AI-Media and Middleman Announce Ad Insertion Partnership

Middleman and AI-Media Enter New Ad Insertion Partnership

Middleman and AI-Media Enter New Ad Insertion Partnership

BROOKLYN, N.Y., Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AI-Media, and Middleman Software, Inc., a leading provider of SCTE 104 and 35 messaging solutions, have joined forces to offer broadcasters a powerful, unified SCTE 104/35 messaging solution for live production workflows.

AdIT: Middleman Software’s AdIT Live revolutionizes the generation of SCTE 104 and 35 messages in real-time, enabling monetization of direct-to-stream live events where a playout automation system is not required.

Alta: AI-Media’s Alta Caption Encoder Software integrates live closed captioning, subtitling, and SCTE 104/35 message injection into live IP video production environments, making it a natural choice for broadcasters.

Simplified Architecture

Through the seamless integration of AdIT Live and Alta, broadcasters can automatically generate and inject any SCTE 104 and 35 messages directly into ST 2110 and MPEG transport streams, alongside closed captioning and subtitling data. No additional components in the signal chain are required.

Multiple Profiles in a Single Stream

AdIT Live and Alta Software support the entire SCTE 104/35 standard, offering advanced capabilities that empower broadcasters. One notable feature is the ability to route multiple “streams” of distinct SCTE 104/35 messages to individual recipients via the same video stream by leveraging DPI PID index values to identify unique services, ensuring efficient and parallel distribution without wasted bandwidth.

This joint solution simplifies and enhances live production workflows to provide broadcasters unprecedented control and flexibility to maximize advertising revenue at scale.

Middleman’s CEO James Heliker stated: “We are thrilled to partner with AI-Media to deliver a comprehensive and modern solution for SCTE 104/35 messaging for live production. Our collaboration sets a new benchmark for the industry, empowering broadcasters with advanced control, flexibility, and monetization capabilities in their live productions.”

Bill McLaughlin, Chief Product Officer, AI-Media, commented about the partnership: “Our Alta systems have gained significant popularity among traditional large broadcast networks and world-leading OTT sports channels due to their unique flexibility in injecting real-time SCTE triggers into compressed or SMPTE-2110 workflows. However, many of our customers struggle to fill these trigger messages with detailed live data from other sources of business intelligence.

To address this challenge, we have partnered with Middleman to incorporate their AdIT system to offer an integration layer that optimizes the automation and content monetization advantages of a complete end-to-end SCTE-35 solution. By combining AdIT with Alta, the triggering system can transcend traditional on/off signalling, unlocking a multitude of possibilities. We look forward to working with Middleman on this and future collaborations.”

About AI-Media

Founded in Australia in 2003, technology company AI-Media is a global leader in live and recorded captioning, transcription and translation solutions. The company helps the world’s leading broadcasters, enterprises and government agencies ensure high accuracy, secure and cost-effective captioning via its AI-powered LEXI automatic captioning solution. LEXI captions are delivered to millions of screens worldwide via AI-Media’s range of captioning encoders and its iCap Cloud Network – the world’s largest, most secure caption delivery network. Globally, AI-Media delivers over 8 million minutes of live and recorded media monthly. AI-Media trades on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX:AIM. For more information, please visit AI-Media.tv.

About Middleman

Since its inception in 2017, Middleman Software, Inc. has been at the forefront of revolutionizing media workflows through automation. The company has emerged as a leading provider of advanced ad monetization technologies, delivering cutting-edge capabilities to major networks and station groups. Their flagship product, AdIT, automates the generation of SCTE 104 and 35 messages so broadcasters can seamlessly implement frame-accurate dynamic ad insertion on their OTT feeds. With AdIT, broadcasters experience significantly increased revenues without disrupting existing broadcast operations. To learn more about Middleman Software, Inc. and AdIT, please visit Middleman.tv.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5845b76f-8bf0-4aae-a882-c1bf42246f57

Media Contact:
Fiona Habben
Senior Marketing Manager – Global
Fiona.habben@ai-media.tv

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8914123

Lifezone Metals Reports Completion of Tembo Zone Infill Drilling at the Kabanga Nickel Project with 41 m Intersect at 2.07% Ni, including 16.4 m at 2.77% Ni

Infill Drilling Continues at North Zone Intersecting 52.0 m at 2.37% Ni, including 39.8 m at 3.03% Ni; Safari Link Drill Plan Connecting Tembo and Safari Zones to Commence in September 2023

New York (United States), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lifezone Metals Limited (“Lifezone Metals” or the “Company”) (NYSE: LZM), a modern metals company creating value across the battery metals supply chain from mine to metals production and recycling, is pleased to announce an update on its resource definition drilling programme at its Kabanga Nickel project (“Kabanga”) in North-West Tanzania. The Kabanga Nickel project is owned jointly by Lifezone Metals, through its subsidiary Kabanga Nickel Ltd (“KNL”) and BHP Billiton (UK) DDS Limited (“BHPB”), forming Tembo Nickel Corporation Limited (“TNCL”), the operating entity, together with the Government of Tanzania.

Infill and extensional drilling at the Tembo Zone, which will support an upcoming Mineral Resource estimate (“MRE”) and the Definitive Feasibility Study (“DFS”), was successfully completed in July 2023 using four diamond drill rigs on average. Tembo Zone drilling completed from 2021 through July 2023 (see Figure 1) by TNCL comprised of 49 holes, resulting in a total of 23,748 m of diamond drill core available for geological logging and sampling. A further nine holes for a total of 2,596 m were drilled at the Tembo Zone for metallurgical sampling, plus six geotechnical holes (2,312 m) to support the ongoing DFS. Drill core was logged to capture geological and geotechnical features in the on-site drillhole database, and samples were submitted for analysis to SGS’s laboratory in Mwanza, Tanzania.

Highlights from Tembo Zone drilling includes:

  • Hole KL22-10 intersected 41 m at 2.07% Ni, 0.39% Cu, and 0.16% Co, (2.67% NiEq23[1]), including 16.4 m at 2.77% Ni, 0.45% Cu, and 0.23% Co, (3.59% NiEq23),
    (see 
    Figure 4 and Figure 5).
  • Hole KL22-12 intersected 39.6 m at 2.04% Ni, 0.37% Cu, and 0.13% Co, (2.55% NiEq23), including 19.9 m at 2.83% Ni, 0.44% Cu, and 0.19% Co, (3.53% NiEq23),
    (see 
    Figure 6 and Figure 7); and
  • Hole KL21-01 intersected 29.7 m at 1.94% Ni, 0.29% Cu, and 0.16% Co, (2.51% NiEq23), including 17.0 m at 2.42% Ni, 0.38% Cu, and 0.21% Co, (3.15% NiEq23).

Lifezone Metals’ CEO, Chris Showalter said: “Even after years of exploration and >620 km of drilling to date, the Kabanga orebody continues to showcase its quality differential with world-class nickel grades. The most recent infill drilling at the Tembo Zone ensures we can progress towards an updated Mineral Resource estimate, which is crucial for the Definitive Feasibility Study and ultimately support the mine plan.”

Please refer to the Figure in the Press Release as attached or on our website at Lifezone Metals – News – Press Releases 

Figure 1 Oblique Long Section of Kabanga Project Mineralisation Zones showing Drilling Eras and Mineralised Intercepts >0.58% NiEq23
(looking north-west)

Infill drilling continues at the North Zone, with five diamond drill rigs in operation since late‑June 2023. Three holes have since been completed and seven are underway (two currently pre-collared only) for a total of 6,626 m of drill core (to 18 August 2023).

Recent highlights from the North Zone infill drilling includes:

  • Hole KN22-03 intersected 52.0 m at 2.37% Ni, 0.25% Cu, and 0.14% Co, (2.85% NiEq23), including 39.8 m at 3.03% Ni, 0.32% Cu, and 0.18% Co, (3.65% NiEq23); and
  • Hole KN22-01A intersected 27.7 m at 2.56% Ni, 0.32% Cu, and 0.22% Co, (3.29% NiEq23).

Gerick Mouton, COO added: “We are working well on the ground with the rigs and local laboratories, and I am pleased to see this package of work for the Tembo Zone infill drilling campaign come together. With these intersects and grades on both Tembo and North Zones it undoubtably underscores Kabanga’s immense quality. Other ongoing drilling activities, undertaken by four additional rigs, relate to surface and mine geotechnical and hydrological drilling supporting the DFS designs and water balance.”

Since December 2021, TNCL has completed 82 holes for more than 35 km of diamond core drilling at Tembo, North, and Safari (to 18 August 2023).

All field work since December 2021 has been conducted on Special Mining Licence ‘SML 651 / 2021’.

Table 1 shows composites of assay results received to 18 August 2023 from drilling completed by TNCL since late-2021, with a lower cut-off of 0.58% NiEq23.

Table 1 Composited Assay Results >0.58% NiEq23 for Holes Drilled between
2021–18 August 2023

BHID From To Length Ni Cu Co S Density NiEq23 NiEq23 x length
#
(m) (m) (m) (%) (%) (%) (%) (g/cm3)
*
(%)
TEMBO ZONE
KL22-10 361.0 402.0 41.0 2.07 0.39 0.16 3.93 2.67   110
..includes 363.0 364.0 1.0 0.65 0.07 0.01 2.85 0.70  
365.0 373.0 8.0 1.29 0.45 0.06 3.29 1.65  
373.8 380.8 7.0 2.67 0.44 0.20 4.37 3.40  
381.8 398.2 16.4 2.77 0.45 0.23 4.62 3.59  
KL22-12 383.0 422.6 39.6 2.04 0.37 0.13 3.92 2.55   101
..includes 385.0 393.4 8.4 1.44 0.44 0.06 3.24 1.78  
397.7 417.6 19.9 2.83 0.44 0.19 4.66 3.53  
418.3 419.6 1.2 1.45 0.26 0.10 3.89 1.83  
KL21-01 367.2 396.9 29.7 1.94 0.29 0.16 3.00 2.51   74
..includes 370.2 376.3 6.1 2.40 0.28 0.21 3.00 3.10  
376.9 393.9 17.0 2.42 0.38 0.21 3.00 3.15  
KL22-14 292.3 321.0 28.7 1.94 0.29 0.16 4.10 2.49   72
..includes 295.3 304.2 8.9 1.95 0.30 0.14 4.29 2.47  
304.9 317.9 13.1 2.53 0.37 0.21 4.59 3.27  
KL22-01 367.0 395.5 28.5 1.61 0.24 0.14 3.00 2.10   60
..includes 369.0 369.3 0.3 1.76 0.11 0.19 3.00 2.34  
371.3 371.6 0.4 0.59 0.08 0.07 3.00 0.82  
371.9 372.7 0.7 0.69 0.56 0.08 3.00 1.14  
373.0 391.6 18.7 2.27 0.33 0.20 3.00 2.97  
391.9 392.5 0.6 2.04 0.18 0.18 3.00 2.62  
KL21-02 572.3 596.0 23.7 1.80 0.25 0.17 3.00 2.37   56
..includes 572.0 572.3 0.3 1.57 0.07 0.12 3.00 1.93  
572.3 574.3 2.0 0.65 0.15 0.00 3.00 0.72  
575.3 575.7 0.4 0.80 0.15 0.06 3.00 1.02  
576.3 593.6 17.3 2.31 0.31 0.23 3.00 3.08  
316.3 333.4 17.1 2.24 0.30 0.21 3.00 2.94  
335.4 335.5 0.1 2.49 0.23 0.21 3.00 3.17  
KL22-13 398.3 421.3 23.0 1.73 0.27 0.11 3.89 2.14   49
..includes 383.0 384.0 1.0 0.59 0.19 0.01 2.86 0.70  
384.8 386.3 1.5 0.69 0.58 0.02 3.06 0.97  
387.0 398.3 11.3 2.44 0.39 0.17 4.46 3.07  
398.3 413.2 14.9 2.21 0.34 0.14 4.33 2.74  
416.8 418.3 1.6 1.50 0.17 0.12 3.56 1.88  
KL22-11A 433.2 464.0 30.8 1.08 0.16 0.09 3.54 1.40   43
..includes 436.2 437.9 1.7 2.39 0.19 0.20 4.46 3.01  
446.1 457.0 10.9 1.87 0.24 0.16 4.13 2.40  
459.0 461.0 2.0 0.64 0.07 0.05 3.27 0.82  
KL22-20 321.6 340.6 19.0 1.65 0.23 0.11 3.65 2.04   39
..includes 325.6 337.6 12.0 2.19 0.29 0.15 4.13 2.72  
KL22-09 221.3 241.0 19.7 1.43 0.27 0.12 3.74 1.87   37
..includes 224.3 236.0 11.7 2.02 0.36 0.17 4.19 2.63  
KL22-11 430.0 457.0 27.0 1.07 0.16 0.07 3.44 1.32   36
..includes 434.6 436.6 2.0 0.71 0.19 0.06 3.39 0.96  
437.5 440.3 2.8 2.73 0.20 0.19 4.53 3.33  
441.0 448.0 7.0 1.50 0.22 0.10 3.76 1.86  
449.0 452.3 3.3 1.08 0.19 0.02 3.43 1.23  
KL23-23 644.3 667.7 23.4 1.18 0.13 0.08 11.73 3.24 1.47   34
..includes 647.3 663.4 16.1 1.54 0.16 0.11 15.22 3.42 1.90  
679.0 682.0 3.0 0.71 0.06 0.04 3.77 2.73 0.84  
KL22-04 485.4 510.0 24.6 0.96 0.16 0.10 3.66 1.31   32
..includes 488.4 502.0 13.6 1.38 0.22 0.15 4.06 1.89  
KL22-23 274.4 296.0 21.6 0.96 0.12 0.08 3.09 1.22   26
..includes 276.8 286.0 9.3 1.50 0.19 0.12 3.48 1.91  
288.0 290.1 2.1 0.90 0.10 0.07 3.06 1.15  
291.9 292.2 0.3 1.97 0.11 0.15 3.77 2.42  
KL23-21 675.2 693.1 17.9 1.12 0.13 0.08 12.03 3.35 1.40   25
..includes 678.2 688.5 10.3 1.69 0.17 0.13 18.22 3.48 2.12  
KL22-08 221.0 242.4 21.4 0.86 0.16 0.08 3.54 1.15   25
..includes 224.0 225.8 1.8 1.53 0.24 0.16 4.34 2.08  
226.3 237.4 11.1 1.11 0.21 0.11 3.79 1.49  
KL22-03 578.5 591.1 12.6 1.45 0.22 0.15 3.00 1.94   24
..includes 580.5 591.1 10.6 1.71 0.25 0.17 3.00 2.29  
591.6 593.0 1.4 1.03 0.29 0.11 3.00 1.44  
KL22-17 270.7 288.5 17.8 0.98 0.17 0.08 3.43 1.28   23
..includes 272.7 285.5 12.8 1.23 0.21 0.10 3.63 1.61  
KL22-05 428.5 445.1 16.6 0.84 0.18 0.08 3.44 1.14   19
..includes 431.5 434.6 3.1 1.93 0.28 0.19 4.57 2.57  
436.6 438.6 2.0 0.70 0.14 0.07 3.38 0.94  
439.6 442.1 2.5 0.76 0.11 0.08 3.31 1.02  
KL23-01 291.5 305.5 14.0 1.03 0.14 0.08 3.20 1.32   18
..includes 295.2 301.8 6.6 1.73 0.18 0.14 3.64 2.19  
KL22-06 380.3 395.0 14.7 0.89 0.14 0.08 3.50 1.17   17
..includes 383.3 392.3 9.0 1.25 0.20 0.11 3.82 1.64  
KL22-19 431.0 445.0 14.0 0.66 0.09 0.04 2.97 0.80   11
..includes 433.5 436.6 3.1 1.01 0.12 0.05 3.09 1.19  
439.2 439.8 0.7 1.09 0.12 0.07 3.32 1.33  
442.3 443.1 0.9 2.64 0.16 0.17 4.22 3.17  
468.1 468.4 0.4 1.18 0.04 0.09 3.73 1.45  
KL23-02 279.0 288.7 9.7 0.93 0.10 0.05 2.97 1.11   11
..includes 283.1 285.7 2.6 2.22 0.24 0.12 3.74 2.66  
KL22-16 280.2 294.6 14.4 0.53 0.12 0.05 3.25 0.71   10
..includes 283.2 288.4 5.2 0.97 0.22 0.09 3.57 1.32  
KL22-15 192.0 203.5 11.5 0.50 0.10 0.04 3.15 0.66   8
..includes 195.3 196.6 1.3 1.93 0.45 0.16 4.09 2.55  
197.4 198.5 1.1 0.96 0.15 0.08 3.50 1.24  
KL22-24 324.0 330.8 6.8 0.63 0.10 0.02 2.93 0.72   5
..includes 326.8 327.8 1.0 2.54 0.25 0.05 4.20 2.78  
707.4 707.4 0.1 2.15 0.29 0.21 31.00 4.22 2.85  
708.3 709.1 0.8 2.33 0.30 0.22 31.00 4.31 3.07  
KL22-07 402.3 402.5 0.2 3.70 0.03 0.16 3.27 4.15   1
KL22-22 317.0 317.8 0.8 1.31 0.19 0.10 3.53 1.68   1
KL23-22 763.5 764.5 1.0 0.68 0.04 0.04 5.84 2.90 0.81   1
NORTH ZONE
KN22-03 238.0 290.0 52.0 2.37 0.25 0.14 3.00 2.85   148
..includes 239.0 240.0 1.0 1.10 0.11 0.02 3.00 1.20  
244.1 283.9 39.8 3.03 0.32 0.18 3.00 3.65  
KN22-01A 369.3 397.0 27.7 2.56 0.32 0.22 3.00 3.29   91
KN22-01 366.1 399.5 33.4 1.96 0.27 0.15 3.00 2.49   83
..includes 322.9 323.9 1.0 2.52 0.20 0.17 3.00 3.06  
360.0 360.5 0.5 19.16 0.59 0.79 3.00 21.58  
368.8 393.0 24.2 2.43 0.32 0.18 3.00 3.07  
393.5 396.5 3.0 1.93 0.29 0.19 3.00 2.58  
KN22-02 434.0 466.2 32.2 1.23 0.19 0.09 3.00 1.56   50
..includes 437.2 451.9 14.7 2.52 0.40 0.19 3.00 3.21  

* Default density of 3.0 g/cm3 used (along with sample length) for assay grade weighting where density results not yet returned from the laboratory
# Table sorted highest to lowest NiEq23 x Length of main composite interval per hole
Composited interval average grades weighted by sample length and density.
Main composite interval permitted to include individual samples <0.58% NiEq23 but only reported if entire interval meets cut-off of 0.58% NiEq23.
Sub-composite intervals break at samples <0.58% NiEq23.

Figure 2 TNCL Geologist Team Inspecting Drill Core from the Tembo Zone. From left to right: Jackline Bahati (Geologist), Innocent Ntabala (Senior Geotechnician), and Marry Mushi (Geologist)

Please refer to the Figure in the Press Release as attached or on our website at Lifezone Metals – News – Press Releases 

The current North Zone drilling programme is expected to be complete by mid-September 2023, after which focus will shift to a new drilling programme that has been developed for the currently untested zone between Tembo North and Safari, known as the Safari Link programme.

Drilling in Tembo North and Safari shows that the shallow mineralisation trend is open along strike. The Safari Link drilling programme aims to test for the presence of Tembo-style mineralisation, as signalled by airborne EM/magnetics and ground EM coverage, which shows no significant gaps along strike to the north-east of Tembo.

The Safari Link drilling programme, which covers a strike length of approximately 1.5 km and comprises 62 diamond core drillholes for approximately 34 km of drilling, has been approved by TNCL. This programme (see Figure 3) is expected to require approximately six months to complete with six diamond drill rigs and will proceed in three phases: the first of which will test the presence of mineralisation in the Safari Link Zone, and the subsequent phases will infill as required to increase confidence in the characteristics and volume of any mineralisation that is identified to enable its incorporation into subsequent geological modelling.

Please refer to the Figures in the Press Release as attached or on our website at Lifezone Metals – News – Press Releases 

Figure 3 Plan View showing Safari Link Planned Drilling Programme against backdrop of Kabanga Project Mineralisation Zones Drilling Eras and Mineralised Intercepts >0.58% NiEq23 (plan rotated 055°)

Figure 4 Core Photo showing Massive Sulfide Mineralisation in KL22-10
Mineralised Interval 376.14–389.48 m = 13.34 m at 2.56% Ni, 0.44% Cu, and 0.20% Co, (3.28% NiEq23) (includes 0.96 m of internal waste (<0.58% NiEq23) 380.82‍–‍381.78 m (shown by red arrows))

Figure 5 Core Photo showing Massive Sulfide Mineralisation in KL22-10
Mineralised Interval 389.48–398.18 m = 8.7 m at 2.77% Ni, 0.46% Cu, and 0.24% Co, (3.63% NiEq23) (end of mineralised interval shown by red arrow)

Figure 6 Core Photo showing Massive Sulfide Mineralisation in KL22-12
Mineralised Interval 397.7–410.94 m = 13.24 m at 2.84% Ni, 0.43% Cu and 0.19% Co, (3.54% NiEq23)

Figure 7 Core Photo showing Massive Sulfide Mineralisation in KL22-12
Mineralised Interval 410.94–417.57 m = 6.63 m at 2.81% Ni, 0.45% Cu, and 0.19% Co, (3.51% NiEq23) (end of mineralised interval shown by red arrow)

Figure 8 Jumbe Maulid (Geology Superintendent) from TNCL showing Massive Sulphide in Drill Core from Hole KN22-03 at North Zone, which intersected 52.0 m at 2.37% Ni, 0.25% Cu, and 0.14% Co, (2.85% NiEq23)

Additional Information Attached: Kabanga Geological History and MRE Overview

Qualified Person

The exploration results disclosed in this news release were prepared under the supervision of and approved by Ms. Sharron Sylvester, Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (2512), and RPGeo (10125) in the fields of Mining and Mineral Resource Estimation. Ms. Sylvester is employed by OreWin Pty Ltd and engaged by Lifezone Metals Ltd. to act as independent Qualified Person for purposes of Subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K (“S-K 1300”) for the Kabanga project. She has appropriate qualifications and sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralization and type of deposit under consideration and has reviewed the technical and scientific data disclosed herein and conducted appropriate verification of the underlying data.

The Mineral Resource estimates discussed in this news release were first published in a Technical Report Summary (TRS) titled ‘Kabanga 2023 Mineral Resource’ dated 30 March 2023 and effective as at 15 February 2023. The reader is encouraged to review the 2023 Kabanga TRS, which is available as Exhibit 15.2 filed with LZM’s Form 20‑F on with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s EDGAR system (sec.gov) on 11July 2023and is available at the following link: https://sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1958217/000121390023030343/ff42023ex96-1_lifezone.htm

About Lifezone Metals 

Lifezone Metals (NYSE: LZM) is a modern metals company creating value across the battery metals supply chain from resource to metals production and recycling. Our mission is to provide commercial access to proprietary technology and cleaner metals production through a scalable platform underpinned by our tailored hydromet technology. This technology has the potential to be a cleaner and lower cost alternative to smelting, allowing us to responsibly and cost-effectively provide cleaner metals.

By pairing the Kabanga Project in Tanzania, which we believe is one of the largest and highest-grade undeveloped nickel sulphide deposits in the world, with our proprietary Hydromet Technology, we will work to unlock the value of a key new source of supply to global battery metals markets. We have a long-standing partnership with BHP on the Kabanga Project, with BHP having invested USD100 million, as we work to empower Tanzania to achieve full value creation in-country and become the next premier source of nickel.
www.lifezonemetals.com

Additional Information: Kabanga Geological History and MRE Overview  

Geology Overview

The Kabanga nickel deposit is located within the East African Nickel Belt (EANB), which extends approximately 1,500 km along a north-east trend from Zambia to Uganda.

The northern and central sections of the EANB are characterised by a thick package of Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks, known as the Karagwe–Ankole Belt (KAB), within which occurs a suite of broadly coeval, igneous intrusions that correspond to the Kibaran tectonothermal event (1,350–1,400 Ma).

At the project area, the metasediments, which comprise pelites, sandstones, and quartzites, are overturned steeply dipping (70° to 80° to the west), with a north–north-east strike orientation (025°) from Main to North, changing to a north-east strike orientation (055°) from North to Safari (see Figure 9).

The potentially economic nickel-bearing massive sulfides are hosted within igneous chonoliths that are concentrically zoned with a gabbronorite margin and an ultramafic cumulate core. The project comprises six distinct sulfide mineralisation zones, namely (from south-west to north-east) Main, MNB, Kima, North, Tembo, and Safari, which occur over a strike length exceeding 7.5 km.

Kabanga sulfide mineralisation occurs both as:

  • Disseminated to net textured interstitial sulfides within the cumulate core zone of the chonoliths, as well as externally; and
  • Massive and semi-massive sulfide bodies along the side margins of the chonoliths.

The massive sulfides, which comprise dominantly pyrrhotite, with trace-to-15% pentlandite, account for the majority of the Mineral Resource estimates.

Please refer to the Figures in the Press Release as attached or on our website at Lifezone Metals – News – Press Releases 

Figure 9 Plan View Schematic of Geology of the Kabanga Area

Exploration/Drilling/History Overview

Exploration at Kabanga has been undertaken in several different phases spanning over 45 years, with more than 621 km of drilling having been completed in total over that time (see Table 2), less than 5% of which was on regional targets. The North and Tembo mineralised zones are the most densely drilled of all the mineralised zones identified to date.

The first drilling programme was undertaken by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) between 1976 and 1979. Following a ten-year moratorium on foreign company exploration, Sutton Resources (Sutton) entered into several different joint ventures (JV) to explore between 1988–1999, after which Barrick Gold took over control of the project through the purchase of Sutton and progressed through several more drilling programmes independently and within JVs with Glencore. Several studies were completed from 2003 onwards, including scoping and prefeasibility studies, followed by an unpublished draft feasibility study undertaken by the Glencore–Barrick Gold JV in 2014. By the end of 2014, approximately 586 km of diamond drilling had been completed.

In 2019, Kabanga Nickel Ltd (KNL) acquired the project. KNL is jointly owned by LHL (83%) through its 100% entity, Lifezone Limited, with the remaining 17% directly owned by BHP Billiton (UK) DDS Limited (BHPB). KNL owns 84% of the project, with the remaining 16% held by the Government of Tanzania under the terms of a framework agreement.

Since December 2021, KNL has completed 82 holes for more than 35 km of diamond core drilling at Tembo, North, and Safari (up to 18 August 2023) (see Table 2).

Table 2 Holes Completed Since Project First Discovered (to 18 August 2023)

Years Company/Companies Metres Drilled Discovery (purpose)
1976–1979 UNDP Regional Exploration 20,068 Main
1991–1992 Sutton Resources 12,974 Main
1993–1995 Sutton–BHP JV 37,947 North
1997–1999 Sutton–Anglo American JV 56,227 North
2000–2004 Barrick Gold Corporation 39,931 MNB
2005–2008 Glencore–Barrick Gold JV 64,957
81,256
242,347
North Deep (Scoping Study 1)
Tembo (Scoping Study 2)
Safari / Kima (PFS)
2008–2009
2011–2012
2014
Glencore–Barrick Gold JV 21,368
5,303
3,320
North (draft FS)
Regional
Regional and Tembo North
2021–18/8/23 KNL 23,748
768
4,116
4,416
2,312
Tembo (infill and extension)
Safari (extension)
North (infill)
Tembo and North (metallurgical)
Tembo and North (geotechnical)
Total 621,058

All field work since December 2021 has been conducted on Special Mining Licence ‘SML 651 / 2021’ (see Figure 10 and Figure 11).

Permitting Overview

In Tanzania, minerals and natural resources are state owned and the rights to explore and mine minerals and to use natural resources are obtained from regulatory bodies defined in legislation that have a defined duration and are conditioned.

Mineral rights are held in the form of prospecting licences and mining licences. There are several types of prospecting licences and mining licences, depending on the nature of the minerals being mined and the size of the mine. A Special Mining Licence (SML) is the type of licence required for large scale mining operations (‘large scale’ being defined as those requiring a capital investment not less than US$100 million), and so this is the type of licence required for Kabanga.

Please refer to the Figures in the Press Release as attached or on our website at Lifezone Metals – News – Press Releases 

Figure 10 Location of the Project showing Tenements

Figure 11 Location of the Project showing Detail of SML 651 / 2021

Mineral Resources Overview

Ordinary kriged resource estimates were completed in 2008 as part of the Glencore–Barrick Gold JV prefeasibility study. A thorough independent technical audit of the database, QA/QC, and the resource estimates was completed in 2009. The final resource estimate updates were completed in 2010 following an infill drilling campaign. The 2010 estimates form the basis of the Glencore–Barrick Gold JV 2014 draft feasibility study (unpublished).

Check models were completed by KNL for North and Tembo in 2021 using the same drillhole database as the 2010 estimates with a different interpretation and modelling approach. The 2010 and 2021 models were validated and compared visually and statistically for all grade elements estimated and for density.

In March 2023, the current Mineral Resource estimates (see Table 3) were published in a Technical Report Summary under US SEC Regulation S‑K subpart 1300 rules for Property Disclosures for Mining Registrants (S‑K 1300) (effective date 15 February 2023). This is the first time the Kabanga Mineral Resource estimates have been reported under S‑K 1300 guidelines.

As the Kabanga North and Tembo zones contain multi element mineralisation, a nickel equivalent (NiEq) formula updated for current metal prices, costs and other modifying factors has been used for reporting from the Mineral Resource.

The 2023 nickel equivalent (NiEq23) formula is as follows:

NiEq23 (%) = Ni% + Cu% x 0.411 + Co% x 2.765

The 2023 NiEq cut‑off grade is 0.58% NiEq.

Metal price assumptions used for cut‑off grade determination were $9.50/lb for nickel, $4.00/lb for copper, and $26.00/lb for cobalt.

The Initial Assessment assumes an underground mining rate of 2.2 Mtpa. The mining method is underground stoping with backfill, and the extracted mineralised material will feed into an on‑site concentrator. Concentrate is assumed to be transported to an off‑site hydrometallurgical processing facility to produce final nickel, copper, and cobalt metal, with transport of the final metal to Dar es Salaam and export to markets for sale.

A cash flow analysis was not performed for the Project. The Initial Assessment has been prepared to demonstrate reasonable prospects of economic extraction, not the economic viability of the Mineral Resource estimates. The Initial Assessment is preliminary in nature, it includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have modifying factors applied to them that would enable them to be categorised as Mineral Reserves, and there is no certainty that this economic assessment will be realised.

Table 3   Kabanga Mineral Resource Estimates as at 15 February 2023
Based on Metal Prices: $9.50/lb Nickel, $4.00/lb Copper, and $26.00/lb Cobalt

Mineral Resource Classification LHL Tonnage (Mt) Grades Recovery
NiEq23
(%)
Ni
(%)
Cu
(%)
Co
(%)
Nickel
(%)
Copper
(%)
Cobalt
(%)
MAIN
Measured
Indicated 2.14 2.44 1.92 0.28 0.15 87.2 85.1 88.1
Measured+Indicated 2.14 2.44 1.92 0.28 0.15 87.2 85.1 88.1
Inferred
MNB
Measured
Indicated
Measured+Indicated
Inferred 0.51 1.98 1.52 0.20 0.13  87.2  85.1  88.1
NORTH
Measured 4.7 3.37 2.64 0.35 0.21  87.2  85.1  88.1
Indicated 11.9 3.80 3.05 0.41 0.21  87.2  85.1  88.1
Measured+Indicated  16.6  3.68  2.93  0.39  0.21  87.2  85.1  88.1
Inferred 12.0 3.29 2.64 0.35 0.18  87.2  85.1  88.1
TEMBO
Measured 4.9 3.03 2.34 0.32 0.20  87.2  85.1  88.1
Indicated 2.2 2.20 1.69 0.22 0.15  87.2  85.1  88.1
Measured+Indicated  7.1  2.77  2.14  0.29 0.19  87.2  85.1  88.1
Inferred 2.1 3.05 2.41 0.31 0.18  87.2  85.1  88.1
OVERALL MINERAL RESOURCE
Measured 9.6 3.20 2.49 0.34 0.21  87.2  85.1  88.1
Indicated 16.3 3.40 2.71 0.36 0.19  87.2  85.1  88.1
Measured+Indicated  25.8  3.33  2.63  0.35  0.20  87.2  85.1  88.1
Inferred 14.6 3.21 2.57 0.34 0.18  87.2  85.1  88.1
  1. Mineral Resources are reported exclusive of Mineral Reserves. There are no Mineral Reserves to report.
  2. Mineral Resources are reported showing only the LHL attributable tonnage portion, which is 69.713% of the total.
  3. Cut‑off uses the NiEq23 using a nickel price of $9.50/lb, copper price of $4.00/lb, and cobalt price of $26.00/lb with allowances for recoveries, payability, deductions, transport, and royalties.
    NiEq23% = Ni% + Cu% x 0. 411 + Co% x 2.765.
  4. The point of reference for Mineral Resources is the point of feed into a processing facility.
  5. All Mineral Resources in the 2023MRE were assessed for reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction by reporting only material above a cut‑off grade of 0.58% NiEq23.
  6. Totals may vary due to rounding.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements made herein are not historical facts but may be considered “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended and the “safe harbor” provisions under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally are accompanied by words such as “believe,” “may,” “will,” “estimate,” “continue,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “expect,” “should,” “would,” “plan,” “predict,” “potential,” “seem,” “seek,” “future,” “outlook” or the negatives of these terms or variations of them or similar terminology or expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends or that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding future events, the business combination between GoGreen Investments Corporation (“GoGreen”) and Lifezone Holdings Limited (“LHL”) that formed Lifezone Metals, the estimated or anticipated future results of Lifezone Metals, future opportunities for Lifezone Metals, including the efficacy of Lifezone Metals’ hydromet technology (“Hydromet Technology”) and the development of, and processing of mineral resources at, the Kabanga Project, and other statements that are not historical facts.

These statements are based on the current expectations of Lifezone Metals’ management and are not predictions of actual performance. These forward-looking statements are provided for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to serve as, and must not be relied on, by any investor as a guarantee, an assurance, a prediction or a definitive statement of fact or probability. Actual events and circumstances are difficult or impossible to predict and will differ from assumptions. Many actual events and circumstances are beyond the control of Lifezone Metals. These statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties regarding Lifezone Metals’ business, and actual results may differ materially. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general economic, political and business conditions, including but not limited to the economic and operational disruptions and other effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against the Lifezone Metals in connection with the business combination; failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the business combination, including difficulty in integrating the businesses of LHL and GoGreen; the risks related to the rollout of Lifezone Metals’ business, the efficacy of the Hydromet Technology, and the timing of expected business milestones; Lifezone Metals’ development of, and processing of mineral resources at, the Kabanga Project; the effects of competition on Lifezone Metals’ business; the ability of Lifezone Metals to execute its growth strategy, manage growth profitably and retain its key employees; the ability of Lifezone Metals to maintain the listing of its securities on a U.S. national securities exchange; costs related to the business combination; and other risks that will be detailed from time to time in filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The foregoing list of risk factors is not exhaustive. There may be additional risks that Lifezone Metals presently does not know or that Lifezone Metals currently believes are immaterial that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in forward-looking statements. In addition, forward-looking statements provide Lifezone Metals’ expectations, plans or forecasts of future events and views as of the date of this release. Lifezone Metals anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause Lifezone Metals’ assessments to change. However, while Lifezone Metals may elect to update these forward-looking statements in the future, Lifezone Metals specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Lifezone Metals’ assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this release. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. Nothing herein should be regarded as a representation by any person that the forward-looking statements set forth herein will be achieved or that any of the contemplated results in such forward-looking statements will be achieved.  You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements herein, which speak only as of the date they are made and are qualified in their entirety by reference to the cautionary statements herein.

Certain statements made herein include references to “clean” or “green” metals, methods of production of such metals, energy or the future in general. Such references relate to environmental benefits such as lower green-house gas (“GHG”) emissions and energy consumption involved in the production of metals using the Hydromet Technology relative to the use of traditional methods of production and the use of metals such as nickel in the batteries used in electric vehicles. While studies by third parties (commissioned by Lifezone Metals) have shown that the Hydromet Technology, under certain conditions, results in lower GHG emissions and lower consumption of electricity compared to smelting with respect to refining platinum group metals, no active refinery currently licenses Lifezone Metals’ Hydromet Technology. Accordingly, Lifezone Metals’ Hydromet Technology and the resultant metals may not achieve the environmental benefits to the extent Lifezone Metals expects or at all. Any overstatement of the environmental benefits in this regard may have adverse implications for Lifezone Metals and its stakeholders.

[1] NiEq23 = Ni% + (Cu% * 0.411) + (Co% * 2.765)

Attachment

Natasha Liddell
Chief Sustainability & Communications Officer, Lifezone Metals
info@lifezonemetals.com

Ingo Hofmair
Chief Financial Officer, Lifezone Metals
ingo.hofmaier@lifezonemetals.com

ICR, Inc.
Investor Relations, ICR, Inc.
+1 (646) 200 8879
LifezoneMetalsIR@icrinc.com

Bronwyn Wallace
US Media Enquiries, H+K Strategies
+1 (713) 724 3627
Bronwyn.Wallace@hkstrategies.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8914329

Sweegen’s Rebaudioside M sweetener technology receives regulatory approval in Taiwan

Foothill Ranch, Calif., Aug. 31, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Global sweetness and flavor innovator Sweegen has announced that its Bestevia® Rebaudiosides M (Reb M), D, and E have received full authorization from the Taiwan FDA for use in food and beverages. This recent regulatory approval marks another milestone in Sweegen successfully opening new markets in countries where brands seek new generation stevia ingredients to expand their sugar reduction solutions.

Reb M, a high-purity steviol glycoside derived from the stevia plant, is renowned for its clean and sugar-like taste profile. The best-tasting part of the stevia leaf, such as Reb M is found in trace quantities of the leaf’s composition.

For food and beverage producers, Sweegen’s Reb M technology offers several commercially significant advantages. Sweegen’s Signature Stevia starts with stevia, not GMO corn or sugar beets. The ingredient innovator leverages proprietary bioconversion technology to produce a range of zero-calorie sweeteners with assured quality, regulatory compliance, and competitive prices. These products generate a lower carbon footprint.

As Sweegen continues to excel in commercialization and secures essential regulatory approvals in key markets like the EMEA and the U.K., the company witnesses substantial sales growth throughout 2023.

In addition to those critical regulatory approvals, Sweegen now offers its food and beverage manufacturing customers the right to use its Reb M in all non-alcoholic beverages anywhere in the world without infringing the relevant application patents. Customers already use Sweegen’s Reb M in other applications.

“At Sweegen, our focus revolves around safety, quality, and adherence to regulatory standards,” said Vice President of Technical and Regulatory Affairs, Hadi Omrani. “We are expanding our global footprint by opening new markets to create access to innovative sweetener technologies.”

With increased interest from the global CPG companies and their desire for guaranteed capacity and supply chain redundancy, Sweegen has been working to establish and expand production facilities in major markets, including EMEA, North America, and APAC.

“The approval of Bestevia Reb M in Taiwan represents a breakthrough for brands aiming to create better-for-you foods and beverages,” said Vice President of Global Innovation, Casey McCormick. “Bestevia Reb M opens innovative avenues for reducing and even eliminating sugar, surpassing consumer expectations and contributing to public health goals aimed at curtailing sugar intake.”

Sweegen has recently achieved FEMA GRAS status for its sweet proteins, brazzein and thaumatin II, which serve as valuable complements to steviol glycosides in the realm of food and beverage production. This addition reinforces Sweegen’s commitment to broadening its portfolio of innovative taste-modulating flavors. These sweet proteins are pivotal in assisting food and beverage manufacturers in meeting the rising demand for better-for-you products, aligning seamlessly with consumers’ holistic wellness preferences. The brazzein technology takes center stage in Sweegen’s newly launched Sweetensify™ flavor technology for taste modulation. It is an ideal tool for brands aiming to replicate sugar-like tastes in their food and beverage offerings.

Sweegen is dedicated to revolutionizing the sweetener market with innovative solutions that promote healthier choices without compromising taste. The full authorization of Bestevia Reb M in Taiwan reinforces Sweegen’s leadership in the nature-based sweetener space and positions the company as a trusted partner for food and beverage manufacturers worldwide.Top of FormBottom of Form

About Sweegen

Sweegen provides sweet-taste solutions for food and beverage manufacturers around the world.

The company aims to reduce sugar and artificial sweeteners in the global diet. Partnering with customers, Sweegen creates delicious zero-sugar products that consumers love. With the best modern sweeteners in its portfolio, such as Bestevia® Rebs B, D, E, I, M, and N, and sweet proteins brazzein and thaumatin, along with its deep knowledge of flavor modulators and texturants, Sweegen delivers market-leading solutions that customers want, and consumers prefer. Well. Into the Future.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1996. Sweegen’s actual results may differ from the estimates, assumptions, and other illustrative material contained herein, and consequently, a reader should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements include, without limitation, illustrative information regarding Sweegen’s bottom-up assumed market potential, assumed hit rate, and the resulting revenue based on these model inputs. These forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from the expected results.

Industry, Market, and Other Data

In this press release, we rely on and refer to information and statistics regarding market participants in the sectors in which Sweegen competes and other data. We obtained this information and statistics from our own internal estimates and third-party sources, including reports by market research firms and company filings. We do not expressly refer to these sources. All of this information involves a number of assumptions and limitations, and the sources of such information cannot guarantee the accuracy or completeness of such information. The industry in which Sweegen operates is subject to a high degree of uncertainty and risk due to a variety of important factors, any of which could cause results to differ materially from those expressed in the estimates made by Sweegen or third parties.

Further Cautionary Statement Concerning Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements, including, among other statements, statements regarding the future prospects for Reb M stevia leaf sweetener, brazzein, and thaumatin. These statements are based on current expectations but are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict and beyond Sweegen’s control.

Relevant risks and uncertainties could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by the forward-looking statements and, therefore, should be carefully considered. Sweegen assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements as a result of new information or future events or developments.

Attachments

Ana Capretz, Head of Public Relations and Communications
Sweegen
949-709-0583
ana.capretz@sweegen.com

GlobeNewswire Distribution ID 8914192

Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC Partner, to create agribusiness trade and investment opportunities for Ghanaian Agribusinesses in Nebraska

Ghana’s Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC, in a press release issued in Accra Ghana, are offering a rare opportunity to Ghanaian farmers, agribusiness entrepreneurs, government officials and private businesses, to exploit a business, trade and investment opportunity in the forthcoming Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment Program, and experience the highly rated Husker Harvest Days.

The Nebraska-Ghana Trade and Investment program, taking place in Grand Island, NE, Nebraska, USA, from September 10th to 14th, 2023, is also receiving support from the Nebraska State Legislature, Grand Island Chamber of Commerce, EZ Politix, Sandhills Global, The Nebraska Department of Economic Development and Certified Piedmonstese.

“Indeed, Agrihouse Foundation and GhaNeb LLC, are truly looking forward to successfully bringing Agricultural interests and leaders from Ghana and Nebraska, together to help build relationships and bring the interests of both nations together for everyone’s benefit, especially our farmers and Agribusinesses”, Ms. Alberta Nana Akyaa Akosa, Executive Director, Agrihouse Foundation, was quoted as saying in the press release.

“Besides creating and facilitating opportunities for growth of business, Trade and Investment, in both Nebraska and Ghana, twice in a year, one of the long-term visions of this partnership, is to establish a Ghana- Nebraska Trade and Investment (GhaNeb) Secretariat, in Ghana to support, in growing, harnessing and contribute to scaling up, the opportunities, that are built.

However, to kick-start this vision, we are working with GhaNeb LLC and the Nebraska State Legislature, to send a Ghanaian Business delegation to Nebraska from September 9 – September 15, 2023.

“With the success of this first Trade and Investment program, every subsequent September, Agrihouse Foundation, will work to facilitate a strong business delegation to Nebraska and, every November, Nebraska will, in the same way, send a business delegation to Ghana,” Ms. Akosa elucidated further.

This much-needed business event, will equally present opportunities, for Ghana and Nebraska State businesses and government agency officials, to discuss, explore, develop, strengthen, and forge bilateral trade and investment relations.

Affirming this, Mr. Ken Schilz, the key player in the program, and a former Nebraska State Senator and (former) Chair of the Legislature’s Agriculture Committee Nebraksa, explains, that the event presents participants, with immense business opportunities to meet leaders in the Agricultural world.

While in Nebraska, the Ghana Delegation, will also engage in pre-arranged B2B sessions, and other pre-arranged business meetings, which all aim to present and project the opportunities that could be explored by both countries.

The program also presents a great opportunity for learning about new technologies and advancements, that are taking place in American and global agriculture.

“We are working on bringing a delegation from Ghana to participate in our first Trade and Investment Program and experience Husker Harvest Days.

“While in Ghana last year, we worked with Agrihouse Foundation, to facilitate a Government and Private Businesses Stakeholder Event.

“We also had the opportunity to visit and experience, some large commercial farms in the Mion, Northern Region. We are particularly excited, that we have been able to scale up, our working relationship. Our collective goal is to, continue our work together, to grow our economies and create lasting partnerships,” Former State Senator Ken Schilz added.

So far, the Ghanaian participants that shall be attending this event shall participate in top trade conversations and negotiations, breakout tours, market linkages negotiations, matchmaking, and investment-related programs.

They will also have the opportunity to experience the Husker Harvest Days. “For over 40 years, Husker Harvest Days has provided world-class space where farmers, ranchers, and agribusiness/agripreneurs gain priceless insights for their operations while making connections that last for years,” Mr. Schilz explained.

The highly rated event known, as the world’s largest totally irrigated working farm show, has been connecting farming families with Agri producers and services from across the America and beyond. Farmers attend to engage, and this all adds up to ROI (return on investment) value for their business.

This very important agricultural business and investment event will develop and strengthen economic partnerships, provide access to valuable and sustainable market access, and enhance bilateral investments, training, knowledge and technology transfer that will support and further boost Ghana’s rapidly growing import and export sector.

Sufficient knowledge to share and takeaway

Participants will enjoy personal conversations with equipment and product designers, techs, and engineers on current equipment and future farming needs; experience the latest in agric technology, and learn from industry experts.

Seen as an event that has something for everyone, the Husker Harvest and the Trade and Investment program, promises memorable field demonstrations, Poultry, cattle handling, hemp education, exhibits – and a Hospitality Tent where visitors can relax and enjoy free educational sessions and other guest speakers, and much more.

Whiles in Nebraska, GhaNeb and Agrihouse, plan to have a reception the night before the event’s date for sponsors and participants, with the Nebraska Department of Economic Development providing entry Passes to the event.

Additionally, a luncheon or dinner, and roundtable discussions, will be organized, as well for sponsors and participants.

At the reception and networking forum on the first day, the conversation will be centered on economic and investment strategies, and practical measures to accelerate and sustain Ghana’s Economic Repositioning and accelerated growth to drive investors to partner Ghana in building the desired thriving industrialized economy.

Field demonstrations that compel innovative investments for increased yields

Whilst in Nebraska, participants shall also have the opportunity to visit farms, processing facilities, and implement dealers, as well as meet with representatives from Nebraska Agriculture Trade Associations, government leaders and other Agribusinesses to exchange ideas and create relationships.

The Nebraska Department of Economic Development will be hosting the Ghanaian Business delegates and will have the opportunity to interact with global machinery, equipment and technology companies exhibiting at the Tradeshow.

Source: Ghana Web

BoG protest: Police seeks injunction at Court over Minority’s refusal to change route

The Ghana Police Service says it has filed an application in Court seeking to place an injunction on the Minority in Parliament’s planned protest against the Governor of the Bank of Ghana and his deputies.

The development comes after the Minority were asked to change their planned routes for the demonstration which is set to place on September 5, 2023, to register their displeasure over the leadership of the Central Bank.

In a statement issued by the Police, it explained that a security assessment conducted on the proposed protest routes by the Minority had determined that it would pose significant threat to public safety therefore called on the organisers of the group to reconsider their routes.

While the Police and Minority have held discussions on the matter, both parties have still not reached an agreement.

“As a result, the Police said that they had been left with no choice but to allow a court to decide for them,” the Police statement read.

The Police however said it remains committed to providing the requisite security for individuals and groups who wish to exercise their constitutional right to protest but maintained that the Service would continue to protect public safety as part of its responsibility.

In the wake of the developments, the Minority in Parliament said they are disappointed at the option the Accra Police Command has decided to go by seeking a Court injunction for their September 5 demonstration.

The leadership of the Bank of Ghana have been under intense criticism over the recent impairment loss of GH¢60 billion recorded in the 2022 financial year.

But the Bank has described the loss as technical as it had to take majority of the haircuts associated with government’s Domestic Debt Exchange Programme which was launched in December 2022.

Bank of Ghana Governor, Dr Ernest Addison clarified that the institution had to take close to 50 percent of the haircuts from government’s debt exchange programme.

Source: Ghana Web

Blu Pengiun crowned fastest growing Fintech in Ghana

Ghana’s leading in-store payments service provider, The Blu Penguin has been adjudged the Fastest Growing Fintech in the country at this year’s Ghana Business Standards Awards.

The Ghana Business Standard Awards (GBSA), held on at the plush Movenpick Hotel under the theme “Celebrating Organizations Committed to Remarkable Business Standards Geared Towards Sustainable Growth”, was to celebrate organizations committed to remarkable business standards in their sectors and industry leaders breaking barriers of excellence across the Ghanaian business region and the world at large.

The Blu Penguin was among several firms and individuals who walked away with laurels on the night. Its award hinged largely on the performance of its flagship and game-changing in-store payments solution, BluPay, which is currently the most widely used and most recommended product by merchants and banks in the country.

The citation that came along with the award read that “This award is in recognition of BluPay’s widespread footprint nationwide and the mix of merchants from multi-national enterprises to local SMEs all of which are benefitting from BluPay in-store collection services.”

BluPay

BluPay is an application that empowers businesses/merchants to effortlessly accept payments through mobile money and cards from their valued customers.

The app has successfully integrated various local mobile money networks like MTN Momo, Vodafone Cash, AT Money, and even ZeePay to seamlessly enable payments to merchants. It also extends its functionality to accommodate Visa, Mastercard, and contactless ( tap an pay) transactions, ensuring a wide range of payment options.

BluPay is designed for installation on POS devices or smartphones to streamline the payment process. The app is compatible with both iOS and Android devices, which ensures that no matter the platform, the app can provide all merchants with a seamless payment experience.

Currently, over three (3) million Ghanaians have transacted on The Blu Penguin’s platforms (particularly BluPay) representing 10% of Ghana’s population and growing.

Founder and CEO of Blu Penguin, Tenu Awoonor said Blu Penguin’s exceptional growth, innovation, and substantial impact on merchant businesses over the past few years, particularly through BluPay, has been instrumental in its achievements.

“We truly understand the needs of business owners and how to solve their problems and safeguard their funds. With BluPay, our merchants “Never Miss a Sale” and that’s a mantra we live by,” he said.

Tenu Awoonor, affectionately called the BluMan, stated that the user-friendly nature of the BluPay App, enables cashiers to swiftly adopt the system and commence accepting payments without hassle, adding that the app’s remarkable capability to seamlessly integrate all payment channels into a single app makes it convenient for merchants.

Additionally, business owners utilizing the BluPay app enjoy access to a dedicated portal. The portal enables business owners to monitor transactions in real-time from anywhere in the world even if they are not in the store.

“Again, our merchants receive their transacted funds on time everyday without fail, ensuring they have adequate capital to run their businesses withous worries,” Awoonor said.

Payment links, APIs, ShopKeeper, Dashboard

In addition to BluPay, the company also provides payment links and API integration solutions tailored for online stores, enhancing their payment capabilities.

Again, the company has a sales and inventory management app known as ShopKeeper, which allows any seller to track all their sales and inventory in real-time right on their smartphone device.

“No need to purchase expensive systems, simply download it from the Play Store,” the CEO said.

The company also provides banks with a Transaction Management Dashboard, which allows them to monitor, control, and update the terminals within their network in real-time as well as identify and troubleshoot faulty terminals remotely.

Apart from Ghana, the company also has footprints in Cote d’Ivoire and DR Congo, where it is planning to start full operations soon.

The Future

In terms of what the future holds, Tenu Awoonor said “Our focus is directed towards strengthening our presence in Swipe4Cash within Ghana.”

He explained that “Swipe4Cash represents a service where we provide agents with the means to facilitate quick cash availability for individuals holding bank cards. It’s a way for agents to earn extra income and also provide convenience to areas where ATMs are not readily available.”

The CEO said the company is also planning to provide an open API that allows diverse B2B fintech services to seamlessly integrate, so companies can build their own customized financial solutions easily.

“As a company, it is our mission to see the businesses that use our services grow and scale. We are currently working on a credit financing scheme for merchants. With this, they can scale their businesses to the next level,” he stated.

The Blu Penguin is a Licensed Payment Services Provider (PSP) that specializes in providing in-store payment services such as POS, payment links, and USSD for merchants that simplify the collection of payments through a single App connected to all providers.

The company specializes in digital solutions that improve the sales and collection process for business owners so they can be reassured that their funds and inventory are secure and that sales are properly reconciled in real time even if the business owner is away.

The Blu Penguin was founded by its CEO, Tenu Awoonor, who was a onetime CMO at Tigo, then a VP of Strategy at Airtel Nigeria covering West Africa. The company officially launched and came to market in 2018.

Ghana Business Standard Awards

Ghana Business Standards Awards brought together business players and recognized local and international companies meeting business standards involved in various sectors. The intent is to propel outstanding organizations, products, and services meeting local and international standards through high media coverage.

The awards scheme is also designed to reward industries, businesses, and individual that adhere to local business standard requirements and set an exemplary standard for both local and international businesses, while encouraging various organizations to strive to meet local and international standards in their delivery of service.

Source: Ghana Web

Bawumia will win November 4 NPP flagbearership race – Ben Ephson

Pollster and Managing Editor for the Daily Dispatch Newspaper, Mr. Ben Ephson is optimistic Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia will emerge victorious in the November 4 Delegates Conference of the New Patriotic Party(NPP)

He indicates that the victory of the Vice President is based on a series of polls he has conducted over a period of time ahead of the polls.

Ben Ephson further revealed that he did not conduct any polls on the just-ended super delegates congress of the New Patriotic Party (NPP)

“Let November 4 come, we will see what they say. If they’ve also done their polls they should publish it, do you understand? November 4 will soon come.

“One thing I can tell you is that, the work I have done before the election of the new executives who will make up the bulk of the 200,000 Bawumia’s popularity keeps increasing; that I can tell you,” Mr. Ben Epson said this on Kumasi-based Hello FM in an interview monitored by MyNewsGH.com.

Speaking on reasons why he did not conduct polls on the party’s Super Delegates Conference, Mr Ben Epson revealed that he did not know there was going to be something like that.

“I’ve been working towards November 4 for the past five years. I didn’t know there would be a Super Delegates Conference. I have been working for the past two or one and half years on the November 4, the general broad electoral colleges I have never worked on Super Delegates Election so we will get to that bridge”, Ben Epson said.

Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia over the weekend won the New Patriotic Party (NPP) super delegates conference with a total of 629 votes, representing 68.15% of the vote.

Assin Central MP Kennedy Agyapong came in second with 132 votes, or 14.30% while the Former Trade Minister Alan Kyerematen placed third with 95 votes, or 10.29%.

Source: Ghana Web

Ayisha Modi exposed over ‘house gift’ from Obofour

Popular Ghanaian socialite, Ayisha Modi, has contradicted herself in a recent interview and netizens are reacting to it.

Earlier in 2020, during an interview with Delay, Ayisha Modi claimed that she resides in a four-bedroom house, situated at East Legon Agiringanor and it was a gift from her ‘god-parents’; Rev. Obofour and his wife, Queen Ciara.

Ayisha’s statements were in a quest to describe how strong her relationship with the couple was.

“All my lands are in East Legon. Currently, I have five plots there. My house is located in East Legon, Agiringanor. Behind Rawlings’ house. It was given to me by Rev. Obofour and his wife. It has four master bedrooms,” She retorted.

However, in a recent interview with Zionfelix, Ayisha Modi has refuted her own statements.

While vehemently insisting that, her East Legon home wasn’t a gift from Obofour and his wife, Ayisha said nobody can afford the type of luxury she wants.

“Is it true that your East Legon house was a gift from Rev. Obofour and his wife?, Zionfelix asked.

Ayisha responded, “That is not true. It is never true. Let me tell you something, what I can afford for myself, nobody can afford for me. I am telling you the truth. What I can buy for people, they can’t even afford for themselves.”

Asked if they had ever gifted her a land, she replied, “No. I am the one who gives out lands.”

Recently, there have been rumours that Ayisha is currently not on good terms with the couple, whom she had consistently revered.

But reacting to that, she averred, “They are still my godparents, when Diamond Appiah spoke ill of them, I came out to address it.”

Source: Ghana Web