Defense Metals Receives Support from the McLeod Lake Indian Band while Meeting in Ottawa with Canadian Government Officials to Advance the Wicheeda Rare Earth Project
Defense Metals Receives Support from the McLeod Lake Indian Band while
Meeting in Ottawa with Canadian Government Officials to Advance the
Wicheeda Rare Earth Project
VANCOUVER, BC
,
Nov. 24, 2025
/CNW/ - Defense Metals Corp. ("Defense Metals" or the "Company") (TSXV: DEFN) (OTCQB: DFMTF) (FSE: 35D), a
company focused on the development of the Wicheeda Rare Earth Project
(
Wicheeda
Project)
, located near
Prince George, British Columbia
, Canada, is pleased
to recognize the continued support of the Government of
Canada
and the McLeod Lake Indian Band (MLIB) in the development of its Wicheeda Rare Earth
Project. This support underscores the growing importance of responsibly developed critical minerals to
Canada's
economic future, clean-technology transition, and
Indigenous-led partnerships.
Mark Tory
, CEO of Defense Metals and Chief
Harley Chingee
of the McLeod Lake Indian Band met with Canadian Government officials in
Ottawa
during the
week of
November 20, 2025
. With strong continued support and endorsement from Chief Chingee on behalf of the MLIB, and the merits and urgencies around the
development of the Wicheeda Project, the Canadian Government confirmed their support for Defense Metals to continue executing its permitting and development
strategy.
The Wicheeda Project is positioned to contribute meaningfully to the domestic supply of rare earth elements, materials essential for electric vehicles, renewable
energy systems, advanced manufacturing, and national security technologies. Federal initiatives focused on critical minerals and sustainable resource development
have played an important role in helping move the project forward.
"We greatly appreciate the Government of
Canada's
ongoing commitment to strengthening
Canada's
critical minerals ecosystem, which helps create the
conditions necessary for responsible development and long-term economic opportunities," said
Mark Tory
, CEO of Defense Metals Corp. "Our partnership with
the McLeod Lake Indian Band is central to the responsible advancement of the Wicheeda Project and we immensely value McLeod Lake Indian Band's leadership,
their stewardship perspective, and their commitment to building transparent, mutually beneficial pathways for development."
"The Wicheeda Project has the potential to create meaningful economic opportunities for our people while respecting our land and values," said Chief
Harley
Chingee
. "We are very excited to see this project reach its potential with our support and look forward to continued dialogue and partnership as the project
progresses."
With global demand for rare earth elements rising, the Wicheeda Project represents a strategic opportunity for
Canada
to strengthen its critical minerals supply
chain, attract investment, and enhance economic opportunities and diversification in rural communities while advancing reconciliation through Indigenous-industry-
government collaboration.
About Defense Metals Corp. and its Wicheeda Rare Earth Deposit
Defense Metals Corp. is focused on the development of its 100% owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element mineral deposit.
The
Wicheeda
Project, approximately 80 kilometres (~50 miles) northeast of the city of
Prince George
in
British Columbia, Canada
, is readily accessible by a
paved highway and an all-weather gravel road and is close to power and transport infrastructure, including hydroelectric transmission lines, gas pipelines, rail
services and the port facilities at
Prince Rupert
. The Company completed a Preliminary Feasibility Study (PFS) in 2025 (refer to the Company's news releases
dated
February 18
, and
April 7, 2025
).
For further information, please visit
www.defensemetals.com
or contact:
Mark Tory
President and CEO
Tel: +1 604-445-8179
Email:
Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or
accuracy of this news release.
Cautionary Statement Regarding "Forward-Looking" Information
This news release contains "forward
looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, any
statements (expressed or implied) relating to: advancing the Wicheeda Project and the proposed debt settlement. Forward-looking statements are typically
identified by words such as "plan," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "outlook," "estimate," "forecast," "project," "continue," "could," "may," "might,"
"possible," "potential," "predict," "should," "would" and other similar words and expressions, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not
forward-looking. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events, contribution or developments that the Company
expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on
reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking
statements. Such statements and information are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which
the Company will operate in the future, including the price of rare earth elements, the anticipated costs and expenditures, the ability to achieve its goals, that
general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable
terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions,
including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration and metallurgical results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and
development and cost estimates, the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ (
www.sedarplus.ca
). While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to
significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward
looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, adverse
weather and climate conditions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to maintain or obtain
community acceptance (including First Nations), risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in
accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of personnel, materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of
government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to
inaccurate geological, metallurgical, engineering and pricing assumptions, decrease in the price of rare earth elements, the impact of viruses and diseases on the
Company's ability to operate, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, loss of key employees, consultants, officers or directors, increase in
costs, delayed results, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward–
looking statements or forward–looking information, except as required by law.
View original content to download multimedia:
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/defense-metals-receives-support-from-the-mcleod-lake-indian-band-while-meeting-in-ottawa-with-canadian-government-officials-to-advance-the-wicheeda-rare-earth-project-302624141.html
SOURCE
Defense Metals Corp.
View original content to download multimedia:
http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/November2025/24/c4462.html
%SEDAR: 00042886E
CO: Defense Metals Corp.
CNW 07:30e 24-NOV-25