Shell (SHEL) today announced the commencement of a $3.5 billion share buyback programme covering an aggregate contract term of approximately three months. The purpose of the programme is to reduce the issued share capital of the Company. All shares repurchased as part of the programme will be cancelled. It is intended that, subject to market conditions, the programme will be completed prior to the Company’s Q1 2026 results announcement.
Comment: Even though the woke brigade hate fossil fuels and have closed down the North Sea to impoverish us, SHEL’s buyback reminds us that there is still decent cash swilling around in this area, and that it is not going away anytime soon. The shares could yet build on the 20% plus rebound we have seen since the April dive.
Kodal Minerals (KOD), the West African lithium producer, mineral exploration and development company, provided an update on the mining, processing and export operations at the Bougouni Lithium Project in Southern Mali, which is owned and operated by Kodal Mining UK Limited in which Kodal has a 49% shareholding. Full payment of US$27.25 million for first spodumene concentrate shipment of 28,735 dry metric tonnes (“DMT”) received by KMUK’s operating subsidiary, Les Mines de Lithium de Bougouni SA, following arrival of the vessel in Hainan, China.
Comment: Given that our Chinese spying friends do not want to share their rare earths / critical metals with anyone else, so as to have a stranglehold on the world so that they can pressure it to take Taiwan, one might not be sure about sending boatloads of spodumene on a slow boat to Hainan. But hey, it is good for KOD whose shares are already up 30% this year.
Tungsten West (TUN), the mining company focused on restarting production at the Hemerdon tungsten and tin mine in Devon in the UK, announced that it is undertaking a non pre-emptive equity fundraise through a direct subscription with the Company by a prominent international investor, a new investor, raising £29,288,296, a placing by way of an accelerated bookbuild to raise funds of up to £10,983,111 and a separate retail offer of up to £3 million. TUN said “We are very pleased to open our equity raise to commence the formal Fund-raising part of re-starting operations at Hemerdon. We look forward to welcoming new shareholders and the continued support of our existing shareholders in the exciting year ahead as we follow our path to production.”
Comment: Shares of TUN managed to hit our 30p technical target yesterday, just ahead of the massive fundraise the company is delivering, not that tungsten is one of the hottest commodities in town. Let us see when the company actually gets into production, not that it matters in the current environment.
Lexington Gold (LEX), the gold exploration and development company with a growing portfolio of high-quality projects in South Africa and the United States, announced that, following receipt of an advanced draft of the Bara Consulting Study, Jelani Resources (Pty) Ltd, the Company’s joint venture vehicle with Harmony Gold Mining Company Limited, has now commenced the Mining Right application process for the Jelani JV Project.
Comment: Perhaps rather unfairly, shares of LEX have been broadly flat over the past year, despite the 50% plus rise in gold, and despite the way that the US is very keen on sourcing domestic supplies of commodities. Therefore those looking for a ground floor opportunity in gold stocks could take a look at this situation.
VIANET (VNET), the international provider of actionable data, business insights and payment solutions through an integrated ecosystem of connected hardware devices, software platforms and smart insights portals, announced a significant USA contract and provide a current year trading update. Vianet Americas, Inc., a subsidiary of Vianet Group plc has entered a long-term, multi-year agreement with a large full-service restaurant company. Under the terms of the agreement, Vianet Americas, Inc. will deploy its Beverage Metrics inventory solution nationally across multiple locations, within one of the restaurant company’s major brands.
Comment: One of the features of recent months, despite all the anti-Trump hatred doing the rounds, and the tariffs debacle, we have seen a lot of companies from over here, doing rather well over there. The latest VNET news only underlines the way the tide is turning for UK companies Stateside.
MedPal AI (MPAL), the AI-powered, integrated digital health company, announced the continued strong performance of automated pharmacy operations at its wholly-owned subsidiary, MedPal Limited. MedPal AI combines its user-friendly mobile app, AI-driven diagnosis and triage with human-in-the-loop clinical oversight and prescribing services, with high-tech robotic pharmacy dispensing. The Company reported that its pharmacy operations dispensed 36,951 items during January 2026, representing growth of 10.5% compared to 33,433 items dispensed in December 2025. Based on an average item value of £9.70, this volume of activity continues to support monthly pharmacy revenue in excess of £350,000 per month.
Comment: As has been commented here several times, despite apparently being in the right area at the right time, and with the right company name, MPAL, has so far disappointed. This may be because the market is keen to see more proof of the business model, part of which may be a transition from revenues per month to profits per month.
Georgina Energy (GEX) provided the following update on drilling at Hussar EP513. The Company’s technical consultant Aztech has commenced the program to issue RFQs (Requests for Quotation and Supply) in support of the planned drilling program. Preliminary indications are that the Explorer Rig is appropriate in specifications to complete the drilling program and is potentially available subject to final confirmation by 25th February. GEX said “We’re pleased to be progressing rig selection for drilling and will be conducting a site inspection from 12th February. The site and access works planned are designed to best prepare us for drilling in Q3, 2026. Georgina and Harlequin have worked hard to structure this agreement to minimise exposure to significant capital outlay and therefore reduce dilution risk for shareholders.”
Comment: This must be a painful time for doubters of GEX, especially given the way that the company is proving itself to be a hands on, real world, get up and go entity. The deal with Harlequin looked to be transformational, and this is what is being illustrated once again via the latest RNS.
REACT Group plc (REAT), the leading specialist support services provider to the FM industry, announced its audited final results for the year ended 30 September 2025. Revenue increased by 20% to £24.9m (2024: £20.7m). Sixth successive year of growth through strong organic performance and strategic acquisitions. Gross profit strengthened 40% to £8.0m (2024: £5.7m).
Comment: The company literally continues to clean up, and despite minor protestations citing macro or seasonal factors, we all know that they are largely irrelevant to the business model, the operations, or most importantly, the bottom line.
Rome Resources plc (RMR), the DRC-focused tin and copper explorer, provided an update on its drilling operations at its Bisie North project in the Democratic Republic of Congo, located approximately 8 km from the world-class Alphamin Mpama tin mine complex. The current drilling programme follows the Company’s maiden Mineral Resource Estimate announced in October 2025 and is focused on testing extensions of known tin mineralisation at depth at Kalayi ahead of follow-up drilling at Mont Agoma.
Comment: RMR continues to keep us updated on what feels like a daily basis, with a daily interview released by the company. Perhaps there should be a live feed? As stated previously, below 0.3p we know the market is waiting for evidence of a mother lode, above it RMR is on its way.
Richmond Hill Resources PLC (RHR) announced that, further to the announcement on 5 January 2026, Critical Discoveries has now completed historic data compilation and digitisation to define high-priority drill targets for a maiden drill programme at the Martello Gold Project. The Company intends to drill a total of seven drill holes, comprising approximately 1,100 metres. The current proposed drill plan is preliminary and will continue to be refined as the drilling program advances and additional geological information is obtained from the initial drill holes. Further details are expected in the coming weeks over timing of the drill programme which at this stage is expected to commence in Q1 2026. The Company has also appointed a third-party contractor for a DRONE-MAG survey on the Martello Gold Project.
Comment: RHR has been one of the luckiest listings on the London market in the recent past, with the gold moves adding to the overall new boom for explorer / developers. The shares were up nearly 4x last year, and could even repeat the feat by later in 2026.
Defence Holdings PLC (ALRT), the UK-listed defence technology group, announced the appointment of Andrew Roughan as Chief Executive Officer of the Company, effective 30 March 2026. Andrew Roughan will formally assume the role at the end of Q1 2026. Andrew Roughan is a senior executive with extensive experience across the UK Government’s science and technology priority agenda, including deep experience in defence, national security, and critical national infrastructure.
Comment: We can assume that the latest appointment at ALRT should be the inflection point for the company in terms of converting all the potential that it has in the defence space, into commercialisation at a time when the sector is booming. Time for those at the top of the company as well as Mr Roughan, to get those Rolodexes out.
Strategic Minerals plc (SML), an international mineral exploration and production company, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Cornwall Resources Limited, has received assay results from drillholes CRD038 and CRD040 – the remaining holes from Pad 2 (of 3) within the Redmoor Tungsten-Tin-Copper Project in southeast Cornwall. The results include further confirmation of high grades of tungsten and tin within the Sheeted Vein System. Final drillhole results from Pad 3 are expected to be delivered in the near term, ahead of the forthcoming MRE update.
Comment: We all love a sheeted vein system, and in the case of SML, it is also a company loved by one of the most influential London investors. This should mean that our ongoing call on ZTC that the shares could hit 3.5p while above 2.5p by the end of this month remains valid.
Cornish Metals plc (TIN) announced that it has received a non-binding Letter of Interest from the Export-Import Bank of the United States (“EXIM”), outlining potential financing support for the development of the Company’s wholly owned and permitted South Crofty tin project in Cornwall, United Kingdom. Under EXIM’s Supply Chain Resiliency Initiative (“SCRI”), the LOI specifies EXIM’s capacity to consider up to US$225 million in financing. South Crofty may also qualify for special consideration under EXIM’s China and Transformational Exports Program (“CTEP”). South Crofty is Cornish Metals’ flagship project and the highest grade known tin deposit in the world that is not currently in operation.
Comment: Receiving correspondence from EXIM is perhaps on a par from a letter from the Cabinet Office confirming a knighthood. EXIM confirms, as if we did not know it, that TIN is on its way at South Crofty as the world moves to secure critical metals supply against China’s war on supply. Maybe the TIN CEO will get a knighthood?
tinyBuild (TBLD), a premium video games publisher and developer with global operations, announced a trading update for the twelve months ended 31 December 2025. Revenue slightly ahead of expectations resulted in positive EBITDA for the second half of the year after the very strong first half performance, with a solid contribution from both new releases and back catalogue. Cash and cash equivalents at the end of December 2025 of over $4 million also slightly above expectations, broadly in line with the level at 30 June 2025.
Comment: TBLD has successfully managed to keep itself under the radar, even though the market has in the past highly rewarded and valued companies in its space over recent years. The uptrend on the daily chart appears well set.
Reabold Resources (RBD), the investing company focused on developing strategic gas projects for European energy security, noted the announcement made by Beacon Energy PLC today in relation to the Proposed Transaction pursuant to the announcement of 7 October 2025. The full Beacon announcement can be viewed here: https://www.londonstockexchange.com/news-article/BCE/proposed-wrap-retail-offer/17447359
Engage with the Reabold management team directly by asking questions, watching video summaries and seeing what other shareholders have to say. Navigate to our Interactive Investor hub here: https://reabold.com/s/2b4e66
Comment: Does anyone really use an “Investor Hub”? This aside, what is up for grabs at RBD is for shares of the company to continue their bolt from the blue recovery. As things stand it would appear that they could, especially given the way that the market cap of the company is only £10m.
Gunsynd PLC (GUN) announced that, further to the announcement on 12 January 2026, the Company has completed the acquisition of the Lotus 1, Lotus 2 and Brook mineral claims, which host historic shafts, and the Denver claim, which hosts a historic gold showing, all located within the Company’s 100%-owned Barb Gold Project in Manitoba, Canada. The newly acquired claims are contiguous with the existing Barb Gold Project and consolidate highly prospective ground within a structurally complex portion of the Archean Rice Lake Greenstone Belt.
Comment: The share price may still be disappointing. But given that GUN is in a land grab phase, and given that almost all explorer / developers are currently on fire, one would expect the shares to dust themselves off and rally, sooner rather than later.
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.
