Posts Tagged ‘#smallcapstocks’
INTERVIEW: $HPQ.ca Silicon Discusses Significant Commercial Scale Up Milestones From Gen2 PUREVAP $PYR.ca
$NSM.ca Northern Sphere Mining Corp. to Follow up on Cobalt Values up to 0.23% Sampled from Various Showings on Its Sudbury District Scadding Property
- Cobalt identified in 0.20 and 0.23% 2 KM apart from each other
- Â Scadding hosts abundant Nippissing diabase intrusives with a NW-SE orientation
- Mineral resources found on the property are clustered and parallel to the Nippissing dykes
- At the Scadding Property, favourable geological context also occurs in contact zones between the Nippissing intrusives and a competent host rocks
Northern Sphere Mining Corp. (CSE: NSM) (OTCQB: NSMCF) (“Northern Sphere” or the “Company”) will be investigating known Cobalt anomalies on its Scadding Property located in Sudbury’s Nickel District. Outcrop sampling at two separate mineral showings, approximately 2 km apart, returned values of 0.23% Cobalt (Red Rock Occurrence) and 0.20% Cobalt (McLean Secret Showing). Geophysical signatures identified by Northern Spherein 2017 correlate well with the location of these outcrops. The 3D magnetic re-inversion (which re-interprets and models three dimensional geophysical data) identified several optimal targets on our 40,000-acre property.
In addition to the significant Cobalt values recovered from outcrop sampling, Northern Sphere also analysed for Cobalt as part of a multi-element package on its last hole during the 2017 drill campaign. Hole NSM-17-06 returned values of up to 189 ppm Cobalt and 678 ppm Nickel from drill core exhibiting strong chloritized segments. Northern Sphere intends to analyse a percentage of similar material from its core storage facility for both Cobalt and Nickel. Currently, Northern Sphere is prioritizing optimized drill targets for its 2018 drill campaign.
Scadding Property — Sudbury District, Ontario
The Scadding Property is nestled at the junction between the Abitibi-Wawa greenstone belt (which encompasses the Sudbury Igneous Complex), the Grenville Front, and the Huronian Supergroup (see Figure 1). The Scadding Property is located at a large scale structural junction. World class base metal deposits are located to the West (Sudbury Nickel District) and precious metal deposits are located to the East (River Valley Pt-Pd, Cobalt Silver).
Figure 1: Favorable Geology Hosting Major Fault Zone Intersections
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The Scadding Property plays host to abundant Nippissing diabase intrusives which utilized pre-existing structure during emplacement. The intrusives demonstrate a preferred NW-SE orientation. Mineral resources found on the property are clustered within these corridors and parallel to the Nippissing dykes. Within the Cobalt, Ontario Camp, Silver and Cobalt mineralization are generally found in proximity to the Nippissing Diabase. At the Scadding Property, favourable geological context also occurs in contact zones between the Nippissing intrusives and a competent host rocks (i.e. quartzite of the Serpent Formation).
Northern Sphere will continue to advance and acquire district scale properties for successful future mineral exploitation.
Quality Control
Northern Sphere’s quality control and assurance program includes the use of an independent certified lab, AGAT Laboratories (“AGAT”) of Mississauga, Ontario. All AGAT geochemical hub laboratories are accredited to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for specific analytical procedures. The AGAT quality program includes quality control steps through sample preparation and analysis, inter-laboratory test programs, and regular internal audits. It is an integral part of day-to-day activities, involves all levels of AGAT staff and is monitored at top management levels.
Qualified Persons
Steve Gray, P.Geo., Vice President of Northern Sphere has reviewed the scientific and technical information in this press release and is Northern Sphere’s “Qualified Person” as defined by National Instrument 43-101 – Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
About Northern Sphere Mining Corp.
Northern Sphere is dedicated to growth through the acquisition and development of mining assets with an emphasis on gold, silver and copper. In efforts expedite and optimize mineral targeting on its assets, the Company is employing cutting-edge exploration technologies to generate robust mining projects. Headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Northern Sphere has a strong project pipeline of properties with a focus on gold, silver and other metal production in pro-mining jurisdictions.
Cautionary Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements which reflect Northern Sphere’s current expectations regarding future events. The forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those projected herein. Northern Sphere disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable securities laws.
For further information, please contact:
John Carter
Chief Executive Officer
Northern Sphere Mining Corp.
Tel: 905-302-3843
FEATURE: Monarques Gold $MQR.ca – A PRODUCER With $10.3M In Quarterly Revenues $MUX.ca $SII.ca
MQR: TSX-V
Why Monarques Gold?
- A gold producer with the Beaufor Mine
- $10.3M in revenues last quarter
- large portfolio of mining assets, including the Beaufor Mine, two mills (Camflo and Beacon), two advanced projects (Wasamac and Croinor Gold) and eight exploration projects covering more than 240 km2 in the Abitibi region.
- Upside potential and leverage to the gold price with the Wasamac project.
- NI 43-101 proven and probable reserves of 162,790 ounces of gold, measured and indicated resources of 1.76 million ounces and inferred resources of 1.67 million ounces
- Over 150 highly experienced, qualified employees will join the Monarques team.
- Strong financial position, with cash of $18.2 million
Q2 (Dec 31) Highlights
Beaufor Mine
- Production and sale of 5,444 ounces of gold in the second quarter, a 62% increase over the 3,380 ounces produced in the prior quarter by the previous owner and a 16% increase over the quarterly average of 4,715 ounces produced during the prior nine-month period.
- Average selling price of $1,583 (US $1,245) per ounce sold.
- Production cash cost of $1,338 (US $1,052) per ounce sold, down 31% from $1,929 (US $1,540) in the prior quarter under the previous owner.
- All-in sustaining cost for Beaufor/Camflo of $1,525 (US $1,199) per ounce sold, down 39% from $2,491 (US $1,989) in the prior quarter under the previous owner.
Mobile Game Study Reveals Interesting Demographics – 63% of #Mobile #Gamers are #Female #Kuuhubb $KUU.ca
- According to Mediakix, female gamers make up 63-percent of the total,
- 60-percent playing every day.
- That’s as compared to 37-percent and 47-percent for males, respectively.
- Only 31-percent of men spend real money in games compared to a number that appears higher for women with that number being at 36-percent
A new report released by Mediakix has some statistics to show with regard to the demographics of mobile gaming, as well as trends in spending and expected industry growth. There’s actually quite a lot of information revealed by the study but the company has provided a helpful infographic to break down some of the key figures. It should come as no surprise that the market is expected to hit a value of around $115 billion this year or that its expected to increase by $72 billion by 2020. Mobile gaming is already a $50 billion industry and its only March.
The demographics of who those gamers are is very interesting, especially when compared to some other studies that were recently completed. For example, another infographic from earlier this month – conducted by AppOptix for U.S. users- showed only a slight gap between how much time men and women spend on their mobile devices. That gap was only at around 6-percent, with men using their devices more. If those figures hold true, then it turns out women may be playing far more mobile games in that time than men. According to Mediakix, female gamers make up 63-percent of the total, with 60-percent playing every day. That’s as compared to 37-percent and 47-percent for males, respectively. Meanwhile, only 31-percent of men spend real money in games compared to a number that appears higher for women with that number being at 36-percent.
That may or may not need to be taken with a grain of salt, though, bearing in mind that Mediakix study was on the global scale. Figures for age demographics in mobile gaming do appear to be a bit different between sources. Mediakix, for example, says that of the 2.1 billion mobile gamers worldwide, the largest age group for gaming on smartphones at 38-percent is those aged 45-years or more. In the U.S., according to AppOptix, the 45 and older group plays the least. That same study showed that those aged 26 to 36 fell in with only slightly more play time per week, while this new study shows users between 25 and 34 as making up 19-percent of gamers. Some cohesiveness is there to be found, on the other hand, in the fact that both studies show that users under 26 make up the big chunk of mobile gamers. The new numbers place that group at around 22-percent, while the earlier reports showed that group to be the largest. Of course, those aren’t the only figures revealed by the study and the comparisons aren’t necessarily directly correlated. But the figures are well worth examning nonetheless. Anybody interested in learning more can check out the included infographic or head over to the source link below.
Namaste Receives Conditional Approval to List on TSX Venture Exchange $N.ca $NXTTF $ACB.ca $HIP.ca $WEED.ca $CMED.ca
- Received conditional approval to list the common shares and warrants of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange as a Tier 1 issuer
- listing is subject to the Company fulfilling certain requirements of the TSXV in accordance with the terms of its conditional approval letter dated April 18th, 2018
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, April 19, 2018 — Namaste Technologies Inc. (“Namaste†or the “Companyâ€) (CSE:N) (FRA:M5BQ) (OTCMKTS:NXTTF) is pleased to announce that it has received conditional approval to list the common shares and warrants of the Company on the TSX Venture Exchange (“TSXVâ€) as a Tier 1 issuer. The listing is subject to the Company fulfilling certain requirements of the TSXV in accordance with the terms of its conditional approval letter dated April 18th, 2018. The Company anticipates that the common shares will continue to trade under the trading symbol “N” and its warrants will continue to trade under the symbol “N.WT.”
The Company will proceed expeditiously to satisfy these conditions and management is confident that all conditions for listing will be met. Upon obtaining final approval, the Company will issue a further press release to inform shareholders when it anticipates that its common shares and warrants will commence trading on the TSXV.
Management Commentary
Sean Dollinger, President and CEO of Namaste comments: “We are very pleased to have received conditional approval from the TSXV. We’re also proud to have been accepted as a Tier 1 issuer. We believe that this listing will provide the company and its shareholders with many advantages, including greater visibility and enhanced market access for Canadian and international investors. We’re extremely proud to join the ranks of many innovative cannabis companies in our industry and gain new exposure through a larger exchange. We will remain committed to expanding our business strategy through innovation to help solidify our position in the cannabis sector.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the Canadian Securities Exchange (“CSEâ€) for their tremendous support. We greatly appreciate the CSE for providing us with a platform for Namaste to grow and we’re excited to be moving forward towards the anticipated TSXV listing.â€
About Namaste Technologies Inc.
Namaste is the largest online retailer for medical cannabis delivery systems globally. Namaste distributes vaporizers and smoking accessories through 24 e-commerce sites in 20 countries and with distribution hubs located around the world. Namaste has majority market share in Europe and Australia, with operations in the UK, Canada and Germany and has opened new supply channels into emerging markets including Brazil, Mexico and Chile. Namaste, through its acquisition of Cannmart Inc., a Canadian based late-stage applicant for a medical cannabis sales licence (under the ACMPR Program) is pursuing a new revenue vertical in online retail of medical cannabis in the Canadian market. Namaste intends to leverage its existing database of Canadian medical cannabis consumers, along with its expertise in e-commerce to create an online marketplace for medical cannabis patients, offering a larger variety of product and a better user experience.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
“Sean Dollingerâ€
Chief Executive Officer
Direct: +1 (786) 389 9771
Email: [email protected]
Further information on Namaste and its products can be accessed through the links below:
namastetechnologies.com
namastevapes.ca
everyonedoesit.ca
namastevaporizers.co.uk
everyonedoesit.co.uk
australianvaporizers.com.au
Forward Looking Information
This press release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those implied by such statements. Although such statements are based on management’s reasonable assumptions, Namaste assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks including various risk factors discussed in the Company’s disclosure documents, which can be found under the Company’s profile on www.sedar.com. This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and such forward looking statements are made pursuant to the safe harbour provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither reviewed nor approved the contents of this press release.
PyroGenesis $PYR.ca Announces Significant Commercial Milestones with the Gen2 PUREVAP™ System for $HPQ.ca Silicon Resources Inc.
- Announced significant commercial milestones with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ system for HPQ Silicon Resources
- Company confirms that improvements and design modifications with GEN2 are generating significantly better results in terms of yield
MONTREAL, April 19, 2018 — PyroGenesis Canada Inc. (http://pyrogenesis.com) (TSX-V:PYR), (the “Company”, the “Corporation†or “PyroGenesis”) a Company that designs, develops and manufactures plasma waste-to-energy systems and plasma torch systems, is pleased to announce significant commercial milestones with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ system for HPQ Silicon Resources Inc (“HPQâ€).
The Company confirms that improvements and design modifications with GEN2 are generating significantly better results in terms of yield (total mass of Si Produced during one test) and production yield (conversion efficiency of quartz into silicon metal). The results to date have been summarized in a progress report which has recently been submitted to HPQ.
These recent results are positive indicators of the commercial scalability of the PUREVAP™ process. Significantly increasing the yield, and the production yield, with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ are both examples of such indicators. Of note, the results reported exceed not only those obtained previously, but more importantly, exceed the theoretical yields.
Results of yield and conversion efficiency achieved from tests done on the GEN2 PUREVAP™ are described as follows:
- Yield:
- Total mass of Si produced was 101.45g;
- 11.5 times greater than GEN1 best result of 8.8g and 3.6 times greater than GEN2 previous result of 28.1g.
- Production Yield (Conversion Efficiency):
- 34.3%;
- Astounding accomplishment considering the GEN2 PUREVAP™ physical limitations of the reactor;
- Best efficiency to date and 2.5 times (+156%) greater than previous record production yield of 13.4%.
Additional testing continues with the expectations of further improvements.
 “The results we have achieved recently with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ give us increased confidence and assurance that at pilot scale, we will be able to reach significant higher production yields of high purity silicon metal that we are targeting,†said Mr. Pierre Carabin, Chief Technology Officer of PyroGenesis. “We are extremely pleased with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ progress results so far, and expect further improvements in the near term.â€
About PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
PyroGenesis Canada Inc. is the world leader in the design, development, manufacture and commercialization of advanced plasma processes. We provide engineering and manufacturing expertise, cutting-edge contract research, as well as turnkey process equipment packages to the defense, metallurgical, mining, advanced materials (including 3D printing), oil & gas, and environmental industries. With a team of experienced engineers, scientists and technicians working out of our Montreal office and our 3,800 m2 manufacturing facility, PyroGenesis maintains its competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of technology development and commercialization. Our core competencies allow PyroGenesis to lead the way in providing innovative plasma torches, plasma waste processes, high-temperature metallurgical processes, and engineering services to the global marketplace. Our operations are ISO 9001:2008 certified, and have been since 1997. PyroGenesis is a publicly-traded Canadian Corporation on the TSX Venture Exchange (Ticker Symbol: PYR) and on the OTCQB Marketplace. For more information, please visit www.pyrogenesis.com.
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward- looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Corporation’s current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Corporation with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Corporation’s ongoing filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com, or at www.otcmarkets.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Corporation undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward- looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange, its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) nor the OTCQB accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.
SOURCE PyroGenesis Canada Inc.
For further information please contact: Rodayna Kafal, VP, Investor Relations and Strategic Business Development, Phone: (514) 937-0002, E-mail: [email protected]
$HPQ.ca Reports Significant Commercial Scale Up Milestones From Gen2 PUREVAP $PYR.ca
- PyroGenesis Canada has confirmed that process improvements and design modifications are generating results that exceed expectations at this stage of development
- Work continues in the Gen2 PUREVAP™ Commercial Scalability Proof of Concept Test Work
- Results are summarized in a recently received progress report.
MONTREAL, April 19, 2018 – HPQ Silicon Resources Inc (“HPQâ€) (TSX VENTURE:HPQ)(FRANKFURT:UGE)(OTC PINK:URAGF) is pleased to inform shareholders that PyroGenesis Canada Inc (“PyroGenesisâ€) (TSX Venture:PYR) has confirmed that process improvements and design modifications are generating results that exceed expectations at this stage of development. Work continues in the Gen2 PUREVAP™ Commercial Scalability Proof of Concept Test Work. The results are summarized in a recently received progress report.
GREATLY INCREASED YIELD AND PRODUCTION YIELD:
Significantly increasing the Yield1 and the Production Yield2 of the Gen2 PUREVAP™ through ongoing process improvements and design modifications are positive indicators of the commercial scalability of the PUREVAPTMÂ process. The results reported by Pyrogenesis surpass the theoretical Production Yield referred to previously and result from continuous process improvements by the Pyrogenesis team.
Gen2 PUREVAP™ test #14 attained the following results:
- Total mass of Si produced (yield) was 101.45 gr; 11.5 times greater than Gen1 best result of 8.8 gr (test #32) and 3.6 times greater than the 28.1 gr of Gen2 test # 007;
- Production Yield reached 34.3%, a staggering accomplishment considering the Gen2 PUREVAP™ reactor physical limitations. This result is the highest to date and it’s 2.5 times (+156%) greater than our previous record: Gen2 test # 007 Production Yield of 13.4%.
- These results are opening the way for further process improvements; design modifications and additional tests in order to further increase both the Yield and Production Yield of Si produced.
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO of HPQ Silicon stated, “These results confirm that our data driven, empirical and methodical approach is yielding phenomenal results. With every milestone reached, we are de-risking our project. Gen 1 testing proved that the PUREVAP™ QRR could convert quartz into Si while simultaneously increasing its purity and highlighted the key relationship between production yield and purity. Our ongoing Gen2 PUREVAP™ program has pushed the project from the lab to a semi-industrial scale. Results are validating the Commercial Scalability of the process while yielding crucial technical information that is allowing us to run ongoing concurrent development programs with a goal of decreasing the timeline to commercial deployment of the PUREVAP™ QRR process. Our objective for 2018 continues to be building on our technical successes as we get ready to commence the Gen3 PUREVAP™ Pilot Plant phase with our “Solar Silicon Team†of Pyrogenesis and Apollon Solar, as well as, building market awareness of our progress and plans.â€
“The results we have achieved recently with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ give us increased confidence and assurance that at pilot scale, we will be able to reach significant higher production yields of high purity silicon metal that we are targeting,†said Mr. Pierre Carabin, Chief Technology Officer of PyroGenesis. “We are extremely pleased with the GEN2 PUREVAP™ progress results so far, and expect further improvements in the near term.â€
Pierre Carabin, Eng., M. Eng., has reviewed and approved the technical content of this press release.
This Press Release Is Available On The Company’s CEO Verified Discussion Forum, A Moderated Social Media Platform That Enables Civilized Discussion and Q&A Between Management and Shareholders.
https://agoracom.com/ir/HPQ-SiliconResources/forums/discussion
About HPQ Silicon
HPQ Silicon Resources Inc. is a TSX-V listed resource company planning to become a vertically integrated and diversified High Purity, Solar Grade Silicon Metal (SoG Si) producer and a manufacturer of multi and monocrystalline solar cells of the P and N types, required for production of high performance photovoltaic conversion.
HPQ goal is to develop, in collaboration with industry leaders that are experts in their fields of interest, the innovative metallurgical PUREVAPTM “Quartz Reduction Reactors (QRR)†process (patent pending), which will permit production of the highest efficiency SoG Si.  The pilot plant equipment that will validate the commercial potential of the process is on schedule for 2018.
Disclaimers:
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements containing the words “may”, “plan”, “will”, “estimate”, “continue”, “anticipate”, “intend”, “expect”, “in the process” and other similar expressions which constitute “forward-looking information” within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current expectation and assumptions, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the acceptance of our products by the market, our strategy to develop new products and enhance the capabilities of existing products, our strategy with respect to research and development, the impact of competitive products and pricing, new product development, and uncertainties related to the regulatory approval process. Such statements reflect the current views of the Company with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and other risks detailed from time-to-time in the Company’s on-going filings with the securities regulatory authorities, which filings can be found at www.sedar.com. Actual results, events, and performance may differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements either as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws.
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Shares outstanding: 195,527,557
For further information contact
Bernard J. Tourillon, Chairman and CEO Tel (514) 907-1011
Patrick Levasseur, President and COO Tel: (514) 262-9239
www.HPQSilicon.com
Global #Solar PV Installations to Surpass 104GW in 2018 $HPQ.ca $FSLR $SPWR $CSIQ $NEP
- Global Solar PV Installations to Surpass 104GW in 2018
- GlobalsolarPV market will add over 100 gigawatts of capacity for the first time in 2018 — and there is no looking back.
Key findings from GTM Research’s latest Global Solar Demand Monitor.
According to the latest Global Solar Demand Monitor from GTM Research, installations will reach 104 gigawatts this year, representing 6 percent annual growth. After that, annual installations will easily exceed the 100-gigawatt milestone through at least 2022.
The year-over-year growth is due in part to geographic diversification, as the top four markets are anticipated to collectively decline by 7 percent.
Source: Global Solar Demand Monitor, Q1 2018
Installations in China will fall from 53 gigawatts in 2017 to 48 gigawatts in 2018, although China alone will account for 47 percent of global demand this year.
For the first time in China’s history, annual distributed solar installations (<20 megawatts) are expected to surpass 50 percent of the nation’s annual installed capacity.
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“Trade-restrictive measures continue to be a barrier to growth in the U.S. and India,” said GTM Research solar analyst Rishab Shrestha. “Although the availability of tariff-free modules in the U.S. and the announcement that compensation will be provided to Indian developers negatively impacted by tariffs and duties provides some encouragement.” According to the report, the U.S. market is expected to add 10.6 gigawatts of solar PV in 2018 while India will install 7.1 gigawatts.
In 2018, Latin America will add 5.6 gigawatts and the MENA region (Middle East and Africa) will add 4.7 gigawatts, representing explosive year-over-year growth of 61 percent and 281 percent, respectively. Up to 1 gigawatt of projects awarded through Mexico’s A1 auction are expected to come online this year, as is Egypt’s 1.8-gigawatt Benban solar park. These two markets will top their respective regions in 2018.
According to the analysis, Egypt and Brazil will become gigawatt-scale markets for the first time in 2018. This year will also see the re-emergence Spain. Meanwhile, France, which will firmly establish itself as one of Europe’s top three largest markets.
Number of Gigawatt-Scale Solar Markets by Year
Source: Global Solar Demand Monitor, Q1 2018
Source: https://www.greentechmedia.com/articles/read/global-solar-pv-installations-to-surpass-104-gw-in-2018#gs.7nb29HI
Thumbs up to #Esports dream: #Raptors #NBA 2K draft pick has visions of stardom $GMBL $KUU.ca
Toronto’s Yusuf Abdulla hits training camp with 102 other gamers ahead of season
Toronto’s Yusuf Abdulla does an interview at the draft for the NBA’s esports league, NBA 2K. (Photo courtesy Yusuf Abdulla)
Yusuf Abdulla never thought he would be make it to the NBA. Not in a million years.
Sure, the 25-year-old Toronto native played some college basketball. But that was years ago. Abdulla’s closest connection to the game today is his obsession with the video game NBA 2K.
It turns out the countless hours he’s spent honing his skills have paid off. He was one of 102 players drafted earlier this month to play in the NBA’s inaugural NBA 2KÂ league. It is the first professional gaming league being operated by one of North America’s four major sports.
All 17 teams in the league are affiliated with NBA franchises. Just like real teams, there’s a general manager and front-office staff in place.
Abdulla made his first-ever trip to New York City for the draft, held at the Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.
“It was unbelievable,” said Abdulla, who along with the rest of the draft class was outfitted with a new suit for the occasion. “You feel like an NBA player, but just a virtual NBA player. It’s the same perks though. They treat you well. It was amazing”.
Abdulla was taken 45th overall by Toronto’s entry, the Raptors Uprising Gaming Club.
“It means the world to me,” he said. “You don’t even understand. After I got drafted, I have had so much support from fans, friends, family. The Raptors are calling me the hometown hero.”
The NBA is the first professional sports league attempting to tap into the exploding and lucrative world of esports. In recent years, esports leagues focused around popular games like League of Legends have formed, offering millions in prize money. Some U.S colleges have even started recruiting and offering athletic scholarships to accomplished gamers.
It’s why the NBA chose to partner with Take-Two Interactive, the maker of the popular NBA 2KÂ game, which has sold nearly 80 million copies this year.
The 102 draft picks of the NBA’s esports league pose with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, centre. (NBAE/Getty Images)
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said it’s an area the NBA has been curious about for a while.
“A couple of years ago, at Madison Square Garden, I attended a League of Legends competition and that was incredibly eye-opening for me, to see the enthusiasm from a packed house of gamers cheering for things on a screen that I couldn’t understand,” he said.
Silver said the NBA is putting its full energy behind this new venture.
“From the NBA’s standpoint, this is our fourth league,” he said. “We have the NBA, WNBA, the G league. This is the fourth league in our family and that’s exactly how we are treating it. It’s one more professional league. We are welcoming a new generation of players.”
The season tips off at the beginning of May. Teams will play weekly games through August, culminating with playoffs. There will also be three in-season tournaments with $1 million in prize money up for grabs. Games will played out of the NBA studio. Plans on ticket sales and a potential broadcast deal still haven’t been announced. In the past, both Fox and ESPN have broadcast esports competitions.
For Abdulla, getting this far wasn’t easy.
Will video games be an Olympic event in the future? It could be closer to happening than you think. The video game industry is booming with the advent of eSports — there are competitive leagues, with lucrative sponsors, news conferences and million-dollar prize pools, not to mention the hundreds of millions of fans across the world. With the Olympics looking to attract a younger audience, video games and eSports might just be coming to an Olympic venue sooner than you’d think 7:17
Just like real players vying for limited space in the NBA, he had to prove himself countless times before being selected.
After making it through an initial qualifying stage, he was assigned to the NBA combine where he played almost eight hours a day for two weeks, showcasing his skills.
He also had to submit a two-minute video explaining why he was good fit for the league. After making it through to the final 200 players, Abdulla had to go through an hour-long interview with league officials.
“They asked me how I thought I would perform on the big stage — how would you react if you were losing, how would you treat your teammates because people can turn hostile?” Abdulla said. “Let’s say your teammate is missing shots or misses you wide open under the rim and you lose the game, what would you do?”
Basketball IQ
Abdulla said he always believed he had a chance to reach this stage. He fell in love with the game as a child and even played in college for a few years..
“I grew up in a rough neighbourhood and I couldn’t really play basketball outside,” he said. “My mother wouldn’t let me because she didn’t want me to get hurt. So instead of doing that, I needed a hobby so I started playing 2K. And I got good. I have a real-life basketball IQ. I understood the game better because I played in real life.”
Abdulla admitted he has devoted an inordinate amount of time to the game. And like thousands of others, his family told him to turn off the television.
“They have said video games are a waste of time. You should work, find a part-time job instead of wasting your time,” he said. “And I would tell them in life you have to enjoy what you do. And when the news dropped about this 2K league, I knew with my skill level, I was good enough to get in.”
“Fourteen months ago, there was no path,” said Brendan Donahue, NBA 2K’s managing director. “Now we are going to reward them for their passion and dedication to the game. There are 1.6 million daily players and we had the challenge of creating a path to becoming a professional.”
As a newly minted professional, Abdulla is currently in a training camp with his five new teammates, getting ready for the first season.
“Basically we are going to practise together, create some chemistry,” Abdulla said.
6-month contract worth $32-$35K
Abdulla and his teammates will live together during the season. Each player has been signed to a six-month contract and will be paid between $32,000-$35,000.
But the NBA is hoping Abdulla and the league’s 145 other players will earn much more, hopefully becoming household names similar to the league’s biggest stars.
Silver said the league is committed to making that happen.
“What we are hoping to do with an entire new group of athletes, these 102 gamers, using same model as the NBA or WNBA, is developing them as unique personalities with their own following,” he said.
Which has Abdullah dreaming of big things.
“I am hoping for lots of sponsorships, a shoe deal maybe,” he said. “ Who knows? Depending on my game play I could go as far as Nike.”
Source: http://www.cbc.ca/sports/basketball/nba/nba-2k-esports-league-yusuf-abdulla-1.4623929
Tartisan Nickel Corp. $TN.ca Expands Land Package at Its Kenbridge #Nickel #Copper #Cobalt Deposit, Kenora, Ontario $NI.ca $GP.ca
- Company has expanded its land package around its existing patented claims centered on its Kenbridge Nickel-Copper-Cobalt deposit
- Land package of patented and unpatented claims now encompasses 1,762 hectares
Toronto, Ontario – Tartisan Nickel Corp. (CSE: TN, FSE: A2DPCM) (“Tartisanâ€, or the “Companyâ€) is pleased to announce that the Company has expanded its land package around its existing patented claims centered on its Kenbridge Nickel-Copper-Cobalt deposit. The land package of patented and unpatented claims now encompasses 1,762 hectares.
As part of the ongoing review of the data associated with the acquisition of the Kenbridge orebody in February 2018 an additional twenty seven (27) claims were staked including six (6) claims over patented areas where the new mapstaking system MLAS indicated land availability for staking. A number of the new claims cover potential extensions to the strong magnetic feature with a 2-km strike length with a prominent deep-seated 200m long conductive anomaly located along the flank of the magnetic anomaly. The prospective target is located some 2.5km to the northeast of the Kenbridge deposit, situated along the same structural trend of the Kenbridge intrusion.
Tartisan Nickel CEO Mr. Mark Appleby noted, “ We are pleased to have increased our land position and are encouraged by the improving technical fundamentals of the nickel market. We continue to seek out opportunities to enhance shareholder valueâ€.
The Kenbridge Deposit hosts measured and indicated resources of 7.139 million tonnes of 0.62% nickel; 0.33% copper; and 0.016% cobalt; with inferred resources of 0.118 million tonnes of 1.38% nickel; 0.88% copper; and 0.003% cobalt. In total a contained nickel resource of 97.8 million pounds of nickel and 47 million pounds of copper has been defined by previous operators to date. The Kenbridge deposit is equipped with a 623m shaft and two levels and has never been mined. Mineralization is open at depth and along strike.
ABOUT TARTISAN NICKEL CORP.
Tartisan also owns a 100% interest in the Alexo-Kelex Nickel property, a past-producing nickel deposit near Timmins, Ontario with historical production of some 87,000 tonnes of nickel grading 3.06%. Tartisan Nickel is actively evaluating Alexo-Kelex to determine potential courses of action that would add value to the Corporation.
In Peru, Tartisan owns a 100% stake in the Don Pancho Zinc-Lead-Silver Project in Peru just 9 km from Trevali’s Santander mine and owns a 100% stake in the Ichuna Copper-Silver Project, contiguous to Buenaventura’s San Gabriel property. Tartisan also owns a significant equity stake (6 million shares and 3 million warrants at 40 cents) in Eloro Resources Ltd, which is exploring the low-sulphidation epithermal La Victoria Gold/Silver Project in Ancash, Peru.
Tartisan Nickel Corp. common shares are listed on the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE:TN, FSE:A2DPCM). Currently, there are 97,623,550 shares outstanding (109,547,594 fully diluted).
For further information, please contact Mr. D. Mark Appleby, President & CEO and a Director of the Company, at 416-804-0280 ([email protected]). Additional information about Tartisan can be found at the Company’s website at www.tartisannickel.com or on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.
Jim Steel MBA P.Geo. is the Qualified Person under NI 43-101 and has read and approved the technical content of this News Release.
This news release may contain forward-looking statements including but not limited to comments regarding the timing and content of upcoming work programs, geological interpretations, receipt of property titles, potential mineral recovery processes, etc. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore, involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements.
The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release.