Defense Metals Commences Phase 2 Infrastructure and Geotechnical Drilling at Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project

Defense Metals Corp., a mineral exploration and development company, has announced the commencement of Phase 2 infrastructure and geotechnical drilling at its Wicheeda Rare Earth Element (REE) Project near Prince George, British Columbia. The company aims to complete the sonic overburden characterization and diamond core drilling within the next 4 to 6 weeks, with results to follow.

The geotechnical investigations, conducted by SRK Consulting (Canada) Inc., one of the principal consultants for the preliminary feasibility study (PFS), will provide crucial inputs for the ongoing PFS study. Additionally, the exploration targets have the potential to expand resources, further enhancing the project’s prospects.

Craig Taylor, CEO of Defense Metals, expressed his satisfaction with the commencement of Phase 2 investigations, stating that the work will contribute to the completion of the PFS study by the end of Q2 2024. The company’s technical teams and principal engineering contractors are dedicated to pushing the project forward and ensuring its successful development.

The geotechnical drilling includes sonic and core drills, with sonic operations focusing on overburden and bedrock characterization within the potential waste rock storage footprint. Geotechnical core drilling is underway with the east highwall of the proposed open pit. As the drilling progresses, sonic operations will transition to other areas such as the proposed contact water pond, crusher and conveyor footprints, and tailing storage facility.

The Wicheeda REE Project, which spans 6,759 hectares, is strategically located near Prince George, with easy access to infrastructure such as hydro power transmission lines, gas pipelines, the Canadian National Railway, and major highways. These factors contribute to the project’s accessibility and potential for efficient transportation to the port facilities at Prince Rupert, a major North American port.

Defense Metals Corp. is committed to the development of the Wicheeda REE Deposit and is traded on the TSX Venture Exchange, OTCQB, and Frankfurt Exchange. The company’s involvement in the Discovery Group further strengthens its position in the mineral exploration and development sector.

For more information about Defense Metals Corp. and its projects, please visit their website at www.defensemetals.com. Interested parties can also contact Todd Hanas, Vice President of Investor Relations at Bluesky Corporate Communications Ltd., for further inquiries.