The Telegraph: Microsoft is grappling with a global blackout, leaving hundreds of thousands of users unable to access their emails and other programs, including Microsoft 365, Outlook and Teams. Users across Britain were waking up on Friday to find themselves locked out of emails and other Microsoft services after disruption hit the US, Asia and Australia overnight. Microsoft blamed the issue on an “elevated load” on its infrastructure.
Comment: One would have thought any modern day service be it air traffic control, or emails, would have a back up system which would just switch itself on if the main system failed. But apparently not. At least in the case of Microsoft the latest happening underlines that nothing is expendible, and the world does not end without its service.
Rockfire Resources plc (ROCK), the base metal, critical mineral and precious metal exploration company, announced that initial ore sorting tests have resulted in a material increase in the average grade of zinc. TOMRA Mining was commissioned to investigate the possibility of sensor sorting using the latest X-Ray Transmission (“XRT”) technology. The test results provide support for an ore sorting stage to be included in the processing flow sheet at Rockfire’s 100%-owned Molaoi zinc deposit in Greece. ROCK said, “The uplift in grade is extremely encouraging, which may potentially negate any overbreak dilution during mining of the stopes. The mass pull is vital and it’s very pleasing to see such high percentages of material being successfully identified and separated from the waste rock. This has been a very successful and most worthwhile exercise to decide if ore sorting is suitable for the Molaoi ore. These tests have confirmed that an ore sorting stage should be considered for installation prior to feed being introduced to a ball mill. The processing flow sheet provided for the upcoming feasibility study will include the capital and operating costs required to include an ore sorting stage.”
Comment: It has been a better year for ROCK in the sense that the company has continued to finesse Molaoi, which remains the company’s flagship. Nevertheless, it is if the market is still waiting on more even though from what has been revealed thus far ROCK has been significantly de-risked.
Helium One Global (HE1), the primary helium explorer in Tanzania with a 50% working interest in the Galactica-Pegasus helium development project in Colorado, USA, announced the Company’s audited results for the year ended 30 June 2026. HE1 said “We have made significant progress across both projects, advancing our strategy to become a helium producer with a diversified portfolio. In the US, we worked with Blue Star to commission the Piñon Canyon facility, achieve first gas and commence helium sales. In Tanzania, successful ESP testing at southern Rukwa demonstrated the project’s potential. We also secured Tanzania’s first helium mining licence and the country’s largest mining licence, executed a framework agreement with the Tanzanian Government for Songwe Helium Ltd., and launched a formal farm-out process. These milestones provide a strong foundation for the next phase of development. Our focus remains on progressing both projects and realising their potential to help meet the increasing global demand for helium.”
Comment: We have HE1 in something of a holding pattern / steady as she goes, which is fine although one might have wanted a little more sizzle. Of course, the company continues to be excellent at raising cash. But at some point soon we really want to see things moving forward meaningfully in Tanzania or the US, or both. The share price is now approaching last year’s lows, so a fresh positive driver is needed.
Amigo (AMGO) : Draft Prospectus submitted to FCA. Craig Ransley, Executive Chair of Amigo Resources PLC, commented: “The lodgement of the draft prospectus is a further milestone achieved by the Company and its advisors … we look forward to finalising this RTO process in early 2027. As stated previously … the acquisition of the world-class Kamiesberg Project marks a transformative step in Amigo’s growth strategy, expanding its footprint into South Africa and strengthening its exposure to both gold and critical rare earth commodities through a large-scale JORC Resource base … Amigo plans to develop Kamiesberg using a phased, modular approach, with the first module targeted for commissioning within six months of completion.”
Comment: AMGO has been and remains one of the better listing transformations of the recent past, something which has to be admired given how poor the history was, as well as the challenges of being an explorer / developer at any time and geography. As things stand one would expect the shares to end 2026 up over 2x.
Cascade Studio AI (AQSE: CASC), the AI-native production platform built for filmmakers, creators, agencies and brands, announced that more than 10,000 people have signed up to its platform in less than five months since the launch of its open beta in June. The milestone marks a significant achievement in Cascade's early growth, with its total sign-ups increasing from zero at the launch of the open beta on 17 June to more than 10,000 as at 10 November. The platform became fully live on 9 October, following the successful completion of its open beta phase.
Comment: Given that I look at almost every RNS every day, it is almost impossible that I do not know the name of a listed company or what it does. However, in the case of CASC I was not familiar with the company until today. Full marks to the PR company, but I am here to help. At least in the current environment getting 10,000 people to do anything is a result, although of course it is all about converting this to pennies and pounds.
Aviva (AV.) Q3 2026 Trading Update. Strong performance demonstrates benefits of diversified model. Confident outlook for the remainder of 2026. On track for our three-year Group targets and sustaining longer-term growth. Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Aviva is in great shape. Our performance has been excellent in the first nine months of 2026, demonstrating once again the benefits of scale across our diversified business. We continue to deliver strong, profitable growth, particularly in the capital-light areas of General Insurance and Wealth. “We grew General Insurance premiums by 19% and, at the same time, improved profitability. In the UK, premiums are up 28%, boosted by our home insurance partnership with Nationwide and the great progress we are making with Direct Line. We see many opportunities to continue our profitable growth in General Insurance, including growing Direct Line motor and home policies on price comparison websites, the launch of Aviva pet insurance this year, and through our market leading businesses in Canada and Ireland. We are also continuing to deliver for our customers. Last month we started rolling out our AI virtual assistant for customers and our new multi-vehicle cover is now live, so a family with several cars can now insure them all under one policy.”
Comment: Well of course the company is in “great shape.” Like many of the key sectors in rip off Britain, the company operates within an effective cartel environment. If this were not the case, aided and abetted by limp regulators, it would not be possible to raise premiums by 28%. But of course, do not get mad, get even and buy the shares on any dips. If there are any dips.