Alliance News: Glencore (GLEN) led the way on the FTSE 100 and jumped 8.5% after it said it is in preliminary discussions with Rio Tinto (RIO) about a possible combination of some or all of their businesses, which if successful would create the world’s largest mining firm. The Baar, Switzerland-based mining firm was responding to media speculation and said talks could result in an all-share merger between itself and London-based peer Rio.
Comment: GLEN / RIO smells of top of the market even though we may not be quite there as far as the mining sector / commodities surge of recent months. One supposes that someone, somewhere may mention Glencore / Xtrata during the proceedings as an example of what can happen with big M&A situations.
HUI (HUI), a pioneering company converting non-recyclable mixed waste plastic, tyres and hazardous waste materials into hydrogen and carbon-free fuels, announced that it has established a wholly owned subsidiary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Iman Ramani has assisted HUI in securing endorsements from the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (“MISA”), the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (“SIRC”) and the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (“RDIA”), all of which have been instrumental in supporting the establishment of HUI’s subsidiary in the Kingdom.
Comment: Iman has clearly done a great job as being “Our Man In Riyadh”, something which also underlines KSA’s commitment to the HUI strategy. The new subsidiary underlines that HUI is open for business immediately, and business which will be at levels which are multiples of the present £15m market cap.
Sainsbury (SBRY) issued a Third Quarter Trading Statement for the 16 weeks to 3 January 2026. SBRY said “We have won grocery market share for the sixth consecutive Christmas period, again delivering our winning combination of value, quality, service and availability for customers. When we strengthened our profit guidance in November, we said we planned to invest in the strength of our competitive position through the most important trading period of the year. We expected the market to become more competitive with customers spending more carefully and we invested in balanced choices to offer great value for money, outstanding quality and innovation and leading customer service and availability, both in store and online.”
Comment: The 5% markdown for SBRY shares seems a little harsh given the cut throat area the company operates in, and of course how cash strapped consumers are. Perhaps winning market share, which the company is keen to highlight is actually the metric that counts at the moment.
Pulsar Helium Inc. (PLSR), a primary helium company, announce that its Jetstream #5 appraisal well at the flagship Topaz Project (Minnesota, USA) has encountered an additional pressurized gas influx at approximately 2,857 feet (871 meters) depth. The bottom-hole pressure of this new gas zone is estimated at ~1,292 psi, the highest recorded to date at Topaz. This follows previously reported pressurized gas zones intersected at approximately 837 feet (255 meters) and 1,481 feet (451 meters). Drilling of Jetstream #5 is ongoing and will continue toward a planned total depth of up to 5,000 feet (1,524 meters).
Comment: Although there may be some who are chomping at the bit for PLSR to be a producer, it is continuing with its discovery / land grab approach, something which at least for the foreseeable future seems to be supportive to the share price.
Strategic Minerals plc (SML), an international mineral exploration and production company, provided the following update on Q4 and 2025 performance and activities. SML said “Strong Cobre performance provides sustainable revenue and operational stability to enable continued advancement of the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project.”
Comment: Shares of SML have held up well after their big October transformation, something which is not surprising given the way that Redmoor is right on the money in terms of the market’s current lust for critical metals. The current share price consolidation should give way to a retest of the 1.8p 2025 peak within a matter of weeks.
Eden Research plc (EDEN), a leader in sustainable biopesticide and biocontrol technologies, announced that it has received regulatory authorisation in Chile for the fungicide Novellus+™. The approval, granted by the Chilean Ministry of Agriculture, applies to its use in wine and table grapes to control grey mould (Botrytis cinerea) and powdery mildew (Uncinula necator). Novellus+ provides excellent protection for grapes with no residues and can be applied up to one day before harvest. Sipcam Chile SpA, the local affiliate of Sipcam-Oxon, will be the exclusive distributor.
Comment: The newsflow for EDEN has really ratcheted up in quality in recent weeks and months, something which is likely to ensure that the recent share price recovery will have legs. Hey, one may be able to laugh off the crackpot / clickbait / psychotic commentary that the company has been attracting for so long.
Bluebird Mining Ventures Ltd (BMV), the gold streaming and treasury company, provided a further update following its Operational Update announcement of 10 December 2025 and the Capital Reorganisation announcement dated 18 December 2025. BMV said “The increased level of interest we are seeing reflects a growing convergence between physical gold and modern financial infrastructure. BMV will prioritise partnerships that enhance execution capability without diverting focus from the core business. We remain focused on executing our gold streaming and treasury strategy, maintaining balance-sheet discipline, and progressing selective partnerships that support scalable, compliant growth.”
Comment: Another company that gets vindicative commentary, as if to remind us all that listing on the stock market is not always wine and roses, indeed, quite the opposite. This is particularly the case when management of companies are picked out for vilification on an apparently random basis, and with no mea culpa if allegations prove to be wrong. As far as BMV’s strategy is concerned, the gold / treasury strategy was hot in the middle of last year, the question is how quickly the market can get over the indigestion after the bubble that we saw on the treasury
Disclaimer & Declaration of Interest:
The information, investment views, and recommendations in this Zaks Traders Cafe interview are provided for general information purposes only. Nothing in this interview should be construed as a promotion or solicitation to buy or sell any financial product relating to any companies under discussion or referred to or to engage in or refrain from doing so or engage in any other transaction. Any opinions or comments are made to the best of the knowledge and belief of the commentator but no responsibility is accepted for actions based on such opinions or comments. The commentators may or may not hold investments in the companies under discussion.
