Eastport Provides Semarule-REE Drilling Update
Eastport Provides Semarule-REE Drilling
Update
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - April 9, 2026) - Eastport Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV:
EVI) (OTCQB: EVIIF) ("Eastport" or the "Company") is pleased to provide an update on its Phase 1
diamond drilling program at the 100%-owned Semarule Rare Earth Element ("REE") Project
("Semarule" or the "Project") in south-central Botswana. Semarule is located approximately 27km north-
west of the Capital city, Gaborone.
Highlights
Diamond Core Drilling has intersected highly encouraging visual indicators suggesting
the presence of a carbonatite system
, including fenite alteration, thick calcite veining, and
extensive mafic-rich intervals.
DDH ID
Downhole
Depth (m)
Observation
From
To
SEM003
21.5
400
mela-syenite with apatite, fenitised zones, calcite & magnetic
patches increasingly important with depth
SEM005
24.3
77
mela-syenite, fenite
SEM005
77
312
calc-silicate syenite with zones of mela-syenite at times fenite
SEM006
25.8
350
mela-syenite with apatite, fenitised zones, calcite & magnetic patches increasingly
important with depth includes 2.7m fine-grained calcite (sövite) vein at 293m
Note: See Table 1 for Drill Hole Locations
Ground gravity survey over the
Semarule Igneous Complex
supports the thesis of a sub-
surface carbonatite.
Diamond drilling has tested the margins of both a gravity low (drill holes
SEM006 & SEM009) and a gravity high (drillholes SEM005 & SEM007) (see Figure 1). These
geophysical features are commonly associated with carbonatite deposits in Africa (e.g., Songwe
Hill and Kangankunde).
Wide-spread surface bedrock sampling continues
across the Semarule Hill syenite. Samples
are planned for use in a mineral study.
An independent mineralogical and metallurgical study
of REE hosting syenite rock samples
from the Semarule Igneous Complex is planned, to determine REE deportment, REE recovery
potential, and whether near surface syenite material could support a saleable product.
The final two holes of the Phase 1 program
, SEM007 (underway) and SEM009, will target the
centre of the gravity high and gravity low respectively (see Figure 1). These holes are designed to
better constrain the location and geometry of a potential carbonatite system.
Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi, CEO, commented,
"
What started as a surface syenite target with rare earth anomalies has quickly developed into two
clear, high-potential targets at Semarule: an at-surface syenite intrusion that we are preparing to fast-
track through a detailed mineralogical and metallurgical study, and a subsurface carbonatite
opportunity supported by strong visual drilling results and the recently completed gravity survey.
The final two holes of Phase 1 will directly test the centres of the gravity low and the gravity high.
These holes are critical steps toward vectoring in on and constraining the potential for a carbonatite
system. We look forward to reporting results as soon as they become available"
Plan view of surface gravity anomaly. Gravity highs: (-127mGal to -124mGal). Gravity lows (-130mGal to -127mGal)
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Interpreted Vertical Cross-Section along Section 7293.88 (see above)
Figure 1: Ground Gravity Geophysics Survey and Cross-Section
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Table 1: Eastport Semarule Phase 1 NQ Diamond Drill Program Hole Details
Completed Drill Holes
Drill Hole ID
UTM East
UTM North
Elevation (m)
Azimuth (deg.)
Dip (deg.)
Final
Downhole Depth
(m)
SEM003
355200
7294236
1109
45
-70
400.0
SEM004
355093
7294451
1114
135
-70
79.5
SEM005
354198
7293432
1120
180
-50
349.9
SEM006
355098
7294450
1114
30
-65
350.0
SEM008
357720
7295115
1077
90
-65
100.0
SEM010
352065
7284410
1105
360
-65
200.0
Total
Drilled
1,479.4
In Progress / Planned Drill Holes
Drill Hole ID
UTM East
UTM North
Elevation (m)
Azimuth (deg.)
Dip (deg.)
Planned
Downhole Depth
(m)
SEM007
354831
7293590
1100
180
-65
200.0
SEM009
357400
7296180
1096
360
-65
125.0
Table notes:
UTM Zone 35S WGS84 Datum.
See Figure 2 for location of the drill holes.
Diamond core diameter NQ (47.6 mm).
Map Projection: UTM Zone 35S WGS84 Datum.
Figure 2: Map showing the locations of the Semarule Diamond Drill Program Holes with Licence
Boundaries over Topography
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Qualified Person
The technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Nicholas O'Reilly
MIMMM (QMR) MAusIMM MSc DIC, an independent consultant and Qualified Person under National
Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.
Eastport Critical Metals Corp: Project Location Map
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Gravity Survey Parameters
Exploration Geophysics Pty Ltd., completed a reconnaissance ground gravity survey over a 4 x 4km
block overlying the Semarule Igneous Complex (SIC), located within Eastport Ventures Botswana's
license number PL2480/2023 near Molepolole, Botswana.
The reconnaissance gravity survey was conducted using the following parameters:
Station spacing: 500 m
Line spacing: 500 m
This survey was aimed at delineating targets for Rare Earth Elements (REE) and any other minerals. The
surveys were conducted between 19th and 26th February 2026. A total of 80 gravity stations over
approximately 5600Ha were surveyed.
About Eastport Critical Metals Corp. (TSXV: EVI) (OTCQB: EVIIF)
Eastport is a critical minerals development company advancing five projects in Botswana, with
cumulative historical and current expenditures approaching CAD$20 million. The Company's most
advanced asset is the Matsitama Copper Project, which hosts multiple sizeable targets across the
Matsitama copper district.
The Company's additional projects include Selebi East, a nickel-copper-cobalt project located seven
kilometres east of the historic Selebi Mines; the Semarule Rare Earth Elements Project, positioned
within the Gaborone-Molepolole corridor; the Foley Uranium Project, adjoining the Letlhakane uranium
deposit; and the Keng Project, which targets nickel, copper and PGE's on the northern margin of the
Molopo Farms Complex.
Botswana is widely regarded as one of Africa's strongest mining jurisdictions, combining the continent's
highest GDP per capita with a 50-year track record of large-scale mineral development since the Orapa
diamond discovery in 1967. The country ranks among the top performers globally on the Fraser
Institute's Investment Attractiveness Index and is the highest-rated jurisdiction in Africa on the Policy
Perception Index. These rankings reflect Botswana's stable regulatory environment, consistent rule of
law, and long-standing support for responsible mineral development - factors that have underpinned
significant investment and major M&A activity in the natural resources sector in recent years.
On behalf of the Board of Directors
"
Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi
"
Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi, CEO
Eastport Critical Metals Corp.
For further information about Eastport, please contact:
Burns Singh Tennent-Bhohi
CEO and Director
Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information
This news release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking
information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements
relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of
the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be
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limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements
as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things: the intended use
of proceeds raised under the Offering; the Company delivering value to its shareholders through its
critical metal's portfolio; the Company's exploration and development programs; the advancement of
multi-asset drill campaigns across key critical metals and the timing thereof; and the receipt of final
approval of the Offering from the TSXV.
These forward-looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might
differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and
uncertainties include, among other things: delays in obtaining or failure to obtain final approval from
the TSXV for the Offering; fluctuations in commodity prices for critical metals, including copper,
uranium and rare earth elements; the Company's ability to successfully execute its exploration and
development programs; risks inherent in mineral exploration activities; the Company's ability to meet
anticipated timelines for its multi-asset drill campaigns; operational risks and technical challenges
associated with exploration activities in Botswana; and changes in the Company's business plans
impacting the intended use of proceeds raised under the Offering.
In making the forward looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several
material assumptions, including without limitation, that: the Company will obtain the required
regulatory approvals for the Offering; the Company's exploration and development programs will
proceed as planned; commodity prices for critical metals will remain at levels sufficient to support
continued exploration activities; the Company will continue to have access to the necessary permits,
equipment and qualified personnel to conduct its exploration programs; the Company's critical
metal's portfolio will continue to present viable opportunities for value creation; and the Company will
use the proceeds of the Offering as currently anticipated. Although management of the Company has
attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those
contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that
cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such
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