Defense Metals Corp. ($DEFN) Receives Early Coordination Support
VANCOUVER, BC, Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ - Defense Metals Corp. ($DEFN) is excited to announce its selection by the Province of British Columbia to collaborate with the B.C. Critical Minerals Office (CMO) as part of its advanced project initiative. The Wicheeda Rare Earth Project, located near Prince George, British Columbia, is poised for significant development.
Selection Criteria
Projects chosen for support by the CMO are evaluated based on several criteria, including strong partnerships with local First Nations, geological potential, project readiness, and commodity type. Defense Metals is making strides in advancing the Wicheeda Project through ongoing technical studies and planning work, which are essential for the regulatory process. With this support from the CMO, the project is better positioned for environmental assessments and future permitting.
Minister's Statement
The Honourable Jagrup Brar, Minister of Mining and Critical Minerals, remarked, "The Critical Minerals Office provides key services to help promising projects move forward faster, ensuring that B.C. continues to grow the sector. By offering early coordination for initiatives like Wicheeda, we aim to provide clearer information and stronger alignment among communities, Indigenous Nations, and project proponents as they navigate environmental assessments and permitting processes."
Project Recognition
Being included in the CMO initiative underscores the province's acknowledgment of the Wicheeda Project's advancement and its potential contribution to British Columbia's critical minerals sector.
CEO's Comments
Mark Tory, CEO of Defense Metals, stated, "Our selection for early coordination support through the Critical Mineral Office highlights Wicheeda's strengths and progress. We appreciate the province's partnership as this support enables us to align our technical developments with a clear regulatory pathway from the start. Collaborating with First Nations rights-holders and the CMO, we are committed to advancing Wicheeda as a world-class project that will generate sustainable value for the entire region."
Industry Collaboration
Defense Metals joins Northisle Copper and Gold Inc., Surge Copper Corp., and FPX Nickel Corp. in receiving dedicated support from the Critical Minerals Office, further solidifying the province's commitment to fostering critical mineral development.
About Defense Metals Corp.
Defense Metals Corp. is an advanced rare earth elements (REE) exploration and development company focused on providing strategically essential metals for Western defense, high-technology, and clean energy supply chains. The company's flagship asset, the 100%-owned Wicheeda Rare Earth Element Project, is recognized as one of the most advanced undeveloped rare earth deposits in North America or Europe. Detailed in the Company's 2025 Pre Feasibility Study (PFS), the project showcases robust mineral resources and economic potential, positioning Defense Metals for future growth.
As the company progresses through the Feasibility Study (FS) stage and permitting, it aims to emerge as a reliable supplier of critical rare earth elements crucial for modern defense systems, advanced manufacturing, and energy-efficient technologies. For more information, visit www.defensemetals.com or contact:
Ali Mahdavi
SVP Corporate Development
Email: am@spinnakercmi.com
Mark Tory
President and CEO
Email: mark@defensemetals.com
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