Quantum Critical Metals samples mica from NMX East

Ms. Marcy Kiesman reports QUANTUM IDENTIFIES MICA AS KEY CARRIER OF CRITICAL ELEMENTS AT NMX EAST, QUEBEC Quantum Critical Metals Corp. has received assays back on hand-selected mica samples from pegmatite core from the NMX East project, located in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec. A sample of pegmatite core was collected and sent to SGS Lakefield for mineralogy, metallurgical and hydrometallurgical studies to better understand the association of gallium, rubidium and cesium mineral association and to perform hydrometallurgy to remove the metals from the drill core (see news release of July 25, 2025). As a precursor to the detailed mineralogical studies that are currently under way at SGS Lakefield, the Quantum geologists hand selected three samples to test if gallium, rubidium and cesium were associated with the mineral mica. Samples 1 and 2 were thought to mostly comprise the mineral mica, whereas sample 3 was thought to contain other minerals such as feldspars and quartz. The samples were sent to Agat Laboratories in Calgary for assay and X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction is a technique that uses X-rays to identify minerals based on their internal unique crystal structure. Table 1 shows the relative percentage of mica contained in each of the three samples and the associated element content in grams per tonne. Samples with the highest mica content returned the highest values of multiple elements, suggesting that mica is the main host of mineralization. For example, one mica-rich sample containing 72.7 weight per cent mica (Sample 2) recorded values of 186 parts per million gallium, 959 ppm lithium, 320 ppm niobium, 3,220 ppm rubidium, 347 ppm tin and 71.5 ppm tantalum. By contrast, a sample with only 0.7 weight per cent mica (Sample 3) contained much lower values: 21.3 ppm Ga, 23 ppm Li, 10 ppm Nb, 1,180 ppm Rb, four ppm Sn and 1.4 ppm Ta. This new analysis of these mica samples from the pegmatite drill core from the NMX property highlights a strong link between mica content and enrichment of several critical metals, including Ga, Li, Nb, Rb, Sn and Ta. These results reinforce the theory of mica acting as a host for mineralization in the NMX pegmatite systems. Additional detailed mineralogy is currently being done at SGS Lakefield, which will lead into the hydrometallurgy studies where the metals are extracted from the minerals. Assay quality assurance/quality control The samples were hand selected from one-fourth cut drill core. The geologist identified the minerals macroscopically and pulled a sample of a few hundred grams. Because of this methodology, the results do not represent the entire interval of 107 metres sampled for metallurgical testing, nor do they represent the orebody itself. The samples were sent to Agat Laboratories in Calgary. Agat is certified and licensed for a number of tests and is ISO 9001:2015 and also Standards Council of Canada accredited for mineral analysis and chemical/physical testing. The samples underwent sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-OES and ICP-MS finish. Why is this important? If the detailed mineralogical studies being conducted at SGS align with the preliminary assay results, it likely to confirm that the critical elements (Ga, Rb, Cs, Nb, Sn and Ta) are hosted within the mica. This is good news for Quantum because this makes it easier to remove these elements from the rock. Basically, the elements can be concentrated once that one mineral is isolated from the rock, which makes the hydrometallurgy (removal of the minerals) easier. NMX East property The NMX East project is 100 per cent owned by Quantum Critical Metals. The site has historically been explored for the lithium potential in the pegmatites at site. Quantum has recently been studying the gallium association within the pegmatite with the objective of determining the feasibility of extracting the metal from the pegmatite. The site is also strategically located near Power Metallic Mines Inc., which announced a recently expanded land position near its Nisk-Lion-Tiger polymetallic discoveries. On June 9, 2025, a land acquisition of 167 square kilometres from Li-FT Power Ltd. highlighted the regional development and underscores the broader area's potential for polymetallic exploration. Quantum key developments on NMX East to date: Significant critical metals discoveries: A detailed reassessment of drill core assays from both Quebec projects has confirmed elevated and consistent intervals of gallium, rubidium, cesium, niobium and tantalum. These results support the identification of two distinct gallium-rubidium-cesium-mineralized systems within the company's portfolio. Early metallurgical focus to accelerate recovery assessment: Quantum is prioritizing mineralogical and metallurgical studies ahead of a formal resource estimate to evaluate the economic viability of metal recovery. This pro-active approach aims to fast-track development and position the company at the forefront of critical metal supply efforts in North America. Innovative gallium recovery from mica: Initial findings suggest gallium may be hosted in mica, a non-traditional source. While gallium is typically extracted as a byproduct of bauxite or zinc processing, historical studies show it can be recovered from mica using processing methods such as flotation, followed by hydrometallurgy acid-leaching techniques. The company is engaging multiple laboratories to optimize this process. Strengthening domestic supply chains: In light of China's December, 2024, ban on gallium exports, Quantum's discoveries represent a timely and strategic opportunity to support North American critical mineral independence. These metals are essential for high-technology applications, including semiconductors, telecommunications, defence and renewable energy. Qualified person George M. Yordanov, PGeo, a consultant to the company, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release. About Quantum Critical Metals Corp. Quantum Critical Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration company focused on advancing critical metals projects that power next-generation technologies. With a growing portfolio of promising assets -- including the NMX East gallium-rubidium-cesium project in Quebec, the Discovery gallium-rubidium-cesium and polymetallic project in Quebec, the Victory antimony project in British Columbia and the newly acquired Prophecy germanium-gallium-zinc project in British Columbia, among others, the company is strategically positioned to support the West's transition to a secure and sustainable critical metals supply. We seek Safe Harbor. © 2025 Canjex Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.