short, partner with recognised global leaders like Carester to establish Brazil as a leading global hub for rare earth production. Teaming with Carester gives us the technical depth and downstream capacity to rapidly convert our ultra- high-grade Brazilian rare earths into the vital products customers need.”

Carester President, Frédéric Carencotte:

“The world-class Rocha da Rocha Rare Earth Province stands out for excellent rare earth enrichment; paired with our Caremag rare earth separation and recycling facility in France, we intend to add a secure rare earth supply chain to produce heavy rare earth DyTb oxides for high-performance permanent magnets.”

BRE’s Monte Alto Project: High-Grade Heavy Rare Earths

This BRE and Carester partnership targets heavy rare earths to address the critical market shortage in dysprosium (Dy) and terbium (Tb) – essential for high-performance permanent magnets. Within BRE’s Rocha da Rocha Rare Earth Province, the flagship Monte Alto Rare Earth Project hosts high grade, heavy rare earth-rich mineralisation alongside world-leading grades of NdPr, niobium, scandium, tantalum and uranium. Extensive drilling and metallurgical test work support a pathway for the potential low-cost, high-recovery production of critical minerals and positions Monte Alto as the preferred heavy rare earth feedstock for Carester’s new rare earth separation facility in France.

Long-term Heavy Rare Earths Offtake Agreement

BRE’s strategy is to initially produce separated NdPr oxide, heavy rare earth concentrate and uranium yellowcake from an integrated rare earth separation refinery at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex (~260km northeast of Monte Alto). Under a binding Offtake Agreement, Carester will purchase heavy rare earth concentrate at market-linked prices, up to a maximum of 150 tpa of contained DyTb over an initial 10-year term.

BRE’s planned rare earth separation plant at the Camaçari Petrochemical Complex

Carester plans to process BRE’s heavy rare earth concentrate to produce separated heavy rare earth dysprosium and terbium oxides at its Caremag facility located in France. This leading rare earth separation and recycling facility is scheduled to commence operations in late-2026, with funding support from the French Government, the Japan Organization for Metals and Energy Security (JOGMEC) and Iwatani Corporation, a leading Japanese industrials and advanced materials company. With a nameplate production capacity of ~600 tpa of dysprosium and terbium oxides, Caremag is set to become the largest separator of heavy rare earth oxides in the western world with ~15% of current global production capacity.

Caremag Facility, one of the world’s largest heavy rare earth separation plants, and groundbreaking ceremony with JOGMEC in March 2025 (inset)

Engineering & Technical Services Agreement

To accelerate development of BRE’s planned rare earth refinery in Brazil, Carester and BRE have executed a long-term Engineering & Technical Services Agreement, complementing the heavy rare earth Offtake Agreement. Carester will assist with specialised front-end engineering, process design, commissioning support, and ramp-up and optimisation. The agreement runs through December 2031, underscoring a shared commitment from construction into steady-state operations and future capacity expansions. In parallel, Carester’s purchase of heavy rare earth concentrate under the offtake tightly aligns technical execution with downstream customer demand.

About Carester

Carester SAS is a leading rare earth refining and process-engineering company founded in 2019 by Frédéric Carencotte and a team of highly experienced international experts. Carester’s strengths include process design, environmental performance, and closed-loop magnet recycling, and has over 250 years of combined rare earth experience. Carester is building Caremag in Lacq, southwest France, a large-scale rare earth separation and recycling plant supported by over €216 million of funding from Japanese partners JOGMEC/Iwatani and the French Government, with first production expected late 2026.

About Brazilian Rare Earths

Brazilian Rare Earths is developing a world-class critical minerals province in Bahia, Brazil, and aims to be a leading rare earth and critical minerals company. Our flagship Monte Alto Rare Earths Project is among the highest-grade rare earth deposits in the world, enriched with heavy rare earths and with niobium, scandium, tantalum and uranium. Our world-class critical minerals province hosts the rare earths and minerals vital for advanced industries, including electric vehicles, robotics, energy systems, medical technologies and defence applications.

The complete news release can be found here.

Contacts

Bernardo Da Veiga, Managing Director and CEO

investors@brazilianrareearths.com
www.brazilianrareearths.com

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f6633182-9d1a-40ce-a2e4-f908f57ba8a2

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8be571f4-82b3-4235-8d0f-81e4be9711f9

– Published by The MIL Network

Jiashi, the County with a Touch of Sweetness

MIL OSI

October 10, 2025

Source: Media Outreach

JIASHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 9 October 2025 – China Prune Industry Conference 2025 and the 10th Kashgar·Jiashi Prune Expo, Xinjiang kicked off On August in Jiashi County, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

In recent years, Jiashi has become China’s largest plum producer.The county boasts 38,000 hectares of plum orchards with an expected output of 410,000 metric tons this year, and attracted 25 enterprises to produce 22 types of plum-based products, including juice, dried fruit, wine, and jam.

Blessed with abundant sunlight and trace elements such as calcium, potassium, and selenium in both soil and water, the region offers an ideal environment for growing plums. As a result, the plums are rich in anthocyanins and vitamins, which provide antioxidant and digestive benefits—making them highly popular among consumers.

Fresh plums and orther fruits in Jiashi county, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region

Located in the Kashgar Prefecture, Jiashi County enjoys an average of 2,800 hours of sunshine annually, with a daily temperature difference of up to 20 degrees Celsius. The soil here is mildly alkaline and rich in selenium. The extreme temperature variations, prolonged sunlight, and excellent soil conditions make this area renowned as China’s “Land of Melons and Fruits.”

Melons have been cultivated here since the Han dynasty, more than two millennia ago. Today Jiashi’s melons come in 28 varieties, all of exceptional quality. Each one is honey-sweet, incredibly delicious, and leaves a lasting, memorable taste. They offers not just a pleasure for the palate but a balm for the soul, and are hailed as “the finest melon under heaven”.

Sweetness has become the signature flavor of Jiashi County. Yet this sweetness is not merely a natural gift to the palate, it is also a symbolic expression of the local people’s warm hospitality and simple, sincere way of life.

Today, Jiashi’s plum and melons are making their way across the country and beyond to overseas markets. As a historic hub along the ancient Silk Road, Jiashi is now experiencing renewed vitality in economic, trade and cultural exchanges und

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

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

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