Defense Metals Corp. announced that SGS Canada Inc. in Lakefield, Ontario has shipped samples of mixed rare earth oxide and mixed rare earth carbonate to interested parties on behalf of the Company. These samples were generated during 2023 hydrometallurgical piloting test work performed on concentrate produced by earlier flotation pilot plant testing of a 26-tonne bulk sample taken from the Company's wholly-owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) deposit.

The samples are being distributed to certain select major processors, refiners, and metals traders located in Europe, Asia and North America, allowing the recipients to independently verify the high-quality of REE products from the Wicheeda deposit, and establishing Wicheeda as an important, future North American source of the rare strengths needed to satisfy the rapidly increasing demand. The sample specifications are varied based on the recipients' particular requirements, and these parties could represent future offtake or strategic partners for Defense Metals and these shipments are a critical step toward defining such potential opportunities. The nearby Canadian National Railway and major highways allow easy access to the deep-water port facilities at Prince Rupert, the closest major North American port to Asia.