1. Cryptocurrencies surged in 2024, with Bitcoin gaining 121% due to favorable regulations and Trump's election, driving smart money into Bitcoin-related stocks like Riot Platforms. 2. Riot Platforms significantly expanded its mining capacity, achieving a 155% YoY increase in hash rate, making it the fastest-growing Bitcoin miner globally. 3. Riot's strategy includes acquiring ready-to-run mining sites and diversifying energy sources, reducing reliance on Texas and benefiting from Kentucky's energy-saving programs.

➀ Fleet Space, an Australian space startup, has raised AUS$150 million for its space-based mining insights. ➁ The funds will be used to expand ExoSphere, their end-to-end exploration platform, which utilizes 3D subsurface imaging and AI analysis. ➂ The company aims to accelerate the discovery of critical minerals needed for clean energy, with a focus on reducing environmental impact.

➀ The Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS has developed a patented method with GEM Recovery Systems GRS to analyze antimony particles in rock using modern sensor technology. This allows for the identification of rare earths and minerals in rock and separation from worthless materials, increasing independence on this critical raw material. ➁ Antimony is a key component in many products, including semiconductor technology, solder, and car batteries. China and Russia are major suppliers, but China is imposing export restrictions on the rare material. ➂ The researchers are developing a sensor-based sorting technology to identify the metal in mining operations. This new technology could significantly reduce resource consumption and investment costs in the mining industry.

➀ Northern Minerals, an Australian mining company, faced a corporate struggle with Chinese investors over control, highlighting global competition for critical minerals. ➁ The Australian government blocked a Chinese investor from increasing his stake due to national security concerns, leading to a government investigation. ➂ The case underscores the strategic importance of rare earths, with countries like Australia and the U.S. seeking to reduce dependence on China for these minerals.

1. GDX has underperformed both gold prices and its top holdings. 2. The portfolio has a consensus upside potential of 12% and is valued at 10x PE or 0.4 PEG. 3. The risks include gold price volatility and individual company operations.

1. Newmont's Q2 results align with forecasts, indicating strong cash flow and potential asset sales. 2. The company remains undervalued despite recent gains, offering a significant upside potential. 3. Asset monetization and robust cash flow projections support a bullish outlook for the stock.