Beirut: Insurgents’ stunning march across Syria gained speed on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) with news that they had reached the suburbs of the capital Damascus and with the government forced to deny rumours that President Bashar al-Assad had fled the country. The lightning rebel advance suggests that Assad’s government could fall within the next week, US and other Western officials said. A giant portrait of Syrian president Bashar Assad sets on a building, as empty streets seen in Damascus, Syria, on Saturday. Credit: AP Since the rebels’ sweep into Aleppo a week ago, government defences have crumbled at a dizzying speed as insurgents seized a string of major cities and rose up in places where the rebellion had long seemed over. The twin threats to the strategically vital city of Homs and the capital, Damascus, now pose an existential danger to the Assad dynasty’s five-decade reign over Syria and the continued influence there of its main regional backer, Iran. The rebels’ moves around Damascus, reported by an opposition war monitor and a rebel commander, came after the Syrian army withdrew from much of the southern part of the country, leaving more areas, including several provincial capitals, under the control of opposition fighters. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The advances in the past week were among the largest in recent years by opposition factions led by a group that has its origins in al-Qaeda and is considered a terrorist organisation by the US and the United Nations. In their push to overthrow Assad’s government, the insurgents, led by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group, or HTS, have met little resistance from the Syrian army. For the first time in the country’s long-running civil war, the government now has control of only four of 14 provincial capitals: Damascus, Homs, Latakia and Tartus. People arrive at the Jordanian side of the border as others wait in their cars, after a ban on crossings into Syria, on December 7, 2024 in Jaber, Jordan. Credit: Getty Images The UN’s special envoy for Syria, Geir Pedersen, on Saturday called for urgent talks in Geneva to ensure an “orderly political transition”. Speaking to reporters at the annual Doha Forum in Qatar, he said the situation in Syria was changing by the minute. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, whose country is Assad’s chief international backer, said he feels “sorry for the Syrian people”. In Damascus, people rushed to stock up on supplies. Thousands went to Syria’s border with Lebanon, trying to leave the country. Many shops in the capital were shuttered, a resident told the Associated Press, and those still open had run out of staples such as sugar. Some were selling items at three times the normal price. “The situation is very strange. We are not used to that,” the resident said, insisting on anonymity, fearing retributions. “People are worried whether there will be a battle [in Damascus] or not.” It was the first time that opposition forces reached the outskirts of Damascus since 2018 when Syrian troops recaptured the area following a years-long siege. The UN said it was moving non-critical staff outside the country as a precaution. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad: Backed by Russia and Iran – both of which are bogged down in separate conflicts. Credit: Saudi Press Agency/AP Assad rumours Syria’s state media denied social media rumours that President Assad had left the country, saying he was performing his duties in Damascus. Assad has had little, if any, help from his allies. Russia is busy with its war in Ukraine and Lebanon’s Hezbollah, which at one point sent thousands of fighters to shore up Assad’s forces, has been weakened by a yearlong conflict with Israel. Iran has seen its proxies across the region degraded by regular Israeli airstrikes. US President-elect Donald Trump on Saturday posted on social media that the US should avoid engaging militarily in Syria. Pedersen said a date for talks in Geneva on the implementation a UN resolution, adopted in 2015, and calling for a Syrian-led political process, would be announced later. The resolution calls for the establishment of a transitional governing body, followed by the drafting of a new constitution and ending with UN-supervised elections. A Syrian opposition fighter holds a rocket launcher in front of the provincial government office. Credit: AP Foreign ministers and senior diplomats from eight key countries, including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Egypt, Turkey and Iran, along with Pederson, gathered on the sidelines of the Doha Summit on Saturday to discuss the situation. No details were immediately available. The insurgents’ march Rami Abdurrahman, who heads the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said insurgents were in the Damascus suburbs of Maadamiyah, Jaramana and Daraya. Opposition fighters were marching toward the Damascus suburb of Harasta, he added. An insurgent commander, Hassan Abdul-Ghani, posted on the Telegram messaging app that opposition forces had begun the “final stage” of their offensive by encircling Damascus. HTS controls much of northwest Syria and in 2017 set up a “salvation government” to run day-to-day affairs in the region. In recent years, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani has sought to remake the group’s image, cutting ties with al-Qaeda, ditching hardline officials and vowing to embrace pluralism and religious tolerance. Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Golani. Credit: Al Jazeera Syria’s military, meanwhile, sent large numbers of reinforcements to defend the key central city of Homs, Syria’s third largest, as insurgents approached its outskirts. The shock offensive began on November 27, during which rebel fighters captured the northern city of Aleppo, Syria’s largest, and the central city of Hama, the country’s fourth-largest city. Opposition activists said insurgents entered Palmyra on Friday, which is home to invaluable archaeological sites, that had been in government hands since being taken from the Islamic State group in 2017. To the south, Syrian troops left much of the province of Quneitra, including the main Baath City, activists said. The Syrian Observatory said government troops had withdrawn from much of the two southern provinces and were sending reinforcements to Homs, where a battle loomed. If the insurgents capture Homs, they would cut the link between Damascus, Assad’s seat of power, and the coastal region where the president enjoys wide support. The Syrian Army said in a statement that it had carried out redeployment and repositioning in Sweida and Daraa after its checkpoints came under attack by “terrorists”. The army said it was setting up a “strong and coherent defensive and security belt in the area”, apparently to defend Damascus from the south. The Syrian government has referred to opposition gunmen as terrorists since conflict broke out in March 2011. Diplomacy in Doha The foreign ministers of Iran, Russia and Turkey, meeting in Qatar, called for an end to the hostilities. Turkey is a main backer of the rebels. Qatar’s top diplomat, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, criticised Assad for failing to take advantage of the lull in fighting in recent years to address the country’s underlying problems. “Assad didn’t seize this opportunity to start engaging and restoring his relationship with his people,” he said. Sheikh Mohammed said he was surprised by how quickly the rebels have advanced and said there was a real threat to Syria’s “territorial integrity.” He said the war could “damage and destroy what is left if there is no sense of urgency” to start a political process. AP, Reuters Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on what’s making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter .jilimacao casino super ace 。

Initial US$4 Million Option Payment; Further strengthening balance sheet Remaining consideration of US$10 Million payable on exercise within 3 years Company well-positioned to drive future growth via its operating Minera Don Nicolas gold mine in Argentina and its Mont Sorcier High Grade Iron Ore development project in Quebec TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / December 23, 2024 / Cerrado Gold Inc. (TSX.V:CERT)(OTCQX:CRDOF)(FRA:BAI0) ("Cerrado" or the "Company") announces that it and its wholly owned subsidiary, Minera Don Nicolas S.A. ("MDN"), have entered into an option agreement ("Option Agreement") with Cerro Vanguardia S.A. ("CVSA") a wholly-owned subsidiary of AngloGold Ashanti Holdings Plc, whereby MDN has granted to CVSA the option ("Option") to purchase a 100% interest (the "Transaction") in certain properties (the "Michelle Properties") located in the south region of MDN's Minera Don Nicolas Project in Santa Cruz, Argentina, for total consideration of the Argentina peso equivalent of US$14 million (approximately C$19 million) (the "Purchase Price"), subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions. The Option Agreement was ratified December 23, 2024, with effect December 18, 2024.Minera Don Nicolas Enters Option Agreement with AngloGold Ashanti Argentinian Subsidiary, Cerro Vanguardia SA, for the Sale of its Michelle Exploration Properties for Total Consideration of US$14 Million The Purchase Price is payable in the following stages: US$4 million equivalent in Argentina pesos at the CCL Buyers rate upon grant of the Option); and US$10 million equivalent in Argentina pesos at the CCL Buyers rate upon exercise of the Option within 3 years. During the Option Period CVSA will take operational control of the Michelle Properties. Mark Brennan, CEO and Chairman commented: "The option of these non-core properties to CVSA, the logical owner of these properties, is highly accretive to Cerrado and its shareholders. The Transaction will immediately improve the balance sheet and short-term capital position at MDN, allowing us to focus on our core properties. With current strong operating cashflows at MDN and capital proceeds from asset sales, we are very well positioned to pursue strong growth programs at MDN and at our Mont Sorcier high grade iron project, as well as look at additional opportunities to grow the Company in the near term." Transaction Summary and Details The Michelle Properties are a collection of 14exploration concessions, totaling approximately 14,000 hectares located approximately 100 km to the South-East of the MDN plant and 10 km to the North-West of CVSA's Cerro Vanguardia Mine. The Michelle Properties are highlighted in the following map: MDN will receive from CVSA the Argentina CCL peso equivalent of US$4 million to MDN on or about December 27, 2024. CVSA may exercise the Option at its sole discretion at any time within three (3) years unless earlier terminated (the "Option Period") by providing an exercise notice to MDN and paying the exercise price of the Argentina pesos equivalent of US$10 million. The Option may be exercised at CVSA's sole discretion at any time during the Option Period, provided that the required payment has been paid by CVSA. Pursuant to the terms of the Option Agreement, CVSA is intended to assume operational control of the Michelle Properties from the date of the Option Agreement until the expiry of the Option Period. Royalty and Stream Holders Concurrent with the Transaction, MDN obtained prior written consents to the Transaction and exercise of the Option from all holders of royalties and metals streams applicable to the Michelle Properties (the "Consents"), including RG Royalties, LLC ("Royal Gold"), a subsidiary of Royal Gold Inc., Sandstorm Gold Limited ("Sandstorm"), a subsidiary of Sandstorm Gold Royalties, and Sprott Private Resource Streaming and Royalty (B) Corp. ("Sprott"). Receipt of the Consents reduces risks and expedites closing if CVSA elects to exercise the Option. Prior to executing the Option Agreement, Royal Gold was paid all accrued royalty amounts outstanding as of September 30, 2024, and Sandstorm was paid a lump sum. Both Royal Gold and Sandstorm agreed to waive all accrued interest and penalties on royalty amounts outstanding as of September 30, 2024, provided that in the case of Sandstorm, all royalty amounts are paid when due in instalments over the next two quarters. The waiver of accrued interest and penalties, taken together with the repayment of outstanding royalties, results in substantial reductions of Company accounts payable. In connection with the Consents and the waiver of interest and penalties, the Company provided corporate guarantees to Royal Gold and Sandstorm relating to their royalty agreements with MDN, and MDN and has conditionally agreed to pay Sandstorm up to US$500,000 in connection with a cap on royalty payments on the Michelle Properties subject to the existing maximum royalty amount of approximately $1,300,000 that may be payable to Sandstorm under the applicable Sandstorm royalty agreement. Review of Technical Information The scientific and technical information in this press release has been reviewed and approved by Sergio Gelcich, P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration for Cerrado Gold Inc., who is a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101. About Cerrado Cerrado Gold is a Toronto-based gold production, development, and exploration company focused on gold projects in South America. The Company is the 100% owner of both the producing Minera Don Nicolás and Las Calandrias mine in Santa Cruz province, Argentina. In Canada, Cerrado Gold is developing its 100% owned Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project located outside of Chibougamou, Quebec. In Argentina, Cerrado is maximizing asset value at its Minera Don Nicolas operation through continued operational optimization and is growing production through its operations at the Las Calandrias Heap Leach project. An extensive campaign of exploration is ongoing to further unlock potential resources in our highly prospective land package in the heart of the Deseado Masiff. In Canada, Cerrado holds a 100% interest in the high grade, high purity Mont Sorcier Iron Ore and Vanadium project, which has the potential to produce a premium iron ore concentrate over a long mine life at low operating costs and with low capital intensity. Furthermore, its high grade and high purity product facilitates the migration of steel producers from blast furnaces to electric arc furnaces, contributing to the decarbonization of the industry and the achievement of SDG goals. For more information about Cerrado please visit our website at: www.cerradogold.com . Mark Brennan CEO and Chairman Mike McAllister Vice President, Investor Relations Tel: +1-647-805-5662 Email: info@cerradogold.com Disclaimer NEITHER TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. This press release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking information" (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of the applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements and are based on expectations, estimates and projections as at the date of this news release. Any statement that discusses predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives, assumptions, future events or performance (often but not always using phrases such as "expects", or "does not expect", "is expected", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", "plans", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts", "estimates", "believes" or "intends" or variations of such words and phrases or stating that certain actions, events or results "may" or "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken to occur or be achieved) are not statements of historical fact and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, without limitation, statements regarding the business and operations of Cerrado, that CVSA will exercise the Option, receipt by Cerrado of the whole Purchase Price including the $10 million upon exercise the Option, the value of Argentina pesos at the CCL Buyers rate, that MDN will satisfy conditions relating to the waiver of interest and penalties. In making the forward- looking statements contained in this press release, Cerrado has made certain assumptions, including, but not limited to the satisfactory completion of due diligence by Amarillo and the exercise of the Option by Amarillo, the satisfaction of all conditions to closing of the Proposed Transaction, including the receipt of all required approvals (including regulatory and shareholder approval), cash flow generated from MDN and changes in economic and monetary policies and regulations in jurisdictions in which Cerrado and its subsidiaries operate. Although Cerrado believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, but are not limited to general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Except as required by law, Cerrado disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise. SOURCE: Cerrado Gold Inc. View the original on accesswire.com

the updated list read. In addition, 30 mine-resistant and ambush-protected armored vehicles (MRAPs), ammunition for from the military and industry stocks and ammunition for Leopard 1 battle tanks was transferred. 21 December, 14:58 GMT Germany also transferred IRIS-T SLM missiles in addition to the two air defense systems, two more Patriot launchers, two more Gepard anti-aircraft guns with spare parts. Besides, Germany transferred 65,000 more rounds for Gepard anti-aircraft guns, two more TRML-4D airborne radar stations and AIM-9L/I-1 Sidewinder guided missiles. According to the list, Berlin is also preparing to send Kiev 20 Marder infantry fighting vehicles, two Patriot missile launchers and four kinetic defense vehicles (Diehl Defence). Russia has said that arms supplies to Ukraine by the West hinder the conflict settlement and directly involve NATO countries in the conflict. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov noted that any cargo containing weapons for Ukraine would be a legitimate target for Russia.Nathan's Famous: Hot Dogs And Hot Profits

In the face of sluggish global trade, China has introduced a series of measures to ensure steady import and export growth and help drive economic recovery this year. In the first 10 months, China’s total foreign trade value amounted to 36 trillion yuan ($4.96 trillion), representing a 5.2 percent year-on-year increase, and its export share in the global market also remained largely stable. At a news conference last Friday, Vice-Minister of Commerce Wang Shouwen said China’s foreign trade had continued to show a positive trend, characterized by improved quality and stable volume growth. However, as a backlash against globalization and rising protectionism dampen prospects of global trade, China’s foreign trade growth has also softened since August. An official investigation has also found multiple difficulties confronting trade enterprises, from export credit insurance to financing for small and medium-sized enterprises and shipping logistics. To address these challenges, the Chinese government has intensified moves to bolster foreign trade. Last Thursday, the Ministry of Commerce published a notice focused on measures to strengthen financial support for businesses engaged in international trade, foster new trade drivers such as e-commerce and green trade, and enhance services including favorable visa policies for businesspersons. Insurance companies are encouraged to increase underwriting support for “little giant” and “hidden champion” firms in their efforts to explore diversified markets, the notice said. “Little giants” refer to the novel elites among SMEs engaged in manufacturing, specializing in a niche market and boasting cutting-edge technologies. “Hidden champions” are highly successful yet lesser-known firms. Financial institutions should optimize financial services for foreign trade enterprises in areas such as credit approval, loan disbursement and repayment, said the notice. The central bank has continuously guided financing into equipment upgrades and green transformation of foreign trade companies and related logistics sectors, Liu Ye, an official of the People’s Bank of China, said at the news conference. The country’s outstanding green loans increased 25 percent year-on-year at the end of September. The latest policy support emphasized e-commerce and green trade as burgeoning new growth drivers of China’s foreign trade. The e-commerce sector, which features customized services, fast delivery and low costs, is highly competitive, Wang said at the news conference. In the first three quarters, China’s e-commerce imports and exports reported a vibrant 11.5 percent year-on-year increase, accounting for nearly 6 percent of total foreign trade. In the next step, China will help foreign trade companies better align with overseas intelligent logistics platforms and secure overseas orders, as well as deepen international e-commerce cooperation, including e-commerce in new bilateral free trade agreements, Wang said. Regarding green trade, the commerce ministry will roll out a special policy document to create a sound environment, enhance services and training for related businesses, and expand international green cooperation. Convenient cross-border travel comes as another important aspect of the trade facilitation measures. At the news conference, Tong Xuejun, an official with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said China had implemented unilateral visa-free policies for 29 countries, including France and Germany, and had achieved full visa exemption for 25 countries. In the third quarter, China recorded 8.19 million inbound trips by foreigners, an increase of 48.8 percent compared to the same period last year. According to the official, 4.89 million of these trips were made through visa-free arrangements, up 78.6 percent year-on-year. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to refine the visa-free entry policy to facilitate cross-border travel, especially for those engaged in business activities, said Tong. Source: XinhuaSYDNEY, Dec. 05, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Vast Renewables Limited (“Vast”) (Nasdaq: VSTE), a leading Australian green energy technology company, held its Annual General Meeting (“AGM”) on November 27, updating shareholders on progress towards deploying its next generation concentrated solar power (“CSP”) solution to deliver clean, continuous dispatchable power and heat. The AGM saw Vast’s Chairman, Peter Botten, and CEO, Craig Wood, provide updates on the company’s achievements throughout 2024 and the outlook for the year ahead. All resolutions were successfully passed at the AGM, with Craig Wood, Colin Richardson and William Restrepo all re-elected as Directors. The AGM follows Vast’s recent announcement that it has signed an updated funding agreement to access up to $30 million of its existing $65 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (“ARENA”). The funding and Vast’s progress throughout 2024 pave the way for another successful year ahead. Vast’s technology is set to be deployed at utility-scale in Port Augusta, South Australia at the Vast Solar 1 (“VS1”) project to deliver green, reliable and affordable energy for South Australia’s grid. The technology will also power a world-first co-located renewable methanol production facility, Solar Methanol 1 (“SM1”). A real world, in-demand application for hydrogen, renewable methanol has the potential to decarbonise shipping and is already being used to power major container vessels. Leveraging Australia’s natural resources, the projects are set to be a catalyst for a domestic Australian CSP industry, creating highly skilled green manufacturing and operational jobs, and helping Australia become an export powerhouse by supplying Australian green technology to clean energy projects around the world. Vast is attracting significant interest from major investors, industry and international governments. Along with funding from ARENA, Vast is backed by EDF and Nabors Industries, and Vast’s renewable methanol project is supported by Mabanaft and the German Government. The following addresses were made by Vast’s Chairman Peter Botten and CEO Craig Wood during Vast’s Annual General Meeting on November 27, 2024. Chairman’s Address from Peter Botten 2024 has been a pivotal year in the growth of Vast since the business combination with Nabors Energy Transition Corp was completed in December last year. Significant progress has been made this year towards Vast’s vision of delivering continuous, carbon free energy to the world, leveraging our next generation CSP technology As announced earlier this week, Vast has secured up to $30m of funding from ARENA. This is an important signal of confidence from ARENA in the potential of Vast’s technology to power Australia’s energy transition, and we’re grateful for their ongoing support. Vast continues to progress towards final investment decision on our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, South Australia (VS1). The project paves the way for Vast’s pipeline of utility-scale projects in Australia and internationally. Alongside generating green electricity for the grid, we believe Vast’s technology will have a key role to play in reducing the cost of sustainable fuels production. Vast is also progressing a co-located renewable methanol production facility (SM1) at the Port Augusta site, partnering with German fuels giant Mabanaft on that project. During the year, Vast also expanded its presence in the US market, signing a project development partnership with Houston-based renewables developer GGS Energy. As Vast looks to 2025, the key focus will be on: We continue to see growing demand for the continuous, affordable electricity and heat our CSP technology can deliver. We believe it will be a critical solution to decarbonise the grid and phase out coal in sunny countries. We also see continued demand for our technology to power sustainable fuels production as well as off-grid use cases, including mining, industrial processes and data centres. CEO’s Address from Craig Wood As Peter mentioned, our utility-scale CSP reference project in Port Augusta, VS1, is progressing well. The plant will have 30MW capacity and 8 hours of thermal storage, providing dispatchable overnight power critical to stabilising South Australia’s grid. We recently finalised the FEED stage and we’re working diligently with our partners towards achieving Final Investment Decision in Q1 2025 with construction to commence shortly thereafter. The project has received support from the Australian Government, including from ARENA and the Department for Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water. The co-located renewable methanol plant, SM1, is also progressing well through the pre-FEED stage. The project will produce 7,500 tonnes of renewable methanol per annum, which will help decarbonise the local maritime industry. As a world-first project, we’re thrilled to be partnering with German company Mabanaft on this effort. Financial close is currently targeted for 2025. Vast continues to strengthen our market-leading proprietary CSP technology, and to build out our manufacturing capability ahead of delivering Vast equipment into the VS1 project. Our solution leverages the abundant sunshine in sunbelt countries like Australia to power homes, industry and transport with green, reliable and affordable energy. We continue to improve the cost and performance of our modular, scalable technology, and to de-risk its manufacture and operation. Vast equipment is currently being produced at our facility in Queensland, Australia, and we’ll be scaling up our manufacturing capability to deliver to the Port Augusta projects starting in 2025. Throughout 2024, we’ve also invested in our business systems and capabilities to set ourselves up for success. Vast has had a strong emphasis on safety during 2024, and we are focused on improving our safety performance as we head towards construction on site next year. We are investing in a new ERP to replace legacy systems as our requirements continue to evolve. We are also developing the quality and project control systems necessary to deliver the Port Augusta projects. All of this activity means Vast’s team has continued to grow throughout the year, both in Australia and the US. This growth will continue early into 2025, and then accelerate as we move into construction of the VS1 and SM1 projects. As Peter mentioned, we were delighted to announce earlier this week that Vast continues to enjoy strong support from ARENA as evidenced by up to $30m of funding being made available to the business, subject to certain milestones being achieved. This funding is important as it creates a runway to support Vast in completing the necessary activities to achieve financial close on VS1 and SM1, and to continue the build out of our Australian green technology manufacturing business. As part of that release, we also updated the estimated capital cost for VS1 to AUD360-390million. We look forward to another successful year in 2025 as we move into construction on VS1 and SM1, deliver Vast technology through our manufacturing business, and expand our project development pipeline in Australia, the US and other global markets. We thank you, our shareholders, all of our partners and our employees for their ongoing support. About Vast Vast is a renewable energy company that has CSP systems to generate, store, and dispatch carbon-free, utility-scale electricity, industrial heat, or a combination to enable the production of sustainable fuels. Vast’s CSP v3.0 approach utilises a proprietary, modular sodium loop to efficiently capture and convert solar heat into these end products. On December 19, 2023, Vast listed on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “VSTE”, while remaining headquartered in Australia. Visit www.vast.energy for more information. Contacts For Investors: Caldwell Bailey ICR, Inc. VastIR@icrinc.com For US media: Matt Dallas ICR, Inc. VastPR@icrinc.com For Australian media: Nick Albrow Wilkinson Butler nick@wilkinsonbutler.com ‍Forward Looking Statements The information included herein and in any oral statements made in connection herewith include "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements, other than statements of present or historical fact included herein, regarding the Port Augusta project, Vast's future financial performance, Vast's strategy, future operations, financial position, estimated revenues and losses, projected costs, prospects, plans and objectives of management are forward-looking statements. When used herein, including any oral statements made in connection herewith, the words "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "project," "should," "will," the negative of such terms and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain such identifying words. These forward-looking statements are based on Vast management's current expectations and assumptions about future events and are based on currently available information as to the outcome and timing of future events. Except as otherwise required by applicable law, Vast disclaims any duty to update any forward-looking statements, all of which are expressly qualified by the statements in this section, to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Vast cautions you that these forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond the control of Vast. These risks include, but are not limited to, general economic, financial, legal, political and business conditions and changes in domestic and foreign markets; Vast's ability to obtain financing on commercially acceptable terms or at all; Vast’s ability to manage growth; Vast's ability to execute its business plan, including the completion of the Port Augusta project , at all or in a timely manner and meet its projections; potential litigation, governmental or regulatory proceedings, investigations or inquiries involving Vast, including in relation to Vast's recent business combination; the inability to recognize the anticipated benefits of Vast's recent business combination; costs related to that business combination; changes in applicable laws or regulations and general economic and market conditions impacting demand for Vast's products and services. Additional risks are set forth in the section titled "Risk Factors" in the Annual Report on Form 20-F for the year ended June 30, 2024, dated September 9, 2024, as amended on November 7, 2024, and other documents filed, or to be filed with the SEC by Vast. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties described herein and in any oral statements made in connection therewith occur, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results and plans could differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements. Additional information concerning these and other factors that may impact Vast's expectations can be found in Vast's periodic filings with the SEC. Vast's SEC filings are available publicly on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov

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A film set location, a big budget production, an audience bussed in - the prime minister's Plan for Change speech had all the hallmarks of big campaign moments past when Sir Keir Starmer used the event to launch his "first steps' set of promises - from cutting NHS waiting lists and setting up a new border command to tackle small boats - and his election-winning manifesto. Five months into government, on Thursday, he gathered his cabinet and crowd in Pinewood Studios to launch this six milestones for government . But if it was meant to be a box office moment, it all felt a bit flat. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player What's in a Labour government? Over the past 18 months, we've had three foundations, five missions, six first steps and now, on Thursday, six milestones, with a 42-page plan. Speak to the prime minister at the edges of these events, and he can make a compelling case for his missions and the clarity he has for government. But somehow it is getting lost in translation as the missions become the first steps, become milestones with three foundations to boot. More on Labour Missions, first steps and milestones: How Sir Keir Starmer's priorities have changed since last year Sir Keir Starmer's milestones: What are they, what's missing and how easy are they to achieve? Labour blind spot for scandal on show as Tories exploit murky Haigh affair Related Topics: Labour Sir Keir Starmer It can be hard to find a narrative in what this government is trying to do. Read more: PM vows to take on 'alliance of naysayers' Driving test bosses 'bullying examiners to be lenient' Thursday was an attempt to change that with six measurable milestones now set up so you, Whitehall and the cabinet, are all crystal clear about where they are heading. Some of them are a departure from manifesto pledges, others are not. Some of them are genuinely ambitious, others less so. The manifesto promise to have the fastest growing economy in the G7 is now an "aim" while the new milestone is to "raise living standards in every part of the United Kingdom, so working people have more money in their pockets" is a new target. The idea is to make the pledge more "human" but the PM wouldn't say how much he wanted to raise living standards - and household disposable income is already set to rise by the end of this parliament. Then on opportunity for all, in the run-up to the election the government promised to recruit 6,500 more teachers to improve teaching in state secondaries. Now the milestone they are asking to be measured on is a promise that 75% of five-year-olds are ready to learn in England when they start school against 67% today. There is a new milestone to fast-track planning decisions on at least 150 major economic infrastructure projects. There is a milestone to put a named bobby back on the beat in every neighbourhood, while the pledge to halve violence against women and girls has not been marked up as a milestone. 'Hold the government's feet to the fire' Why are they doing it now and to what end? At its heart this is an attempt to give voters clear targets on which they can, to quote Starmer himself, "hold the government's feet to the fire". But it felt a bit like a rag bag of measures in which some past promises were pushed aside and others pumped up. The 1.5 million housing target, the pledge to return to the NHS standard of 92% of patients being seen for elective treatment in 18 weeks, the commitment to green power by 2030 are all ambitious. But things that are perhaps too risky or hard to meet have been dropped. The migration question One of the biggest omissions in the milestones was migration. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player This surprised me, not least because the prime minister had said clearly that the economy and borders were his two main priorities in government and a clear concern for voters. But instead of making it one of his milestone measures, for which the public can hold him accountable, the PM said securing borders was one of the "foundations" of his government. There is no metric on which to measure him beyond net migration coming down from record levels of 800,000 plus in the past couple of years. Perhaps he could have been more ambitious in setting a target to hit in terms of cutting legal migration or small boat crossings. Perhaps he could have committed to a deportation figure - something that Harriet Harman suggested he might have done on our episode of Electoral Dysfunction this week. But I suspect, in the end, Number 10 decided it was too risky to try to set targets. 'The tepid bath of managed decline' But with a disaffected electorate, high levels of scepticism, and a Reform party playing into that anti-politics sentiment, Starmer knows he must galvanise his government to try to deliver tangibles before the next election, and this speech will perhaps be looked back on as one aimed as much at Whitehall as it was you, the voter. He explicitly challenged the British state to deliver in this speech saying his Plan for Change was "the most ambitious plan for government in a generation" and would require a "change to the nature of governing itself" as he called on the state to become more dynamic, decisive, innovate, embracing of technology and artificial intelligence. "Make no mistake, this plan will land on desks across Whitehall with the heavy thud of a gauntlet being thrown down, a demand given the urgency of our times," he told his audience as he fired a warning shot to Whitehall. "I do think there are too many people in Whitehall who are comfortable in the tepid bath of managed decline. Had forgotten, to paraphrase JFK, that you choose change not because it's easy, but because it's hard." 👉 Click here to listen to Electoral Dysfunction on your podcast app 👈 Starmer and his team know that without galvanising Whitehall and setting clear navigation through this mission and now measurable milestones, delivery will be hard. The plan is for stock takes on the missions and milestones in order to hold mandarins accountable. On the back of Starmer's milestones speech will come another from cabinet minister Pat McFadden on civil service reform. At the election, Starmer ran on a platform of promising change. Follow our channel and never miss an update Five months later, eyeing a sharp fall in opinion poll ratings, he is offering a concrete plan for change. For now voters seemed tuned out, with the pledges and targets being thrown at them failing to stick. I don't think Starmer or his team expect those polls to turn around any time soon. But they are adamant that if they can fulfil promises to build more homes and better infrastructure, cut NHS waiting lists, lift living standards, and give people a sense of greater security on their streets, they can turn the tide on the tsunami of cynicism they face. Be the first to get Breaking News Install the Sky News app for free Starmer might not be the best storyteller, but in the end he'll likely be judged not on the flourish or rhetoric, but on whether he can actually deliver.ETSU football announces eight new players on signing daySuspect in UnitedHealthcare CEO killing charged with murder in New York, court records show

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