The MiningNewsWire Podcast

Whenever bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies are discussed, two primary predictions seem to prevail. Either cryptocurrencies are history’s greatest bubble about to burst, or they’re new undervalued global mediums of exchange worth untold millions. The actual outcome is likely to rest somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. Some pundits have compared the rise of cryptocurrency to the dot-com bubble, suggesting the fintech trend is worthless and on the precipice of a titanic bust. Remember, however, that even though the dot-com boom produced plenty of fiascos, it also gave birth to the likes of Amazon and Google. As cryptocurrency markets become more standardized and regulated, both winners and losers will shake out. Realizing these digital mediums of exchange will likely integrate into the global financial system in a significant fashion, evaluating companies that enable cryptocurrency transactions makes sense. Companies at the vanguard of facilitating global cryptocurrency transactions such as Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP), PayPal Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: PYPL), Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ), Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR) and Green Dot Corporation (NYSE: GDOT) will not only accelerate universal adoption but also have the potential to emerge among the biggest winners in the entire crypto universe.

This month the Supreme Court issued a decision striking down a 1992 federal law banning commercials sports betting in 46 states. In one fell swoop, the 6-3 decision swung open the door for individual states to decide for themselves whether to allow sports betting within state boundaries. The decision, which may mean legalizing the estimated $150 billion in illegal wagers on professional and amateur sports that Americans make every year (http://nnw.fm/g6LGx), also has massive impact on sport betting organizations such as SinglePoint, Inc. (OTCQB: SING), which has been in the daily fantasy sports arena since March 2016. Other companies that stand to benefit from this milestone ruling include Caesars Entertainment Corporation (NASDAQ: CZR), MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM), Penn National Gaming Inc. (NASDAQ: PENN) and Boyd Gaming Corporation (NYSE: BYD).

The multibillion-dollar internet, voice, video and data services markets are poised to be rapidly transformed by the deployment of next-generation wireless technologies such as 5G. As this transition occurs over the next decade, 4G Long-Term Evolution (LTE) will give way to 5G amid skyrocketing demand for greater bandwidth. While many companies are already providing some form of fixed wireless for high-speed triple play services (internet, TV and phone) using standard technologies, Hammer Fiber Optic Holdings Corp. (OTCQB: HMMR) stands out with its patented Hammer Wireless® AIR point-to-multipoint wireless system, which could revolutionize the entire industry’s approach to wireless. This would be no small feat considering that other big companies in this space today are operators such as Windstream Holdings Inc. (WIN) or veritable household names such as Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), AT&T Inc. (T) and Alphabet, Inc. (GOOG).

Self-driving cars are already appearing on our roads. One of the main technological barrier holding them back from full use is the creation of effective sensor systems, and several companies are conducting specialist research in this area. Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) has created a unique system that combines infrared and visible light cameras in stereo technology that can detect obstacles under all weather and lighting conditions. Google’s parent company, Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG), is developing driverless cars through its Waymo subsidiary, using a wide range of different sensors. The work of Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA) in this area is well-known and heavily reliant on a range of visible light cameras. Automotive safety specialist Autoliv, Inc. (NYSE: ALV) has created a range of separate detection systems using different technologies. Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), on the other hand, is focusing on the potential of a single complex lidar system. It’s a diversity of approaches that shows a technology approaching maturity.

Almost everyone is aware of the tear that lithium stocks have been on over the last couple years. Driven by the projected exponential increase of electric vehicles and coupled with broad-based, ever-increasing demand for lithium-ion (L-ion) batteries, many recognized names in the lithium mining sector tripled in value to reach all-time highs by the end of last year. Shortly after the start of 2018, lithium shares tumbled by 14 percent and more on a negative forecast by Morgan Stanley analysts. That forecast has since been widely derided by a wide range of lithium industry experts, which give the negative scenario less than a one percent chance of happening. Reflecting the true scale of the unfolding energy transformation, respected independent commodity forecaster Roskill recently tripled its demand forecast for lithium through 2026. Roskill originally forecast lithium demand would increase to 328,000 tons of lithium carbonate equivalent by 2026 and now predicts lithium demand to explode to over 1,00,000 tons within the next eight years. Lithium-related stocks and ETFs have proved to be the best way to play our collective electric future in vehicles, electronics and high-density storage — all dependent on lithium batteries. Broadly diversified across the entire production chain, the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (LIT) invests in the full lithium cycle from raw resource to battery production, reducing risk but limiting upside opportunity. Miners have been and should continue to be the best avenue to most directly and greatly profit from the burgeoning lithium demand and market imbalances. Even though lithium is trading near all-time highs, if demand increases 300 percent as many predict, miners in the renowned “lithium triangle,” such as Albemarle Corp. (ALB), Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (SQM), and FMC Corp. (FMC) are likely to do well. However, given the location and value of its assets, a prospective junior miner, Lithium Chile Inc. (TSX.V: LITH) (OTCQB: LTMCF), may possibly outperform any other lithium player this year.

Demand for high-efficiency batteries is leading to growth in the cobalt industry, but new ventures are threatened by the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) dominance in mining and China’s in processing. Some companies are now trying to break this stranglehold, with First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) establishing the largest integrated operation in North America and eCobalt Solutions, Inc. (OTCQX: ECSIF) joining in with the construction of a mine in Idaho. Katanga Mining Ltd Ord (OTC: KATFF) dominates the DRC-sourced market despite legal troubles besetting its mining operation in the country. The backing of parent company Glencore PLC ADR (OTC: GLNCY) may give Katanga the resources to weather the storm and allow these linked companies to become the world’s largest producers in cobalt. Meanwhile, investment companies such as Cobalt 27 Capital Corp. (TSX.V: KBLT) are investing in both cobalt and its producers, showing the wider faith the market has in this mineral.

The rise of artificial intelligence is fast disrupting the financial universe and establishing new paradigms of understanding and action. Computers now drive market velocity, and because the volume of available financial information has expanded exponentially over the last few decades, machines have become indispensable to deciphering these mountains of megabytes in order to create clear-cut actionable intelligence. Given the large data sets and quantitative nature of the modern-day financial services sector, artificial intelligence (AI) has innumerable applications that are poised to revolutionize the industry over the next few years. AI saves companies time and money through the use of algorithms to generate insights, improve customer service and make calculated performance predictions. Because of the ability to foresee market trends and deliver analysis and insights far better than humans, information behemoths and financial titans such as S&P Global Inc. (NYSE: SPGI), Euronext NV (OTC: EUXTF), The Blackstone Group, L.P. (NYSE: BX) and Thomson Reuters Corp (NYSE: TRI) are integrating and increasingly acquiring machine-learning, artificial intelligence technologies such as those provided by AnalytixInsight Inc. (TSX.V: ALY) (OTCQB: ATIXF), which offers investors a compelling opportunity to participate in this industry shift.

Blockchain technology is responsible for transformations far beyond its original application as the basis of cryptocurrencies. Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) is applying blockchain in facilitating payment services, as one example of its divergent potential. Global Arena Holding, Inc. (OTC: GAHC) is demonstrating another as it uses blockchain to ensure fair elections. BTCS, Inc. (OTCQB: BTCS) is investing in a range of blockchain developments, including cryptocurrency ATMs. Companies such as Marathon Patent Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: MARA) are turning to crypto mining as an extra revenue stream, and Seven Stars Cloud Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: SSC) is providing a bridge between new and old forms of investment.

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (OTC: ETST) (“ETST” or the “Company”), an innovative biotech company focused on the cannabidiol (CBD), nutraceutical and pharmaceutical fields as well as medical devices and research and development, is pleased to announce that the audit process has been finalized and the Company has submitted Form 10 to become fully reporting.

Cryptocurrencies and their underlying blockchain technology continue to grow in popularity. To make the most of this, a variety of tech-based companies are racing to put blockchain in the hands of ordinary businesses and consumers. Virtual Crypto Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP) is a technology company providing cryptocurrency payment solutions for retailers and consumers. BTCS, Inc. (OTCQB: BTCS) is creating a portfolio of companies that will bring cryptocurrency to a wider arena through ATMs and support for crypto in business. Others, such as British-Canadian company BTL Group, Ltd. (TSXV: BTL), are using blockchain as a basis for differing forms of software, with BTL’s platform providing extra speed, security and resilience to the work of programmers. International Business Machines Corporation (NYSE: IBM) offers a business blockchain that provides a permissioned network with known identities and no need for cryptocurrency exchange. And Daimler AG (OTC: DDAIF) has launched blockchain-based digital currency MobiCoin to encourage eco-friendly practices among drivers using its cars.

Financial technology is currently making new era advances, providing innovative, accessible solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses. As part of this movement, Global Payout, Inc. (OTC: GOHE) has created a flexible platform for dealing with finance across a business’s infrastructure, as well as a specialist payment system for high-risk businesses. Glance Technologies, Inc. (OTCQB: GLNNF) has produced a mobile phone payment system that is secure, simple to use, and helps local businesses reach their customer base. MassRoots Retail (OTCQB: MSRT) uses technological solutions to help businesses develop links with consumers and is moving into financial technology through the development of a cryptocurrency. Support company mCig, Inc. (OTC: MCIG) has set up a cryptocurrency consulting division to help with the spread of this technology, as well as investing in state-of-the-art ATMs. Medical Cannabis Payment Solutions (OTC: REFG) has provided retailers with a secure payment processing system that helps to automate financial processes such as tax collection and sales tracking.

Telecommunications companies are under threat (http://nnw.fm/BrM3f) from over-the-top (OTT) services that enable consumers to communicate over the internet via streaming content and apps such as Skype, WhatsApp and Viber. These services currently handle over 80 percent of messaging traffic, and more than a third of all global voice traffic is channeled through Skype. This astounding level of competition demands that telecommunications companies focus on modernizing their operations and creating strategies to develop new products or services if they hope to achieve sustainable growth. One of the companies at the forefront of innovative strategy implementation is Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corporation (OTCQB: HMMR), a telecommunications company investing in the future of wireless technology and fiber optics. Other significant players in this industry include Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ), Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN), Alphabet Inc. (GOOG) and Comcast Corporation (CMCSA).

Venture capitalists have been placing enormous bets on lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. These high-tech batteries now power everything from smart phones and power tools to electric vehicles. Demand for lithium is certain to surge as vehicles become greener, new devices flourish and electricity becomes cleaner. In a testament to the immense opportunity created by the batteries’ versatility, venture capital firms have already pumped a record $1 billion-plus into battery technology this year, more than double all of last year’s total. Surging demand and inadequate market supply have intensified the hunt for new sources of this critical mineral by Lithium Chile, Inc. (TSX-V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) and other interested mining companies such as Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), Lithium Americas Corp. (TSX: LAC) (NYSE: LAC), FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) and Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE: SQM).

For the very first time, a developed country stands at the precipice of legalizing recreational cannabis. Despite a slight delay from the original July 2018 legalization goal, industry analysts agree that Canada is on course to fully legalize recreational marijuana in August or September of this year, clearing the way for adults aged 18 and over to legally purchase the drug from licensed dispensaries across the nation. For companies like Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF), Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF), Namaste Technologies Inc. (CSE: N), Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (TSXV: EMH) (OTCQX: EMHTF) and The Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSXV: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF), this unprecedented regulatory shift is likely to unleash huge opportunities across multiple industry sectors, most notably cultivation and retail operations.

Most people who try to quit smoking cigarettes will fail. Why? Scientific research shows that the overwhelming culprit is nicotine. Nicotine holds such an addictive power over smokers, because it arrives in the brain so quickly — smoking delivers nicotine even faster than an injection, one researcher notes (http://nnw.fm/uunO1). While people know that smoking is a preventable killer, they also know that quitting is far easier said than done. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products such as nicotine gums, lozenges, sprays, sublingual tablets and transdermal patches dominate the multibillion-dollar global smoking cessation and nicotine de-addiction market. However, all commercial forms of NRT have different levels of efficacy and variable rates of nicotine absorption, as noted in an article published by the National Institutes of Health. Enter drug delivery platform innovator Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (CSE: LXX) (OTCQX: LXRP), which recently announced a significant breakthrough in alternative nicotine delivery technology that was first proven effective in cannabinoid or CBD delivery. Other biotechnology companies conducting research in similar arenas include GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (NASDAQ: GWPH), CV Sciences, Inc. (OTCQB: CVSI), 22nd Century Group, Inc. (NYSE American: XXII) and Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZYNE).

North American cannabis markets have achieved tremendous growth in recent years, and that trend shows no sign of slowing down. Cannabis research firm ArcView has called for an annualized growth rate of 26 percent through 2021, as the burgeoning industry benefits from growing popular support and regulatory changes. Perhaps the most notable of these pending amendments is Canada’s planned nationwide legalization of recreational cannabis. Canadian Health Minister Ginette Peitipas Taylor has stoked optimism regarding an August or September 2018 official launch date for recreational cannabis across Canada. Choom Holdings, Inc. (OTCQB: CHOOF) (CSE: CHOO), with its growing portfolio of four late-stage licensed producer applicants, is primed to pounce on this new market opportunity. Through an aggressive acquisition strategy and strong commitment to developing national retail distribution, Choom has quickly positioned itself as a major player among other North American cannabis industry mainstays like Cronos Group, Inc. (TSX: CRON) (NASDAQ: CRON), Canopy Growth Corporation (TSX: WEED) (OTC: TWMJF), Aphria, Inc. (TSX: APH) (OTCQB: APHQF) and Hiku Brands Company, Ltd. (CSE: HIKU) (OTC: DJACF).

Sunniva Inc. (CSE: SNN) (OTCQX: SNNVF) (“Sunniva” or the “Company”) announced today that it will delay its fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2017 earnings release and the subsequent earnings call, previously scheduled for April 24, 2018 and April 25, 2018, respectively. The company now intends to release its results on April 30, 2018, after markets close. The delay is required for the company’s auditors to complete their final audit procedures.

The legalization of recreational cannabis is set to make the Canadian cannabis industry worth billions of dollars. Those companies that can navigate the arduous licensing processes will be in a position to make the most of this opportunity. Choom Holdings, Inc. (CSE: CHOO) (OTCQB: CHOOF) has built a strong leadership team to meet this challenge while preparing the company for cultivation and retails sales to meet regulatory needs. Aurora Cannabis, Inc. (TSX: ACB) (OTCQX: ACBFF) is one of the largest licensed medical growers and is expanding in preparation for the change in the law, acquiring cannabis related companies and striking deals with others. Namaste Technologies (CSE: N) is showing a different approach to cannabis retail through its ecommerce platform and telemedicine portal. Companies such as Emerald Health Therapeutics, Inc. (TSXV: EMH) (OTC: EMHTF) are partnering with Village Farms to more quickly establish growing facilities that meet regulatory standards. And the Supreme Cannabis Company, Inc. (TSXV: FIRE) (OTC: SPRWF) is planning annual production capacity provide product for retail from their leading-edge production facilities.

Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (OTCQX: LXRP) (CSE: LXX) (the “Company” or “Lexaria”), a drug delivery platform innovator, is pleased to announce positive topline results upon completion of its first ingestible nicotine in vivo (animal) absorption study. Lexaria is pursuing the use of its patented DehydraTECH™ technology as a possible new nicotine delivery method, an edible dose absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, with potential both as a nicotine replacement therapy as well as an alternative product format for regular tobacco users.

A January report from Zion Market Research projects the global lithium-ion battery market, worth around $31 billion in 2016 and dominated by Asia-Pacific producers such as China, is on track to grow at a CAGR of 13.7 percent through 2022, ballooning to over $67.6 billion. Australia, Chile, Argentina and China are responsible for the lion’s share of global lithium production (around 93 percent) — about half of which is currently consumed by battery production. Prices per ton for the two main types of lithium (hydroxide and carbonate) have jumped from around $6,500 in 2015 to recent highs of more than $20,000. UBS Securities also recently projected that lithium demand will continue to stay high through 2024, citing primary drivers such as the burgeoning EV (electric vehicle) market, which is projected to grow at a whopping 28.3 percent through 2026. All of this is extremely bullish news for lithium producers, whether we are talking relatively small up-and-comers such as British Columbia-based QMC Quantum Minerals Corp. (TSX.V: QMC) (FSE: 3LQ) (OTC: QMCQF) and Nemaska Lithium, Inc. (TSX: NMX) (OTC: NMKEF), or sector heavyweights such as Chile’s Sociedad Química y Minera de Chile S.A. (NYSE: SQM), Albemarle Corporation (NYSE: ALB) and FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC).