Volato Group shares surge 20.52% intraday as merger with M2i Global aligns with U.S. critical minerals policy.

Volato Group (NYSE American: SOAR) surged 20.52% intraday after announcing a proposed merger with M2i Global, aligning with recent U.S. policy actions on critical minerals. The White House’s January 14, 2026, Section 232 directive targeting processed critical minerals underscored the need for secure supply chains, directly benefiting the combined entity’s logistics, technology, and operational execution capabilities. The merger aims to create a platform for critical mineral sourcing, tracking, and storage, positioning the company to support national security and advanced technology sectors amid heightened regulatory focus. The companies emphasized alignment with U.S. strategies to strengthen domestic supply chains, including the upcoming critical minerals ministerial and EO 14241 initiatives, reinforcing the strategic relevance of their combined operations.