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March 19th, 2026 | 07:30 CET

Quantum Computers, AI Power, and the Gold Rush: A Closer Look at D-Wave, Super Micro, and Lahontan Gold

  • Mining
  • Gold
  • Commodities
  • computing
  • AI
Photo credits: pixabay

On one hand, we are chasing the tiniest particles of the quantum world and building massive data centers for artificial intelligence, which is fundamentally transforming our lives. On the other hand, in uncertain times, we are turning once again to humanity's oldest promise: the glittering gold deep within the earth. In this report, we take a close look at three companies, each of which is "on the move" in one of these fields and yet together can define a portfolio of the future. We accompany D-Wave Quantum as it attempts to push the boundaries of logic. We look over Super Micro Computer's shoulder as it builds the physical backbone of the AI revolution. And finally, we arrive at Lahontan Gold, where an impressive blend of fresh capital and state-of-the-art drilling technology is being used to "bring old gold treasures back to life." Read on, because this mix of high-tech and commodity power could be exactly what is missing from a promising portfolio.

time to read: 6 minutes | Author: Mario Hose
ISIN: D-WAVE QUANTUM INC | US26740W1099 , SUPER MICRO COMPUT.DL-_01 | US86800U1043 , LAHONTAN GOLD CORP | CA50732M1014 | TSXV: LG , OTCQB: LGCXF

Table of contents:


    The Logic of the Future: D-Wave Quantum!

    When we talk about quantum computers, many still think of distant visions of the future or science fiction. But D-Wave Quantum has recently proven that this technology has arrived in the commercial sector. The company relies on so-called quantum annealing. This is a specialized process that excels at solving complex optimization problems. Think of the logistics of a global shipping giant like Amazon or the perfect synchronization of large flight schedules. This is where conventional supercomputers often reach their limits. D-Wave offers solutions that can already provide real added value today.

    The development of their new Advantage2 system is particularly exciting. It uses an architecture that allows for even more connections between the qubits. This makes the system not only faster but also more precise. In recent months, we have seen more and more well-known companies in the industry signing firm contracts with D-Wave. It is no longer just about research. It is about efficiency in daily operations. The skepticism of previous years has given way to cautious enthusiasm. The stock also reflects this shift. While it remains quite volatile, which is entirely normal in this sector, its fundamentals appear significantly more stable today than they did two years ago. Anyone betting on the computing power of tomorrow can hardly ignore this pioneer. The transition from theory to practice appears to have finally been achieved. Following the major correction from the high of over EUR 40, the stock is certainly worth considering at just over EUR 15. The valuation should at least be significantly more attractive.

    The Heart of AI: Super Micro Computer Provides Part of the Foundation

    From the "cool depths" of quantum computers, we shift to hardware that runs hot in the truest sense of the word and also needs to be cooled. Super Micro Computer has emerged as one of the industry's major players. When we talk about AI today, NVIDIA or Super Micro usually come to mind right away. For many, however, AI is not just hardware but software, such as ChatGPT. But this software needs a home. It needs servers capable of processing enormous amounts of data. Super Micro supplies exactly these racks. The company is closely integrated with major chip manufacturers like NVIDIA. As soon as a new generation of AI accelerators hits the market, Super Micro often already has the right housing for them.

    A major topic this year is liquid cooling. The new chips consume so much energy and generate so much heat that traditional fans are no longer sufficient. Super Micro has a massive lead here. They offer ready-made solutions that come equipped with liquid cooling right out of the box. This saves data center operators a lot of money on electricity costs. Demand remains unbroken. Of course, analysts are keeping a close eye on margins because the competition never sleeps. But the speed with which Super Micro brings new products to market is impressive. No matter which AI application ultimately wins the race, the hardware often comes from the facilities of NVIDIA and Super Micro. This makes the stock a kind of core investment for anyone who believes in the enduring power of digital transformation - and thus in AI. AI is likely here to stay. Super Micro's stock has been in a sideways phase for several months. However, this could be broken with a break above the EUR 30 level. Then the journey could head back toward EUR 50. Speculative, but interesting!

    Lahontan Gold: Fresh Capital Creates Golden Prospects in Nevada

    From Silicon Valley, home to Super Micro and the digital worlds of D-Wave's quantum physics, our path now leads us to a place where success is still tied to real substance in the ground. Lahontan Gold is the name to remember in 2026. The company has secured an impressive claim in Nevada's Walker Lane District. Nevada is regarded by mining experts worldwide as an absolutely first-class region. The centerpiece of the portfolio is the Santa Fe Project. Gold was already flowing here in the late 1980s before the mine was shut down in the mid-1990s. Now, under the leadership of CEO Kimberly Ann, Lahontan is preparing everything to revive this old success story using state-of-the-art methods.

    That the market believes in this vision became abundantly clear in mid-March 2026. Originally, the company planned a financing round of approximately CAD 10 million. However, investor demand was so overwhelming that the volume was quickly increased. A total of 33,902,439 units were placed at a price of CAD 0.41, corresponding to gross proceeds of CAD 13.9 million. Each unit consists of one share and half a warrant, which allows holders to purchase additional shares for CAD 0.60 within two years. When both institutional investors and experienced retail investors snap up shares to this extent, it is a massive vote of confidence. With these well-filled coffers, the team can now push ahead full steam with the permitting process for mining operations and the new drilling programs.

    Behind the scenes, work is already proceeding at full speed. In early March, a second drill rig was mobilized to the Santa Fe Mine site. It is a specialized tracked RVC system that is now also exploring areas that were neglected in the past. The goal is ambitious but entirely feasible, as Lahontan plans to drill over 700 new holes to further expand the resource base. Currently, the company can already rely on an impressive foundation. The mine has 1,539,000 ounces of gold equivalent in the "Indicated" category and an additional 411,000 ounces in the "Inferred" category. These are not estimates, but facts substantiated by technical reports in accordance with the NI 43-101 standard.

    Here is a video featuring Kimberly Ann, CEO of Lahontan Gold, with IIF host Lyndsay Malchuk.

    https://youtu.be/pRq4WtH82Rc

    However, the real surprise in recent weeks came from the West Santa Fe satellite project, located just 13 km from the main mine. The results of the first major drilling campaign were simply outstanding. The WSF25-04R drill hole stood out in particular. Starting right from surface, the team encountered 36.6 m with a grade of 3.11 g/t gold equivalent. In a particularly rich section, a grade of 5.75 g/t was even measured over nearly 11 m. The key point here is that this is oxidized rock. This material can generally be extracted and processed very cost-effectively through open-pit mining. Brian Maher, Lahontan's chief geologist, emphasized that these results not only confirm historical data but also demonstrate the potential for a significant expansion of the mineralized system. A highly exciting story with upside potential. The stock has recently been "stuck" following the placement, but could turn upward again in the coming days.

    There is plenty of room to move up toward CAD 1. Source: LSEG, March 18, 2026

    Conclusion: A Balance of Risk and Substance

    In summary, all three stocks presented here tell an exciting story in their own way. D-Wave Quantum remains a bet on the next big computing era. Investors here need patience and strong nerves, but will be rewarded with a true pioneer. Super Micro Computer, on the other hand, is the machine that keeps our modern world running. Its fundamental importance to AI infrastructure cannot be overstated, even as the market environment becomes more challenging.

    Lahontan Gold rounds out this picture with a solid, resource-based outlook. The recent capital increase is a vote of confidence. The combination of strong drilling results in West Santa Fe and the solid resource base at the Santa Fe Mine also makes the stock attractive. Lahontan is not a speculative pipe dream, but a project with a historical foundation and a clear strategy for the coming years.


    Conflict of interest

    Pursuant to §85 of the German Securities Trading Act (WpHG), we point out that Apaton Finance GmbH as well as partners, authors or employees of Apaton Finance GmbH (hereinafter referred to as "Relevant Persons") currently hold or hold shares or other financial instruments of the aforementioned companies and speculate on their price developments. In this respect, they intend to sell or acquire shares or other financial instruments of the companies (hereinafter each referred to as a "Transaction"). Transactions may thereby influence the respective price of the shares or other financial instruments of the Company.
    In this respect, there is a concrete conflict of interest in the reporting on the companies.

    In addition, Apaton Finance GmbH is active in the context of the preparation and publication of the reporting in paid contractual relationships.
    For this reason, there is also a concrete conflict of interest.
    The above information on existing conflicts of interest applies to all types and forms of publication used by Apaton Finance GmbH for publications on companies.

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    Der Autor

    Mario Hose

    Born and raised in Hannover, Lower Saxony follows social and economic developments around the globe. As a passionate entrepreneur and columnist he explains and compares the most diverse business models as well as markets for interested stock traders.

    About the author



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