Ameriwest Critical Metals Provides Q2 2026 Corporate Update and Announces Live CEO Investor Webinar
CSE: AWCM
OTC: AWLIF
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Ameriwest Critical Metals Provides Q2 2026 Corporate Update and
Announces Live CEO Investor Webinar
Rapid Execution at Ameriwest’s Bornite Copper Project Aims to Position the Company for a
Maiden NI 43-101 Resource Estimate; Historical Core Now Under Active Re-logging; Five
Additional Breccia Pipe Targets Identified; Xeno Rare Earth Project Fully Owned
Vancouver, British Columbia – May 26, 2026 – Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc. (CSE: AWCM) (OTC: AWLIF)
(FSE: 5HV) (“Ameriwest” or the “Company”) is pleased to provide a corporate update on the
advancements made across Ameriwest’s North American critical minerals portfolio during Q2 2026. The
Company is also pleased to announce that CEO David Watkinson will host a live investor presentation and
Q&A webinar on June 4, 2026, at 1:00 PM Pacific Time.
Since closing the acquisition of the Bornite Copper Project in Oregon (the “Bornite Project”) in late 2025,
Ameriwest has executed a disciplined, accelerated exploration strategy at this 100%-owned asset. The
Company is systematically advancing the technical work required to deliver a maiden NI 43-101 compliant
mineral resource estimate on the Bornite Project, a milestone the Company believes will be
transformative for shareholder value.
The Company has also secured full ownership of its Xeno Rare Earth Project in northern British Columbia
(“Xeno”), a property with a considerable history of exploration including geological mapping, soil and rock
chip sampling, and geophysics indicating the presence of yttrium and other rare earth minerals.
Ameriwest is currently consolidating and digitizing historical data to define priority targets for future
exploration.
David Watkinson, CEO of Ameriwest, stated, "The pace of our technical progress at Bornite over the past
months has been exceptional. We have completed a 3D geological model from historical data that defines
the geometry of the mineralized system, expanded our land position to capture district-scale exploration
potential, identified five additional breccia pipe-style targets, and now have historical drill core under
active re-logging at APEX Geoscience's Reno facility. We are executing the program we outlined to
investors in February, and our goal is to validate the historical geological database, refine our 3D model,
and design and execute a focused drill program that will support the completion of an initial current
mineral resource estimate compliant with NI 43-101. We are operating in a macro environment where
North American copper and rare earth assets have never been more strategically important, and we
believe Ameriwest is exceptionally well-positioned to create significant value for our shareholders."
Q2 2026 Corporate Milestones
3D Geological Model Completed at Bornite
The Bornite Project is located approximately 50 miles east of Salem, Oregon, and hosts a copper-gold-
silver mineralized breccia pipe (the “Bornite Pipe”). Mineralization is associated with a roughly cylindrical,
vertically oriented, cigar-shaped pipe measuring approximately 450 feet in diameter and extending from
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surface to approximately 1,000 feet depth, where it remains open. Copper minerals, principally bornite
and chalcopyrite, occur within the breccia matrix.
On March 3, 2026, Ameriwest announced the engagement of APEX Geoscience Ltd. (“APEX”) to provide
geological services to advance exploration of the Bornite Project. On April 20, 2026, the Company
announced that APEX had completed a preliminary 3D geological model for the Bornite Project. The model
is based on historical drill data from Amoco Minerals, Cypress Minerals, and Plexus Resources from core
drilling conducted from the 1970s to the 1990s. The model defines three main mineralized domains within
the Bornite Pipe, including a high-grade copper shell located on the outside of the pipe, a lower-grade
interior pipe, and sheeted veins on the exterior of the pipe proximate to and outside the high-grade shell.
The model identified expansion targets on the southeast and northwest flanks of the deposit as well as at
depth, where step-out drilling could potentially expand the mineralized footprint.
Historical Core Re-logging and Multi-Element Assaying Commenced at Bornite
On May 20, 2026, the Company announced the commencement of a systematic core re-logging program
at APEX's secure facility in Reno, Nevada. Approximately 30 pallets of preserved historical drill core,
totaling approximately 41,702 feet, have been relocated from storage near Tonopah, Nevada, to APEX's
Reno facility. APEX has commenced detailed geological logging, including verification of lithology and
mineralization, collection of structural data, and core photography. APEX has identified priority drill holes
CC03, CC09, CC15, CC16, CC17, CC26, and CC29 for initial re -logging to strengthen geological
interpretation and support resource definition work.
The Company plans to selectively re-assay geologically significant intervals using a full-spectrum, multi-
element assay approach, expanding beyond the historical copper, gold, and silver assays to better
characterize the mineralized system. This approach may identify additional metals that were not assessed
in the historical work, though there can be no assurance that any additional metals of economic
significance will be identified.
The ability to re-log and re-assay the preserved core and to complete statistical analysis integrating
historical data with new data is expected to accelerate Ameriwest's path to a NI 43-101 resource estimate,
while at the same time reducing early-stage drilling requirements and timelines.
Bornite Property Expanded to 87 Claims Covering Approximately 1,740 Acres
On May 4, 2026, the Company announced the expansion of the Bornite Project land package from 34 to
87 unpatented mineral claims covering approximately 1,740 acres. The claim posts from 34 claims that
had been destroyed by the 2020 Beachie Creek Fire were re-staked, and an additional 53 new claims were
staked. This expanded claim block consolidates Ameriwest's control over the area surrounding the known
Bornite Pipe and secures additional ground whose prospectivity has not been fully explored. Breccia pipes
typically occur in clusters, and the strategic land expansion reflects management's conviction that the
broader Bornite district may host additional breccia pipe-style targets.
Five Additional Breccia Pipe-Style Targets Identified at Bornite
On May 11, 2026, the Company announced that a review and compilation of historical soil sampling and
geological mapping data had outlined five additional breccia pipe -style exploration targets in the
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northeast corner of the expanded claim block. These targets are spatially associated with historical
copper-in-soil anomalies and mapped breccia occurrences documented by Amoco Minerals Company in
the 1970s. The Company notes that the additional targets discussed herein remain unconfirmed and will
require follow-up work to validate. The known Bornite Pipe is a compelling target in its own right and
remains the Company's primary exploration target; however, these additional targets represent a pipeline
of exploration opportunities that could enhance the overall scale of the project.
Figure 1. Expanded Bornite Project claim block showing the known Bornite breccia pipe, historical soil
sample locations, and five additional breccia pipe-style exploration targets
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Porphyry Potential Identified at Bornite
Additionally, the potential exists for a copper porphyry feeder system at depth, which may be the source
of mineralization for the breccia pipes. While current exploration is focused on developing a mineral
resource within the Bornite Pipe, future exploration will include deeper drilling to evaluate the potential
for a porphyry deposit at depth.
100% Ownership of Xeno Rare Earth Project Secured
On March 18, 2026, Ameriwest fulfilled the terms of its option agreement and acquired a 100% interest
in the Xeno Rare Earth Project in British Columbia. Xeno consists of two mineral claim units, totaling 784
hectares, located approximately 140 kilometres east of Dease Lake, B.C. Historical sampling indicates the
presence of yttrium oxide, dysprosium oxide, europium oxide, lanthanum oxide, cerium oxide, and
neodymium oxide. Yttrium is used in a range of advanced technologies and defence applications, including
thermal barrier coatings for aerospace engines. Ameriwest is in the process of consolidating historical
data on the property which includes geological mapping, soil and rock chip sampling, and geophysics. The
Company plans to digitize this data and utilize it to develop exploration targets.
Recent Chinese export restrictions on heavy rare earth elements, including yttrium, have significantly
disrupted U.S. supply chains and elevated the strategic importance of friendly-jurisdiction rare earth
projects.
Near-Term Catalysts
The Company’s immediate priority for the Bornite Project is to refine the 3D geological model and
complete an internal block model using historical data to define the Bornite Pipe exploration target and
design the drill program required to support an initial resource estimate. Following that, the Company will
begin the permitting activities for the drill program and fast-track the program as quickly as possible.
Concurrent with the permitting, Ameriwest plans to conduct geophysics to identify additional exploration
targets. Following the modelling and geophysical work, the Company will complete a NI 43-101 Technical
Report with recommendations on the scope and budgets for advancing the Bornite Pipe exploration
target, other potential breccia pipe targets, and a potential copper porphyry feeder system at depth.
In parallel to the above work, Ameriwest plans to complete a program of re-logging and re-assaying of
historical drill core. This will be followed by the confirmation drill program, which may overlap with the
re-logging and re-assaying program. Once these two programs are completed, an updated geological
model and block model will be completed for the Bornite Pipe. Subject to exploration success, these
programs will form the foundation of a NI 43-101 Technical Report containing a maiden mineral resource
estimate that meets current NI 43-101 and CIM Standards. The Company believes that combining the
validated historical drill data with new confirmatory drill data will provide the geological confidence
required to complete a current resource estimate. Depending on the timing of the respective work
programs, the two Technical Reports described above may be consolidated into a single report.
The fact that copper is designated as a critical metal in the U.S. may have a direct impact on the Company’s
ability to fast-track the development of the Bornite Project. The property may qualify for Fast-41
permitting status. In addition, the Company will explore opportunities to access U.S. government funding
that may be available for critical metals projects as the Bornite Project advances.
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At the Xeno Rare Earth Project, Ameriwest plans to consolidate historical data on the property, including
geological mapping, soil and rock chip sampling, and geophysics. This data will be digitized and utilized
to develop initial exploration targets, laying the groundwork for future field programs.
Live CEO Investor Webinar and Q&A Session
Ameriwest is pleased to invite shareholders, investors, analysts, and other interested parties to a live
corporate presentation and Q&A session with CEO David Watkinson.
Event Details Information
Event Name Ameriwest Critical Metals — Q2 2026 Corporate Update Webinar
Date Thursday, June 4, 2026
Time 4 :00 PM ET/ 1 :00 PM PT
Format Live webinar with CEO presentation followed by Q&A
Registration Complete the form on Ameriwest’s website
Questions Submit in advance via the registration form or by email to
Recording Available on the Company's website following the event
During the webinar, Mr. Watkinson will present an overview of the macro critical minerals environment,
the technical advancements at the Bornite Project and the Company's strategic roadmap. The
presentation will be followed by a live Q&A session during which Mr. Watkinson will address questions
from participants. Participants are strongly encouraged to submit questions in advance during the
registration process to ensure all topics of interest are addressed.
The Company believes that direct, transparent communication with its shareholders and the broader
investment community is a cornerstone of responsible corporate governance and a key driver of long-
term value creation. This webinar represents an opportunity for the investment community to engage
directly with management at a pivotal moment in the Company's development.
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Qualified Person Statement
David Watkinson, P.Eng., a non-independent qualified person under NI 43 -101, has reviewed and
approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release. Mr. Watkinson is the
CEO and a director of Ameriwest.
About Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc.
Ameriwest is an exploration company focused on identifying and advancing strategic critical mineral
projects for exploration and resource development. The Company is currently advancing its Bornite
copper-gold-silver property in Oregon, its Xeno rare earth property in British Columbia, and its Thompson
Valley lithium clay property in Arizona. Ameriwest also owns a lithium clay property in Clayton Valley,
Nevada, and is in the process of optioning its Railroad Valley lithium brine property in Nevada to Pure
Energy Minerals Limited.
For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company’s filings available at
www.ameriwestcriticalmetals.com or www.sedarplus.ca.
On Behalf of the Board of Directors
David Watkinson
Chief Executive Officer and Director
For further information, please contact:
Ameriwest Critical Metals Inc.
Tel: (416) 918-6785
Email: [email protected]
The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced
herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.
Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information
Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws.
Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as “anticipate”, “plan”, “estimate” , “expect”, “may”,
“will”, “intend”, “should”, and similar expressions. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, statements
regarding the prospectivity of the Bornite claim block, the possibility that the Property may host breccia pipe-style targets, and the Company’s
plans to undertake continued historical data compilation, mapping, geophysical work, target ranking and follow-up exploration, including drilling.
Such forward-looking information is based on a number of material factors and assumptions, including, without limitation, the Company’s current
interpretation of available historical information; the continuing compilation and digitization of historical records; the availability of financing,
contractors and equipment; the receipt of any required permits and approvals; and the Company’s ability to carry out its exploration plans as
currently contemplated. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause
actual results to differ materially, including risks relating to the interpretation of historical information, exploration results, the possibility that
additional targets may not be confirmed, permitting, market conditions, and the availability of financing and services. The Company believes the
expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that such expectations will prove to be
correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release
represents the Company’s expectations as of the date hereof and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims a ny intention or
obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information except as required by applicable securities legislation.