#Canada #Defense Metals #Wicheeda Project #Rare Earth Elements #Prince George

Defense Metals Commences 2026 Drill Program at Wicheeda Project

On May 1, 2026, Defense Metals Corp. announced the start of its spring drill program at the Wicheeda Rare Earths Project, located near Prince George, British Columbia. This important initiative follows a positive pre-feasibility study, ultimately aimed at optimizing the project's resources and extending its potential mine life.

Overview of the Drill Program

The 2026 drill program, managed by APEX Geoscience Ltd., is strategically structured with a primary focus on infill drilling. This technique will not only enhance the existing mineral resource and reserve estimates but also provide pivotal data for the company's feasibility study (FS). CEO Mark Tory expressed optimism regarding the campaign's impact, suggesting that it will contribute significantly to de-risking and increasing the value of the Wicheeda Project.

The drill campaign will last approximately two months, covering a total of 6,865 meters across multiple objectives, which includes:
1. Pit Slope Geotechnical Drilling: About 1,475 meters is allocated for drilling that assesses the stability and safety of the pit’s slopes.
2. Waste Rock Geochemical Drilling: Approximately 2,590 meters is intended for evaluating the geochemical properties of the waste rock, essential for effective waste management strategies.
3. Resource Upgrade and Infill Drilling: This segment is set to conduct around 2,800 meters of drilling focused on upgrading existing resources and providing data confirming the geological characteristics of the deposit.

Project Significance

The Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project stands out not only for its advanced status among undeveloped rare earth deposits in North America and Europe, but it also showcases robust potential as illustrated by the results of the 2025 Pre-Feasibility Study. This study underlined the economic viability of the deposit, highlighting its importance in fulfilling future demand in defense, high-technology, and clean energy sectors.

Defense Metals emphasizes that advancing the Wicheeda Project through the processes of permitting and development will position the company as a key supplier of rare earth elements (REEs), which are vital for modern technologies and energy-efficient solutions. The ongoing programs will incorporate not just drilling but environmental baseline studies and metallurgical pilot plant initiatives, fundamental components for the upcoming feasibility study.

Looking Ahead

Pending results from the spring drill program will be shared as they become available, showcasing the project's ongoing advancements. As the demand for critical metals rises globally, initiatives such as those from Defense Metals play a crucial role in ensuring a stable supply chain for industries relying on REEs.

In summary, Defense Metals Corporation's latest drilling campaign at Wicheeda sets the stage for significant developments, with the potential to enhance mineral resources efficiently and sustainably. Interested parties can stay informed by following updates through the company's official communications.

For more information, visit Defense Metals.
Contact: Ali Mahdavi, SVP Corporate Development, +(1)416-962-3300, [email protected]
Prepared by: Kristopher J. Raffle, P.Geo. (B.C.)

Please note that mineral reserves and economic forecasts from the pre-feasibility study are subject to significant uncertainties and additional studies will be necessary for confirming production feasibility.

Conclusion

As Defense Metals progresses with its exploration efforts at Wicheeda, stakeholders in the REE sector will be watching closely to see how these developments unfold, with an eye towards the broader implications for North America’s resource supply chains.