Defense Metals Corp. is advancing the Wicheeda Rare Earth Project through the completion of its 2026 Spring drill program and the initiation of pilot-scale testing. The company recently received conditional government funding for infrastructure initiatives associated with the project. These developments aim to position Defense Metals as a key participant in the North American critical minerals supply chain.

The 2026 Spring drill program was designed to support the ongoing feasibility study by collecting additional geotechnical, geochemical, and hydrogeological data. In parallel, the company is completing pilot-scale flotation testing at SGS Lakefield. It is preparing for additional pilot testing related to the hydrometallurgical plant to optimize process design and validate metallurgical performance.

Defense Metals remains the only rare earth project selected by the government of British Columbia as one of four priority projects in the province. The company continues to engage with provincial, federal, and Indigenous stakeholders as project advancement continues.

"The market has understandably experienced periods of volatility, particularly across the junior mining sector," said Mark Tory, President and CEO of Defense Metals. "However, our focus has remained unchanged: execute against our development plan, reduce technical risk, build strategic relationships and position Wicheeda to become an important future supplier of critical rare earth elements."

The Board of Directors is actively evaluating a range of strategic alternatives to support the development of the Wicheeda Project. These initiatives may include strategic partnerships, government-supported financing opportunities, offtake arrangements, and broader corporate opportunities. The Wicheeda Project is a 100%-owned deposit located near Prince George, British Columbia.

Key Project Activities