FrameworX 10.1.5 delivers complete AI integration across engineering and operations, an industrial ontology layer with live Knowledge Graph, and a local AI service that runs entirely behind the customer’s firewall. Available now as a free upgrade.

HOUSTON, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Tatsoft released FrameworX 10.1 Update 5c, the latest build of its unified SCADA, HMI, and Historian platform for industrial automation. FrameworX connects more than 100 industrial protocols and databases, runs on Windows, Linux, and Docker. The company describes this release as the largest single update in the product’s history and ships it as a free upgrade for every FrameworX 10.x customer with no migration required.

The release ships complete AI integration across both the engineering environment and the runtime. In the Designer, an AI assistant connects through 18 native MCP tools and builds tags, alarms, displays, device connections, and scripts from plain-language descriptions, turning weeks of setup work into a single session. In the runtime, engineers and operators use AI Chat to query live process data, active alarms, and historian records directly from the platform. FrameworX was optimized to leverage Anthropic Claude features and is compatible with any other AI models supporting MCP technology. For operations where data must stay on-site, a Local AI service runs directly on the customer’s SCADA server with no cloud dependency and no data leaving the building.

“Engineers describe what they need and watch the solution take shape in real time. Plant operators ask questions about their process and get answers from live data. Depending on the automation scenario, the gain is not just 20%, it’s a 10x+ improvement. It’s empowering people to perform workflows that weren’t possible before the AI era.”

Marc Taccolini, CEO, Tatsoft

The release also adds a full industrial ontology layer to the Unified Namespace. Every asset, tag, and device now carries semantic meaning organized to ISA-88, ISA-95, and OPC-UA standards, with RDF/OWL import and export linking FrameworX to external knowledge graphs. A one-click Knowledge Graph report generates a shareable visual of the asset hierarchy, and the new TKnowledgeGraph control renders these relationships as live graphs in WPF and HTML5 clients.

Other updates include MongoDB and QuestDB connectors, OIDC/OAuth2 Single Sign-On, REST APIs, GIS and CAD file import, a 12-language interface, and the runtime updated to .NET 10 LTS at no added charge.

FrameworX 10.1.5 is available now at tatsoft.com/fx-101/. The Designer is free to download with unlimited design time. Full release notes are at docs.tatsoft.com.

ABOUT TATSOFT

Tatsoft is an industrial software company founded by the team behind InduSoft (later acquired and rebranded as Aveva Edge). Headquartered in Houston, Texas, the company builds automation software for system integrators and industrial operations teams worldwide, with a focus on bringing AI natively into industrial control systems. Learn more at tatsoft.com.

Isabela Taccolini | Marketing Director | Houston, Texas | info@tatsoft.com | tatsoft.com

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SOURCE Tatsoft

Brownfield graphite mine redevelopment demonstrates an after-tax IRR of 67%, and payback period of 1.3 years

TORONTO, July 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Global Battery Materials Corp. (“GBM” or the “Company”), a vertically integrated critical minerals and technology company focused on developing secure North American graphite and advanced anode material supply chains, is pleased to announce the positive results of a Preliminary Economic Assessment (“PEA”) prepared by WSP Canada Inc. (“WSP”) for its Kearney Graphite Project (“Kearney” or the “Project”), located in northeastern Ontario, Canada. The PEA evaluates the restart of the prior-producing Kearney Mine, leveraging existing infrastructure to provide a secure source of graphite for the North American battery supply chain.

The PEA prepared by WSP and independent Qualified Persons (“QP’s”) confirms the strong economics for the Kearney Graphite Project, with a post-tax NPV(8%) of USD$183 million, 67% internal rate of return (“IRR”), and 1.3-year payback. The brownfield redevelopment project benefits from several characteristics, including existing historical infrastructure, transportation access, and previously disturbed industrial footprint, which collectively contribute to a comparatively reduced capital intensity, and accelerated development potential.

The PEA economics are built on the sale of graphite concentrate, industrial graphite products, and upstream battery materials—established product categories with strong and growing demand across North American industrial, defence, energy storage, and battery supply chain markets.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by the following Qualified Persons as defined under NI 43-101, each of whom is independent of Global Battery Materials Corp.:

Benjamin Berson, P.Eng., PMP, Principal Mining Engineer, WSP — mining, and infrastructureBrian Thomas, P.Geo., Senior Principal Geologist, WSP — Mineral Resource EstimateAmir Maleki Ghahfarokhi, P.Geo., Senior Geologist, WSP — geology, exploration, and data verificationKerry Salvatori Lee, P.Eng., Senior Principal Geotechnical Engineer, WSP — tailings managementOliver Peters, P.Eng., M.Sc., MBA, President, Metpro Management Inc. — metallurgical processingWilliam (Bill) Stiebel, M.Sc., P.Geo., FGC, President, WHS Plc. — environmental and water managementPiers Wendlandt, PE, Vice President, Mining Engineer, WSP — economic analysis and macroeconomic aspects.

TABLE 1: SUMMARY OF PEA RESULTS — KEARNEY GRAPHITE PROJECT

Notes: The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Mineral Resources are reported in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resource Estimate effective date is June 1, 2026.

PEA HIGHLIGHTS

The PEA demonstrates robust economic parameters for the Kearney Graphite Project, supported by modest initial capital requirements, rapid payback, and substantial long-term cash generation potential, all within a brownfield redevelopment context that benefits from existing on-site infrastructure.

On an after-tax basis, the Project generates a post-tax NPV(8%) of approximately USD$183 million, an IRR of approximately 67%, and a payback period of approximately 1.3 years. The Project is anticipated to generate cumulative after-tax cashflows of approximately USD$421 million over its approximately 20-year mine life.

Initial capital expenditures are estimated at approximately CAD$65.9 million and include selective refurbishment of existing site infrastructure, modernization of processing facilities, development of a micronization facility, and indirect costs, contingency, and owner’s costs. Sustaining capital expenditures are estimated at approximately CAD$30.9 million over the life of mine.

The assessment contemplates a phased operational strategy designed to leverage existing site infrastructure while supporting future optimization opportunities, including a planned transition from diesel generator power to a regional 44 kV overhead grid connection. Operating costs are estimated at approximately CAD$31.35 per tonne milled during the initial diesel-powered phase and are expected to decrease to approximately CAD$25.50 per tonne milled following the future grid connection. The financial model assumes an exchange rate of CAD$1.40:US$1.00 for the full life of mine.

The proposed operation envisions the redevelopment of Kearney as a conventional open-pit mining operation using contractor truck-and-shovel methods. Mineralized material would be processed through a flotation concentrator designed to produce a premium graphite concentrate at approximately 95% graphitic carbon. The study further contemplates the sale of approximately 50% of annual concentrate production to higher-value industrial and advanced materials markets while supporting the development of secure North American critical mineral supply chains.

Located in Ontario, one of the world’s premier mining jurisdictions, the Project benefits from access to transportation infrastructure, a skilled labour force, electrical power, and a well-established regulatory environment.

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

The Mineral Resource Estimate for the Kearney Graphite Project was prepared by Brian Thomas, P.Geo., of WSP, with an effective date of June 1, 2026, in accordance with 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources & Mineral Reserves.

TABLE 2: MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE — KEARNEY GRAPHITE PROJECT (Effective Date: June 1, 2026)

Key Assumptions, Parameters, and Methods: Mineral Resources are reported at an open pit-constrained cut-off grade of 1.0% Cg, based on a graphite concentrate selling price of CAD$2,155/t, a USD/CAD exchange rate of 1.39, a process recovery of 89.4%, a mining cost of CAD$4.20/t mined, and a processing cost of CAD$13.92/t milled. The Mineral Resources were estimated by ordinary kriging. McGuire Indicated Mineral Resources are supported by 12 NQ drill holes completed in 2013 combined with 126 historical holes confirmed through a verification program. Sheehan Mineral Resources are classified as Inferred due to insufficient quality assurance/quality control (“QA/QC”) documentation of historical drill data. No Mineral Reserves have been declared. Inferred Mineral Resources are considered too speculative geologically to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. Rounding may result in apparent summation differences.

Known Risks: Key risks that could materially affect the potential development of the mineral resources include: (i) partial reliance on historical drill data with limited original QA/QC documentation, particularly at Sheehan; (ii) historical McGuire assay values averaging approximately 15% higher than 2013 verification assays, introducing grade uncertainty; (iii) graphite price volatility driven in part by Chinese oversupply; (iv) dependency on a third-party-funded 44 kV transmission line within 12 months of production commencement; and (v) pending renewal of the Permit to Take Water and revision of the Mine Closure Plan.

DATA VERIFICATION

QP Maleki Ghahfarokhi (WSP) visited the Project site, inspected and verified the drill core condition, collected independent witness samples, reviewed the QA/QC procedures, and verified the drill hole database with available original documentation.

QP Salvatori Lee visited the Project site and observed the current conditions of the tailings facility, dams, and polishing pond as well as reviewed existing technical documentation supporting the tailings design.

QP Stiebel has visited the Project site several times and has examined the drill core and conducted discussions on site conditions with the environmental manager.

QP Berson visited the site where he observed the historical pit wall stability and the mine haulage routes. He also visited the existing mill facilities as well as the polishing pond. Additionally QP Berson reviewed hydrogeological reports and available geotechnical data.

QP Peters visited the Project site and collected samples for the 2016 process optimization program.

MANAGEMENT COMMENTARY

Commenting on the results, Eric Miller, Chief Executive Officer of Global Battery Materials Corp., stated:

“The Kearney Graphite Project represents a rare opportunity to establish domestic graphite production quickly and with capital efficiency,” said Eric Miller, CEO of GBM. “The mine has a proven history of supplying North American markets, and this study confirms the advantages of our brownfield approach. Combined with our advanced-stage anode material pilot plant in South Korea, GBM is ready to act with urgency to strengthen critical mineral supply chains.”

Miller continues, “WSP is a leader in mining infrastructure delivery and their work on the Kearney Graphite Project represents an important step toward executing an aggressive restart timeline. With a 1.3-year payback, 67% IRR, and a 20-year mine life on a proven, prior-producing asset, Kearney is one of the most reliable, cost-effective routes to secure domestic graphite supply in North America.”

Management believes that Kearney offers significant long-term upside potential beyond the scope of the current PEA. Opportunities identified by the study include additional Mineral Resource conversion drilling, and Mineral Resource expansion, process optimization, and infrastructure enhancements. The Company also intends to evaluate downstream graphite valorization opportunities, including advanced graphite products and battery anode materials. The Company intends to advance a Defenitive Feasibility Study as the next step in the Project’s development.

NI 43-101 CAUTIONARY STATEMENT

The PEA is preliminary in nature and includes Inferred Mineral Resources that are considered too speculative geologically to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable them to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the results of the PEA will be realized, and Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Additional engineering studies, permitting activities, metallurgical work, and economic assessments will be required before a development decision can be made.

TECHNICAL REPORT FILING

The Company intends to file the supporting NI 43-101 Technical Report on SEDAR+ within the time period prescribed by applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Technical Report will be available for review on the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. It will include further details on qualifications, assumptions, exclusions, and risks that relate to the details of this news release, including the PEA and Mineral Resource estimate. The Technical Report is intended to be read as a whole, and sections should not be read or relied upon out of context.

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding the future development of the Kearney Graphite Project; the estimation of Mineral Resources and the realization of such mineral estimates; expectations with respect to increasing Mineral Resources with further work; the statements related to the PEA and other results of the PEA discussed in this news release, including, without limitation, project economics, financial and operational parameter such as expected production, capital expenditures, cash flow, NPV, IRR, payback period and life of mine; upside potential, opportunities for growth and expected next steps; the price of commodities; future technical studies; permitting activities; project financing; the potential conversion of Mineral Resources to Mineral Reserves; future graphite markets; downstream processing opportunities; and the Company’s broader strategic objectives. Forward-looking information is based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including assumptions regarding commodity prices, market demand, permitting timelines, financing availability, operating costs, capital costs, labour, infrastructure, and regulatory approvals. There is no assurance that such assumptions will prove accurate. Forward-looking information is subject to risks including fluctuations in graphite prices; exploration and development risks; permitting and regulatory risks; environmental risks; financing risks; Mineral Resource estimation risks; construction and operating risks; inflationary pressures; and general business risks. The reader is cautioned that the foregoing list is not exhaustive of all risk factors. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Readers are further cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information, as such information, although considered reasonable by the respective management of the Company at the time of preparation, may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Except as required by applicable securities legislation, the Company assumes no obligation to update forward-looking information.

ABOUT GLOBAL BATTERY MATERIALS CORP.

Global Battery Materials Corp. (GBM) is a vertically integrated critical minerals and technology company delivering an ex-China battery supply chain from natural graphite products to active anode materials. The Company’s platform combines a prior producing mine in Canada with a patented anode processing technology validated at a pilot plant in South Korea and set to be scaled in North America, establishing North America’s fastest path to end-to-end critical material resiliency. Led by a management team with deep expertise in mining operations, battery science, and automotive supply, and backed by the Canadian government and a proprietary patent portfolio, GBM serves the defence, energy, industrial, and electric vehicle battery markets at the core of global supply chain security. Learn more at www.globalbatterymaterials.com.

The PEA does not include GBM’s downstream anode material production facilities—existing and planned—that will bring its graphite critical mineral from mine to market. The Company’s anode materials business is built around proprietary anode processing technology, validated at its pilot production and R&D facility in South Korea, and set to be scaled at a mass production site in North America. GBM’s future downstream processing capabilities complement concentrate and micronized graphite production from the Kearney Graphite Project.

Media Contact:

media@globalbatterymaterials.com

Global Battery Materials Corp.

© 2026 Global Battery Materials Corp. All rights reserved.

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SOURCE Global Battery Materials

TRAIL, BC, July 7, 2026 /CNW/ – Canada is entering a new era of mining, defined by speed, scale and purpose. Introduced in Budget 2025, the new Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator (CCMA) will catalyze private sector investment, get projects built faster and secure the critical minerals Canada and the world need for economic sovereignty, national security and the energy transition.

Today, the Honourable Tim Hodgson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, launched the Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator (CCMA) and announced a Strategic Investment Agreement signed by the CCMA, the Canada Growth Fund (CGF) and Teck Resources Limited (Teck). The Agreement supports expanding production capacity at Teck’s Trail Operations in British Columbia, one of the world’s largest fully integrated polymetallic smelting and refining complexes. 

The CCMA, a Natural Resources Canada initiative delivered by Export Development Canada (EDC), is a first-of-its-kind investment tool designed to accelerate Canadian critical mineral projects along the value chain from extraction to processing. The CCMA enables the Government of Canada to invest in projects alongside industry, moving them forward while generating investment returns that can be re-invested into more projects that create benefits for Canadians.

Teck’s Trail Operations in southern British Columbia currently produces nineteen products, employs over 1,400 people and has a long history of critical minerals production. The expansion is part of an up-to $850-million potential total investment by Teck to sustain and enhance critical minerals processing capacity at its Trail Operations from a portfolio of feed sources, which could double Trail’s existing production capacity for germanium and antimony and potentially add new gallium production capacity.

The agreement establishes the commercial framework for an equity-like investment by CGF of up to $400 million directly into the facility. Through the CCMA, the agreement allows the Government of Canada to enter into negotiations on the establishment of an offtake structure, including rights for a portion of future germanium, antimony and gallium produced by Trail. This will build on Canada’s position as a reliable global supplier of critical minerals.

The federal government is working with provinces and territories to align approaches and priorities and get projects moving through a Team Canada approach. As a priority project under British Columbia’s Look West strategy, Teck’s Trail project will also benefit from streamlined regulatory processes for any authorizations needed and the potential for support under the B.C. Strategic Investment Fund.

Today’s announcement underscores Canada’s commitment to expanding a reliable supply of the critical minerals that are key to our economic and national security. Canada is moving decisively to deliver the projects that will power our economy, strengthen and diversify our supply chains and position Canada as a trusted global supplier of critical minerals and an energy and natural resources superpower.

Quotes

“Canada has what the world wants, and we are moving decisively to get projects built faster so we can provide for ourselves and our partners. Our new Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator is about turning Canadian resource abundance into real projects by giving industry the certainty to invest and grow, even in a volatile global market. By working with companies like Teck, aligning with provinces and territories and partnering with the Canada Growth Fund and Export Development Canada, we are using every tool in our toolbox to build Canada Strong.”

The Honourable Tim Hodgson
Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

“Today’s Critical Minerals Accelerator agreement marks a significant milestone in strengthening our economic resilience and securing the critical resources that will power the global transition to cleaner technologies. By pursuing strategic investment agreements in Canada’s abundant critical minerals sector, we are driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs and reinforcing Canada’s role as a trusted partner in building resilient and sustainable global supply chains. The Accelerator will help unlock long-term prosperity by ensuring Canadians benefit from the responsible development of our natural resources — supporting stronger communities, a more competitive economy and lasting opportunities for generations to come.”

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne
Minister of Finance and National Revenue

“Leveraging its unique expertise and ability to implement bespoke structured financial instruments, CGF’s investment will support the advancement of the expansion of Canada’s only germanium-producing smelter, a critical mineral essential to applications related to national security. Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc. is pleased to once again put its experience to work in support of the Government of Canada’s establishment of a third offtake agreement that positions Canada as a reliable partner of choice for global partners seeking access to important critical minerals.”

Yannick Beaudoin
President and Chief Executive Officer, Canada Growth Fund Investment Management Inc.

“The Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator plays an important role in strengthening the domestic production and development of critical minerals, helping ensure Canada and its partners have reliable access to materials essential to defence, security and advanced industries. Drawing on EDC’s financing expertise, we can structure and arrange solutions that bring together partners — including other export credit agencies and private investors. We’re pleased to be working in close collaboration with Natural Resources Canada, Teck and the Canada Growth Fund to help expand processing capacity here at home.”

Alison Nankivell 
President and CEO, Export Development Canada 

“The alignment of the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia in identifying the Teck Trail expansion as a priority project is based on our mutual commitment to expediting these nation-building projects that create long-lasting jobs and economic benefits for all Canadians. This project will support the critical minerals value chain and ensure long-term sustainability of Teck Trail — a prime example of the progress we’re making to grow the economy and create good jobs through our Look West strategy.”

The Honourable Jagrup Brar
Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, British Columbia

“Teck’s Trail Operations is a cornerstone of North America’s critical minerals ecosystem. Collaboration with CGF and the Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator will help advance the opportunity we have to quickly and significantly increase production capacity for key strategic metals and help strengthen secure, responsible supply chains. By leveraging Trail’s existing infrastructure and expertise, this initiative has the potential to deliver new supply of strategic metals while providing strong returns for Teck shareholders.”

Jonathan Price
President and CEO, Teck Resources Limited

Quick Facts

Realization of the commercial arrangements contemplated by the Strategic Investment Agreement between the CCMA, CGF and Teck remains subject to certain conditions, including the negotiation and execution of definitive documentation, and satisfaction of applicable approvals.Critical minerals are essential inputs for everyday products like medical devices; defence technologies; and the energy transition, as a key input in technologies like electric vehicles and solar panels.Global markets for these minerals can be concentrated and volatile. The CCMA provides the certainty companies need to move forward with higher-risk projects that unlock Canada’s significant critical minerals deposits.With the CCMA, Canada is taking a novel approach to public investment by investing alongside industry, which reduces risk and unlocks capital at scale. Unlike traditional grants and contributions, the CCMA uses investment tools that generate returns that can be reinvested over time, delivering lasting economic benefits for Canadians. The CCMA will also be leveraged to build Canada’s national stockpile of critical minerals.Strong co-ordination, governance and expertise will underpin every investment under the CCMA. Natural Resources Canada will guide strategic policy direction, Export Development Canada will lead the execution of investments, and final decisions will be made by a dedicated Ministerial Investment Board. This ensures discipline, transparency and alignment with Canada’s economic and national security priorities.The Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator supports the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, which is designed to capture more value at home while strengthening supply chain resilience. Budget 2025 announced $2 billion over five years to establish the Critical Minerals Sovereign Fund — now the CCMA — reinforcing Canada’s position as a reliable global supplier and a top destination for responsible critical minerals investment.

Related Products

Teck, Canada Growth Fund and Canada Critical Minerals Accelerator sign Agreement to Support Strategic Metals Production at Trail Smelter

Associated Links

Canada Critical Minerals AcceleratorCanada’s Critical Minerals StrategyBudget 2025: Canada StrongCanada Growth FundExport Development CanadaTeck Resources Limited

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SOURCE Natural Resources Canada