The MiningNewsWire Podcast

DeepMarkit Inc. (TSX.V: MKT) (OTCQB: MKTDF) at the Forefront of Rising Gamification Trend for E-Commerce

With the number of mobile shoppers increasing every day and e-commerce continuing to gobble up more and more of the $22 trillion-plus global retail market, gamification is emerging as a highly effective conversion technology for turning web app visitors into loyal customers through the use of entertaining game design features.

• E-Commerce has high growth rate and considerable room to grow
• Customer conversion tech such as gamification spreading fast due to efficacy
• China and Asia-Pacific have highest e-commerce growth rates

DeepMarkit Inc. (TSX.V: MKT) (OTC: MKTDF) is at the forefront of the trend toward gamification for e-commerce with offerings such as the recently released multiplatform slide-out app Gamify, which helped accelerate month-over-month growth of the company’s merchant base by 61 percent. Shopify, Inc. (NYSE: SHOP) recently released Shopify Ping, a message consolidation app for iOS that unifies messaging from social media, email and other sources with a merchant’s online storefront to create a seamless real-time conversation space. E-Commerce giant Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMZN) reportedly handled 44 percent of all e-commerce sales in the United States last year (4 percent of all retail), according to One Click Retail. In addition, a recent Alpine.AI and InfoScout study shows the company pulling down 8 percent higher sales from owners of the company’s gamified and Alexa skills-enabled Bluetooth speaker, the Echo. Often called the Amazon.com of China, Alibaba Group Holding, Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) has some 552 million active users via Taobao and Tmall, and the company has established a nice relationship with the Chinese middle-class consumer with offerings such as the augmented reality shopping game “Catch the Cat,” which launched last Singles’ Day (November 11) at the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival. Alibaba’s up-and-coming rival JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ: JD), via partnership with Tencent’s (OTC: TCEHY) multipurpose messaging, social media and mobile payment app WeChat, has also seen major success in this general area with group-buying platform Pinduoduo’s gamified shopping app sweeping the platform. Pinduoduo recently filed for a $1 billion U.S. IPO.

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (VRCP) Shines in Flourishing Industry as Disruptive Fintech Developer

Emergent fintech such as distributed ledger-based blockchain technology and the cryptocurrencies built thereupon are rapidly transforming the face of the financial industry, reshaping how money is used at an essential level. An explosion of fintech companies marks the dawn of this new era, quickly turning the financial institutions that historically have played middlemen into dinosaurs as an increasing number of businesses and individuals turn to peer-to-peer (P2P) and peer-to-business (P2B) transaction options. This is a hot market for disruptive fintech developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (OTC: VRCP), with its cryptocurrency transaction confirmation application programming interface (API) Bit4Sure, real-time cryptography-based algorithmic cryptocurrency transaction validation engine NetoBit and crypto point-of-sale (POS) offerings such as NetoBit Pay that use the NetoBit application. For payment tech giants such as Square, Inc. (NYSE: SQ) and Worldpay, Inc. (NYSE: WP), or P2P lending innovators such as LendingClub Corporation (NYSE: LC), the iron is now ready to strike and blockchain powerhouses, such as Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE: BR), will add considerable force to the hammer blows as the industry forges a new future for money.

 

Zenosense, Inc. (ZENO) Developing Handheld Diagnostic Device to Provide Rapid Cardiac Biomarker Tests

Diagnostic devices are a crucial part of the medical technology sector, and many companies are pressing forward with work in this area. Zenosense, Inc. (OTC: ZENO) has just announced breakthrough quantitative test results for its MIDS Cardiac handheld diagnostic technology, under development to provide rapid cardiac biomarker tests in emergency settings. Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (NYSE: TMO) has developed devices to streamline protein characterization, improve analysis of small molecules, and improve the speed and confidence of laboratory spectrometry. Merit Medical Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: MMSI) has recently finalized a deal with NinePoint Medical that will increase access to NinePoint’s groundbreaking platform for the detection of esophageal cancer. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) has undertaken the U.S. launch of an analyzer to help diabetics diagnose their state of health. And Koninklijke Philips N.V. (NYSE: PHG) has acquired Remote Diagnostic Technologies to increase its offering of frontline diagnostic tools, which include invaluable devices for emergency medicine.

Lithium Chile Inc. (TSX.V: LITH) (OTCQB: LTMCF) Aims to Capitalize on Soaring Lithium Demand

Lithium stocks have soared over the last couple years, driven by global demand for lithium-ion batteries and anticipated subsequent supply chain deficits. The supply-demand imbalance is highlighted by reports that Li-ion battery consumption grew 73 percent from 2010 to 2014, whereas lithium production only increased 28 percent. Moreover, between 2014 and 2017 the cost of a lithium-ion battery was cut in half, increasing demand and further exacerbating lithium feedstock shortages. Portending the enormity of coming shortfalls, Roskill, a leader in international metals and minerals research, tripled its lithium demand forecast last year, and now expects demand to exceed a million tons annually within the next eight years. Under these market factors, acquisitions and joint ventures are becoming almost commonplace among manufacturers and miners. Institutional investors are also entering the fray and attention is turning to junior miners since the majors will be hard pressed to alleviate feedstock deficits. Prospective junior miner Lithium Chile (TSX.V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) aims to capitalize on these deficits. With vast resources directly in the heart of South America’s famed lithium triangle, the company recently announced a joint venture MOU and is initiating a new high-priority drilling program. In attempts to keep pace with global deficits, other lithium producers such as Albemarle Corp. (NYSE: ALB), Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE: SQM), Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) and FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC) have all taken measures to increase production. 

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc.’s (OTCQB: VRCP) Innovative Platform Delivers Adaptability and Decreased Transaction Time

While there remains some uncertainty about how forthcoming cryptocurrency and virtual currency regulations will shake out, “cryptocurrency is here to stay,” said Jason Huang, CEO of graphics card giant NVIDIA during a recent CNBC Mad Money interview (http://nnw.fm/7MAsT). Factors sustaining this looming permanency include the need more than 2 billion people worldwide who are unbanked have for financial services — 15.6 million of those individuals in the United States, according to MoneyGram. ATMs offering cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin (Crypto: BTC) are rapidly emerging as an alternative banking paradigm, but only around half of the bitcoin ATMs support altcoins such as litecoin (Crypto: LTC) or ethereum (Crypto: ETH) (http://nnw.fm/Z7l9S). There is substantial opportunity here for developers such as Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP), with its cryptocurrency transaction validation and ATM/POS (point of sale) offerings. Naturally, opportunity also encompasses risk for payment-processing tech developers such as PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL), Square, Inc. (SQ)and Green Dot Corp. (GDOT), or blockchain developers such as financial services industry heavy-hitter Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (BR).

Lithium Chile Inc. (TSX.V: LITH) (OTCQB: LTMCF) Positioned to Reap Rewards of Rising Lithium Demand

The key component in making the indispensable lithium-ion battery is in exceedingly short supply, and competition to obtain the mineral has heated up. The race to acquire reliable, long-term lithium feedstocks has sparked a worldwide shift in procurement strategy. EV makers, battery producers, and strategic investment companies are now joint venturing, buying in or looking to acquire lithium miners. At least 12 lithium transactions have been closed between downstream manufacturers and mining companies since 2016, and in the years to come ever more supply agreements between manufacturers and miners are expected (http://nnw.fm/3ZUgR). Lithium mining stocks, especially junior miners, are liable to become outsized beneficiaries of the investment and acquisition spree that’s underway. Prospective junior miner, Lithium Chile (TSX-V: LITH) (OTCQB: LTMCF), which owns vast tracks of indicated lithium assets, is positioned to potentially be one of the largest beneficiaries in the space. Some look to the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSE: LIT), but direct exposure junior miners is limited. Other lithium miners in the mix include American Lithium (TSX-V: LI) (OTCQB: LIACF), Nemaska Lithium, Inc. (TSX: NMX) and Orocobre Ltd. (ASX: ORE) (TSX: ORL).

Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) Provides Unique Payment Solutions to Underserved Markets

In the increasingly complex payments industry, companies have to provide new products and services to prove their relevance. Net Element, Inc. (NASDAQ: NETE) is providing novel payment solutions to the events industry while also expanding its existing services into Russia, carving a space in previously underserved niches. Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) uses its superior bargaining position to pass along the benefits of its corporate power to smaller businesses in the form of discounts on card transactions for those using its payment system. While Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) continues to its mark through technological innovation, testing out a payment system that allows customers to order and pay for products on the way to pick them up, Alibaba Group (NASDAQ: BABA) has made payment an integral part of a broader digitization strategy. Another industry player, Evo Payments, Inc. (NASDAQ: EVOP), offers payment processing with easy cross-border transactions to businesses around the world.

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd.’s (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) Advanced Technology Draws Attention in Automotive Industry

Self-driving cars are close to becoming a reality. When this happens, the sensors they use will be particularly important. Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) is developing a sensor system that uses multiple visual light and infrared cameras in stereoscopic technology to interpret its surroundings. Google’s parent company Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ: GOOG) (NASDAQ: GOOGL) is installing a wide range of sensors in its cars, combining their different inputs to create a fuller picture. Ford (NYSE: F) is focusing on other aspects of the future of driving, with its app-controlled Chariot commuting system. General Motors (NYSE: GM) is about to enter mass production of a car that uses LIDAR to test its surroundings. Meanwhile Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), the business most famous for work in this area, is using pattern recognition to help its cars interpret the input from their sensors.

Lithium Chile Inc. (TSX.V: LITH) (OTCQB: LTMCF) Well-positioned in Lithium Market with Aggressive Upcoming Multi-project Drill Program

Driven by an unprecedented ramp-up of the electric vehicle industry in China, fears of a lithium shortage nearly tripled the metal’s price over the last couple years. Although in a temporary lull, demand and price pressures are expected to consolidate then accelerate at breakneck speed as several nations advance similar plans to increase EV use. Insatiable demand and inadequate market supply have intensified the global quest to bring new lithium sources to market and have created a seldom-seen opportunity. Lithium-related stocks and ETFs have proved to be the best way to play the electric future powered by lithium-ion batteries. With wholly owned prime properties and a plethora of potential lithium assets, prospective junior miner Lithium Chile (TSX.V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) may possibly have the largest upside of any lithium miner this year. Other companies investing in the full lithium cycle, from raw resource to battery production, include the Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (ARCA: LIT), while producers such as FMC Corporation (NYSE: FMC), Orocobre Ltd. (TSX: ORL) and Lithium Americas Corp. (NYSE: LAC) are expanding production.

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) Establishing Mining, Processing Facilities in US and Canada

As cobalt becomes increasingly important in powering technology, the U.S. government has identified it as a critical mineral for securing national interests. This reflects a rise in demand that is already affecting a number of companies. First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) is using the opportunity to establish mining and processing facilities in the United States and Canada, powered by a recent merger. Glencore PLC ADR (OTC: GLNCY) continues to benefit from its Katanga mine, which is expected to produce 42 percent more cobalt this year in response to demand. eCobalt Solutions, Inc. (OTCQX: ECSIF) is developing a fresh source of cobalt in Idaho, increasing America’s ability to provide for itself. Demand for the precious mineral comes from tech companies such as Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ: TSLA), which needs cobalt to power a dramatic rise in production of its electric cars. Tesla is competing for resources with the likes of Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL), which is moving towards directly sourcing the cobalt needed for its device batteries.

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (VRCP) Holds Promising Position Facilitating Cryptocurrency Transactions

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

SinglePoint, Inc. (SING) Poised to Benefit from Milestone Supreme Court Ruling

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

Hammer Fiber Optics Holdings Corp.’s (OTCQB: HMMR) Patented AIR System Could Transform the Industry’s Approach to Wireless

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

Foresight Autonomous Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: FRSX) (TASE: FRSX) Develops Unique, Effective Sensor Systems

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

Lithium Chile Inc. (TSX.V: LITH) (OTC: LTMCF) Strongly Positioned to Explore in Chile Amid Rising Lithium Demand

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

First Cobalt Corp. (TSX.V: FCC) (OTCQX: FTSSF) Diversifies Cobalt Production Sources

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

AnalytixInsight Inc. (TSX.V: ALY) (OTCQB: ATIXF) Poised to Revolutionize the Financial Services Sector with Machine-Learning Technology

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

Global Payout, Inc. (GOHE) Employs Blockchain Technology to Facilitate Payment Services

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

Earth Science Tech, Inc. (ETST) Completes Audit and Submits Form 10 to Become Fully Reporting

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

Virtual Crypto Technologies Inc. (OTCQB: VRCP) Designing Solutions to Make Cryptocurrencies Accessible

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