US Department of Energy Recognizes Copper as a Critical Mineral for Clean Energy Technologies
September 20, 2023

bySarah Vega - Content Writer, The Assay


The US Department of Energy (DOE) has officially added copper to its critical materials list, marking the first time a US government agency has included copper on one of its official “critical” lists.


The European Union, India, Japan, Canada, and China have already taken similar steps.


The DOE released the 2023 Critical Materials Assessment, which evaluates materials for their importance to global clean energy technology supply chains, focusing on key materials that have a high risk of supply disruption and are integral to clean energy technologies.


Based on the results of the assessment, DOE has identified the 2023 DOE Critical Materials List of energy-specific materials that are critical (or nearly critical) up to 2035. The list will also help determine eligibility for tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act 48C.


The critical materials currently listed include aluminum, cobalt, dysprosium, electrical steel, fluorine, gallium, iridium, lithium, magnesium, natural graphite, neodymium, nickel, platinum, praseodymium, terbium, silicon, silicon carbide, and now copper.

Alejandro Moreno, acting assistant secretary for the DOE’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, said in a statement, “As our nation continues the transition to a clean energy economy, it is our responsibility to anticipate critical material supply chains needed to manufacture our most promising clean energy generation, transmission, storage, and end-use technologies; including solar panels, wind turbines, power electronics, lighting, and electric vehicles.”


Moreno added that detecting and modifying material criticality now was crucial.


“The Copper Development Association (CDA) congratulates the DOE on its thoughtful, forward-thinking analysis that resulted in copper’s inclusion on the Critical Materials list,” commented CEO of the CDA Andrew Kireta Jr., in a separate statement.


“Copper is a major contributor to US economic and national security. With copper demand projections doubling by 2035, primarily due to plans for the clean energy transition, electrification, and clean water infrastructure, the nation would be defenseless without electricity and copper’s vital role in its generation, transmission, and distribution.”


The CDA noted that inclusion on the critical materials list reflects the certainty that copper demand projections will require a boost in domestic production.


 © 2023 The Assay

VVC Exploration Corporation Provides Regulatory Update and Clarifies a Previous Incorrect Statement about CYRB

May 21, 2026
TORONTO, May 21, 2026 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources (“VVC” or the “Company”) (TSX-V: VVC and OTCQB: VVCVF) is providing an update to its previous news release dated May 16, 2026, regarding the status of its annual financial filings. The Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") has notified the Company that its application for a Management Cease Trade Order ("MCTO") has been rejected. In delivering its decision, the OSC noted that they are not of the view that there is an active, liquid market for the issuer’s securities, based on a review of the trade volume, trade value, and number of trades over the last month. Consequently, the OSC intends to issue a Failure-to-File Cease Trade Order ("FFCTO") against the Company shortly after the regulatory deadline if the continuous disclosure documents are not submitted. The Company's audited annual financial statements, management's discussion and analysis, and related officer certifications for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2026 (collectively, the "Required Filings") are due on June 1, 2026. Reason for Anticipated Delay The delay in completing VVC’s Required Filings is primarily attributable to the time required to complete the valuation and related accounting assessment of VVC’s equity investment in Cyber Apps Solutions Corp. (“CYRB”) and its operating subsidiary, Proton Green, LLC. The complexity of the valuation process and the resolution of related accounting matters delayed the commencement of VVC’s Required Filings. The Company also wishes to clarify that the references to executive management vacancies at CYRB included in the May 16, 2026 announcement were incorrect and have been retracted. Financing & Corporate Update In light of the operational adjustments required by the developments at CYRB, the Company also announces that it is actively pursuing capital-raising initiatives to protect working capital and fund ongoing operations, including its core helium and gold exploration assets. VVC is currently evaluating various financing options, which may include a proposed non-brokered private placement of securities. Any such financing remains subject to compliance with the strict terms of the proposed MCTO, which prohibits the issuance or acquisition of securities from any director, officer, or insider of VVC during the period of the default. Further details regarding the terms, pricing, and closing dates of any such financing will be announced if and when they are finalized. There can be no assurance that any financing will be completed on terms acceptable to the Company, or at all. Anticipated Completion and Impact of Order The Company and its independent third-party valuation specialist are working diligently to resolve the valuation framework with MNP LLP. VVC continues to target the completion and submission of the Required Filings on or before June 30, 2026. If an FFCTO is issued by the principal regulator, trading in the common shares of VVC will be suspended across all trading platforms in Canada, including the TSX Venture Exchange, until the Required Filings are completed and the order is formally revoked by the regulators. Insider Trading Restrictions The Company's internal insider trading blackout notice issued by the Corporate Secretary remains in full effect. All directors, officers, and insiders are strictly prohibited from trading in the Company's securities or exercising stock options until the default is fully remedied and the Required Filings are publicly available. About VVC Resources VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Gold & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

VVC Grants Options

April 20, 2026
TORONTO, April 20, 2026 - VVC Exploration Corporation, dba VVC Resources, (“VVC”), (TSX-V:VVC and OTCQC:VVCVF) announces the following: Option Grant The Directors granted incentive stock options under its stock option plan, to officers, directors and consultants of the Company, to purchase up to an aggregate of 14,750,000 common shares, representing 2.58% of the outstanding shares of the Company. The stock options are exercisable at a price of CA$0.05 per share expiring April 20, 2036. Twenty five percent (25%) of the options granted will vest immediately with the remaining vesting at 25% every six months. The exercise price was fixed at the minimum allowable price by the TSX Venture Exchange policies. The options, granted in accordance with the provisions of the Company's stock option plan, are subject to the TSX Venture Exchange policies and the applicable securities laws. Of the Options granted, 32.2% were to Directors, 37.3% to Officers, 18.6% to Employees and 11.9% to Consultants of the Company.  About VVC Resources VVC engages in the exploration, development, and management of natural resources - specializing in scarce and increasingly valuable materials needed to meet the growing, high-tech demands of industries such as manufacturing, technology, medicine, space travel, and the expanding green economy. Our portfolio includes a diverse set of multi-asset, high-growth projects, comprising: Helium & industrial gas production in western U.S.; Gold & associated metals operations in northern Mexico; and Strategic investments in carbon sequestration and other green energy technologies. VVC is a Canada-based, publicly-traded company on the TSXV (TSX-V:VVC). To learn more, visit our website at: www.vvcresources.com. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
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