A first half hat-trick for Kelli Brown set the Football Ferns on the way to a 8-0 victory in their opening World Cup qualifier against Samoa.
Brown scored 30 seconds into the game in Honiara, she doubled her tally 13 minutes later and added her third in the 37th minute.
The Newcastle Jets player had not scored for New Zealand prior to the game on Friday afternoon.
After taking 12 attempts on goal in the first half the Football Ferns continued the dominance in the second half despite Samoa making several defensive substitutions early in the half.
New Zealand found the back of the net via captain Katie Kitching for a fourth goal in the 65th minute after several other New Zealand attempts were shutdown by the Samoa goalkeeper and some did not have the right finishing touch.
Just after scoring the goal Kitching was substituted for teenager Pia Vlok to make her Football Ferns debut.
Brown was also replaced with just under 20 minutes to play as coach Michael Mayne opted to make mass changes to bring in fresh legs in the Honiara heat.
The game was played in the early afternoon local time and was stopped for regular drinks and cooling breaks as temperatures in the high 30 degrees on the pitch.
Charlotte Lancaster put a good ball across the front of goal before it came off a Samoa player for an own goal and New Zealand’s fifth.
Manaia Elliott scored New Zealand’s sixth, and her first for the national team, a minute later.
She doubled her personal tally with New Zealand’s seventh goal just before the 90 minute mark with a long range strike that the Samoan defence failed to deal with.
Deven Jackson was eventually rewarded with her own goal after setting up her teammates when she scored the final goal of the game in added time.
New Zealand’s other Group A opponents in the Oceania Qualifiers for next year’s Fifa Women’s World Cup in Brazil are the Solomon Islands and America Samoa, with the top two teams from the pool advancing to the semi-finals and final, hosted by New Zealand in April.
The Football Ferns play the Solomon Islands on Monday night.
“We know what’s at the end of this series. I think it’s good that we still feel pressure coming into these games. That’s the way it should be,” Mayne said.
“I know these other three teams are going to be all chasing the same dream. I think in terms of the women’s game in the Pacific… I’ve been around the age group. I’ve been to a number of these tournaments. I can see the gap closing.
“I know every single one of these teams that we play over the next 10 days will be well set up, well organised. That’s exciting for us, and we’re used to tough challenges.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
Thursday, 26 February 2026 – Jim Beam Homegrown is turning up the volume on the future of New Zealand music, announcing six breakthrough acts from 150 entries to perform on the Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage at this year’s festival at Claudelands Oval in Kirikiriroa, Hamilton.
The Jim Beam Homegrown Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage is a dedicated performance platform for emerging Kiwi artists and reflects the Festival’s commitment to fostering homegrown talent.
Andrew Tuck, Jim Beam Homegrown chief executive and managing director, says the new stage represents a defining step in the festival’s evolution.
“Homegrown has always been about backing Kiwi music at every level,” says Tuck. “The Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage gives these emerging artists the opportunity to perform and gain visibility. These artists are already making noise, but we’re providing them with a stage to be louder!”
The selection process The six emerging artists who will perform at Jim Beam Homegrown have been selected from a nationwide competition, which was open to artists of all genres. To be eligible, artists needed to have 2026+ monthly listeners, followers, or streams; 2026+ social followers; a press kit; radio ready single; and the ability to perform a 45-minute set of original music. Jim Beam Homegrown received 150 entries, of which the final six have been selected.
They are: Altercation X Erin G, Cordian, Imani-J, PRINS, Verity, Wet Denim.
Tuck says the overwhelming number of entries to the competition proves the future of Kiwi music is in safe hands.
“To see more than 150 artists put themselves forward shows just how much talent is out there. Narrowing it down to six wasn’t easy, but these artists have something special. In a few years, we fully expect some of these artists to be headlining major stages across the country.”
Tuck says: “Jim Beam Homegrown has always been a ground for fostering Kiwi talent, and this initiative strengthens that pathway. We’re not just booking artists for a set, we’re investing in the next chapter of New Zealand music.”
With seven stages, tens of thousands of fans, and the most ambitious production scale in Homegrown history, the addition of the Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage reinforces the festival’s mission: uplifting local talent while celebrating the artists who carry the sound of Aotearoa to the world.
Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage Line Up
Altercation X Erin G | Auckland Tamaki Makaurau-based singer-songwriter, Erin G, and Queenstown DJ/Producer Altercation will team up to dive into new sonic territory with their EP, Dream it Again, a poignant EP which captures Erin G’s intimate storytelling alongside Altercation’s soulful side of drum and bass.
Cordian | Auckland An alternative/progressive rock group from Auckland, the band consists of Mike Raven (Guitars/Keys, Kris Raven (Drums/Percussion, Nick Raven (Bass) and Dity Maharaj (Vocals/Artwork).
Imani-J | Nelson Haitian-New Zealand artist, Imani-J is crafting music that sits at the intersection of Afrofusion and R&B. An artist in the truest sense of the word, Imani-J is a singer, songwriter, dancer, and performer with a strong vision for her future.
PRINS | Auckland PRINS is a New Zealand-born pop artist carving out a bold, international lane with sleek pop hooks, sharp visuals, and a live show built for scale. Blending high-energy pop with a darker, confident edge, her sound sits comfortably alongside RAYE, Selena Gomez, Tate McRae, and Ashnikko, polished, emotionally charged, and unapologetically modern.
Verity | Hamilton Known for her deeply honest storytelling and blend of pop, soul, and R&B, vocalist, performer and social media star, Verity started her musical journey in Hamilton, Kirikiriroa and continues to carve out a sound that is raw, real and unmistakably her own.
Wet Denim | Wellington Four-piece rock pop band from Wellington, Wet Denim established themselves as a must-see live act in the Australasian scenes. The group’s sound is a blend of captivating vocals, lush guitar chords, syrupy basslines, and hard-hitting drums.
The festival will be held in Hamilton for the first time in 2026, kicking off on Saturday, 14 March at Claudelands Oval.
About Jim Beam Homegrown
Jim Beam Homegrown is New Zealand’s largest Kiwi-only music festival, celebrating the best of Aotearoa’s musical talent. Established in 2008 in Hamilton, initially as X*Air, an extreme sports festival, Jim Beam Homegrown showcases a wide range of genres, including rock, funk, pop, reggae, hip-hop, and electronic music.
Foreign Minister Winston Peters will lead a Parliamentary and business delegation to Latin America next week, highlighting the strategic importance of New Zealand’s ties with the region.
“This trip is a timely opportunity to strengthen our relationships in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay – and to identify areas we can work together to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment,” Mr Peters says.
“Our Latin American partners are important to us and this visit will raise our commercial profile in the region and create opportunities for New Zealand businesses. The delegation will promote New Zealand’s reputation as a provider of innovative, high-quality products and services and help create new commercial linkages. Latin American markets offer exciting potential for New Zealand exporters.”
Mr Peters will be accompanied by a business delegation as well as a group of MPs from across Parliament:
Nicole McKee, Minister for Courts and Associate Minister of Justice;
Tim van de Molen, Chair of the Foreign Affairs, Defence and Trade Select Committee;
Carmel Sepuloni, Deputy Leader of the Opposition; and
Damien O’Connor, Opposition Trade Spokesperson.
The delegation will meet with senior government leaders and a range of parliamentary, business and education contacts.
On its way back to New Zealand, the delegation will undertake short programmes in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and French Polynesia.
“The Pacific is central to New Zealand’s foreign policy approach. We are pleased to have visited all Pacific Islands Forum countries at least once during this Parliamentary term and are looking forward to returning to French Polynesia and to making connections in Rapa Nui.”
The delegation departs on Sunday 1 March and returns on Monday 9 March.
A new report published today by Dental For All explores eight overseas approaches to oral healthcare and shows another way is possible for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Adult dental care currently sits outside of the public health system, leaving nearly half of the population unable to afford it.[1] The report, titled ‘There Are Alternatives: Analysis of Overseas Models of Expanding Access to Oral Healthcare within Public Health Systems’, is the third released by Dental for All, a group calling for free, universal, Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent oral healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand.
“This research draws together examples of how other countries provide oral healthcare and shows how we can transform our approach to ensure everyone has access to the care they need,” says Dental for All campaigner and report coordinator, Kayli Taylor.
The countries included in the report (Niue, Japan, Colombia, Canada, Cuba, Finland, the United Kingdom, and Brazil) all take a more comprehensive approach to oral healthcare and provide publicly-funded care to a wider population. The report explores the benefits of each example and lessons for Aotearoa New Zealand. Research work was done by a researcher and a dentist with the support of the Dental for All team. It included desk research and conversations with oral health professionals working in these countries, or familiar with their contexts.
“In Aotearoa, children can access funded oral healthcare until their 18th birthday, however adult oral healthcare is fully privatised, making it inaccessible to many. This report shows that there are alternatives; a better approach to oral healthcare is possible,” says oral health researcher and co-author Anne Campbell.
“Rather than being the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff, the approaches researched for this report show that investing in good, regular oral healthcare provides long-term benefits for individuals, communities and the country as a whole,” continues Campbell.
In 2024, Dental for All released a report by FrankAdvice which found that the social, economic and fiscal costs of people not being able to afford dental care exceed the cost of funding free dental care for everyone.[2] Following this, a 2025 report focused on lived experience and shared ten stories from people who have struggled to access necessary dental care – highlighting the stress, shame and stigma that results from our current approach to oral healthcare.
“There is a strong public mandate to change how we approach oral health in Aotearoa, and we have the economic case and human stories to back this up,” says Dental for All campaigner Hana Pilkinton-Ching.
“People often ask the question, ‘What do other countries do?’. This research provides an answer. We can learn from these overseas examples, as well as local case studies and Māori leadership in the oral health space, to move towards a system which provides everyone the care that they need and upholds Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says Pilkinton-Ching.
Dental for All will release a fourth report in the coming months which outlines a policy model for free, universal and Te Tiriti o Waitangi-consistent oral healthcare in Aotearoa New Zealand, and aims to secure policy commitments from political parties ahead of the 2026 General Election.
[1] In the latest NZ Health Survey, 43% of adults reported unmet need for dental care due to cost, with higher rates of unmet need for Māori, Pacific and disabled communities.
[2] This research finds more than $6 billion in social costs, $5 billion in economic costs, and further fiscal costs (including impacts on the health system) as a result of unmet dental need in NZ adults. The cost of funding free, universal dental care is estimated to be less than $2 billion per year (based on costings published by ASMS, Stuff and the Green Party).
KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 25 February 2026 – First established in 2019, JIN Gastrobar introduces a refreshed take on modern continental cuisine, bringing together thoughtfully crafted dishes, curated gin selections, and signature cocktails in a warm, contemporary setting. Conveniently located within Aurum Theatre at The Gardens Mall and Mid Valley Southkey JB, the restaurant welcomes diners without the need for a movie ticket, making it an accessible dining destination for both moviegoers and dine-in guests alike.
JIN Gastrobar’s new menu includes a variety of intercontinental mains such as grilled meats and fish, delectable pastas, desserts, and not forgetting JIN Gastrobar’s signature cocktails and mocktails.
Inspired by a play on the words “Jin,” meaning gold in Mandarin, and “Gin,” one of its signature pours, JIN Gastrobar was created as a space where food, drinks, and meaningful moments come together. The space is designed to suit every occasion, from intimate date nights and quality time with loved ones to casual gatherings and solo indulgence.
A Prelude of Flavours
The refreshed menu begins with a variety of appetisers, including sharing platters, starters, soups, and salads designed to offer warmth and balance. Highlights include:
Chargrilled Octopus (RM68)
Canadian Atlantic Lobster Roll (RM58)
Trio of Fries (RM32)
Mains from Land and Sea
The main course selection spans grilled meats, fresh seafood, and comforting pastas, offering something for every palate. Amongst a range of selections, diners can choose from:
Complementary sides such as russet steak fries, sautéed spinach, sautéed mushrooms, truffled mashed potatoes, and Peruvian asparagus with broccolini are available, priced from RM15 to RM35.
Desserts and Signature Sips
To end on a sweet note, guests can enjoy desserts including Classic Tiramisu (RM25), Chocolate Brûlée, Lime and Lychee Mousse (RM25), and Apple Crumble with Ice Cream.
features signature cocktails (RM50 each) with flavour profiles such as olive, pineapple, calamansi, and lychee. Non-alcoholic mocktails include Peach Sunrise, Pineapple Passion, Calamansi Fizz, Elderflower Fizz, and Virgin Mojito.
Dine & Post, Get Rewarded
From 21 January 2026 to 21 March 2026, the first 300 GSC Rewards members who dine in and post an Instagram Story tagging @jingastrobar will receive a complimentary mocktail.
Dine in at JIN Gastrobar.
Post an Instagram Story and tag @jingastrobar.
Present the Story to staff to redeem a complimentary mocktail.
JIN Gastrobar operates daily from 11:00am to 10:00pm at The Gardens Mall, Kuala Lumpur and Mid Valley South Key, Johor Bahru
With its refreshed menu and inviting ambience, JIN Gastrobar offers a versatile dining space suited for every occasion.
For further updates, stay tuned to JIN Gastrobar’s social media channels: https://www.instagram.com/jingastrobar/?hl=en
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has approved the release of a leaf-feeding beetle (Blaptea elguetai) as a biological control agent to combat Chilean flame creeper (Tropaeolum speciosum), an invasive weed in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Chilean flame creeper is an invasive pest plant that spreads quickly and smothers native plants. It is now a threat in many regions, especially Southland, Otago, and Canterbury. It can be found on Stewart Island/Rakiura and the Chatham Islands. It is also becoming a problem plant in Manawatū-Whanganui.
Environment Southland, on behalf of the National Biocontrol Collective, applied to import the beetle as removing the weed by hand or using herbicides is not very effective, takes a lot of time, and can harm nearby plants.
EPA Acting Manager of New Organisms and International Applications, Peter Day, says the leaf-feeding beetle offers a low-maintenance solution that can reach areas that are hard to access.
“The decision to approve introduction of this organism was made by an independent decision-making committee, which follows a rigorous, evidence-based assessment.
“The risk assessment provided by the applicant showed that the Chilean flame creeper leaf beetle is highly unlikely to harm native plants or animals. It also does not bite or sting, so there is no health risk to people.”
Mr Day says the decision followed public consultation, engagement with mana whenua, and consideration of international best practice.
“New Zealand has a strong track record of using biological control agents to manage invasive weeds with minimal impact on native ecosystems.”
In recent years the EPA has approved other biocontrol agents for weeds such as Darwin’s barberry, purple loosestrife, old man’s beard, Sydney golden wattle, and moth plant.
AI systems generating realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent has led to the New Zealand Office of the Privacy Commissioner co-signing a joint statement on the issue. The concerns about these technologies include the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery and potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups.
The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that these systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules. The statement also notes that fundamental principles should apply when using AI content generation systems, including implementing robust safeguards, transparency, and addressing specific risks to children.
Joint Statement on AI-Generated Imagery and the Protection of Privacy
The co-signatories below are issuing this Joint Statement in response to serious concerns about artificial intelligence (AI) systems that generate realistic images and videos depicting identifiable individuals without their knowledge and consent.
While AI can bring meaningful benefits for individuals and society, recent developments – particularly AI image and video generation integrated into widely accessible social media platforms – have enabled the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery, defamatory depictions, and other harmful content featuring real individuals. We are especially concerned about potential harms to children and other vulnerable groups, such as cyber-bullying and/or exploitation.
Expectations for Organisations
The co-signatories remind all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems that such systems must be developed and used in accordance with applicable legal frameworks, including data protection and privacy rules.
We also highlight that the creation of non-consensual intimate imagery can constitute a criminal offence in many jurisdictions.
Whilst specific legal requirements vary by jurisdiction, fundamental principles should guide all organisations developing and using AI content generation systems, including:
Implement robust safeguards to prevent the misuse of personal information and generation of non-consensual intimate imagery and other harmful materials, particularly where children are depicted.
Ensure meaningful transparency about AI system capabilities, safeguards, acceptable uses and the consequences of misuse.
Provide effective and accessible mechanisms for individuals to request the removal of harmful content involving personal information and respond rapidly to such requests.
Address specific risks to children through implementing enhanced safeguards and providing clear, age-appropriate information to children, parents, guardians and educators.
Coordinated Response
The harms arising from non-consensual generation of intimate, defamatory, or otherwise harmful content depicting real individuals are significant and call for urgent regulatory attention.
To encourage the development of innovative and privacy-protective AI, the co-signatories of this statement are united in expressing their concern about the potential harms from the misuse of AI content generation systems. The co-signatories aim to share information on their approaches to addressing these concerns that can include enforcement, policy and education, as appropriate and to the extent that such sharing is consistent with applicable laws. This reflects our shared commitment and joint effort in addressing a global risk.
Conclusion
We call on organisations to engage proactively with regulators, implement robust safeguards from the outset, and ensure that technological advancement does not come at the expense of privacy, dignity, safety, and other fundamental rights – particularly for the most vulnerable of our global society.
List of signatories
Information and Data Protection Office of the Republic of Albania
Andorran Data Protection Agency, Andorra
Agency of Access to Public Information – DPA Argentina
Ombudsman’s Office of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires, Argentina
Office of the Information Commissioner, Queensland, Australia
Basque Data Protection Authority, Spain
Data Protection Authority, Belgium
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Bermuda
National Data Protection Agency, Brazil
Commission for Personal Data Protection of the Republic of Bulgaria
Commission for Information Technology and Freedoms, Burkina Faso
Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Alberta, Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for British Columbia, Canada
Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Commission on Access to Information of Quebec, Canada
National Commission of Data Protection, Republic of Cabo Verde
Catalan Data Protection Authority, Catalonia (Spain)
Superintendence of Industry and Commerce of Colombia
Croatian Personal Data Protection Agency
Commissioner for Personal Data Protection, Cyprus
Superintendence of Personal Data Protection of Ecuador
European Data Protection Board
European Data Protection Supervisor
National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties, France
Federal Commissioner for Data Protection and Freedom of Information, Germany
Data Protection Commission Ghana
Gibraltar Regulatory Authority
Office of the Data Protection Authority, Bailiwick of Guernsey
Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Hong Kong (SAR), China
The Icelandic Data Protection Authority
Data Protection Commission, Ireland
Isle of Man Information Commissioner
Israeli Privacy Protection Authority
Italian Data Protection Authority
Jersey Office of the Information Commissioner, Bailiwick of Jersey
Office of the Data Protection Commissioner, Kenya
Information and Privacy Agency, Kosovo
Office of the Information and Data Protection Commissioner of Malta
Mauritius Data Protection Office
Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of the State of Mexico and Municipalities, Mexico
Institute for Transparency, Access to Public Information and Personal Data Protection of Nuevo León, Mexico
Personal Data Protection Unit of the Anti-Corruption and Good Government Secretariat, Mexico
Personal Data Protection Authority, Monaco
Dutch Data Protection Authority, Netherlands
Office of the Privacy Commissioner, New Zealand
Nigeria Data Protection Commission
Norwegian Data Protection Authority
The National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information, Panama
National Authority for the Protection of Personal Data, Peru
National Privacy Commission, Philippines
Personal Data Protection Office, Poland
Portuguese Data Protection Supervisory Authority, Portugal
Personal Data Protection Commission of the Republic of Singapore
Information Commissioner of the Republic of Slovenia
Personal Information Protection Commission, Republic of Korea
Federal Data Protection and Information Commissioner, Switzerland
ADGM Office of Data Protection, Emirate of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates)
Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, Emirate of Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
UK Information Commissioner’s Office, United Kingdom
Regulatory and Control Unit for Personal Data, Uruguay
New Zealand high jumper Hamish Kerr is the Supreme Winner at The 63rd Halberg Awards. 2026.Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Supreme Halberg Award winner Hamish Kerr has set himself some lofty goals to achieve over the next few years and it includes a tilt at the world record.
“To be honoured for those achievements (at the Halberg Awards) was very special,” Kerr told RNZ.
However, what the Olympic champion has done in the last two years is spurring him on to higher things.
The 29-year-old Cantabrian has always been motivated by jumping higher and has said with that comes results.
“I came into this sport with just this desire to want to jump higher and that is the amazing thing about athletics it is so measurable.
“That goal to see where the limit is, with how high I can jump, has not been achieved yet.”
Kerr is in the middle of a heavy training block and will open his season at the National Championships in Auckland in early March.
He will defend his Diamond League title and Commonwealth Games titles this year and improving his personal best from 2:36m to 2:40m is the aim for 2026.
Only 16 men have jumped 2:40m or higher and the last person did it in 2014.
“It is definitely the target for this year and to achieve that would be an amazing honour, but we also know there is more in the tank.”
He is also inspired by the thought of challenging the world record of 2:45m set by Cuban Javier Sotomayor in 1993.
Kerr realises it would be quite an achievement, but it’s one he has put plenty of thought into.
“With my team we wrote down all the things we think we could optimise and it came out as quite a big list. So that is really gratifying to know that even after all these years there are still a lot of stones that we haven’t turned over yet.
“I think in the next few years if we can start flipping a few of those over there is a decent chance that we’ll be able to get a number of those centimetres.”
England captain Harry KanePressinphoto / PHOTOSPORT
The All Whites will play England as a part of their final preparations for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
The two sides will meet in Florida on 6 June, five days out from the start of the tournament.
England, who went through World Cup qualifying with a perfect sevens wins in their European group, are currently ranked four in the world and New Zealand 85.
The game will see the All Whites face their highest-ranked opponent in 17 years and they will clash with England for just the third time in history.
New Zealand last faced England in 1991, losing two friendlies in Auckland and Wellington.
“Our strategy over the last year has been to take on top-ranked sides to ensure we are in the best place to perform at the tournament, and this match gives us a final opportunity to really test ourselves against one of the favourites,” All Whites coach Darren Bazeley said.
“England are a great side with big names all over the pitch, but we want our players to face that type of challenge so we can work collectively to find solutions against top teams.
“This match should be a great occasion but also a critical part of our final preparation before we face Iran in Los Angeles at the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
Captains shake hands, Stuart Pierce (England) and Malcolm Dunford (All Whites), All Whites v England, Athletic Park, Wellington. 1991.Troy Restieaux / www.photosport.nz
Prior to departing for the World Cup the All Whites will play two home games in March against Finland and Chile as part of the FIFA Series 2026.
At the World Cup, New Zealand play Iran, Egypt and Belgium in group G, while England will face Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L.
SYDNEY, Feb. 11, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) is pleased to report the results of a metallurgical optimisation program conducted at CDTN, a Brazilian federal research institute with specialist capabilities in metallurgical process development.
The program independently validated low-temperature sulfuric acid curing at 150°C using standard equipment. Importantly, a 15 kg blended composite scale-up test replicated the very high extractions achieved at laboratory-scale, providing increased confidence in scalability.
Key Highlights
Very High Extraction Rates: 97% for Total Rare Earth Oxides, 97% for Neodymium + Praseodymium, 83% for Dysprosium, 87% for Terbium and 97% for Uranium
Low-Temperature Flowsheet: Peak extraction achieved at 150°C using a low-temperature, acid-cure process – removing the need for high temperature (>250°C) rotary kilns
Low-Cost Processing: The low-temperature acid-cure process delivers high recoveries at materially lower energy intensity – supports potential for lower opex and capex flowsheet using conventional paddle mixers
Exceptional End-to-End System Yields: When combined with recently announced ore sorting recovery of +95%, estimated total ‘mineral-to-product’ recovery of ~91% TREO and ~89% for Uranium
Further Optimisation Upsides: Opportunities to shorten wash durations, optimise process acids and intensity, while maintaining or improving high extraction performance
Table 1: Blended composite extraction results (15 kg) & end-to-end system yields
Oxide
Head Grade (ppm)
Extraction (%)
End-to-End Yield (%)
Recovered Grade (ppm)
TREO (Total Rare Earth Oxides)
196,083
97
91
179,279
NdPr (Neodymium + Praseodymium)
31,050
97
92
28,543
Tb (Terbium)
246
87
82
203
Dy (Dysprosium)
1,383
83
78
1,081
Y (Yttrium)
6,361
84
79
5,019
U (Uranium)
2,627
97
89
2,347
Note: End-to-end yield is calculated as the product of extraction rates achieved in the 15 kg blended composite metallurgical test, an ore-sorting recovery of 95%, and recoveries from additional downstream metallurgical steps previously evaluated by ANSTO to produce a Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate. Recovered grade is calculated as the product of head grade and end-to-end yield.
BRE Managing Director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, commented:
“Our metallurgy program validated a low-temperature, acid-cure process which delivers industry-leading recoveries for both rare earth and uranium products.
Importantly, the results support the potential for leading total system yields – from mineral to product – a key driver for efficiency and cost performance. When combined with Monte Alto’s ore sorting yield of +95%, the total system product recovery is 92% for NdPr, up to 82% for the heavy rare earths DyTb and Y, and 89% for uranium.
These results are key to unlocking value from the high-grade mineralisation across our Rocha da Rocha province. This acid-cure process eliminates the need for energy-intensive thermal cracking and supports the engineering simplicity required for scalable deployment at our centralised Camaçari rare earth processing hub.
We are now focused on applying this proven flowsheet to our broader resource base that will allow us to integrate multiple high-grade feedstocks into a flexible ‘hub-and-spoke’ production platform.”
SYDNEY, Feb. 04, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brazilian Rare Earths Limited (ASX: BRE / OTCQX: BRELY) (‘BRE’) is pleased to report exceptional results from sensor-based ore sorting test work program that confirms its suitability for Monte Alto’s beneficiation process flowsheet.
Key Highlights
Exceptional grade enrichment (+100%): Achieved grade upgrade factors of >2x, increasing feed grades from 12.4% TREO to ~27% TREO, using multi-sensor ore sorting
High-grade product in single-pass: Produced a +27% TREO ultra-high grade product with single-pass processing
World-class recoveries (95%): Cascade ore sorting produced a +20% TREO rare earth product, with exceptional cumulative recoveries of ~96–99% and upgrade factors of 1.3x-1.7x
Efficient waste rejection: Successfully rejected ~25% of feed mass as waste with negligible rare earth loss (
Simple, dry beneficiation: Results validate ore sorting for Monte Alto mineralisation – delivering a high-grade product at yields of +95%, highlighting the potential for downstream direct rare earth extraction
Lower costs: Lower capex and operating costs, with enhanced economics
BRE Managing Director and CEO, Bernardo da Veiga, commented:
“These exceptional ore sorting results from run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock have exceeded all our expectations. They demonstrate that sensor-based concentration can significantly enhance project economics with +95% yields at lower capital and operating costs, whilst simultaneously reducing environmental footprint through lower energy, minimal water and no reagents.
Our metallurgical programs are designed to maximise the value of Monte Alto’s ultra-high grade rare earth, uranium, scandium, niobium, and tantalum mineralisation. These ore sorting results build on our previous metallurgical programs with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) and provide a pathway for world-leading mineral-to-product yields.
Last year’s metallurgical program with ANSTO successfully demonstrated direct hydrometallurgical processing of high-grade Monte Alto mineralisation, including impurity removal, uranium recovery and the production of high-purity mixed rare earth carbonate.
Importantly, the multi-sensor ore sorter enriched run-of-mine Monte Alto feedstock by over two times in a single pass, producing a concentrate of +27% TREO. Subsequent cumulative ore sorter runs produced a+20% TREO concentrate at very high total recoveries of 96-99%.
Rare earth projects are typically characterised by low head grades and complex, high-cost processing flowsheets. Monte Alto’s ultra-high grades can deliver a beneficiated product at grades that are suitable for direct hydrometallurgical processing. BRE will now progress flowsheet design, targeting a multi-sensor system capable of processing 100% of Monte Alto’s run-of-mine material at +95% yields.”
YAKESHI, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 8 February 2026 – Changan Automobile held a release event themed “Changan SDA Intelligence Update & Global Launch of Sodium-Ion Battery Strategy” in Yakeshi, Inner Mongolia. During the event, Changan formally unveiled its global sodium-ion battery strategy and announced the commencement of its 2026 Global Testing Season.
Changan is accelerating the advancement of sodium-ion battery technology as part of its global battery strategy. Tan Benhong, Chief Brand Officer of China Changan Automobile Group, noted that Changan will continue to roll out new sodium-ion battery–equipped vehicles across multiple brands in the near future.
“From extreme conditions to everyday driving — every pursuit of limits at Changan ultimately serves to protect each of our users’ everyday journeys.” stated Mr. Tan.
Under extreme low temperatures, sodium-ion battery systems demonstrated stable discharge capability, with validation extending beyond minus 40 degrees Celsius. To verify intrinsic safety, Changan and CATL conducted extreme abuse tests exceeding national standards, including compression, nail penetration, drilling, and full cutting under full charge, all without fire, explosion, smoke, or thermal runaway.
SDA Intelligence: Validation in Extreme Conditions
The launch also showcased SDA Intelligence, which moves beyond passive safety into proactive, AI-driven vehicle stabilization. During live extreme-cold testing in Yakeshi, vehicles from AVATR and Changan brands—including the CS Series, CHANGAN DEEPAL, and CHANGAN NEVO—were subjected to real-world scenarios under severe low-temperature conditions.
The AVATR 12 completed an ice-surface emergency lane-change following a tire blowout at 80 km/h. CHANGAN NEVO Q05 identified obstacles on low-friction ice during an Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) challenge and achieved a controlled emergency halt. CHANGAN DEEPAL L06 demonstrated rapid posture adjustments during a high-speed circular drift challenge on snow.
User-facing safety at Changan is built on a validation-first approach supported by a robust verification system and globally advanced laboratory infrastructure, including the Western Automotive Proving Ground and the CHANGAN SDA Lab, enabling comprehensive, all-scenario validation across the full vehicle lifecycle.
Yakeshi is only the starting point. The 2026 Global Testing Season will include Southeast Asia for high-humidity durability and the European Alps for high-altitude chassis tuning. In Eurasia, Changan will conduct winter testing centered on confidence in ice and snow, with AVATR 12 as the test vehicle. In Latin America, Changan will carry out a Mexico cross-country drive from Cancun to Merida, focusing on long-distance reliability.
Hashtag: #Changan
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
JAKARTA, INDONESIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 6 February 2026 – 2026 marks the 35th anniversary of the establishment of dialogue relations between China and ASEAN and the 5th anniversary of the establishment of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. It also coincides with the Year of the Horse in Chinese Spring Festival. On February 5, the “Steeds Herald Spring, Blessings Fill ASEAN”—Spring Festival @ ASEAN Headquarters 2026 was successfully held at the ASEAN Headquarters in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN and representatives of the Guangxi government pose for a handshake group photo with the permanent representatives of the 11 ASEAN member states (Photo by Huang Jundong)
The event, supported by the Mission of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, the Permanent Mission of Malaysia to ASEAN, and the ASEAN Secretariat, was hosted by the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, and jointly organized by Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, Guangxi Tourism Development Group, and Guangxi Cultural Industry Group. More than 250 guests attended the event, including envoys from the 11 ASEAN countries and external partners such as Russia, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil, senior officials from the ASEAN Secretariat, representatives from mainstream ASEAN media, local university faculty and students, and representatives from Chinese-funded enterprises.
I. A Gathering of Distinguished Guests, Sharing a Common Vision
This marks the first time that Chinese Spring Festival cultural activities have been held at the ASEAN Headquarters. With the deepening of globalization, the traditional festival of Spring Festival is not only a time for family reunions for the Chinese people, but also a new bond for dialogue between different civilizations. The Chinese Spring Festival embodies the philosophy of “harmony and coexistence”, which aligns perfectly with the ASEAN countries’ pursuit of “unity and cooperation”. Furthermore, the sustainable development concept of “rejuvenating the old and welcoming the new” resonates strongly with the ASEAN region’s vision of “common prosperity”.
Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, stated in his video address that over time, the Spring Festival has evolved into a global celebration. Its inscription on the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024 underscores the rich significance of this precious human heritage. Within ASEAN, many member states celebrate the Spring Festival, reminding people of the deep emotional bonds that transcend national borders. ASEAN will continue its commitment to fostering a community proud of its identity, actively undertaking the responsibility of protecting, preserving, and creating culture, arts, and traditions, and promoting the development of the cultural and creative industries. As we welcome the Year of the Horse, we hope everyone will embrace the elegance, vitality, and forward momentum that the horse represents, and embark on the new year together with hope, resilience, and unity.
Wang Qing, Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN, stated in his address that the Spring Festival symbolizes reunion, joy, and harmony. Celebrating the holiday together exemplifies the close bonds between the people of China and ASEAN, the integration of our civilizations, and our harmonious coexistence. The China-ASEAN community with a shared future is growing ever closer, demonstrating powerful vitality and setting an exemplary model for building a community with a shared future for mankind. He specifically noted that Guangxi serves as a vital “connection point” and “intersection point” for China-ASEAN friendship, exchanges, and cooperation, functioning as both a “gateway and engine” within the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. In the new year, he extended heartfelt wishes for China-ASEAN friendship and cooperation to surge forward like galloping horses, unstoppable in its momentum.
Ambassador Sarah, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN, noted in the address that as the Country Coordinator for China-ASEAN Relations, Malaysia has been privileged to witness and foster the flourishing development of the China-ASEAN Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Cultural celebrations like today’s Spring Festival event vividly demonstrate that our partnership extends far beyond trade agreements and diplomatic protocols. ASEAN and China share a deep, mature, and resilient relationship that will continue to grow and strengthen on the solid foundation of mutual respect, shared interests, and a common vision for peace, stability and prosperity in the region.
Li Pan, Director of the Information Office of the People’s Government of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, stated in his address that Guangxi is honored to host this event at the ASEAN Headquarters. As the permanent host city of the China-ASEAN Expo, Guangxi serves as an important platform for China-ASEAN economic and trade cooperation and cultural exchanges. Guangxi is working with ASEAN countries to build an artificial intelligence development path of “R&D in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou + Integration in Guangxi + Application in ASEAN”, and actively creating a new trade chain of “Production in ASEAN + Distribution in Guangxi + Sales in China”. In 2026, Guangxi will work hand in hand with all sectors of ASEAN to forge ahead and strengthen the neighborly bond between China and ASEAN over time. II. Celebrating the Spring Festival and Savoring the Festive Flavors
The event invited guests from around the world to gather together, celebrating the Spring Festival for the Year of the Horse, savoring the flavors of the Chinese Spring Festival, and appreciating the beauty of the arts. The opening performance, “The Beauty of China: Guangxi’s Zhuang Ethnic Charm”, featured a symbolic dance and connected it with a classic excerpt from the Caidiao Opera “Liu Sanjie”, including the “Antiphonal Song”, creating an artistic masterpiece that blends Eastern poetry with innovative ingenuity. The Chinese instrumental performance, “Chinese Chic Performance for Celebrating the Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse”, featured erhu and suona as the main instruments, playing classic melodies such as the theme song from “Journey to the West” and “Black Myth: Wukong”, converging into a “National Trend IP Music Festival”. When Guangxi ethnic instruments, the maguhu (horse-bone fiddle) and the bolie, met Indonesian gamelan, Chinese and Indonesian musicians jointly performed classics like “Jasmine Flower” and “Folk Songs Like Spring River Water”making the phrase “high mountains and flowing water meet a kindred spirit” more concrete and creating a lasting artistic resonance.
During the event, Guangxi Daily (Guangxi International Communication Center), Guangxi Radio and Television, together with ASEAN media such as TVRI, El John TV, and Harian Inhua, jointly launched the China-ASEAN Spring Festival Short Video Exhibition Week. Using short videos as a link, the event showcased the joyous scenes of China and ASEAN countries celebrating the Spring Festival together from multiple dimensions, inviting netizens around the world to jointly celebrate the Chinese Spring Festival as a global festival through the Internet.
III. Savoring the Cultural Gathering, Welcoming the Prosperous Spring Festival
On the same day, the “Spring Blessings for Success at the Year of the Horse” Chinese Spring Festival Cultural Exhibition and the “Instant Joy Market” Spring Festival Cultural Market were held simultaneously at the ASEAN Headquarters. Guests from various countries experienced the hospitality of “Tea Harmonies the World” through immersive experiences that included playing, appreciating, and tasting, creating “Ancient Charm and Blessings” calligraphy and painting rubbings, admiring the exquisite paper-cutting art, and enjoying a feast of Spring Festival delicacies from all directions.
The most surprising experience for the guests was exploring the smart future using Guangxi’s cutting-edge AI technology. Guests from various countries experienced intelligent translation devices and wore AR glasses, immersing themselves in barrier-free communication and exploring the thousand-year-old legend of the Zuojiang Huashan Rock Art Cultural Landscape. Hardy Chung, a reporter from Harian Inhua, remarked that China’s AI technology not only accurately depicted the beautiful scenery of the Spring Festival but also vividly expressed the touching story of ASEAN and China being connected by mountains and seas and sharing good neighborly friendship, presenting a beautiful picture of cooperation towards the future.
On February 4th, two “Instant Blessings” Pop-Up Events were held at the Halim Station of the Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway and the Mall Central Park in Jakarta, Indonesia, creating a festive atmosphere for the Chinese Spring Festival. Performers from Guangxi presented a variety of acts including song, dance, opera, and puppetry, attracting many locals to participate in interactive activities, join in the “Guangxi Kemusan Dance”, and share the joy of the Spring Festival. Yi Yan, a social media blogger traveling and living in Indonesia, exclaimed, “This year’s Spring Festival atmosphere in Jakarta is different!”
This event attracted more than 20 media outlets, including People’s Daily, Xinhua News Agency, China Media Group, China News Service, TVRI, METRO TV, bolong.id, and Vietnam News Agency to report on the event and widely spread the concepts of peace, amity, and harmony in the Spring Festival to people at home and abroad.
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.