Defense Metals Corp. confirmed support from the Government of British Columbia in the development of its wholly owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project. The BC Critical Minerals Office will bring significant benefits to the Wicheeda Project and others like it by providing a 'concierge-like' service with dedicated support to navigate regulatory processes, advance funding opportunities, and expedite solutions to issues.

This crucial support from the provincial government is very significant and most welcome as it will enable the development of Wicheeda rare earth deposit by mitigating regulatory and permitting delays. These positive developments strengthen my belief that Defense Metals will become the first new significant North American producer of NdPr, two of the most essential rare earth elements. The Wicheeda REE Project, approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) northeast of the city of Prince George, is readily accessible by a paved highway and all-weather gravel roads and is close to infrastructure, including hydro power transmission lines and gas pipelines.

The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.